MEXICO CITY — Thousands of devoted soccer fans are descending on Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, hoping a little divine intervention might help their favorite teams win the World Cup. The draw? A figure of the baby Jesus dressed in the Mexican national team’s soccer uniform.
The tradition of dressing the baby Jesus in a Mexican soccer kit stretches back 55 years to the San Miguel Arcangel church, located in a low-income neighborhood of the city. That practice began in 1970, when Mexico first hosted the World Cup tournament. However, this year a newly assigned parish priest put a stop to it at that church, calling it disrespectful.
The ban sparked widespread outrage among fans, and some worried the decision could even hurt Mexico’s chances on the field. In response, the Metropolitan Cathedral — the country’s main cathedral — stepped in and put its own baby Jesus figure on display wearing the jersey of ‘El Tri,’ as the Mexican national team is known.
Canon Manuel Corral explained the significance of the move to Reuters. “It’s the first time it’s been here in the cathedral… the people themselves asked for it,” he said.
Corral also noted that the prayers being offered weren’t just from Mexican supporters. “Today, for example, we have Colombians here saying their prayers to ask for victory,” he said on Tuesday — the day before Colombia was set to face Uzbekistan at the Azteca stadium.
In Mexican Catholic tradition, it is common to dress baby Jesus figures in different outfits to represent various blessings — as a pilgrim for safe travels, or as a doctor to bring good health, for example.
On Tuesday, the figure was dressed in a white jersey and green shorts, resembling the kit that co-host Mexico was scheduled to wear in their Thursday match against South Korea in Guadalajara. The figure will remain on display in the cathedral’s atrium and other areas throughout the entire tournament, no matter how Mexico performs.
Visitors from Argentina, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and other nations have stopped to take photos with the figure or offer up prayers for their home countries.
Not everyone, however, was comfortable with the display. Mexican fan Eleazar Martinez, who arrived at the cathedral just before noon on Tuesday, shared his reservations. “As a Catholic it’s very strange for me to see the baby Jesus dressed like that. I don’t really agree with it,” he said.
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez had surgery Tuesday to repair a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, sidelining one of baseball’s most accomplished players for more than a month.
Ramirez, a seven-time All-Star, is expected to be out of action for five to seven weeks. Dr. Thomas Graham carried out the procedure in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, removing the hook of the hamate bone, according to the team.
The 33-year-old suffered the injury during Saturday’s 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers. He began experiencing pain following a fifth-inning at-bat in which he fouled out to Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler.
This isn’t the first time Ramirez has dealt with a hamate injury — he broke the same bone on his right hand back in 2019 and also required surgery at that time.
Now in his 14th season with Cleveland, Ramirez is hitting .239 this year, notably below his career average of .278. In 72 games, he has contributed 10 home runs and 33 RBIs.
Over the course of his career, Ramirez has accumulated 295 home runs and 982 RBIs across 1,681 games.
A group of advocacy organizations sent a letter Tuesday urging the U.S. government to make an experimental Ebola treatment developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical accessible for clinical trials and emergency use in nations dealing with the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.
The letter was addressed to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, known as BARDA, and called for coordination with the World Health Organization, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, governments of affected nations, and humanitarian medical organizations.
The organizations specifically requested that the treatment, called MBP134, along with any other experimental therapies held by the U.S., be shared with those responding to the outbreak.
MBP134 is a monoclonal antibody treatment created through a long-running public-private partnership backed by BARDA. It was originally developed to address the Sudan virus, which is closely related to other ebolaviruses.
According to the letter, BARDA holds doses of MBP134 and has invested at least $241 million in Mapp for the treatment’s development. The letter was signed by Public Citizen, Health Global Access Project, AVAC, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, Doctors for America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
Government data released Tuesday showed confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have risen to 837, including 196 fatalities. Currently, a limited number of experimental vaccines and treatments are under evaluation, but no approved options exist specifically for the Bundibugyo strain.
The World Health Organization has recommended that experimental treatments, including MBP134, be prioritized for this particular strain of the virus.
The advocacy groups noted that while the U.S. has confirmed it would make the therapy available to Americans at high risk, it has not publicly committed to sharing doses for trials or emergency use in the countries affected by the outbreak.
The organizations also called on the U.S. to include provisions for global access in future research agreements involving medical products developed with public funding.
SYDNEY — Australia took a step back from its strictest travel warnings Wednesday, easing advisories for five Middle Eastern countries following an interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict in the region.
The countries affected by the updated guidance are Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The advisory level was lowered from “do not travel” to “reconsider your need to travel,” though officials emphasized that non-essential trips to the Gulf states should still be postponed.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong explained the reasoning behind the change, while also cautioning that the situation remains unpredictable.
“While the security situation across the Middle East could deteriorate rapidly with little warning, the (government) has assessed current conditions in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE as appropriate to move to (the lower level),” Wong said.
The adjustment signals a measured shift in Australia’s stance as diplomatic developments continue to unfold in the Middle East, though officials are stopping short of giving the all-clear for leisure or unnecessary travel to the affected region.
Drivers traveling along DE 896 between Cobble Creek Curve and Welsh Tract Road should be aware of ongoing lane disruptions in both directions.
According to Delaware Department of Transportation, intermittent mobile operations are in effect for both northbound and southbound traffic along that stretch of roadway due to active construction work.
The restrictions are expected to remain in place until 6 a.m. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area and to budget additional time for their commute.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is stepping in to defend one of Elon Musk’s companies against a civil rights lawsuit claiming the firm is illegally operating dozens of natural gas turbines to run a $20 billion artificial intelligence data center in Mississippi.
The NAACP and several other organizations contend that Musk’s xAI subsidiary never obtained the required permit for its power plant — which sits near homes, schools, and churches — putting families in North Mississippi and the Memphis area at risk and violating the federal Clean Air Act.
Late Monday, the Justice Department filed a motion seeking to join the case and have the lawsuit thrown out. The department’s argument: the facility is essential to powering an AI data center described as “critical to the economy” and to the U.S. military.
The DOJ also stated that permit authority for the power plant rests with the state of Mississippi — not the federal government — and that Mississippi “decided no permit was required.”
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, the third-ranking official at the Justice Department, framed the move in broad terms. “Ultimate responsibility for enforcing federal law belongs to the Executive Branch, not private interest groups,” he said, adding that the motion is meant to protect national security and advance American energy and innovation.
The Trump administration has designated artificial intelligence as a top national and economic security priority, while also rolling back climate-focused policies and loosening environmental regulations on businesses.
Musk has maintained close ties to President Trump. He led the administration’s federal cost-cutting effort known as the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, earlier last year. Musk was also the largest individual donor to Trump’s presidential campaign and has been channeling money into midterm races. He was crowned the world’s first trillionaire on Friday when SpaceX went public.
The Justice Department’s move comes just days after SpaceX — Musk’s rocket company and the parent of xAI, the defendant in the lawsuit — completed the largest initial public stock offering in history. That milestone came in part due to billions of dollars in federal contracts the Trump administration awarded the company. SpaceX is now valued at more than $2 trillion, surpassing the combined worth of Exxon Mobil, Bank of America, and Coca-Cola.
The NAACP’s lawsuit, filed in April, accuses xAI of running dozens of portable natural gas turbines without proper emission controls and without the permits mandated by the Clean Air Act, which requires industrial polluters to secure air permits before beginning construction or operations.
The Environmental Protection Agency, asked about the case Tuesday, referred reporters to the Justice Department and noted it is not a party in the dispute.
Environmental advocates sharply criticized the DOJ’s intervention. Laura Thoms, director of enforcement for Earthjustice — the environmental law firm representing the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center — called it a “desperate attempt to protect wealthy tech companies from obeying the laws meant to protect people from pollution.”
“Trump’s Justice Department wants to shield Elon Musk’s data center company, xAI, from being held accountable for its illegal pollution — and it’s attempting to grab power from impacted communities, the courts and Congress to do so,” Thoms said. She added that the data center and its pollution are “turning our communities into sacrifice zones.”
Abre’ Conner, the NAACP’s director of environmental and climate justice, said the Clean Air Act exists specifically to hold polluters responsible for decisions that harm communities. “This should not be up for debate, and the NAACP will continue to stand up for democracy and against federal bullying and authoritarianism,” Conner said.
In a statement Tuesday, the Justice Department noted that the Pentagon is among many federal agencies relying on AI. “Overly burdensome regulation, including private lawsuits that seek to implement their own environmental enforcement, can threaten technological growth, American energy independence and national security,” the statement read.
SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment by deadline. The company has previously stated it is fully compliant with the law and takes its environmental obligations seriously.
Motorists traveling along South Rehoboth Boulevard should plan ahead, as shoulder closures are currently in place in both directions between Kirby Drive and North Horseshoe Drive.
The restrictions affect both the northbound and southbound shoulders along that stretch of roadway. Drivers are advised to use caution while passing through the area.
The shoulder closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 3:00 PM. No additional details regarding the cause of the closure were provided at this time.
Delaware State Police have taken a 67-year-old Laurel man into custody on attempted murder charges after a shooting left one person critically wounded in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
At around 2:35 a.m. on June 16, 2026, troopers and officers from the Laurel Police Department were called to a home on the 6200 block of Phillips Landing Road after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 45-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency medical aid was given at the scene before the victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators determined that the shooting stemmed from an argument between the suspect and the victim. The suspect, identified as Blair Bennett, was taken into custody at the residence without any resistance. A third person was also present inside the home at the time but was not harmed.
Bennett was transported to Troop 5, where he was formally charged with the following offenses:
Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Reckless Endangering in the First Degree (Felony)
Following arraignment before a Justice of the Peace, Bennett was committed to the Department of Correction and is being held on a $3,198,000 cash bond.
Fresh off the excitement surrounding SpaceX’s record-setting $75 billion initial public offering, two investment firms are racing to be first to market with exchange-traded funds built around a new AI-themed stock grouping that has taken Wall Street by storm.
Yorkville America — the company behind the Truth Social ETF franchise — and industry newcomer Corgi Securities each submitted separate filings late Monday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission seeking approval for funds tied to the so-called “MANGOS” acronym. The term has been spreading rapidly across X and other social media platforms in the lead-up to the SpaceX IPO.
“MANGOS” is being positioned as a potential successor to the “Magnificent 7” as a shorthand way for investors to track the biggest names in artificial intelligence. The acronym covers four publicly traded companies — Meta Platforms, Nvidia, Alphabet’s Google, and SpaceX — along with two privately held firms, Anthropic and OpenAI, all of which have deep ties to AI technology.
Dan Sotiroff, an analyst at Morningstar, said the swift filings reflect just how fast the ETF industry is moving. “This tells you just how rapidly the product development cycle is moving in the ETF industry right now,” he said. “This is going to be even more concentrated than the Magnificent 7, and just as important, it’s going to be heavily exposed to the big IPOs of the year.”
Yorkville did not respond to requests for comment. Its filing outlines plans for a fund called the Mango Plus ETF, along with an income-generating variation. The portfolio would draw from the core MANGOS stocks as well as seven additional companies — including Micron and SanDisk — that Yorkville believes stand to benefit from the growth of AI. The firm has labeled that secondary group the “Parabolic 7.”
Corgi Securities, by contrast, plans to limit its fund to only the six core MANGOS stocks. Ed Rumell, who heads ETF distribution for the firm, declined to discuss specifics, citing SEC rules that restrict public comment while a filing is pending.
Under current SEC guidelines, both funds could potentially launch before the end of August.
The nation’s busiest container port in Los Angeles recorded its second-highest import volume ever in May, as retailers scrambled to get products onto U.S. shores before shipping companies begin passing along steep fuel cost increases on July 1.
The ongoing Iran war has thrown Middle East shipping routes into chaos, tightening the supply of crude oil and the materials derived from it — including plastics used in everyday consumer goods. Marine fuel prices have skyrocketed, and some businesses are growing concerned that critical raw materials and manufactured products could become difficult to obtain or too costly to transport.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said Tuesday that businesses are carefully weighing energy expenses, tariffs, their inventory levels, and global political risks when deciding where to source goods and how quickly to ship them.
“When they find a window of stability, many are moving quickly to take advantage, speeding cargo through the supply chain while conditions allow,” Seroka said.
In May, the Port of Los Angeles processed a total of 840,165 twenty-foot equivalent units — known as TEUs — a standard measurement used for ocean cargo. A typical shipping container measures 40 feet. Of that total, 449,370 TEUs were imports, representing a 26% jump compared to the same month a year ago, when tariffs that have since been struck down caused shippers to sharply pull back.
Seroka said volume figures for June and July appear to be tracking even higher than May’s record-setting numbers. He cautioned, however, that supply chains will likely take months to return to normal even after hostilities in Iran end and the critical Strait of Hormuz — a key global shipping chokepoint — reopens.
Vessel bunker fuel prices across 20 major ports around the world nearly doubled in March, climbing to $1,053 per unit following the start of U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. Prices have since pulled back somewhat amid talk of a possible ceasefire, but shipping companies are still set to begin recovering those higher fuel costs through contracts starting July 1.
Businesses face additional pressures on the horizon. A 10% global tariff under Section 122 could expire in late July, and the Trump administration has proposed new tariffs of as much as 12.5% on goods from 60 countries linked to allegations of forced labor.
The Port of Los Angeles figures align with data from supply chain technology company Descartes Systems Group, which reported that total U.S. container import volumes rose 11.5% in May compared to a year earlier. Analysis by Descartes Datamyne found that imports of plastic goods surged 26% to 251,706 TEUs — including a nearly 87% spike in plastic office and school supplies and a 57% increase in plastic tableware and kitchenware.
The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Potential Tropical Cyclone One, identified in forecasting systems as AL012026.
The latest imagery shows the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring within a 120-hour forecast window. These graphics are used by forecasters and emergency managers to assess the likelihood of tropical storm-force winds reaching various areas.
The wind speed probability data was last updated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 9:21 p.m. GMT. Forecasters will continue to monitor the system and issue updated graphics as the storm develops.
Many broken appliances get tossed out even when all they really need is a minor repair. A group of dedicated volunteer tinkerers is changing that by stepping in to fix those items and put them back to good use.
Instead of letting repairable household appliances end up in a landfill, these volunteers take the time to diagnose the problem, make the fix, and then donate the restored items to individuals in need.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Qatar for pouring what he called “tremendous amounts of money” into the American economy, as he sat down with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the margins of the Group of Seven summit held in France.
The conversation touched on multiple topics, including the recently reached US-Iran agreement and Qatar’s growing influence in Middle East diplomacy. During the meeting, Trump pushed back firmly against reports suggesting the Iran deal would include large financial incentives backed by the United States for Tehran.
“We are not investing any money in Iran,” Trump stated. “That rumor got out there yesterday; it was ridiculous.”
The president then shifted focus to Qatar’s role as a financial partner, expressing appreciation for Doha’s commitment to the US economy. “Qatar is investing tremendous amounts of money in our country, and we appreciate that,” he said, also noting that the United States is expanding both its manufacturing capacity and artificial intelligence sector.
Emir Sheikh Tamim confirmed that the economic relationship between Qatar and the United States is on track to reach $1.2 trillion, a figure he tied to strengthened ties that followed President Trump’s visit to Doha last year. The Emir said Qatar takes pride not only in its own investments in America, but also in the presence of US companies doing business in Qatar.
That $1.2 trillion figure aligns with a White House announcement from May 2025, in which the administration said President Trump had signed an agreement with Qatar projected to generate at least that amount in economic activity between the two countries. The package included more than $243 billion in specific deals spanning aircraft, energy, defense, technology, and infrastructure.
Beyond economics, Qatar has emerged as a key player in US diplomatic efforts across the Middle East, particularly in matters related to Iran and efforts to reduce regional tensions.
President Donald Trump arrived at the Group of Seven summit in France this week with a freshly struck agreement with Iran to promote, a restless Israeli ally to rein in, and a well-worn message for the rest of the world: he had accomplished what no one else would.
What followed was a diplomatic week that resembled less a traditional summit and more a rolling Trump showcase — part peace announcement, part airing of grievances, part test of who stands with him.
The harshest words were directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose recent military strikes in Lebanon infuriated Washington at precisely the moment President Trump was working to finalize a deal with Tehran. Speaking in Évian-les-Bains, Trump said Netanyahu “has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” describing the Beirut strike as “vicious” and “too much.”
Then came the statement that dominated headlines.
“Without us, without the United States, there would be no Israel,” Trump said, according to CBS News. “Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did.”
That was far from the only bold claim of the week. In an interview reported by The New York Times and picked up by Israeli media, Trump called Netanyahu “a very difficult guy” and argued the Israeli leader should be thankful for the Iran agreement. “Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours,” Trump said.
The remarks captured a shifting dynamic in the relationship. Trump continues to portray himself as Israel’s essential defender, but he has grown increasingly willing to speak about Netanyahu as a challenge to be handled rather than an ally to be celebrated.
The frustration had been building for some time. Axios reported earlier this month that Trump exploded at Netanyahu during a profanity-filled phone call over Israeli military escalation in Lebanon, accusing the prime minister of putting US-led Iran negotiations at risk. CBS News reported that Trump later told Fox News he had asked Netanyahu, “What the **** are you doing?” following the Beirut strikes.
Within Israel, political leaders were divided — not on whether Iran poses a threat, but on whether Trump’s deal actually constrains Tehran or simply rewards it. Netanyahu stopped short of a full public break with Washington, saying the decision rests with President Trump while maintaining that Israel must look after its own security. Far-right members of his government were far blunter. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declared, “Trump’s agreement does not bind us,” while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the deal harmful to Israel and “the entire free world.”
The unease extended beyond Israel. At the G7, French President Emmanuel Macron was caught on a hot microphone telling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he had experienced a “difficult discussion” with Trump. The candid moment offered a telling look at how other world leaders now navigate their relationship with the American president — carefully, quietly, and preferably without a live microphone nearby.
Trump, for his part, framed the Iran agreement as a demonstration of American leverage rather than a concession. He said the memorandum of understanding explicitly bars Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and indicated he was open to sending the deal to Congress for review. He also issued a stark warning, saying “all hell will rain down” if Tehran attempts to develop a bomb.
For Israel, the week laid bare an uncomfortable new reality. Trump remains popular, powerful, and verbally committed to Israel’s continued existence. But that support now arrives alongside public criticism, transactional expectations, and a clear message that Netanyahu must not stand in the way of the deal Trump intends to claim as his own achievement.
Just getting to Jerusalem had become a challenge in itself for those attending a major religious gathering this month.
U.S. military strikes on Iran, Iranian missile attacks directed at Israel, and repeated disruptions to regional air travel left many attendees uncertain about their travel plans. Tourists and residents in the area were also left wondering when they might be able to depart. Despite the turmoil, pastors, theologians, diplomats, and Jewish leaders pressed on to attend the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, or ICEJ, summit — and the chaotic backdrop gave the event an intensity that organizers likely had not anticipated.
The Jerusalem Summit ran from June 9 through June 11, bringing together participants over three days to examine the relationship between Israel, the Christian Church, and the rise of antisemitism. By the time the summit opened, the regional conflict had moved well beyond background context — it had become part of the very atmosphere surrounding the discussions.
But the speakers who addressed the gathering were not focused solely on missile strikes, Iran, or airline schedules. Their central message pointed to a different kind of crisis — one brewing within segments of Christianity itself. According to those who took the stage, support for Israel among Christians is being steadily undermined by a lack of biblical knowledge, political grievances, narratives spreading through social media, and a resurgence of replacement theology, a belief that the Church has replaced the Jewish people in God’s covenant promises.
The warning delivered at the summit was clear: while the threats from outside Israel’s borders are visible and immediate, the erosion of Christian Zionist support from within faith communities may represent an equally serious long-term challenge.
The National Hurricane Center has issued updated forecast graphics for Potential Tropical Cyclone One, tracking the system’s potential wind impacts across a broad area.
The latest wind speed probability graphics, designated for the Atlantic storm system identified as AL012026, were last updated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 9:21 PM GMT.
The graphics depict the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring within a 120-hour forecast window, giving forecasters and the public a clearer picture of where tropical-force winds may be felt as the system develops.
Residents and boaters in potentially affected coastal areas are encouraged to stay informed and follow guidance from the National Hurricane Center as the storm system continues to be monitored.
Kelsey Pfendler is somewhere in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, pushing herself toward a historic milestone — and she’s doing it entirely on her own.
Pfendler is currently rowing solo from California to Hawaii, a grueling open-ocean challenge that has been attempted by very few. If she completes the journey, she will become the first American woman ever to row solo across the Pacific.
NPR’s Ailsa Chang spoke with Pfendler from the middle of the ocean, getting a firsthand account of what it’s like to take on one of the most demanding solo endurance challenges on water.
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Supreme Court found former lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro guilty on Tuesday of coercion in connection with the trial that last year put his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, behind bars for 27 years following a coup attempt conviction.
The court handed down a sentence of four years and two months in prison. All five justices who heard the case agreed that Eduardo Bolsonaro had illegally meddled by pressuring the U.S. government to threaten Brazilian officials in an effort to derail that trial.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who also presided over the elder Bolsonaro’s coup case, stated that Eduardo Bolsonaro’s role as a federal lawmaker “is not to lobby overseas against his own country.” De Moraes and his wife were both sanctioned by the U.S. government in July of last year.
Defense attorneys for Eduardo Bolsonaro pushed back against the verdict, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient to support a conviction. The former lawmaker has been residing in the state of Texas since February 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil last year as a show of protest over the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, who had attempted to reverse his 2022 electoral loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Relations between Trump and Lula appeared to warm in early May when the Brazilian president traveled to the White House for a visit. However, by June, the U.S. government was again proposing 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports, accusing the country — the world’s tenth-largest economy — of engaging in unfair trade practices.
Lula stated that during his Washington visit in early May, he presented Trump with documents demonstrating that the United States actually holds a trade surplus with Brazil.
Eduardo Bolsonaro offered no public comment following the Supreme Court’s ruling. He is currently on the campaign trail supporting his brother, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, who is expected to mount a challenge against Lula in October’s elections — though that candidacy has recently been clouded by a scandal involving a payment to a disgraced banker.
Eduardo and Flávio Bolsonaro recently made a trip to Washington, where they met with U.S. officials, including Trump.
President Donald Trump this week took credit for falling car insurance premiums, pointing to his immigration crackdown — but experts say his explanation for why rates rose in the first place simply does not hold up.
In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump shared a graphic tracking year-over-year changes in car insurance premiums from 2021 through 2026. The chart shows a sharp climb between 2021 and 2023, followed by a decline beginning in 2024, with rates showing negative growth so far in 2026. The graphic references an analysis by the Council of Economic Advisers using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Car Insurance Premiums rose to RECORD HIGHS, forcing Law-abiding American Citizens to subsidize the ‘free riding’ Biden Illegals,” Trump wrote. “After over a year of ZERO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, and our highly successful efforts to REVERSE the Biden Invasion, Car Insurance Premiums have come tumbling down.”
While experts acknowledge the data in the graphic reflects real industry trends, they say the cause of the earlier premium spike was the COVID-19 pandemic — not illegal immigration.
Michael Clemens, a professor of economics at Johns Hopkins University and a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, was blunt in his assessment. “This claim is pure fiction,” he said. “It does not arise from any study by the White House, by the auto insurance industry, or even by anti-immigration pressure groups. It has no basis in anything but inflammatory statements that juxtapose two unrelated trends.”
Here is how experts explain what actually happened: When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, driving dropped sharply as people stayed home and worked remotely. Fewer drivers meant fewer accidents and fewer insurance claims, which left insurance companies in strong financial shape. They responded by lowering rates to attract new customers.
As driving returned to normal levels starting around 2022, accidents increased along with insurance claims. Reckless and distracted driving were also contributing factors, experts noted. At the same time, pandemic-related supply chain problems made car parts and repair materials more expensive — and insurers passed those added costs along to policyholders through higher premiums.
By 2024, the situation began to stabilize as accident rates declined and insurers improved their financial standing.
Mark Friedlander, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, a major industry trade group, explained the turnaround this way: “Over the past two years, the auto insurance industry has generated an underwriting profit following the implementation of significant rate actions to offset losses. Average auto insurance premiums have begun to stabilize, and replacement costs are more in line with the U.S. inflation rate. We are seeing average rate decreases being implemented across numerous states, as well as dividends being paid to policyholders by major auto insurers such as State Farm and USAA.”
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Insurance Issues did find a connection between higher numbers of undocumented residents and higher rates of uninsured drivers, which can push up premiums. However, that link only exists in states where people in the country illegally cannot obtain driver’s licenses — a common requirement for getting insured.
Clemens added that even this limited connection cannot come close to explaining the roughly 50% jump in car insurance costs seen after the pandemic. He estimated that the increase in illegal immigration during the previous administration accounts for only about a .07% rise in premiums.
Trump’s Truth Social post also repeated his previously debunked claim that his predecessor’s immigration policies allowed tens of millions of criminals released from foreign prisons and mental institutions into the United States.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week rejected the recommendation of his own medical experts and refused to free a cruise ship passenger from a Nebraska quarantine facility, despite a federal review concluding she no longer needs to be held far from her Florida home.
The decision by Kennedy — one of the country’s most outspoken critics of vaccine mandates, government lockdowns, and public health restrictions — has ignited anger among advocates and legal scholars, who are calling the move unlawful and driven by politics rather than genuine public health concerns.
As of Tuesday, the passenger, Angela Perryman, remained confined at the facility.
“I want to be able to walk outside and put my feet in the grass,” Perryman said. “I want to be able to feel fresh air on my face when I want to. I want to be able to see people that are not in full PPE. I don’t want to be dehumanized anymore.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Courtney Spencer, explained that Florida declined to meet the federal government’s requirements for how closely Perryman would need to be monitored if she returned home. Spencer said keeping the quarantine order in place was “necessary to ensure both Ms. Perryman’s and her community’s well-being.”
“The Andes virus has a 40 percent case fatality rate – 40 times that of COVID-19 – and a known incubation period of up to 42 days during which anyone exposed to this disease can become symptomatic and transmit it to others,” Spencer said.
Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert who helped develop the current federal quarantine regulations, described the decision as “an egregious violation” of an American citizen’s constitutional rights.
“She’s being held, deprived of her liberty, which is the greatest deprivation you can have. She’s committed no crime. And there’s a broad medical consensus that she would be perfectly safe to finish her quarantine at home,” Gostin said.
Kennedy’s order, signed Monday, came after a medical review conducted earlier this month by Dr. Michael Bell of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — an agency that falls under Kennedy’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Bell examined testimony from CDC officials and an independent medical expert regarding Perryman’s challenge to an earlier order requiring her to stay at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Now five weeks since she disembarked from the ship, Perryman has developed no symptoms. Bell’s review found that one reason she hadn’t been permitted to return to Florida was because federal officials required anyone going home to undergo daily face-to-face monitoring and around-the-clock surveillance by local law enforcement or public officials.
Florida authorities rejected those conditions — which Gostin described as “overkill” and a “waste of resources” — and instead suggested Perryman simply conduct once-daily temperature checks and symptom assessments on her own.
Experts participating in the review agreed that Florida’s proposal was reasonable and that the federal demands were excessive. In a June 11 report obtained by The Associated Press, Bell recommended that Perryman be permitted to return home.
Despite that recommendation, Kennedy signed the order Monday anyway, stating that “continuation of the order is necessary to protect public health,” but offering no explanation for why he still considered Perryman a threat to public safety.
Perryman found out she would be required to remain at the Nebraska facility until June 21 when Kennedy’s order was slipped under her door Monday.
“I was appalled,” she said. “I was horrified that the secretary, who is not a physician, would override the doctor and violate the law just to keep me locked up.”
Perryman, 47, lives primarily in Ecuador but maintains a permanent home with friends in Florida. She says she wants to complete her quarantine in Florida, where she would have more freedom, be able to cook her own meals, and move around either her home or a rental property.
She compared her current situation to being confined to an airport hotel room for 23 to 24 hours a day. Occasionally, she is permitted to visit the facility’s roof for an hour under the watch of armed guards. Meals are delivered to her room twice a day by nurses wearing gloves, masks, and face shields. She described the experience as feeling like a “prison.”
Perryman was aboard a cruise ship traveling through the South Atlantic when an unusual hantavirus outbreak struck, killing three people. Roughly two dozen Americans were on the vessel, including Perryman and 17 others who were transported to the Nebraska quarantine unit on May 11.
Hantaviruses typically spread when people breathe in contaminated particles from rodent droppings. However, the specific strain involved in this outbreak — called the Andes virus — may in rare cases be transmissible between people.
Because hantavirus symptoms have taken up to 42 days to emerge in past outbreaks, the 18 passengers were to be monitored for symptoms through the end of Sunday, June 21.
Initially, the passengers were asked — not ordered — to remain at the Nebraska facility. Perryman said a CDC official told her at the time that her stay was voluntary. At the urging of that official and the facility’s medical director, she agreed to stay through May 22 to protect public health, since most people who develop symptoms tend to do so within the first three weeks. She was later informed she could not leave on that date, despite having no symptoms.
Perryman and one other passenger were then issued formal quarantine orders from federal health officials requiring them to remain at the facility until May 31. Such orders — which can be enforced through fines and even prison time — are a rare legal measure used when someone refuses a public health request. The initial orders were signed by the CDC’s acting director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.
Perryman said she was told that after May 31, she could quarantine in Florida provided the state agreed to the surveillance and in-person monitoring requirements. When Florida refused, federal officials ordered her to remain in Nebraska.
She is not the only one still there. As of Tuesday, eight passengers remained at the Nebraska facility. The others were allowed to return home earlier this month after their home states agreed to the federal monitoring plan.
The situation has drawn attention to an apparent contradiction in Kennedy’s public positions. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy raised alarms about governments imposing mass quarantines, saying in an interview for his former organization Children’s Health Defense that “quarantine kills people too” and that the costs of lockdowns should be openly debated.
“This seems to me to drip with hypocrisy, because the whole premise of Secretary Kennedy’s MAHA movement is medical freedom. And here they’re willing to detain somebody against their wishes,” Gostin said.
Not long ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called President Donald Trump the “greatest friend Israel ever had in the White House.” Now, with Trump working to wrap up a deal to end the conflict with Iran, that friendship is being put to a very public test.
Trump has directed some of the sharpest rhetoric any American president has ever used publicly against an Israeli leader. He claimed personal credit for Israel’s very survival — saying “without me, there would be no Israel” — and used harsh language to question Netanyahu’s judgment, even calling him “crazy” in interviews.
Netanyahu has served as prime minister through four U.S. presidencies, and he has managed to frustrate each of those presidents at some point. But none of them have spoken out against him as openly as Trump, who originally launched his current term working closely alongside Netanyahu.
The friction is building as Trump criticizes recent Israeli military strikes in Lebanon, which he says threatened to derail negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump is pushing hard for a deal, facing pressure at home where the ongoing war has become politically unpopular and has contributed to rising gasoline prices.
Aaron David Miller, who spent more than two decades advising both Democratic and Republican administrations on Middle East matters, put it plainly: “If Netanyahu gets in between something Trump really wants, and that’s out of this war, he’s prepared to use the leverage that he has.”
A formal agreement is set to be signed this Friday in Geneva. Speaking Tuesday at the G7 summit in France, Trump said he made clear to Netanyahu that he is unhappy with recent decisions.
“Without the U.S., there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other President was willing to do what I did,” Trump said. “I have had a great relationship with Bibi. Now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon.”
For years, there has been strong bipartisan agreement in Washington around supporting Israel, but that consensus has weakened. Progressive voices have grown increasingly critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, particularly during the Gaza war, while some on the right have started questioning the value of longstanding U.S. support. Concerns about antisemitism have emerged across the political spectrum.
Trump’s remarks quickly drew condemnation from left-leaning organizations. Halie Soifer, who leads the Jewish Democratic Council of America, said the comments crossed a line. “He is framing Israel’s mere existence as contingent on him,” she said. “It’s deeply offensive to the vast majority of Jews who care about Israel’s future.”
While former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris also clashed with Netanyahu over the Gaza war and occasionally criticized him publicly, they were more careful in their wording to avoid accusations of being anti-Israel.
Among conservative, pro-Israel voices, opinions were split on how seriously to take Trump’s public criticism of Netanyahu. Republican Jewish Coalition President Matt Brooks downplayed the tension, comparing it to the kind of disagreements that happen within any family.
Brooks also brushed aside the idea that the muted response from Republicans sent a mixed political message, arguing that Trump has a strong track record of supporting Israel. “If Biden or Harris said something critical, it came from the position of someone who was hostile toward or didn’t have the same level of support for Israel that President Trump has,” Brooks said.
He pointed to actions from Trump’s first term, including moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as well as the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza during Trump’s second term, as evidence of that support. He added that Trump’s criticism carries a “tremendous reservoir of goodwill on this issue that neither Biden nor Harris ever had.”
Conservative, pro-Israel advocate Mort Klein took a different view, arguing Trump should have kept his frustrations private — particularly given Trump’s history of publicly praising authoritarian leaders in Turkey, North Korea, and China. Klein, who serves as president of the Zionist Organization of America, expressed concern that Trump may be making the comments publicly to appeal to those who are critical of Israel.
“He sees that Americans have become more hostile toward Israel than they’ve ever been,” Klein said. “That worries me.”
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has been circulating a set of talking points to Trump supporters and Republican lawmakers declaring major wins from an initial agreement with Iran — even as the details of that deal remain secret and nuclear negotiations have yet to begin.
The document, written on White House letterhead, was obtained by The Associated Press from two people who received it. It boasts of achievements including Iran committing to never developing a nuclear weapon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to fighting in Lebanon. But several of those claims conflict with what is actually happening on the ground.
The memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran — expected to be signed Friday in Switzerland — has been closely held, with even Republican congressional allies and Israeli officials kept in the dark. That secrecy has fueled confusion, concern, and doubt among all but the most devoted Trump supporters.
Some Republicans admitted that keeping the deal under wraps has created an information vacuum that misinformation is rushing to fill.
“You don’t know what’s true and what’s not true — is it in there?” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “My speculation is that it’s probably still being written and fine-tuned, and the administration is not ready to release it until it’s all done.”
When reporters asked President Donald Trump on Tuesday at the Group of Seven summit in France why he hadn’t released the terms of the deal, he said he wanted “to get a formal setting first before we do that.”
“I’ll not only release it,” Trump added. “I’ll probably have a press conference and read it to you word by word, so that the press covers it accurately.”
Trump also said he was open to sending any final agreement to Congress for review and approval. “I like the idea, send it to Congress please,” he said. “I mean who wouldn’t approve it?”
However, submitting a nuclear deal with Iran to Congress is not a matter of choice — it is required by law. That law was passed in the wake of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under then-President Barack Obama, which Trump walked away from during his first term. Some congressional aides argue that even the preliminary memorandum of understanding set to be signed Friday would fall under that same congressional review requirement.
The talking points claim the Obama-era nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, was never signed. That is only partially accurate and considered misleading. While the agreement was not treated as a formal signed treaty, the foreign ministers who negotiated it did sign a copy as an informal commemorative gesture. More significantly, the JCPOA was formally endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, giving its provisions the force of international law.
“President Trump solved a threat Washington spent forty years managing,” the talking points state. “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.” Copies of the document were provided to the AP by a congressional aide and an outside government adviser.
Iran has long maintained it has no interest in building a nuclear weapon. However, many critics of Tehran question that stance, pointing to data from the International Atomic Energy Agency showing the country holds 440.9 kilograms — roughly 972 pounds — of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is just a short technical step away from the 90% enrichment level needed for weapons-grade material.
The talking points also assert that “the Strait of Hormuz is open again, and energy prices American families pay every day are coming down,” and that “American families no longer have to fear a nuclear-armed Iran” and will feel relief “at the pump and at the grocery store.”
In reality, the Strait of Hormuz — through which one-fifth of the world’s oil flowed before the conflict — had been open to all shipping until February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran. That means reopening the strait would simply restore conditions to what they were on February 27, before the costly military campaign began. A return to normal shipping could take weeks or even months.
Consumer prices only rose after the war started and oil shipments through the strait were disrupted by Iran, which has insisted it will maintain control over access to the waterway regardless of any agreement.
The talking points also state that Iran will not receive U.S. taxpayer money as part of any eventual nuclear deal and will only gain financial benefits if it meets specific benchmarks. They suggest the 2015 Obama nuclear agreement cost American taxpayers billions of dollars. In fact, the financial relief provided to Iran under that deal came from frozen Iranian assets — not from the U.S. Treasury.
The document also references “the pallets of cash” the U.S. sent to Iran following the JCPOA. That cash shipment actually came from an Iranian payment made for a canceled arms sale to the government of the late Shah of Iran and had nothing to do with the nuclear agreement. It was part of a separate prisoner exchange that resulted in the release of American citizens held in Iran and several Iranians who had been imprisoned in the United States.
On Lebanon, the talking points declare that the agreement “ends military operations on every front” and includes, “for the first time,” a commitment covering Lebanon and the sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon.
But Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group active in Lebanon, has not been part of the U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon and has rejected any outcomes from those negotiations. Israeli officials have also stated they will not consider themselves bound by the terms of the tentative U.S.-Iran agreement and say they have not been told what is in it.
“We’re less encouraged about the fact that it seems that Lebanon has been included in the agreement with Iran,” Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter told NPR. “And we think that that’s unnecessary and unhelpful.”
A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously on Monday to brief reporters on the broad outlines of the unreleased agreement, said that Israel withdrawing from Lebanon was not a condition of the memorandum of understanding.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it stopped an alleged plot targeting attendees of a UFC fighting event held at the White House this past Sunday.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the bureau intervened to disrupt the threat before any harm could occur. The event, which took place at the White House grounds, drew attention after Patel went public with news of the foiled plan.
Additional details about the nature of the alleged plot or any suspects involved have not yet been made public.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Just two and a half months after the Milwaukee Brewers handed shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt an eight-year, $50.75 million deal, the 21-year-old has officially arrived in the big leagues.
Milwaukee promoted Pratt from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, timing the move to coincide with the start of a three-game homestand against the Cleveland Guardians. To clear a spot on the roster, the Brewers designated third baseman Luis Rengifo for assignment.
The Brewers made their commitment to Pratt clear when they inked him to his long-term contract on April 3. The deal runs through eight years and includes club options for the 2034 and 2035 seasons. Built-in escalators could push the total value up by another $10 million if Pratt finishes high in MVP voting on multiple occasions and the team exercises both options.
Pratt earned a Gold Glove award as the premier shortstop in the minor leagues in 2024, and his defensive excellence has remained a constant. His bat, however, is still a developing part of his game.
Through 58 games with Nashville this season, Pratt was batting .241 with a .349 on-base percentage, six home runs, 32 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases. A year ago with Double-A Biloxi, he hit .238 with a .343 on-base percentage, eight homers, 62 RBIs, and 31 steals across 120 games.
Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold spoke to Pratt’s overall potential when the contract was announced. “We believe in the bat,” Arnold said. “We believe in the glove, certainly. This guy is really toolsy, too. He’s very athletic. He’s a big, physical kid, so we think there’s a chance to grow into some power. And he can really run. When you have that kind of athletic foundation, it’s a really good thing.”
As long as Pratt continues to shine defensively the way he did in the minors, the organization appears willing to give his offensive game time to develop.
Milwaukee’s infield has struggled offensively on the left side all year, yet the club still entered Tuesday’s action holding a 4.5-game advantage over St. Louis in the NL Central as it chases a fourth consecutive division championship. David Hamilton had been sharing duties at shortstop with Joey Ortiz and at third base with Rengifo.
Hamilton is hitting .231 with a .316 on-base percentage, .320 slugging percentage, three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 58 games. Ortiz has posted a .207 average with a .299 on-base percentage, .262 slugging percentage, one homer, 14 RBIs, and five steals in 60 games. Rengifo, now designated for assignment, was batting .205 with a .280 on-base percentage, .254 slugging percentage, no home runs, 19 RBIs, and three steals in 57 games.
Pratt is not the only Brewers minor leaguer to land a big-money contract this year. Luis Lara, a 21-year-old outfielder also playing for Nashville, signed a seven-year, $31 million deal just last week.
Intel announced Tuesday that its advanced 18A-P manufacturing process has moved into risk production, a milestone the chipmaker is highlighting as demand for its central processors continues to climb.
By advancing 18A-P into this early stage of production, Intel is looking to demonstrate that it can deliver on its manufacturing promises — a move that could make the technology more attractive to outside customers looking for a reliable chip fabrication partner.
Intel’s finance chief David Zinsner noted in March that CEO Lip-Bu Tan has shifted his position on the 18A process, now viewing it as a potential option for external clients. That marks a reversal from Tan’s earlier stance, in which he believed the process would only generate returns through Intel’s own product lineup.
The new 18A-P process brings notable technical improvements over the original 18A. At the same power level — referred to as iso-power — it delivers 9% better performance. Alternatively, at the same processing speed, known as iso-performance, it uses 18% less power. The updated process also offers better thermal management and greater design flexibility.
Intel also noted that 18A-P is fully compatible with the design rules of the original 18A, meaning companies can reuse existing intellectual property and established design workflows without starting from scratch.
The demand for Intel’s central processors from companies providing AI-based services was so robust in the first quarter that the chipmaker ended up selling chips it had previously written off as unsellable.
Looking ahead, Intel projected second-quarter revenue in the range of $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion — well above analyst expectations of $13.07 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
NEW YORK — Wall Street wrapped up Tuesday on an uneven note, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching a new closing record even as technology stocks pulled the S&P 500 and Nasdaq lower. Meanwhile, crude oil prices continued their decline following news of a peace agreement involving Iran.
Here is a look at the major stories driving markets on Tuesday:
1. SpaceX has surpassed Amazon in overall market value.
2. President Donald Trump indicated that a peace deal will be made public shortly and confirmed it would prohibit Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
3. On the economic data front, single-family housing starts dropped in May to their lowest point in eight months, and import prices continued to climb.
4. Individual investors in SpaceX who are hoping to quickly sell their shares for a profit are facing tougher restrictions compared to large institutional funds.
5. A member of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council, Gabriel Makhlouf, warned that the Middle East peace agreement may not immediately ease the worldwide energy crunch.
6. Yum Brands announced plans to sell its Pizza Hut chain, which has been underperforming, for $2.7 billion.
Tuesday’s Key Market Movements
Stocks finished mixed as technology shares dragged on major indexes, though the Dow closed at a new all-time high and Europe’s STOXX 600 extended its recent gains. Semiconductor stocks fell while bank shares rose, and gold and silver mining companies also moved higher. The U.S. dollar weakened slightly ahead of Kevin Warsh’s debut as Federal Reserve chairman. The Japanese yen held steady against the dollar after the Bank of Japan raised rates as expected. U.S. Treasury yields edged lower as the Fed began its policy meeting. On the commodities side, West Texas Intermediate crude fell 5.8% and Brent crude dropped 5.1%, while gold prices climbed.
The Federal Reserve Kicks Off Its First Meeting Under New Chairman
The U.S. Federal Reserve opened its first monetary policy meeting under Chairman Kevin Warsh on Tuesday. Most Fed policymakers are expected to favor keeping interest rates unchanged through the rest of the year, according to a summary of economic projections set to be released Wednesday. However, a smaller group is anticipated to support a rate increase to keep rising inflation from becoming a lasting problem.
This expected shift toward a more cautious, inflation-fighting stance in the Fed’s so-called dot plot could create an early challenge for Warsh. Strong job market numbers and persistently high inflation have already made near-term rate cuts unlikely.
G7 Summit Addresses Ukraine, Debt, and Ebola
The second day of the three-day G7 summit centered heavily on the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Trump described a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as going very well, noting that Zelenskiy said Trump expressed strong optimism about the United States providing Ukraine with additional air defense missiles.
The summit’s assembled leaders also committed to taking stronger action on what they called “escalating global debt vulnerabilities” and issued a call for a robust international response to the Ebola outbreak currently affecting Congo.
Gas Prices Easing for American Consumers
Drivers across the country have seen some relief at the fuel pump, with gasoline prices down more than 20% from their peak during the Iran conflict in April. With the announcement of a peace deal, prices could fall further in the weeks ahead.
Wholesale gasoline futures have formed what analysts call a “head and shoulders” pattern — a widely recognized chart signal suggesting the market may be turning lower.
What Could Move Markets on Wednesday
Investors will be watching for further developments in the Middle East, energy market shifts, and any social media posts from President Trump. The Federal Reserve is expected to announce its rate decision, and Warsh will hold his first press conference as chairman. On the economic calendar: U.S. retail sales for May, pending home sales for May, and business inventories for April. Internationally, markets will track euro zone consumer prices, UK inflation and producer price data, Canada new home prices, Sweden’s central bank rate decision, Russia’s producer prices, South Africa’s consumer prices, Brazil’s benchmark interest rate, and New Zealand’s first-quarter GDP figures.
Dangerous flash flooding continues to threaten parts of Texas and Louisiana as Potential Tropical Cyclone One churns along the Gulf Coast, prompting forecasters to issue a tropical storm warning for sections of the Louisiana shoreline.
According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 4:00 PM Central Daylight Time on Tuesday, June 16, the center of the storm was positioned near coordinates 27.3 degrees north latitude and 97.6 degrees west longitude. The system was tracking toward the northeast at approximately 6 miles per hour.
The storm’s minimum central pressure was measured at 1005 millibars, with maximum sustained winds clocking in at roughly 30 miles per hour. While the winds remain relatively modest, the storm’s primary threat is the heavy rainfall driving flash flooding conditions across the affected region.
Residents in the warned areas along the Louisiana coast are urged to monitor updates from local emergency management officials and take precautions against rapidly rising water.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued its second forecast advisory Tuesday evening for a developing weather system being tracked in the Gulf of Mexico, designated Potential Tropical Cyclone One.
As of 9:00 p.m. UTC on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the center of the system was located near 27.3 degrees north latitude and 97.6 degrees west longitude. Forecasters say the position is accurate within about 45 nautical miles.
The system is currently moving toward the northeast at approximately 5 knots, with a minimum central pressure of 1005 millibars. Maximum sustained winds are currently at 25 knots, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots.
According to the forecast, the system is expected to strengthen into a tropical cyclone by early Wednesday morning, June 17, with maximum winds climbing to 30 knots and gusts up to 40 knots. By Wednesday evening, winds could reach 35 knots with gusts to 45 knots as the storm moves toward the Louisiana coast.
The system is then forecast to move inland by early Thursday morning, June 18, with weakening winds of 25 knots and gusts to 35 knots. Forecasters expect the system to fully dissipate by Thursday evening.
The National Hurricane Center is requesting ship reports every three hours from vessels within 300 nautical miles of the storm’s center. Forecaster Blake issued the advisory, with the next update scheduled for 3:00 a.m. UTC on Wednesday, June 17.
A low-pressure system churning in the Gulf of Mexico is edging closer to tropical storm status, according to the latest forecast discussion issued Tuesday afternoon by the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
As of 4:00 PM CDT Tuesday, the system — currently classified as Potential Tropical Cyclone One — is producing scattered, disorganized thunderstorm activity mostly over water, concentrated in its eastern half. Forecasters noted that the storm’s low-level center has become more clearly defined throughout the day, supported by satellite imagery, surface observations, and dropping air pressure readings. Despite the improvement, the system still falls just short of the criteria needed to be upgraded to a tropical depression, lacking a well-defined center and consistent storm activity. Its current wind intensity is estimated at 25 knots, or about 30 miles per hour.
The system has been drifting slowly to the northeast. Forecasters expect it to move offshore of south Texas Tuesday night before picking up speed along the coast on Wednesday. That acceleration is being driven by a mid-latitude weather trough positioned over the eastern United States. Forecast models show the system tracking very close to the Texas coastline on Wednesday before moving back onshore late Wednesday or Wednesday night. The storm’s circulation is then expected to break down quickly over central Louisiana on Thursday.
There is potential for some strengthening on Wednesday as the system spends time over the warm waters of the Gulf and interacts with upper-level wind patterns. Most forecast models indicate the system could reach tropical storm strength by Wednesday. The official forecast largely mirrors the previous update.
Regardless of whether the system achieves tropical cyclone status, forecasters are warning that dangerous rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding remain the top concerns.
The National Hurricane Center outlined three key hazards associated with the storm:
First, potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding is considered likely through Thursday across Louisiana and southern Mississippi, with flash flooding also possible near the Upper Texas coast. Additional flash flooding is possible across Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle through the end of the week, with prolonged rainfall possibly extending the flood threat into the weekend.
Second, tropical-storm-force winds are expected along the Louisiana coast on Wednesday, from Sabine Pass to Morgan City — an area now under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Third, minor to moderate coastal flooding is anticipated along parts of the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines.
The forecast was issued by Forecaster Blake at the National Hurricane Center.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued its second wind speed probability bulletin for Potential Tropical Cyclone One at 9 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
At the time of the advisory, the center of the system was located near latitude 27.3 degrees north and longitude 97.6 degrees west, placing it near the Texas Gulf Coast. Maximum sustained winds were recorded at approximately 25 knots — equivalent to 30 miles per hour or 45 kilometers per hour.
The bulletin outlines the probability of tropical storm-force winds of at least 34 knots (39 mph) reaching several Gulf Coast locations over the next five days. Among the locations with the highest cumulative chances of experiencing those wind speeds are Cameron, Louisiana, with a 21 percent cumulative probability, and Galveston, Texas, also showing a 20 percent cumulative probability.
Other locations listed in the advisory include Lafayette, Louisiana; New Iberia, Louisiana; Fort Polk, Louisiana; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Port Arthur, Texas; Freeport, Texas; High Island, Texas; Matagorda, Texas; and Port O’Connor, Texas. Cumulative wind speed probabilities at those locations ranged from 3 to 13 percent for tropical storm-force winds over the five-day period.
The bulletin did not show any significant probabilities for stronger winds of 50 knots or 64 knots at any of the listed locations.
The advisory was prepared by forecaster Blake at the National Hurricane Center.
The National Hurricane Center has issued updated forecast graphics for Potential Tropical Cyclone One, tracking the system’s potential wind impacts across the affected region.
The graphics display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring within a 120-hour forecast window, giving residents and emergency managers a look at where tropical-force winds could develop as the system evolves.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability graphics were last updated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 8:54 PM GMT.
Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the system continues to develop.
For nearly two months, one San Juan, Puerto Rico resident has been living without something most people take for granted — running water.
The daily reality of this ongoing water crisis has created enormous hardship, as the resident describes the personal toll of managing basic needs without reliable access to water in their home.
Their experience highlights the broader challenges facing residents of San Juan, where the absence of running water has disrupted daily routines and quality of life over an extended period of time.
Rebecca Simonitsch was still processing difficult news when she boarded her flight home — doctors had just told her she might need brain surgery.
But somewhere over the clouds, an unlikely source of comfort and clarity appeared in the seat right next to her. The man reached into his bag, pulled out a notebook, and began explaining to her what the coming journey might involve.
What started as a quiet flight became a moment that helped Simonitsch better understand the medical path that potentially lay ahead of her.
MOMBASA, Kenya — Nations across Africa and the Commonwealth are demanding faster action on a groundbreaking international agreement designed to safeguard the world’s oceans, cautioning that despite record-setting conservation pledges, real protection of marine environments remains largely unfinished business.
The urgent appeal came Tuesday at the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa — marking the first time an African country has hosted the high-profile annual gathering. The event brings together leaders to tackle pressing ocean challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution.
The conference drew hundreds of delegates representing Africa, the United States, the European Union, and island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific that are especially vulnerable to climate impacts. Host nation leaders have used the occasion to position Africa as a central player in shaping how the world governs its oceans.
At the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers’ Roundtable, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry described the High Seas Treaty as a historic milestone. The agreement took effect in January after 60 countries ratified it, establishing for the first time a legal framework for creating protected zones in international waters.
Kerry was quick to note, however, that the pace of progress falls far short of what’s needed.
“We have 10% of the ocean under protection this year,” Kerry said. “That is worth marking. But only 3% is highly or fully protected, and the rest of the protections are, unfortunately, just lines on a map.”
He also raised concerns about industrial fishing operations, describing fleets that travel thousands of miles from their home ports and deploy enormous nets that sweep up marine life indiscriminately.
Kerry urged nations that have not yet signed on to act without delay. “Ratify it if you haven’t, and move immediately to implementation,” he said, pointing out that major decisions about the treaty’s future will be made next year.
The agreement, officially called the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, is designed to help the world meet a target of placing 30% of both land and ocean under protection by the year 2030.
Kenya’s Cabinet secretary of maritime affairs, Hassan Joho, stressed that the time for talking has passed and that governments must now deliver concrete results.
“The purpose of this roundtable is not to restate ambition, but to convert such pledges into measurable results for our communities, our economies and our oceans,” Joho said.
Joho highlighted that since 2014, the One Ocean Conference has produced more than 2,900 pledges totaling over $169 billion. The real test, he said, is whether those commitments translate into genuine management of ocean ecosystems.
The 56 member states of the Commonwealth together control 36% of the world’s ocean jurisdiction and are home to nearly half of its coral reefs, giving the group an outsized role in marine conservation.
Africa is increasingly emerging as a leader in protecting ocean resources. Kerry highlighted the efforts of eight nations in the Gulf of Guinea that have committed to sustainably managing all of their waters by 2030.
“A region long described as a victim of ocean exploitation is now choosing to lead instead,” he said.
Kenya itself has expanded its marine protected areas, developed integrated coastal management plans, and intensified efforts to crack down on illegal and unregulated fishing. The country’s 640-kilometer (400-mile) coastline and large exclusive economic zone support fisheries, tourism, and other industries that provide livelihoods for millions of people.
As talks continue in Mombasa, delegates say the months ahead will be decisive in determining whether the treaty becomes a genuine force for ocean conservation — or simply another round of international commitments that never fully materialize.
For the first time in 40 years, the Iraqi national men’s soccer team is back on the world’s biggest stage — and fans are thrilled.
The team’s long-awaited return to the World Cup is set to kick off Tuesday night, ending a four-decade drought that has left fans eagerly waiting for this moment. The excitement is especially strong in Dearborn, Michigan, which is home to a large community of Iraqi diaspora.
One local soccer shop owner said he has been receiving around 100 phone calls per day from fans eager to get their hands on Iraq national team jerseys. The shop owner originally opened his business back in 1986 — inspired by watching the Iraqi national team compete in that year’s World Cup.
Now, 40 years later, that same passion is alive again as Iraq prepares to take the field in the tournament once more.
New Castle County Division of Police has activated a Gold Alert in the search for a missing 15-year-old girl from Claymont.
Shayona Teachey was last seen departing her home in the 100 block of Harbor Drive at around 11:30 in the morning on June 16, 2026. She is described as a Black female standing approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall.
Anyone with information on Shayona’s whereabouts is urged to contact New Castle County police immediately.
SHERMAN, Texas — Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, whose company played a central role in making artificial intelligence possible, says society must change to keep pace with AI — and that there is simply no alternative.
In an interview Tuesday, Huang acknowledged the concerns raised by critics who warn that AI could eliminate jobs or pose dangers to humanity. But he remained upbeat about the technology’s ability to drive economic growth and accelerate scientific discovery.
“We need to create new social norms,” Huang said. “I would advocate that everybody use AI. Just go engage it.”
Huang argued that AI is actually helping to close the technology gap in America. Whether someone wants to build a website, sort through complicated documents, assist with cutting-edge research, or even map out a kitchen renovation, AI makes it possible without requiring any programming knowledge.
He also called for government regulation and safety standards around AI, saying national security must be treated as a top priority as the technology continues to fuel stock market growth and drive much of the broader U.S. economy.
Huang compared society’s adjustment to AI to how people once adapted to the automobile. Cars were initially blamed for endangering children, he noted, but communities eventually responded by building sidewalks and crosswalks and keeping kids off the streets.
“When I was growing up, I used to play in the streets,” Huang said. “When cars came along, you obviously can’t play in the streets now.”
Nvidia now carries a market capitalization of roughly $5 trillion, making it the most valuable company in the world. AI firms OpenAI and Anthropic are each on track to potentially surpass the $1 trillion mark once their shares become publicly available.
That rapid accumulation of wealth within a small cluster of AI companies has stoked fresh concerns about economic inequality. President Donald Trump has floated the idea of the U.S. government taking ownership stakes in AI companies so that financial gains could be shared more broadly with the public — a concept also supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Huang pushed back on that idea, saying he believes Americans will already share in the benefits AI companies generate.
“I’m not exactly sure what they’re trying to achieve,” he said of government ownership proposals. “I haven’t had a dialogue with them about that. But just remember that these are American companies. Their success benefits the stock price, of which many Americans are investors in. It generates taxes, which helps many Americans. It creates a lot of jobs.”
He added that the rise of AI could also boost profits for energy producers, construction companies, and hardware technology firms.
“Americans have a stake in American companies already, naturally, in a whole lot of different ways,” Huang said. “I’m not exactly sure what they’re trying to achieve beyond that.”
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stepped into the spotlight Tuesday to make a public push for eliminating the death penalty in his state, leveraging a career in public service that spans more than four decades.
The 79-year-old Republican pointed to his background as a former county prosecutor, a member of both chambers of Congress, a former Ohio attorney general, and seven years as governor as the foundation for his stance on the issue.
However, DeWine’s call for change faces an uphill battle — even within his own Republican-controlled state. DeWine is considered more moderate than many of the younger Republicans now shaping Ohio politics, whose careers depend heavily on backing from President Donald Trump, a firm supporter of capital punishment.
DeWine’s political career dates back to 1976, when he was elected prosecuting attorney in Greene County, where he was raised and still resides. He and his wife, who together have eight children, lived in a historic home there where they hosted an annual summer ice cream social for 50 years to celebrate and support Republican candidates and officeholders. That tradition came to a close just last weekend.
When DeWine joined the Ohio state Senate in 1980, the state had no active death penalty law — the previous one had been struck down as unconstitutional. DeWine played a key role in crafting the new law, which passed both legislative chambers with strong bipartisan support and has been on the books since 1981.
On Tuesday, DeWine said he had long believed that the moral case for capital punishment rested on its ability to discourage violent crime.
During his four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, DeWine backed federal legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan that broadened the range of crimes eligible for the death penalty. As a U.S. senator, he supported a bill signed by President Bill Clinton aimed at accelerating the review of capital cases in federal courts.
Between those congressional roles, DeWine served as lieutenant governor of Ohio under longtime Republican Gov. James Rhodes.
After losing his Senate reelection campaign to Democrat Sherrod Brown in 2006, DeWine stepped away from politics briefly before winning the Ohio attorney general’s race in 2010. He said Tuesday that in that role he carried out the state’s death penalty law “vigorously.”
Since taking over as governor in 2019, difficulty securing lethal injection drugs has resulted in an unofficial halt to executions in Ohio. The state’s last execution was carried out in 2018.
While DeWine holds the top position in the Ohio Republican Party, his influence over the party has its limits. The Trump era in particular has brought sharp divisions within Ohio’s GOP.
Tensions ran especially high during the COVID-19 pandemic, when DeWine and then-state Health Director Amy Acton — now the Democratic nominee for governor — oversaw one of the country’s most aggressive early pandemic responses in 2020. A faction of Republicans soon pushed back hard against DeWine’s mandates, especially business closures, and threatened to curtail his powers or even pursue impeachment.
In 2023, DeWine vetoed a ban on gender-affirming care and a prohibition on transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports. The Republican-controlled state Legislature overrode his veto with ease.
Party divisions have also surfaced in this year’s key elections. DeWine had sought to position former Ohio State Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel — whom he appointed as lieutenant governor last year — as a potential successor. But the state Republican Party moved quickly to rally behind Trump-endorsed biotech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy in the May 2025 race, even before Tressel had decided whether to enter. DeWine ultimately endorsed Ramaswamy in January.
DeWine acknowledged Tuesday that he had not informed Ramaswamy, now the GOP’s gubernatorial nominee, of his plan to call for ending the death penalty. Separately, DeWine has found himself defending his administration’s record on Medicaid fraud as the Trump administration targets the issue — even as Ramaswamy, Ohio-born Vice President JD Vance, and Republican lawmakers have criticized Ohio’s current anti-fraud efforts.
DeWine’s push did attract support from a number of fellow Republicans, including some with strong conservative credentials.
“For many years, I was a proponent of the death penalty,” said former congresswoman and current state Rep. Jean Schmidt in a written statement. “My views changed because of the risks of executing an innocent person, the exorbitant costs, and my belief in the sanctity of life. The death penalty is no longer a policy worth preserving.”
Former Ohio Auditor and Attorney General Jim Petro pointed to wrongful convictions as one of the critical flaws that make capital punishment no longer sustainable.
Former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft — the great-grandson of President William Howard Taft and grandson of Sen. Robert A. Taft Sr., known as “Mr. Republican” — also expressed support for DeWine’s position.
DeWine “has been thoughtful and given this issue the careful consideration it needs,” Taft said.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres traveled to Haiti on Tuesday, arriving in a country where out-of-control gang violence has left more than one in ten people without a home.
Newly released UN data paints a grim picture: 2,300 Haitians have lost their lives so far this year, another 100 have been kidnapped, and 1.5 million people have been forced from their homes. Among those abducted is James Boyard, cabinet director of the Defense Ministry, who was seized last week in one of the capital’s few relatively stable neighborhoods.
The Secretary-General’s single-day stop in Port-au-Prince followed a violent weekend in Cité Soleil, a coastal slum, where more than 30 people were killed, wounded, or reported missing, according to the Cooperative for Peace and Development, a local human rights organization.
During his motorcade through the city, Guterres passed through areas once entirely under gang control — neighborhoods marked by gutted car dealerships, deserted homes, and concrete buildings riddled with bullet holes. A colorful local bus called a tap-tap rolled by, its windshield shattered by gunfire.
On a crumbling concrete wall, graffiti declared: “Down with Viv Ansanm, long live the police.” Viv Ansanm is a powerful gang alliance that the U.S. government has designated a foreign terrorist organization. The group is believed to control roughly 70% of Port-au-Prince.
Along the route, Guterres passed scores of Haitians who had escaped the fighting and are now sheltering in makeshift dwellings — canvas sheets strung up with worn rope.
More than 300,000 people have been displaced by gang violence throughout Port-au-Prince, a record high. That number includes over 18,000 people who fled Cité Soleil in May alone, according to the UN International Organization for Migration.
“Haiti’s displacement crisis is entering an even more alarming phase,” said Gregoire Goodstein, IOM chief of mission in Haiti, in a recent statement.
Guterres’ first stop was the headquarters of a newly established gang-suppression force approved by the UN Security Council in September. The force replaces a UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police that had struggled with inadequate funding and staffing. So far, Jamaica, Chad, El Salvador, and Guatemala have each contributed troops, bringing the total force to fewer than 1,000 personnel. The unit is expected to begin full operations within the coming weeks.
The new force is set to work alongside Haiti’s National Police and its expanding Armed Forces. Hundreds of Haitian men — and a few women — were seen lined up along a dusty road hoping to be interviewed for positions in the military.
Guterres then held a private meeting with Prime Minister Alix Didier-Fils-Aimé, who faces mounting pressure to organize elections in a country of nearly 12 million that has been without a president since Jovenel Moïse was assassinated at his private residence in July 2021.
“We had a frank conversation about what’s happening in Haiti, the vision the government has for the future,” Fils-Aimé told the Associated Press following the meeting.
The prime minister said security remains the top priority so the transitional government can move forward with elections and “get back to republican rule.” He added that Guterres could support that goal by making sure the nations backing the gang-suppression force “live up to their engagement.”
Guterres also visited a makeshift shelter set up inside a former school, where dozens of displaced residents crowded around him. Some had been living there for as long as four years after gangs attacked and burned their communities.
“Solino is not ready,” said 31-year-old Clifford Lala, referring to his neighborhood — one of the last areas in Port-au-Prince before gangs overran it.
Inside a sweltering classroom, Guterres met privately with six women who described the lack of basic privacy at the shelter — even for bathing or using the restroom — and expressed deep concern for their young children.
“It’s skin-to-skin and mouth-to-mouth,” one woman said.
The shelter is home to more than 1,200 people sleeping side by side, with only one meal a day guaranteed.
“We’re going to do our best,” Guterres told the women.
Outside, a man began striking the building’s metal walls and shouted, “We want to go back home!” His voice grew louder and more desperate as security personnel entered the room and escorted Guterres out.
Wendy Cejour, 26, told the AP that he and his family have been staying at the school for a year and a half.
“As long as we’re alive we have hope, but … things are difficult,” he said. “We ask … to return to our neighborhood to live better, because we don’t have a life here.”
The day before Guterres arrived, Human Rights Watch published an open letter urging him to prioritize protecting civilians and addressing the root causes of violence and human rights abuses. The group also called for a “full-fledged U.N. mission” to be deployed in Haiti.
“Even when fully staffed and resourced, security measures alone will not suffice to address this situation,” the organization wrote.
“Any meaningful strategy should include effective protection for victims of violence, credible pathways for disengagement from criminal groups, accountability for abuses, and a coordinated humanitarian response to help restore access to basic goods and services.”
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that transgender individuals in Idaho cannot face criminal prosecution for using public restrooms that align with their gender identity.
U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford issued the ruling, which temporarily suspends enforcement of key parts of a state law passed in March. That law was scheduled to go into effect July 1 and went further than similar legislation in other states by restricting which restrooms transgender people may use — not just in government buildings, but also in privately owned spaces where bathrooms are open to the general public.
Lambda Legal attorney Kell Olson welcomed the decision in a statement Tuesday, saying: “This ruling will allow transgender people throughout Idaho to find and use a public restroom without the fear of arrest looming over them, while we continue the longer fight to permanently defeat this discriminatory law in court.”
Idaho is among at least 19 states that have enacted laws limiting which bathrooms transgender individuals may use, typically in schools or other public facilities. However, Idaho’s version — signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little in March — was notably broader in scope.
The law covered restrooms in private buildings open to the public and established criminal penalties: up to one year in jail for a first offense and up to five years in prison for a second offense. There were limited exceptions allowing someone to use a restroom designated for the “opposite sex” if it was the only one “reasonably available” and the person was in “dire need.”
The Idaho Chiefs of Police Association had raised concerns about how officers would determine whether someone qualified as being in “dire need” under the law.
Six transgender Idaho residents, represented by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a lawsuit arguing the law is unconstitutionally vague. Judge Brailsford, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, largely sided with those plaintiffs.
Her ruling did not strike down the entire law. Instead, she set specific limits on its enforcement, saying it could not be applied against someone using a single-stall restroom, or when no single-user restroom is available and unoccupied on the same floor as a multi-user facility.
ACLU attorney Barbara Schwabauer also released a statement, saying: “No one should be forced to choose between the threat of arrest for being themselves in public or the threat of harassment and violence for acting the way the state wants them to be. The preliminary injunction is a vital first step as we continue to challenge this gross violation of privacy and fundamental equality until the law is blocked for good.”
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador announced plans to appeal Tuesday’s ruling. He noted that even with the injunction in place, portions of the law can still be enforced regarding changing rooms and certain restrooms, and that the law applies to people who are not transgender as well.
“This is a results-driven decision that misapplies the law, confuses the issues, and misrepresents the position of the State,” Labrador said in a statement. “Biological sex is not vague, and neither is this law.”
Vice President JD Vance sat down Tuesday on ABC’s “The View” with the intention of promoting his newly released faith memoir, but the morning show’s hosts quickly steered the conversation in a very different direction — grilling him for close to an hour on topics ranging from Jeffrey Epstein to inflation to immigration.
The visit drew attention for a couple of reasons. It represented an unusual step for a Trump administration official into what many in that circle would view as unfriendly media territory. It also came at a time when the Federal Communications Commission, under the current administration, has opened an investigation into the show over whether it may have violated broadcast rules requiring equal airtime for political candidates.
“The View,” a long-running morning program anchored by veterans Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, leans liberal in its commentary and frequently features criticism of President Donald Trump.
Vance seemed well aware of the awkward setting. He opened with a quip directed at the hosts: “This is a show of MAGA Republicans, right? That’s what my media team told me.”
He did manage to get in a few words about his new book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” describing it as “actually way less political than you might think.” Notably absent from the discussion, however, was any mention of the tentative deal Vance has been working on related to ending the Iran war.
The hosts wasted little time pivoting to the economy, pressing Vance on Trump’s comments about affordability and inflation. Behar challenged Vance over Trump’s characterization of the affordability crisis as a “hoax” created by Democrats, while the president simultaneously promotes projects like refurbishing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, constructing a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, and converting the White House South Lawn into a UFC arena for his birthday.
“Why is he doing them when everybody knows that Americans are struggling?” Behar asked. “What is he spending all this money for?”
Vance pushed back on her framing. “What the president said is, the idea that Republicans caused the affordability problem is a hoax, and I think that’s true,” he said.
Co-host Ana Navarro then brought up Trump’s recent remark — “I love the inflation” — prompting another clarification from Vance.
“What he said is that he loves the fact that the inflation is going to come down when this war is over,” Vance explained, sparking a flurry of responses from around the table.
“That’s not what he said,” Goldberg shot back.
“Are you his interpreter, or are you his vice president?” Behar added.
Vance attempted to redirect the conversation toward gains in manufacturing jobs and other economic indicators. “My view — I’m sure you guys don’t agree with it — is that we inherited a mess and we’re fixing it, but sometimes it takes a long time to fix a mess,” he said.
A significant portion of the hour was devoted to the Jeffrey Epstein files. Vance acknowledged that recent reporting from The New York Times had identified him as a strong advocate within the White House — including in Situation Room meetings — for releasing those materials.
“I am, frankly, kind of a conspiracy theorist on the Epstein stuff,” Vance admitted, saying he and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles are aligned on that point.
He also defended Trump against suggestions that the president removed Epstein from his private club over a failed business deal rather than concerns about Epstein’s conduct. “He was very frustrated when the Democrats were making this about him,” Vance said of Trump’s reaction to the political firestorm surrounding the files.
Co-host Sunny Hostin pressed repeatedly on materials that have yet to be released. Vance said many of those documents are duplicates or require a court ruling before they can be made public, but insisted, “we’re not holding anything back.” After promising Hostin he would look into the unreleased files, Vance jokingly tried to steer things back to his original purpose when Goldberg called for a commercial break.
“Let’s talk about the book. I’m here to sell books. ‘Communion!’” he said.
“Eventually, we will,” Goldberg replied. “But this is a good opportunity for us to get some clarity.”
The discussion also touched on Vance’s complicated history with Trump. Vance, who once criticized the president, now says he and others got some things wrong about him.
“One of the things I underappreciated about Donald Trump is that so many of the things that people said about him weren’t actually true,” Vance said. “I read stories that said, ‘Donald Trump said that all Mexicans were rapists’ — he never said that.”
Several hosts urged Vance to visit immigration detention facilities and asked how he reconciles his Christian faith with the administration’s approach to enforcement. Vance acknowledged the need to “strike a balance, of course,” between upholding the law and treating people with dignity. “Law enforcement is always inherently not a very pretty process, especially when you’re dealing sometimes with violent people, with people who are resisting arrest,” he said.
As the program wound down, Goldberg tried to connect the book to a broader question — how Vance squares his Catholic faith with a tough immigration stance. “I think it strikes the right balance here,” Vance said of his faith’s teachings, arguing that “you can have borders, you’re allowed to enforce your borders… but you also have to take certain precautions and certain care.”
Some of the most charged moments came when the hosts raised questions about the administration’s record on race. “What did Black people do to this administration that has allowed it to really stigmatize folks of color?” Goldberg asked, drawing audible reactions from the studio audience as Vance asked for clarification.
When Vance responded that the question implied the administration was “allegedly… holding back the appointments of people based on skin color,” Hostin stepped in to reframe the concern.
“I’m talking about Black history getting erased from public spaces, Black voter districts are being dismantled, Black leaders are being sidelined from our ranks,” she said. “Where do Americans of color fit in this vision? Because it doesn’t seem like we fit.”
Vance responded by saying “everybody is welcome in our political coalition” and pointed to the administration’s efforts to improve public safety in Washington, D.C., a majority-Black city, adding, “Black history is not erased.”
BRASILIA — A panel of justices on Brazil’s Supreme Court moved Tuesday to convict Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, on charges that he sought interference from the United States in the ongoing trial surrounding his father’s alleged coup plot.
The vote was largely one-sided, with three out of four justices on the panel casting votes in favor of conviction. The fourth and final justice on the panel had not yet cast a vote as of the report.
The case centers on Eduardo Bolsonaro’s efforts to draw U.S. involvement into the legal proceedings against his father last year.
In what may be one of golf’s more ironic twists this season, Garrick Higgo finds himself watching from the sidelines as this week’s U.S. Open gets underway — while the caddie he recently parted ways with walks the fairways of the tournament.
According to a Tuesday report from Golfweek, Austin Gaugert — Higgo’s former caddie — is on the bag for Patrick Rodgers at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, for this week’s major championship.
The split between Higgo and Gaugert came shortly after last month’s PGA Championship, where Higgo made headlines for missing his tee time in the first round. The late arrival cost him a two-stroke penalty, and he ultimately missed the cut by a single stroke.
Gaugert had worked alongside Higgo since 2025, including during Higgo’s victory at the Corales Puntacana Championship. After parting ways with Higgo, Gaugert quickly returned to work on the PGA Tour, stepping onto the bag for Dylan Wu two weeks after the PGA Championship for the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Now Gaugert is back on the major stage ahead of the golfer who let him go. He’s caddying for Rodgers, 33, who has yet to claim a PGA Tour victory but has put together a solid 2025 season — sitting 51st in the FedEx Cup standings with 15 made cuts, five top-25 finishes, and 18 events played.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed to a record high on Tuesday, but not all of Wall Street shared in the celebration. The Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 both lost ground as investors stepped back from technology stocks following a strong rally the day before.
Monday’s surge had been fueled by optimism surrounding a U.S.-Iran peace agreement, which sent the S&P 500 up 1.65% and the Nasdaq up more than 3%. On Tuesday, however, traders appeared content to pause and take stock of those gains — particularly with the U.S. Federal Reserve set to announce its latest policy decision on Wednesday afternoon.
“We had a big move yesterday in the market,” said Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia. “We’re just digesting some of those gains and the setup in anticipation of the Fed meeting is always a little tentative.”
As of 2:17 p.m. ET, the Dow had gained 403.66 points, or 0.78%, reaching 52,074.69. The S&P 500 dropped 25.97 points, or 0.34%, to 7,528.32, while the Nasdaq fell 155.22 points, or 0.58%, to 26,528.72.
Among the S&P 500’s 11 major sectors, technology was the worst performer, dropping 1.7%. Financials led the gainers, rising 1.4%, followed by industrials, which advanced 1.2%. JPMorgan Chase shares climbed 3.4%, Wells Fargo added 1.8%, and Bank of America gained 1.6%.
SpaceX was a standout story of the day, with shares jumping more than 10%. The AI and rocket company’s market value overtook Amazon’s and briefly eclipsed Microsoft’s, continuing a remarkable run since its initial public offering. SpaceX is now ranked as the fifth-most valuable company in the United States.
Oil prices took a significant hit, with U.S. futures tumbling more than 6% after details of the U.S.-Iran interim agreement came to light. President Donald Trump said the deal would prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon, while a U.S. official indicated Iran would be permitted to sell oil once the agreement is signed. The deal is expected to extend a fragile ceasefire — first announced in April — by an additional 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February.
The conflict had previously driven oil prices higher and raised concerns about persistent inflation. Markets widely anticipate the Fed will keep interest rates steady in the 3.50% to 3.75% range on Wednesday. Investors will be watching closely for comments from new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh on inflation, unemployment, and the broader economic picture.
According to CME Group’s FedWatch tool, traders currently see roughly a 42% chance of a 25-basis-point rate increase in December, with rates expected to hold steady for much of the year.
In corporate news, chemical producer Olin saw its shares fall 6.4% after announcing an all-stock deal to acquire Huntsman, valued at $2.43 billion. Huntsman shares plunged 16.7% since the offer came in below the stock’s recent trading price.
Fast-food giant Yum Brands rose 1.9% after announcing plans to sell its Pizza Hut chain for $2.7 billion, citing fierce competition and cautious consumer spending habits.
On the broader market, advancing stocks outnumbered decliners by a 1.21-to-1 ratio on the NYSE, which recorded 280 new highs and 69 new lows. On the Nasdaq, declining stocks edged out advancers by a 1.22-to-1 ratio, with 2,143 stocks rising and 2,610 falling. The S&P 500 posted 22 new 52-week highs and three new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite logged 73 new highs and 102 new lows.
A food safety recall has been issued for a popular snack product after it was found to potentially contain an undeclared allergen that could put some consumers in serious danger.
Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc., based in Ontario, California, has announced a voluntary recall of First Street brand Dark Chocolate Raisins sold in 9-ounce packages. The concern is that the product may actually contain dark chocolate peanuts that were never listed on the label.
For people with peanut allergies or severe sensitivities, consuming this product without knowing peanuts are present could trigger a serious or even life-threatening allergic reaction.
Shoppers who have purchased this item are encouraged to stop eating it immediately and check whether the product is in their home. Anyone with questions about the recall should contact the manufacturer for further guidance.
The first Pop-Up Play Zone of Summer 2026 is just around the corner, and it is heading to Knollwood Park.
The New Castle County Division of Police is inviting families and children to come out for an afternoon packed with fun, games, and snacks. The event is also designed to give community members a relaxed setting to meet and connect with their local law enforcement officers.
Organizers say it is a great chance for kids to get outside and enjoy the summer while building positive relationships between residents and police.
This Knollwood Park gathering kicks off what is expected to be a series of Pop-Up Play Zone events throughout the summer season.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition of 17 other attorneys general are celebrating a final legal triumph after a federal appeals court dismissed the Trump Administration’s challenge to their earlier courtroom win.
The case centered on a federal order that had frozen all permitting for wind energy projects at the federal level. Jennings and her fellow attorneys general had previously won a lawsuit against that order, and the Trump Administration had appealed that decision — an appeal that has now been thrown out.
Jennings described the outcome as a win on more than one level, saying it was a victory for the fight — though the full extent of her remarks was not included in the available release text.
The dismissal of the appeal means the original ruling stands, effectively blocking the federal government’s attempt to put a halt to the wind energy permitting process.
Fresh off a playoff run that extended into the second round, the Philadelphia Flyers wasted no time making moves this offseason — landing a new goaltender and defenseman in a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The trade, completed Tuesday, brings goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to Philadelphia. In exchange, the Flyers shipped goalie Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round pick in next week’s draft north to Toronto.
The addition of Woll is expected to give Philadelphia a reliable backup option alongside projected starter Dan Vladar, who just wrapped up the best season of his career. Vladar helped the Flyers knock out Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Carolina — the team that went on to win the Stanley Cup.
“We thought it was a chance to improve the team, help them take another step,” Flyers general manager Daniel Briere told reporters at a predraft news conference in Voorhees, New Jersey. “We felt that Woll is a step forward for us and will be able to help Vladdy in a tandem role.”
Vladar becomes eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1. Briere indicated the team and Vladar’s representatives are working toward getting that deal done. The hope is that pairing Vladar with Woll creates a more balanced goaltending situation than what played out early last season, when Ersson ran into difficulties.
“The better you can have both of them going, I think it helps,” Briere said. “It prevents injuries and (Vladar) stays fresh and he can, I think, perform better. We hope that they can push each other that way.”
On the defensive side, Benoit — who is 28 years old, stands 6-foot-4, and weighs over 200 pounds — brings a physical presence that Briere felt was missing. With smaller defensemen Cam York and Jamie Drysdale already on the roster, the general manager said he wanted someone with Benoit’s size and strength.
“It’s going to probably be a little easier for the coaches having a guy like Simon Benoit back there to use,” Briere said. “We like the physicality that he brings, and we like the size and the skating aspect, too. He’s a really good skater.”
For Toronto, this transaction marks the first roster move by new general manager John Chayka since he took over in early May. Chayka described the deal as an opportunity to gain salary cap flexibility while also picking up a defenseman in his mid-20s in Andrae.
“What we like about this opportunity was it allowed us to create some flexibility,” Chayka said during a video call with reporters. “We think flexibility and optionality are assets to any great organization, and certainly this allows us to be in a better spot as we think about the entire offseason plan.”
Woll carries a cap hit of $3.67 million over each of the next two seasons, while Benoit is under contract for one more year at $1.35 million. Both Andrae and Ersson are restricted free agents. With Anthony Stolarz and Dennis Hildeby expected to lead Toronto’s goaltending depth chart, Chayka was noncommittal when asked whether the Leafs would extend a qualifying offer to keep Ersson’s rights.
“He’s a good, young goaltender,” Chayka said. “He’s someone that we identified as having some upside and someone that our staff could work with.”
ARLINGTON, Texas — When St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol learned his team had an unexpected Saturday off in the middle of a road series, his first thought was getting to a World Cup match.
The question he asked: “Can I make it to the soccer game?”
The FIFA World Cup, the international soccer tournament that takes place every four years, is currently underway across 16 host sites in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Eleven of those markets are also home to a total of 13 Major League Baseball teams, creating an unusual and exciting overlap between the two sports.
Kansas City is hosting six World Cup matches at an NFL stadium located in the same complex as the Royals’ ballpark. When the Cardinals visit Kansas City for a three-game series opening Thursday, both teams will have Saturday off — the same day Ecuador takes on Curaçao in a World Cup match.
“That is the goal, yes,” Marmol said when asked whether he planned to attend.
Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is also planning to go, along with his wife, who played soccer at Old Dominion University.
“It’s strange, but it’s special circumstances,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome that Kansas City got access to World Cup games. So, however many years until the United States hosts again, we’ll be all right with some off days like that.”
This marks the first time World Cup matches have been held on U.S. soil since 1994.
In the Dallas-Arlington area, AT&T Stadium — home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and located right next to Globe Life Field — is set to host a tournament-high nine matches. The neighboring Texas Rangers will have a Monday off on July 6, the date of a round of 16 match, sandwiched between two home series.
Texas is currently wrapping up a three-game series against Minnesota, which concludes Thursday, following a Wednesday pause when England faces Croatia in its World Cup opener.
Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson, who grew up playing soccer in California, called the experience something rare.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Pederson said.
The Rangers also got a taste of World Cup fever during a recent road trip to Boston. Thousands of Scottish fans filled Fenway Park, chanting and singing the night after Scotland beat Haiti in the country’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years. That match was held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, roughly 30 miles from Fenway.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said the energy from the Scottish supporters made the ballpark feel like a European soccer match. The experience was so electric that he and most of his coaching staff are now scrambling to find tickets to a Cup game.
“It was so much fun that on the off day the majority of our staff is trying to find a way to get tickets to go to a game that they know really nothing about because of the atmosphere that was so incredible,” Schumaker said. “The passion was insane.”
In Philadelphia, the Phillies will have a day off Friday during their home series against the New York Mets, coinciding with Brazil’s match against Haiti at nearby Lincoln Financial Field.
Like the Rangers, Royals, and Seattle Mariners, the Phillies’ home stadium shares a parking lot with an NFL venue hosting World Cup matches. The nearly six-week tournament features 104 total matches with 48 nations competing.
Both Texas and Kansas City are off on July 3 for round of 32 Cup matches. The Rangers will have already started a series against Detroit, while the Royals are set for an unusual Saturday-through-Monday home series against the Phillies.
At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, World Cup matches are scheduled on eight dates — and either the Mets or Yankees have a home game on every single one of those days. That includes the championship match on July 19, when the Yankees also host Shohei Ohtani and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Yankee Stadium sits about 14 miles from the Meadowlands, with Citi Field approximately 24 miles away.
On the West Coast, World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will be about 13 miles from Dodger Stadium and 35 miles from Angel Stadium. The Dodgers or Angels will be playing at home on six of the eight match days in Inglewood, with the remaining two falling on regular off days during homestands.
In cities like Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Miami, and Toronto — where the stadiums are farther apart — teams will still play multiple home games that overlap with World Cup matches in their markets.
The Angels will also experience a split series during a trip to Seattle, with a midweek break scheduled July 1 for a round of 16 match.
The Mariners originally had a home doubleheader planned for Saturday against Boston, the same day the United States was set to play Australia in Seattle. However, when the match time at Lumen Field was confirmed for noon local time on Friday instead, the Mariners and Red Sox adjusted to a traditional three-game series starting Friday night — avoiding what would have been MLB’s first scheduled doubleheader in two years.
DAKAR, Senegal — Congo’s opposition forces are pushing back hard against a newly passed bill that critics say is designed to keep President Félix Tshisekedi in power beyond his current term limits.
The Senate approved the measure on Monday, following an earlier vote in the National Assembly. The bill now sits on President Tshisekedi’s desk awaiting his signature. If signed into law, it would create a path for a national referendum on a new constitution — one under which Tshisekedi’s past terms in office would not be counted, essentially starting his term clock over from scratch.
Tshisekedi, who is 62 years old, has held the presidency since 2019. He has publicly stated his intention to pursue a third term, but only if voters give their approval through a referendum. As of now, no date for such a vote has been announced.
Congo’s current constitution explicitly prohibits any changes to presidential term limits. The new bill gets around that restriction by allowing the president to amend the constitution if a “major dysfunction” is determined to be paralyzing the country’s governmental institutions.
The central African nation is currently grappling with a number of serious crises, including an active Ebola outbreak and an intensifying conflict with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group — just one of more than 100 armed factions fighting for dominance in the country’s eastern provinces.
Congo’s next presidential election is scheduled for 2028. Tshisekedi stated last month that the country will not be in a position to organize or hold elections until the ongoing conflict is resolved and stability is restored.
Notably, both the Senate and National Assembly votes were conducted without opposition lawmakers present. Those legislators had walked out weeks earlier as a form of protest against the legislation.
Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukondé praised the outcome of the vote, saying it gives the Congolese people a structure through which to “exercise their sovereignty” via a referendum.
Congo’s major opposition parties, which have been at odds with one another in recent years, united in May under a coalition known as C64, or Coalition Article 64, specifically to fight the bill. The coalition has characterized the legislation as Tshisekedi’s attempt to hold onto power indefinitely.
Prominent opposition figure Martin Fayulu made his position clear during a coalition news conference on Tuesday. “Tshisekedi has betrayed his oath to respect the constitution and is therefore worthless,” Fayulu declared.
Fayulu also announced that the coalition plans to march to the presidential palace on July 8, calling for Tshisekedi’s resignation.
The legislative votes came just days after violent confrontations broke out at a protest against the bill in Congo’s capital city of Kinshasa. Several people were injured in those clashes, among them opposition leaders Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, and Delly Sesanga.
Toronto police announced Tuesday that they have connected several shootings in the city — including a March attack on the U.S. Consulate — to what they describe as “multilayered” gun-for-hire networks. Those same networks are also believed to be behind shootings targeting synagogues in the city.
At a news conference, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw explained that young adults are being recruited through encrypted messaging platforms and paid to carry out the attacks. To receive payment, the shooters are required to record the incidents on video. Investigators have recovered several of the weapons used in the attacks.
“What we know is bad actors are using criminal elements in our city to carry out these dangerous incidents,” Demkiw said. “It is clear that some of the people hiring these criminals want to create a sense of fear in our communities, including the Jewish community.”
A veteran Toronto police officer lost his life last week during a search operation connected to the investigation. Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was shot Thursday when officers executed a search warrant at an apartment building in the northwestern part of the city. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
A 19-year-old suspect, Nicholas Bennett, was shot by police during the incident and remains hospitalized. He is expected to face a charge of first-degree murder.
Authorities are also actively searching for a second suspect, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, who is wanted in connection with the U.S. Consulate shooting. Police consider Jabbi to be armed and dangerous.
Demkiw said Toronto police are working alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the FBI to identify who is funding the attacks. Two firearms recovered during the investigation — believed to be connected to more than 25 shootings across the Toronto area — were traced back to the United States. Ballistics testing on those weapons is still ongoing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has unveiled revised detention standards that allow contractors running its facilities to lean more heavily on artificial intelligence tools when communicating with detainees and to continue paying as little as $1 per day for detainee labor — changes the agency says are designed to ease the load on facility operators.
ICE stated the updated rules, which govern for-profit contractors and jails that hold immigration detainees, were revised to “reduce the burden on our detention operators.” Experts, however, say the changes primarily benefit contractors by limiting their legal exposure, cutting costs, and granting greater operational freedom — while doing little or nothing to improve life for the approximately 60,000 people currently in ICE custody.
“100% it’s going to result in deterioration of already problematic conditions of detention,” said Michelle Brane, a former Department of Homeland Security ombudsman who oversaw immigration detention practices during part of the Biden administration. “It’s consistent with their general practice, which is to eliminate accountability and oversight. They are not concerned with people’s basic rights or safety of detainees.”
The updated standards arrive at a time when ICE detention facilities are recording deaths at historically high rates and are facing allegations of medical neglect, insufficient food, and other harsh conditions. They also come as ICE has received a major funding boost, securing more than half of the $70 billion immigration enforcement spending bill recently signed by President Donald Trump.
Dr. Sanjay Basu, a public health researcher who has studied deaths in ICE custody, acknowledged the revisions include “genuine improvements” in areas like suicide prevention and mental health care. However, he said the overall direction is “toward weaker standards governing a growing share of the detained population.”
ICE framed the changes as a way to streamline its rules and bring them closer in line with the more relaxed standards used by the U.S. Marshals Service for holding pretrial federal inmates in jails. The agency said it weighed input from facility operators “alongside operational, legal and policy requirements when making a final decision.”
Dr. Homer Venters, an expert in correctional health care, warned that the changes could reduce access to language assistance. Previous standards required in-person and telephone interpretation and translation services; the revised rules allow facilities to use AI tools — such as machine-learning translation or generative AI — for what they describe as “noncritical communication” or “informal interactions with detainees.” That category could include conversations during intake, discussions in housing units, and responses to detainee grievances or concerns.
Venters called this shift alarming, noting that grievances often contain “very urgent or even emergent information such as when a patient has been denied lifesaving care.” He also raised concerns that the new language leaves open the question of whether health screenings — critical for identifying medical and mental health needs — could be carried out through AI. ICE maintained that the standards still require contractors to provide interpretation and translation services “at no cost to the detainees.”
Several experts flagged another change that prevents facility operators from turning away any detainee sent to them by ICE. Critics say this could mean severely ill or disabled detainees end up in facilities that cannot properly care for them, with delays of several days before ICE is even asked to transfer them elsewhere. At the same time, analysts noted the change may actually reduce contractors’ legal liability if a detainee dies after being admitted.
New language in the standards explicitly states that detainees who participate in voluntary work programs are not considered employees and are therefore not entitled to wages or benefits. Dora Schriro, who served as director of ICE’s Office of Detention Policy and Planning during the Obama administration, called this provision “a favor” to ICE’s for-profit contractors.
Advocates for detainees have pursued lawsuits for years arguing that these work programs — in which detainees can earn as little as $1 per workday — amount to forced labor. Those cases have sought millions in unpaid wages from major ICE contractors. Carmen Iguina Gonzalez, an immigration detention expert at the American Civil Liberties Union, noted that the new rules also prohibit facilities from paying above the $1-per-day minimum stipend — a practice that had previously been allowed and had been used as evidence against contractors in court.
Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former official with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE who specializes in detention standards, said ICE’s expanded budget could have been used to improve conditions rather than roll back protections. She recalled pushing ICE facilities under previous administrations to add recreational amenities like soccer fields using surplus funds.
“Their goal is to make it easier for the jail operators,” she said. “No longer are they trying to make sure the focus is on the detainees and their care and the experience in custody.”
A Boeing B-52 Stratofortress involved in a deadly crash at a California Air Force base made a sharp right turn, nearly completed a full 180-degree turn, and then plummeted to the ground at close to a mile per minute, according to limited flight tracking data released Tuesday.
All eight people aboard were killed when the bomber went down in flames Monday at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft was taking part in a routine mission connected to a broader program aimed at keeping the long-serving plane operational for decades to come. The cause of the crash shortly after takeoff remains unknown, and officials at the base said the investigation could take as long as six months to wrap up.
The airfield was still closed as of Tuesday. Crews were working to make the crash site safe enough for search and recovery teams to enter, following fires that continued burning overnight. Mike Paoli, a spokesperson for the 412 Test Wing at Edwards, provided that update.
Flight tracking data from AirNav Systems shows the bomber turned to the northeast immediately after liftoff, nearly completing a sharp turn before going down on another runway. The tracking system used — known as multilateration — does not provide precise altitude or speed readings, but it does indicate the aircraft dropped at a rate of 5,056 feet (1,541 meters) per minute. That is nearly ten times faster than a typical plane descends when coming in for a landing.
The plane was supporting a radar modernization program, according to Col. James Hayes, the deputy commander for the 412 Test Wing, who spoke Monday. In 2025, Boeing delivered a B-52 to Edwards equipped with an upgraded radar system that is central to keeping the bomber airworthy through at least 2050 — nearly a century after it first entered military service.
A test team had planned to carry out both ground and flight test activities on the aircraft throughout 2026 to inform a production decision, the Air Force stated in a 2025 news release. The new Active Electronically Scanned Array, or AESA, radar replaced the plane’s outdated radar system. It was not immediately clear whether the aircraft involved in Monday’s crash was the same one used in that program.
The AESA system replaced radar technology dating back to the 1960s and provides improved navigation and targeting capabilities, according to a 2023 news release from Raytheon, the company that designed the new system for the entire B-52 fleet.
The B-52 is a long-range bomber that entered service in 1955 and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. It has been deployed in U.S. military conflicts ranging from Vietnam to Iran.
In addition to the radar upgrade, the fleet of 76 B-52s is scheduled to receive a range of other improvements, including new engines, crew compartments, communication systems for both conventional and nuclear operations, avionics, and weapons. The military’s goal is to have the B-52 serve alongside the Air Force’s newest strategic bomber, the B-21 Raider.
Aerial footage of the crash site showed virtually nothing remained of the aircraft, which went down at the base located in the Mojave Desert roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles. Officials said after reviewing crash footage that survival was not possible, according to Hayes, who spoke at a news conference.
Those aboard the aircraft included both government contractors and active military personnel. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among those killed.
Edwards Air Force Base is home to a significant share of the U.S. Air Force’s aircraft testing and development work. The 412th Test Wing, which oversees operations at the base, handles developmental testing of all Air Force aircraft, weapons systems, software, and components — both before purchase and throughout their operational lives. The base is also historically notable as the location where Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947, reaching Mach 1.05.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said the way the B-52 crashed so rapidly after takeoff — without gaining much altitude or distance — leads him to suspect some type of flight control malfunction. He suggested the controls may have been improperly set following maintenance, or that a catastrophic engine problem or a failure in equipment being tested could be to blame.
“I think it was definitely a controllability issue. Now, whether that was tied to an engine failure, a flight control failure, or some new testing device failure, I’m not sure,” said Guzzetti, who previously investigated crashes for both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Fatal Air Force training accidents in recent years have included an instructor pilot killed in 2024 when an ejection seat activated while the aircraft was still on the ground in Texas, an Air Force ROTC cadet who died in a 2022 Humvee accident during a training exercise in Idaho, and two Air Force pilots killed when a trainer jet crashed near an Alabama airport in 2021.
Three men who served as attorneys or aides to President Donald Trump during the 2020 campaign entered not guilty pleas Tuesday in a Wisconsin courtroom, facing felony forgery charges connected to an effort to reverse Trump’s election loss in that state.
Jim Troupis, a former judge who served as Trump’s Wisconsin campaign attorney, Mike Roman, who oversaw Trump’s Election Day operations in 2020, and Ken Chesebro, a one-time legal adviser to Trump, all entered their pleas in Dane County Circuit Court. Troupis, who resides in the Madison area, was present in the courtroom, while Roman and Chesebro joined the proceedings remotely via Zoom.
The Wisconsin case is pressing ahead even as comparable legal efforts in Michigan and Georgia have run into trouble. A special prosecutor previously dropped a federal case accusing Trump of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results. A related case in Nevada, however, remains active.
The fake elector scheme — in which Republican electors in contested states submitted paperwork to Congress falsely claiming Trump had won their states despite losing to Joe Biden — is said to have originated in Wisconsin.
Troupis, Roman, and Chesebro maintain that they broke no laws and were simply preserving legal options in the event a court determined Trump had legitimately won Wisconsin. Prosecutors, however, allege the three men deceived the 10 Wisconsin Republican electors who cast their votes for Trump in 2020.
According to prosecutors, the defendants misled the electors about how the certificate they signed would actually be used — specifically, as part of a plan to send paperwork to then-Vice President Mike Pence falsely asserting Trump had carried the state. Court documents indicate that most of the electors told investigators they did not believe their signatures would be forwarded to Congress without a court order, and that a majority said they never agreed to have their signatures used as though Trump had won without such a ruling.
Tuesday’s arraignment came roughly two years and two weeks after Wisconsin Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul first filed charges against the trio. Each of the three defendants faces 11 felony forgery counts, with each charge carrying a potential penalty of up to six years behind bars and a $10,000 fine.
Both Troupis and Roman filed legal motions requesting that the trial be moved from Dane County — which encompasses Madison — to neighboring Jefferson County, citing concerns that negative media coverage had compromised the potential jury pool. Trump carried Jefferson County by 15 percentage points in 2020, while he lost Dane County by nearly 53 points.
“This case is headed to trial,” wrote Joe Bugni, Troupis’s attorney, in the motion. “No question. Neither side is going to blink. And when we get to trial, Troupis has the right to a fair and impartial jury.”
Troupis and Roman also argued that one of the 11 felony counts against them should be dismissed, citing a pardon issued by Trump covering federal crimes related to their involvement in the fake elector effort. They contend that because casting electoral votes is a federal process, the state cannot prosecute them on that particular count and that Trump’s pardon therefore applies. Trump also pardoned Chesebro.
The presiding judge said Tuesday that he would establish a schedule for hearing arguments on those motions.
The state-level charges against the three men are the only ones filed in Wisconsin in connection with the scheme. None of the 10 Wisconsin electors have faced criminal charges. The electors, along with Chesebro and Troupis, previously settled a civil lawsuit brought by Democrats seeking financial damages.
WASHINGTON — An Afghan national accused of ambushing two National Guard soldiers near the White House — killing one and seriously wounding the other — appeared in court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to charges in a new federal indictment that could put him on death row if convicted.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal was arraigned on 17 counts, including first-degree murder, after a federal grand jury in Washington handed up the new indictment. He had originally entered a not guilty plea in January to nine charges related to the November 2025 shooting that claimed the life of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically injured.
Before the Justice Department decides whether to pursue the death penalty, Lakanwal’s defense team will have the opportunity to meet with prosecutors and present any mitigating evidence they believe should weigh against such a sentence.
Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, were members of the West Virginia National Guard serving as part of a federal law-enforcement surge in Washington, D.C., that began in August under orders from President Donald Trump.
Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal drove from Bellingham, Washington, to the nation’s capital while carrying a stolen firearm, then ambushed the two soldiers outside a subway station just three blocks from the White House.
According to a police report, another Guard member nearby heard the gunshots and watched as Beckstrom and Wolfe fell to the ground while Lakanwal fired his weapon and shouted, “Allahu Akbar!”
Lakanwal, who sustained a gunshot wound during the incident, appeared in a wheelchair at Tuesday’s arraignment. He remained silent throughout the proceedings, with one of his attorneys entering the not guilty plea on his behalf.
Lakanwal came to the United States in 2021 through a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans following the U.S. military withdrawal from that country. CIA Director John Ratcliffe has stated that Lakanwal previously worked with the American government, including the CIA, “as a member of a partner force” in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Lakanwal is scheduled to return to court on September 16. No trial date has been set in the case.
MIAMI (AP) — A developing storm system along the Gulf Coast may become the first named tropical storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm cluster was positioned Tuesday afternoon roughly 55 miles south-southwest of Corpus Christi, Texas, and threatened to unleash heavy rainfall capable of triggering dangerous flooding across southern states, including Texas and Louisiana.
National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan said forecasters expect the system to gain strength, potentially reaching tropical storm status by early Wednesday. He noted that coastal communities could face tropical storm conditions this week regardless of whether the system earns an official name.
“The main hazard with these types of systems is largely the flooding from the heavy rainfall,” Brennan said. “And we could see potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding across the Texas coast eastward into central Mississippi through Thursday. Prolonged rainfall may extend the flood threat into the weekend.”
Forecasters also warned that tornadoes were possible stretching from the upper Texas coast through southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and into the Florida Panhandle.
As of Tuesday, the storm’s maximum sustained winds were clocking in at around 30 mph — just under the 39 mph threshold required to be officially classified as a tropical storm. The National Hurricane Center put the odds of the system developing into a tropical cyclone within the next two days at 70%.
Houston, which is set to host a World Cup match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, has been under a flood warning since Monday. The match venue has a covered roof, and officials have not announced any plans to relocate or reschedule the game.
Rainfall totals by Thursday could reach 4 to 8 inches across the affected region, with some isolated coastal areas potentially seeing up to a foot of rain.
A tropical storm watch was already in place from Sargent, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. Dangerous rip currents are expected along Gulf Coast beaches over the next several days due to rough surf.
A new weather system is taking shape in the Gulf of Mexico, with the U.S. National Hurricane Center announcing Tuesday that Potential Tropical Cyclone One has formed roughly 65 miles southwest of Corpus Christi, Texas. The storm is raising concerns about severe flash flooding and possible disruptions to a major energy-producing region along the Gulf Coast.
If the system gains enough strength to become a named storm, it would be called Arthur and would mark the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. As of Tuesday, the storm was producing maximum sustained winds of 30 miles per hour. A tropical storm watch has been put in place for a stretch of the northwestern Gulf Coast running from Sargent, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the disturbance is expected to move offshore along the Texas coast Tuesday night or early Wednesday, then travel roughly parallel to the upper Texas coast later Wednesday before pushing back inland over far eastern Texas or southwestern Louisiana late Wednesday or early Thursday.
Regardless of whether the storm intensifies further, forecasters say it is on track to drop between 4 and 8 inches of rain — with some isolated areas potentially seeing up to 12 inches — through Thursday across the Texas coast and much of Louisiana. The NHC also cautioned that a dangerous storm surge could push water into areas that are normally dry.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 101 counties in the state on Monday ahead of the storm’s arrival.
The rain is also expected to affect the FIFA World Cup match between Portugal and DR Congo scheduled to take place in Houston on Wednesday. Beyond the sporting event, energy industry experts are keeping a close eye on potential impacts to oil and gas infrastructure throughout the region. Tony Dupont, COO at Earth Science Associates, offered an early assessment, saying the storm “doesn’t look too strong” at this point.
Andrew Polk, a weather risk manager at data consultancy DTN, noted that major oil production sites in the Gulf are currently sitting outside the projected path of tropical storm-force winds. However, he warned that some disruptions could still occur. “There may still be some disruptions, primarily due to the overall impact of helicopter operations which may disrupt and delay crew changes from occurring due to the winds and thunderstorms associated with Potential Tropical Cyclone One,” Polk said in an emailed statement, adding that wave heights are expected to climb to between 7 and 9 feet to the east and south of the storm.
Polk further explained that “the wave impacts primarily disrupt operations in the water with lift boats and/or diving operations,” and said the main concern from the storm will be the total amount of rainfall expected to fall along the Texas and Louisiana coastlines.
The stakes are high for the region’s energy infrastructure. The U.S. Gulf of America federal offshore zone produced close to 2 million barrels of crude oil each day in March, making up roughly 14% of all U.S. crude production. Shell, BP, Chevron, and Occidental are among the biggest deepwater operators working in those waters.
The Gulf Coast refining corridor, which stretches from Corpus Christi to the Mississippi River, handles around half of the entire U.S. refining capacity of 18.4 million barrels per day. The country’s largest refinery — the Saudi Aramco-owned Motiva Enterprises plant in Port Arthur, Texas — processes 730,000 barrels per day on its own. Other significant facilities in the region include Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay plant, ExxonMobil’s Beaumont and Baytown refineries, and ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge, Louisiana, facility.
Major liquefied natural gas companies, including Cheniere and Venture Global, also operate large facilities along the same coastal stretch.
World leaders gathered at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France are weighing a plan that would allow a select group of so-called “trusted partners” to gain access to top-tier American artificial intelligence models, three diplomatic sources revealed Tuesday.
The discussions follow a decision made last week by Washington to cut off foreign nationals from Anthropic’s most advanced AI models, a move the U.S. government justified on national security grounds.
According to one of the sources, a number of delegates raised the idea during informal conversations with U.S. representatives — primarily U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — on the sidelines of the G7’s opening dinner at the French lakeside resort.
A second source, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are still ongoing, said the “trusted partners” in question could include both countries and private companies.
A third source confirmed that no official statement regarding the proposed framework was anticipated Wednesday, even as technology-related issues were scheduled to be part of the day’s G7 agenda.
Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about one specific Anthropic model called Mythos, which is designed to identify weaknesses in computer code. They warn it could significantly amplify attacks on banks’ technology systems. The model has not yet been made available to any European banks, and the European Union has been seeking access to Mythos to better understand its potential implications.
The Financial Times was first to report on the “trusted partners” proposal.
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Leo is welcoming the temporary agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing war in the Middle East, offering words of gratitude and hope as the two nations prepare to make the deal official.
Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy on Tuesday, Leo expressed relief over the development, saying “thanks be to God” as the formal signing is set for Friday.
The pontiff, who previously drew criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump after speaking out against the Iran war, made clear he is optimistic — but realistic — about the road ahead.
“There will still be several points to settle, but it is always better to do so through dialogue, through negotiations, and not by returning to war,” said Leo, who holds the distinction of being the first American-born pope.
He added that he is holding out hope for a permanent resolution to the conflict. “I hope that it truly is a solution to the war, that the war really is over, and that we can move forward,” he told journalists.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed an American woman to remain in quarantine against her will and contrary to medical guidance, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
The woman, Angela Perryman, 47, is one of 18 Americans who were placed in quarantine at a Nebraska facility after Andes hantavirus cases were identified aboard a cruise ship earlier this year.
A Department of Health and Human Services official told Reuters that the 42-day monitoring period will be completed at midnight on June 21. The remaining passengers at the Nebraska quarantine unit are expected to depart on June 22. That 42-day window began when the group returned to the United States on May 10, the official said.
Eight U.S. residents from the hantavirus-affected MV Hondius were released to their home states after three weeks of observation at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, according to the facility. Ten others continued to be monitored.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had previously requested that all individuals from the cruise ship remain at the quarantine unit through May 31.
The New York Times reported that some passengers were permitted to complete their quarantine at home through June 22, as long as local health authorities agreed to have law enforcement or a community health worker check on them. The World Health Organization recommends a 42-day monitoring and quarantine period for high-risk contacts following exposure.
Perryman wanted to return to her home in Florida, but state officials there declined to provide the required monitoring, according to both the Wall Street Journal and the Times. The CDC said during a quarantine hearing that she should be permitted to return home for the rest of the quarantine period, and a CDC medical review noted that her chances of developing symptoms were decreasing over time, the Journal reported.
Perryman told both publications that a copy of an order from Kennedy was slipped under her room door, informing her she could not go home. The order stated that despite the doctor’s findings, Perryman was reasonably believed to have been infected with or exposed to the disease, according to the Journal.
Reuters was unable to reach Perryman at the facility by phone.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is prepared to send his interim agreement with Iran to Congress for review — but many lawmakers, including fellow Republicans, say they still have no idea what is actually in the deal.
The agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which was announced on Sunday, has generated cautious hope that a conflict responsible for thousands of deaths and significant disruption to the global economy may be nearing its end.
According to officials from both nations, the memorandum of understanding would extend a fragile ceasefire — first announced in April — by an additional 60 days. It would also reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international shipping lane that has been effectively closed since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28.
Despite the announcement, the full text of the agreement has not been released to the public or shared with Congress, leaving many details unknown.
Trump also stated Tuesday that Iran would give up its nuclear weapons program as part of the deal. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes only.
Democratic lawmakers have expressed deep skepticism about the president’s latest claims of a breakthrough.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York opened Tuesday’s Senate session with pointed criticism. “We’ve been told dozens of times that the war is over and dozens of times we’ve been disappointed,” he said.
Schumer also noted the lack of transparency since the deal was first announced. “It’s been two days since Trump claimed he had reached an ‘understanding’ with Iran and he still hasn’t released any details… about what it actually is,” he said.
The Democratic leader called on the Trump administration to hold a classified briefing for Congress’s “Gang of Eight” — the select group of intelligence committee chairs and congressional leadership who are typically informed about major national security matters. Schumer also urged the administration to brief the full Congress and keep the American public informed. As of Tuesday, no such briefings had been announced.
Trump, speaking to reporters in France on the sidelines of the G7 summit during a meeting with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, said the idea of sending the deal to Congress had not originally crossed his mind — but that he was now on board. “I like the idea,” he said. Trump added that he wants to wait until after a formal signing ceremony expected to take place on Friday.
The president may also have a legal obligation to involve Congress. A 2015 law known as the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act — passed during Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration as it was finalizing a separate Iran nuclear deal — requires that any such agreement be submitted to Congress before sanctions can be reduced or lifted. That process would give lawmakers the opportunity to attempt to block portions of the agreement.
While some Republican lawmakers have previously broken with Trump — voting alongside Democrats in unsuccessful attempts to require the president to seek congressional authorization for the Iran war — most members of the party have shown little willingness during Trump’s second term to challenge his foreign policy decisions. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the Senate’s top Republican, told reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday that GOP members are pushing the White House to hand over the text of the memorandum of understanding. “We’re trying to get it,” he said, acknowledging the unusual nature of the situation. “Since I’ve been in this job, we haven’t had this issue,” Thune added.
Republicans weren’t alone in voicing frustration. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a Republican, put it bluntly when speaking to reporters Monday evening: “If it’s a secret deal, then how can I take it seriously?”
Drivers traveling along SR 1 near Dover should plan for possible delays as the Delaware Department of Transportation prepares to carry out storm drain inspections along the highway.
The inspections will take place on both the northbound and southbound lanes of SR 1 in Dover, beginning June 22, 2026, and continuing through June 30, 2026.
During the inspection period, motorists may encounter rolling single-lane closures between Simms Woods Road and the Dover Toll Plaza.
Transportation officials are reminding drivers to move over a lane when it is safe to do so if they spot a vehicle stopped on the roadside with emergency lights flashing. If the posted speed limit is 50 mph or higher and changing lanes is not possible, drivers should reduce their speed by at least 20 mph.
Weather forecasters have issued updated graphics tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone One, including wind speed probability data covering a five-day forecast window.
The latest wind speed probability graphic was updated Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and shows the chances of 34-knot winds affecting various areas within the storm’s projected path over the next 120 hours.
Residents in coastal communities are encouraged to keep a close eye on the latest forecasts as the system continues to develop. Officials will provide additional updates as the storm’s track and intensity become clearer.
Sussex County now has a finalized budget for the coming fiscal year after County Council voted to approve a $300 million spending plan on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, following a public hearing held the same day.
The new budget covers Fiscal Year 2027, which kicks off July 1. Delaware law requires Sussex County to pass a balanced budget no later than June 30 each year.
Property owners will not see a change in their tax bill under the new plan. The property tax rate stays at 2.14 cents per $100 of assessed value — a figure established last year after Delaware’s court-ordered reassessment process. While the budget continues to fund the day-to-day services residents rely on, it also introduces some first-of-their-kind programs, including a new surcharge on building permits that will direct money to local independent public school districts, and a centralized billing and ambulance purchase cost-sharing arrangement to support local fire and emergency medical services companies.
County Administrator Todd F. Lawson highlighted the balance the budget strikes between innovation and fiscal discipline.
“While this budget makes significant new investments in fire service and education, it does so without abandoning our long-standing commitment to responsible, efficient government,” Lawson said. “We’re focusing resources where the community needs them most.”
The total budget has grown by nearly $15 million, or 5.2 percent, compared to the current year. Much of that increase is tied to capital spending on public wastewater improvements. The general fund — which covers everyday government operations — is rising by a more modest $4 million, or 3.6 percent.
The county draws its revenue from a variety of sources, including property taxes, realty transfer taxes, sewer service fees, building permit fees, and document recording fees. Several of those revenue streams are increasing in the new budget, including fees for sewer and water services, along with new and adjusted fees tied to the Geographic Information, Engineering, and Planning and Zoning offices. That money funds a range of services such as paramedics, 911 dispatchers, wastewater treatment, building inspections, and public libraries.
Key spending highlights in the FY2027 budget include:
— $74.6 million for wastewater infrastructure, covering the expansion of two treatment plants, new service areas, increased capacity, and other system upgrades.
— $7.6 million for local fire companies and ambulance squads to help with operational costs, including paid EMT salaries, plus an additional $1.6 million for a centralized ambulance billing and unit purchase cost-share program to support basic life support services.
— $7.4 million to purchase open space and farmland for long-term preservation.
— Up to $7 million — depending on construction activity — generated through a new $5 per $1,000 of construction value surcharge on most building permits, with proceeds directed to local school districts for capacity-related capital needs.
— An increase in funding, from $5.8 million to $6.1 million, for the county’s contract with the State of Delaware for supplemental state police troopers assigned to Sussex County.
— $1.25 million for affordable housing efforts, including home rehabilitation assistance for low-income households and homebuying settlement help.
— $1 million for municipalities that provide local law enforcement services.
— $3.4 million for new paramedic stations in the Dewey Beach, Lincoln, and Milton areas.
County Finance Director Gina A. Jennings described the budget as a product of careful, balanced decision-making despite growing demands on county services and the rising costs that come with them.
Council President Doug Hudson praised the budget team for addressing issues that matter most to residents, including emergency services and public education.
“The public wants to see their tax dollars hard at work and producing results,” President Hudson said. “This budget does that. It funds the services people have come to depend on and expect, while also looking forward to meet the needs of future generations.”
The full Fiscal Year 2027 budget and accompanying budget presentation are available for download at www.sussexcountyde.gov/county-budget.
DUBAI — A massive $300 billion private investment fund is embedded in the framework agreement between the United States and Iran, and more than half of that money has already been committed, according to a source with firsthand knowledge of the deal who spoke to Reuters.
The fund is intended to give both nations a financial reason to push through to a final agreement, the source said, speaking anonymously because the plan had not yet been publicly announced as both sides prepared to sign on Friday.
U.S. and Iranian officials announced Sunday that they had reached a framework to end their war — which began when American and Israeli forces struck Iran on February 28 — halt the U.S. naval blockade of Iran, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for the world’s oil and gas supply.
The fund is structured as a private investment vehicle, not a government aid or reparations program. No public money or grants will be involved, the source said. Companies from the United States, Gulf Arab nations, Asia, South America, and Africa have already pledged financing, with commitments spanning the energy, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation sectors.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran had originally pushed for $400 billion in compensation for war damages, but Washington refused. The idea for what is now being called the Reconstruction and Development Fund grew out of those stalled negotiations.
Under the proposed structure, regional countries would participate in various ways — through loans, credit lines, or direct funding to rebuild sites damaged during the conflict. Among the facilities cited are the Mobarakeh Steel complex, refineries, airports, and broader infrastructure destroyed in the war.
Iran is one of the Middle East’s largest economies but has attracted virtually no significant foreign investment over the past four decades, having been shut out of global capital markets by repeated rounds of U.S. and international sanctions. The country holds the world’s second-largest proven natural gas reserves and fourth-largest proven oil reserves. It also has a young and educated population of more than 92 million, a diverse industrial base, and significant untapped potential in sectors including petrochemicals, mining, tourism, and agriculture.
The source stressed that the investment fund is completely separate from ongoing negotiations over lifting U.S. sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad, describing the two as distinct financial mechanisms with different purposes and timelines.
The fund will not be established or begin operating until a final, satisfactory agreement is signed. The memorandum of understanding, once executed, is designed to structure the next 60 days of negotiations.
NABATIYEH, Lebanon — In the early morning hours of Tuesday, a woman named Aida Jleilati and her daughter began sifting through the wreckage of what used to be their home in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh, salvaging whatever survived an Israeli airstrike that hit in late May.
The two women were part of a small wave of residents who made their way back to the city after news broke of an agreement between the United States and Iran to bring their conflict to a close. Iranian officials have stated that the deal will also require an end to the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
While the violence in southern Lebanon has not fully ceased, strikes have become less frequent since the U.S.-Iran agreement was announced, giving many displaced residents a window to go back and assess the damage to their homes.
Jleilati and her 22-year-old daughter, Sukaina al-Muhtadi, had been living on the ground floor of a three-story, six-unit apartment building that was completely destroyed in the strike. Jleilati was able to recover most of her husband’s scuba diving gear along with some clothing. Her daughter’s main priority was locating a photo album filled with pictures from her childhood.
“What can I say? All that we have gathered in our life has been wasted,” Jleilati said. She noted that the family first learned their home was gone on May 26, when al-Muhtadi spotted images of the destroyed building on a social media platform.
Since the beginning of the latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, Nabatiyeh — a city with ancient roots — has endured relentless airstrikes and shelling that have left scores of people dead or wounded.
The city’s once-thriving marketplace has been heavily damaged. On Tuesday, several bulldozers were clearing away rubble and debris as some residents returned in the wake of the late Sunday agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
Jleilati and other returning residents expressed doubt about whether the truce will hold, pointing to previous ceasefires that first took effect on April 17 but quickly broke down as both Israel and Hezbollah continued their attacks.
In recent weeks, Israeli ground forces have advanced deep into southern Lebanon, pushing to within about 4 kilometers — roughly 2.5 miles — southeast of Nabatiyeh, a city that has served as a regional trade center for centuries. The city is well known for its Monday market, where people from surrounding villages traditionally gathered to sell their goods.
Nabatiyeh has long held historical and cultural significance. Since Lebanon was established in 1920 following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the city and its surrounding area have been a hub for Shiite religious and cultural life, with strong ties to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in present-day Iraq. Historically, the city served as the capital of the predominantly Shiite Jabal Amel region, and some of its religious scholars traveled to Iran in the 16th century, playing a role in helping the country’s Safavid rulers convert much of the population to Shiite Islam.
Nabatiyeh is also one of Lebanon’s most prominent centers for the observance of Ashoura, a solemn Shiite commemoration marking the 7th-century martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. The ten-day mourning period, which concludes on the 10th day of the Muslim month of Muharram, was set to begin on Wednesday.
At the heart of the city, 75-year-old Kamel al-Kamel stood in stunned silence before the charred remains of his business — a supermarket and coffee roastery — housed in a century-old building that had crumbled to the ground. Walking with a cane, al-Kamal estimated his losses at $2.5 million. He said that compared to every previous conflict he has lived through — including Lebanon’s 15-year civil war that began in 1975, Israel’s 1982 invasion, and multiple rounds of Israel-Hezbollah fighting — this latest war has been the most devastating.
“Thank God we are still alive,” he said, recounting how he wept as he walked back into Nabatiyeh on Thursday.
Another returning resident, Samar Zuraik, was relieved to find her home still standing, though it sustained damage that will require repairs. But she said no amount of material recovery could make up for the loss of her 27-year-old son Ali, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of the city.
Zuraik said that despite the Iran-U.S. agreement, Nabatiyeh remains uninhabitable right now — still under fire and without electricity, phone service, or internet access.
“I wish I lost my house and my son stayed alive,” she said.
The Nabatiyeh area is home to three major hospitals. The oldest, Najdeh El Chaabiyeh Hospital on the edge of the city, treated hundreds of people wounded during the latest conflict. The hospital’s medical director, Dr. Shafi Fouani, said the current war was comparable in intensity to the previous conflict in 2024.
“It was a very harsh war,” he said of the latest round of fighting, which he said broke out on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel — two days after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks against Iran. He said the hospital recorded roughly 500 deaths and treated close to 1,200 patients during the conflict, with some of the most critically injured being transferred to medical facilities in Beirut or the southern city of Sidon.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports that more than 3,800 people have been killed in Lebanon during the latest fighting. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, 30 Israeli soldiers and one defense contractor have been killed in or near southern Lebanon, and two civilians have died in northern Israel.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces fired artillery toward the outskirts of Nabatiyeh while Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions near the city. The sounds of explosions were clearly audible throughout Nabatiyeh as Israeli troops continued efforts to seize the Ali Taher hill, a strategic high point overlooking much of the city. Lebanese military forces closed certain roads leading to areas where Israeli troops are operating inside Lebanon.
As Jleilati and her daughter picked through the ruins of their former home, al-Muhtadi came across a watch her mother had given her as a young girl. The two women planned to return later Tuesday to a suburb of Beirut where they have been sheltering, saying they are waiting to see whether the truce holds before coming back to Nabatiyeh to rent an apartment while their building is eventually rebuilt.
“We cannot live outside Nabatiyeh,” al-Muhtadi said.
A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled Tuesday that the obstruction of justice conviction of former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan will stand, rejecting efforts to have the verdict thrown out.
Dugan’s case drew national attention as one of the first major legal tests of how courts would respond to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement push. Trump’s allies labeled her an activist judge, while those who supported her argued she was being unfairly singled out.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman had delayed Dugan’s sentencing on June 3 to weigh arguments over whether the conviction should be overturned. On Tuesday, Adelman issued his ruling — the conviction stays. He did not announce a new sentencing date.
Dugan’s legal team wasted no time responding. “The court’s decision is wrong,” her defense attorneys said in a statement.
Her attorney had argued the conviction should be invalidated because a federal appeals court in April struck down a key ruling in a Virginia immigration case that had been cited by both the judge and prosecutors during Dugan’s trial. In that Virginia case, an undocumented immigrant who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents later escaped, was recaptured, and was charged with obstructing a pending immigration proceeding. The appeals court determined that the ICE action in that case did not meet the legal definition of a “pending proceeding” under federal obstruction law.
Dugan’s attorneys applied the same reasoning to her situation, arguing that because ICE agents at the Milwaukee courthouse only had an administrative arrest warrant — not a formal court proceeding — there was no “pending proceeding” to obstruct. Therefore, they contended, the charge against her was invalid.
Prosecutors pushed back, saying the facts in the Virginia case are distinct from Dugan’s and that other legal precedents support her conviction.
Judge Adelman agreed with prosecutors, ruling that the attempted arrest of the immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, did qualify as a “pending proceeding.” He noted a key distinction: the ICE operation was a planned, targeted effort — not a random encounter.
“Defendant argues that ICE was acting as a law enforcement agency here,” Adelman wrote in his ruling. “But this ignores the fact that, unlike, say, the FBI, ICE can issue its own warrants and adjudicate and effectuate a removal, as it did with Flores-Ruiz, without the involvement of a court. This makes a difference.”
Dugan, 67, was convicted by a jury on December 19 and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. However, legal experts note she is unlikely to serve any time, as federal sentencing guidelines typically call for probation in cases involving defendants with no prior criminal record who are convicted of nonviolent offenses.
She resigned from the bench two weeks after her conviction amid calls for her impeachment from Republican state lawmakers. She had served as a judge for nine years.
The events that led to her arrest unfolded on April 18, 2025, when immigration officers arrived at the Milwaukee County courthouse. They had learned that Flores-Ruiz, who had reentered the country illegally, was scheduled to appear before Dugan for a hearing in a state battery case.
Dugan confronted the agents outside her courtroom and directed them to the chief judge’s office, telling them their administrative warrant was not sufficient grounds to detain Flores-Ruiz. After the agents left, she guided Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a private jury door. Agents spotted Flores-Ruiz in a hallway, pursued him outside, and arrested him following a foot chase. One week later, FBI agents arrested Dugan inside the courthouse, escorting her out in handcuffs.
Dugan’s case was historic — it marked the first time a Wisconsin state judge had gone to trial on charges of obstructing immigration agents. She was acquitted on a separate misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Flores-Ruiz was deported in November.
A cyber extortion group is claiming responsibility for a massive data theft targeting Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind popular diabetes and obesity drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy — and says it tried to squeeze $25 million out of the company after the breach.
The group, known as FulcrumSec, posted a lengthy statement to its website Tuesday saying it spent more than two months quietly moving through Novo Nordisk’s computer networks, making off with what it described as more than a terabyte of sensitive information. According to the group, the stolen data includes company source code, details on both released and unreleased medications, clinical trial records, employee and patient information, data related to company production facilities, and internal artificial intelligence model data.
Novo Nordisk had already disclosed a cybersecurity incident on June 11, acknowledging that unauthorized parties had gained access to a limited number of internal IT systems and certain personal data. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding FulcrumSec’s specific claims, and Reuters was unable to immediately confirm whether the data the hacking group posted was authentic. FulcrumSec also did not respond to a request for comment.
After Novo Nordisk declined to pay the $25 million demand, FulcrumSec said it is now “exploring private sales” for some of the stolen data tied to certain drugs and other internal company information.
Thomas Willkan, who leads research at cybersecurity company Lab-1 and has closely followed FulcrumSec since the group appeared in October 2025, offered some context on the group’s credibility. He described FulcrumSec as “usually quite legit in terms of both their capabilities and also their claims.”
Despite threatening to sell some data, the group said it would hold back certain categories of information. That includes personal data belonging to thousands of company employees and physicians, as well as records for roughly 11,500 clinical trial patients whose identities had been partially obscured. FulcrumSec also said it would not release data connected to the machinery and software used at Novo Nordisk’s manufacturing facilities, describing that decision as part of a “harm-reduction strategy.”
The cybersecurity blog DataBreaches.net reported on June 15 that FulcrumSec told the site on June 14 that it first broke into Novo Nordisk’s network back in March. The blog also shared what it described as correspondence between FulcrumSec and Novo Nordisk beginning June 1, which included a file list of more than 700,000 items totaling approximately 1.3 terabytes of data.
Separately, the malware research site VX-Underground reported Monday that an unnamed hacker had also compromised Novo Nordisk. FulcrumSec addressed that report directly, stating that its own attack is a separate, unrelated incident.
Hezbollah announced Tuesday that it believes Iran will walk away from any final nuclear agreement with Washington if Israel does not first pull its troops out of Lebanon. The statement came on the same day Iran’s foreign minister warned that Israel’s continued military presence in the country would be treated as a breach of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.
Israeli forces continue to hold a portion of southern Lebanon captured during a three-month military campaign — combining air and ground operations — against Hezbollah. That offensive launched after the Iran-backed group opened fire on Israel on March 2 in a show of support for Tehran.
While the level of fighting in Lebanon dropped considerably following the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, it has not come to a complete halt. Israel has stated its soldiers will remain in southern Lebanon for the time being.
Hezbollah has strongly opposed Israel’s ongoing occupation of that territory. The group’s media office said Tuesday that it understands Iran intends to push for an Israeli withdrawal during the next phase of U.S.-Iran negotiations — talks that are scheduled to begin after the two countries formally sign their memorandum of understanding this coming Friday.
Those upcoming discussions are expected to tackle some of the most contentious issues, including the future direction of Iran’s nuclear program.
“We believe there will be no nuclear deal between Iran and the United States if Israel does not withdraw,” Hezbollah’s media office told Reuters. The statement marked the first time the group has directly tied an Israeli military pullout to the outcome of a potential nuclear agreement.
Hezbollah clarified that an Israeli withdrawal would be an outcome of those negotiations — not a condition that must be met before talks begin. The group also said it has received assurances from Iran that any Israeli violation of the Lebanon ceasefire would have consequences for the upcoming diplomatic process.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Tuesday that a true end to the broader regional conflict must include a resolution in Lebanon — specifically what he called “the end of the occupation” of Lebanese land.
“Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they have occupied in this war, a full end to the war has not been achieved,” Araqchi said.
He went further, stating that any Israeli military strike on Lebanon or continued occupation of Lebanese territory “will, in our view, be considered a violation of the memorandum of understanding.”
The world’s largest eyewear manufacturer, EssilorLuxottica, has entered into a long-term partnership with chipmaking equipment company Applied Materials to develop augmented reality display technology and AI-powered glasses, the two companies announced Tuesday.
Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to expand the commercial availability of AI glasses, with research and development centered on cutting-edge optical technologies.
EssilorLuxottica is already a major player in the AI glasses space through an ongoing partnership with Meta, selling smart glasses under both the Ray-Ban and Oakley brand names. The companies took another step forward in 2025 with the launch of the Ray-Ban Meta Display — their first device to feature a built-in screen.
AI-powered glasses work by embedding a camera, microphone, and speakers directly into a standard eyeglass frame. An AI voice assistant built into the device can answer questions and describe what the wearer is looking at.
Augmented reality technology — which layers digital images over a person’s natural field of vision — presents a significantly more difficult optical engineering challenge than standard AI glasses.
Applied Materials, headquartered in California, manufactures the specialized equipment used to build the ultra-thin layers of material found at the core of the semiconductor chips required to power AR displays.
A boom in private golf club memberships following the COVID-19 pandemic is fueling a wave of major acquisitions in the luxury club industry, with Apollo Global Management’s sale of the largest private country-club operator in North America serving as the latest and largest example.
Invited Clubs, which operates well-known venues including Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, and TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, announced it has been sold to KSL Capital Partners in a deal worth approximately $3 billion, including debt — confirming what Reuters had previously reported.
Daniel Cohen, a partner at Apollo, pointed to a shift in consumer mindset as a driving force behind the trend. “Post-COVID, there is obviously just a lot more focus on this FOMO or YOLO mentality, the shift of spending money on experiences more than things is never more prevalent than your country club membership for your entire family,” he said, referencing the phrases “fear of missing out” and “you only live once.” Apollo originally acquired Invited nearly a decade ago.
According to data compiled by Reuters, merger and acquisition activity — measured by deal size — for golf and private membership clubs has reached its highest point in at least ten years during 2025.
Exclusivity Commands a High Price Tag
Annual dues at private clubs can easily climb into the tens of thousands of dollars, and some require initiation fees topping $100,000. For the ultra-wealthy, the appeal goes beyond the facilities themselves — privacy and exclusivity carry enormous value. A source familiar with Invited Clubs said the average net worth of its roughly 140,000 members is around $3 million.
The trend toward keeping clubs exclusive has played out in other corners of the industry as well. Soho House was taken private earlier this year in a $2.7 billion transaction involving a group that included MCR Hotels and Apollo, after the company struggled to generate a profit and lost some of its exclusive appeal as a publicly traded company that had grown its membership rolls considerably and reported earnings every quarter.
In another significant deal, Concert Golf — which runs 39 clubs across the country — was acquired by Bain Capital for more than $1.3 billion, including debt, last year. Meanwhile, Reuters reported in May that KKR is looking into selling The Bay Club Company, a West Coast chain offering amenities ranging from spa treatments to golf.
Pandemic Gave Golf a Second Wind
Golf had been losing popularity before the pandemic, largely due to an aging player base. But the sport found a new audience when people turned to it as an activity that allowed for social distancing — and many of those newcomers never stopped playing. Entertainment chain Topgolf, which was valued at $1.1 billion after Leonard Green & Partners purchased a majority stake this year, also helped draw younger players into the sport.
Bank of America data aggregated from debit and credit card transactions showed that golfers spent 37% more at courses last year compared to pre-pandemic averages. That figure outpaced most leisure categories, coming in second only to the cruise industry and ahead of theme parks and boating.
“The experience economy is alive and well, and we see golf as a key beneficiary of this trend,” the bank’s report, released in March, stated.
Invited Clubs: A Resilient Business Through Tough Times
Apollo’s sale of Invited Clubs — which owns more than 150 properties — to KSL represents the largest private-club transaction of the year so far.
Interestingly, KSL is not a stranger to this company. The firm previously owned it under its former name, ClubCorp, from 2006 to 2013, purchasing it for $1.8 billion before eventually taking it public. Apollo then brought Invited back into private hands in 2017 at an enterprise value of $2.2 billion, including debt. Shortly after, the pandemic forced the cancellation of all weddings and large-scale events at its properties.
Cohen noted that golf club membership revenue tends to be remarkably stable — customers rarely cancel, making it a dependable source of recurring income. “A lot of people who belong to country clubs, this is your entire social life,” he said. He added that even when the oil market cratered in the mid-2010s and Texas faced economic hardship, membership at Invited’s Texas clubs held steady.
That durability also showed up during the pandemic itself. Invited’s golf memberships actually grew between 2019 and 2021. The company adapted by converting some tennis courts into pickleball courts and purchasing hundreds of outdoor heaters in March 2020. “By the time the fall came, when the virus was obviously still everywhere, the clubs were able to reopen and have a lot of outdoor activity,” Cohen said.
Reuters reported in December that Apollo had been preparing Invited for a potential return to public markets, but ultimately chose to sell. Under Apollo’s ownership, the company’s annual operating earnings more than doubled to over $350 million, not counting divested clubs and businesses, according to a source with knowledge of the company.
KSL Capital Partners declined to comment. An Invited Clubs spokesperson offered this statement: “As we move forward with KSL Capital Partners, we remain focused on executing our growth strategy, investing in our clubs and member experience, and creating long-term value for our members, employees, and communities.”
RFK Racing has locked up NASCAR Cup Series driver Chris Buescher for the foreseeable future, announcing a multiyear contract extension with the 33-year-old on Tuesday.
Buescher has been piloting the team’s No. 17 Ford since the 2020 season and is currently having a strong year, sitting seventh in the Cup Series standings. Through 16 races, he has recorded eight top-10 finishes, highlighted by a second-place result at Talladega on April 26.
In a statement released by the team, Buescher expressed deep appreciation for the organization that has shaped much of his career. “RFK Racing has been home for most of my racing career, and that’s something I don’t take for granted,” he said. “I’ve grown up with this organization, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the last several years. The direction we’re heading, the people we have in place and the commitment throughout the company make me excited about the future. I’m grateful to Mr. Jack (Roush), Brad (Keselowski), Fenway Sports Group and everyone at RFK Racing for their belief in me. I’m looking forward to continuing to chase wins and championships together.”
Since breaking into the Cup Series in 2015, Buescher has accumulated six victories, with his most recent coming at Watkins Glen in 2024.
Co-owner Jack Roush spoke highly of the driver’s contributions both on and off the track. “Chris has been part of this organization for most of his professional career, and there is a tremendous amount of pride in seeing what he has become,” Roush said. “He is an exceptional driver, but just as importantly, he is the kind of person who makes our organization stronger. His work ethic, intelligence and commitment to our success have earned the respect of everyone at RFK Racing, and we’re proud that his story with us will continue.”
Buescher’s history with the organization — formerly known as Roush Fenway Racing — goes back to 2009, when he joined as a development driver. He began competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the team in 2011 before eventually earning a spot in the Cup Series.
A developing tropical weather system is causing dangerous flash flooding across portions of Texas and Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center.
As of 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time on Tuesday, June 16, the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone One was located near coordinates 27.1 degrees north, 97.8 degrees west. The storm was moving to the northeast at approximately 6 miles per hour.
The system had a minimum central pressure of 1006 millibars and maximum sustained winds of roughly 30 miles per hour at the time of the report.
Authorities are warning that the flash flooding occurring in the region poses a significant danger to those in its path. Residents in affected areas of Texas and Louisiana are urged to stay alert and follow guidance from local emergency officials.
NEWARK, Del. — Twelve student-athletes from the University of Delaware have earned spots on the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) At-Large Academic All-District Team, according to an announcement made by the organization on Tuesday.
The at-large designation recognizes student-athletes competing across all four levels of college athletics — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and the NAIA — for their academic accomplishments alongside their athletic careers.
LONDON — Britain’s Defense Ministry has launched an investigation after a U.K.-registered yacht reported being fired upon by a Russian naval vessel in the English Channel on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, the yacht reported that a Russian warship fired warning shots from approximately 500 yards — or about 460 meters — away. The encounter took place roughly 20 miles, or about 30 kilometers, south of the Isle of Wight, in waters beyond the United Kingdom’s territorial boundary.
No one aboard the yacht was injured, and the vessel sustained no damage. The Russian government had not responded to requests for comment as of the time of the report.
British media identified the Russian vessel as the frigate Admiral Grigorovich. Russian warships traveling through the English Channel are typically shadowed by the Royal Navy, and the patrol vessel HMS Mersey was already keeping watch on the Russian ship when the reported incident unfolded.
The episode came just two days after British commandos boarded and seized a sanctioned tanker in the Channel suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” Officials have stated they are not connecting the two incidents.
The captain of that tanker — an Indian national accused of transporting Russian oil in defiance of international sanctions tied to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine — was ordered held in custody following a court appearance on Tuesday.
This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of tense encounters between British and Russian forces in the region. In November, the British military put Moscow on notice that it was prepared to respond to any intrusion into its territory, after the Russian spy ship Yantar was spotted near the edge of U.K. waters north of Scotland.
Then in April, Britain and Norway announced they had spent several weeks tracking a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines operating north of the United Kingdom. A Royal Navy frigate, supporting aircraft, and hundreds of personnel were involved in the operation. Then-Defense Secretary John Healey said the effort successfully stopped the Russian vessels from carrying out “nefarious” activities targeting underwater infrastructure.
Healey also accused Moscow of exploiting the distraction created by the Iran war to escalate its hostile activities against Europe.
The current incident echoes a similar event from five years ago, when Russia claimed one of its warships fired warning shots and a military aircraft dropped bombs in the Black Sea to drive away the British destroyer HMS Defender from waters near Crimea that Moscow considers its own territory. The United Kingdom rejected that account, denying its ship had been fired upon. It marked the first time since the Cold War that Russia acknowledged deploying live ammunition to warn off a NATO warship — an episode that unfolded roughly six months before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ocean City, Maryland is pulling out all the stops this Fourth of July as the nation marks a major milestone — the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The popular beach town has announced plans for an expanded Independence Day celebration, inviting both local residents and out-of-town visitors to join in the festivities. This year’s event is being billed as a historic occasion, with a high-energy schedule of activities spread across two separate locations.
The dual-site format is designed to accommodate the large crowds expected to turn out for the landmark celebration, which coincides with the United States’ 250th birthday.
American soybean farmers could soon have a significant new source of demand, and it may be coming from an unexpected place — city vehicle fleets.
According to the United Soybean Board, soy-based biofuels are increasingly being considered by municipalities looking for cleaner fuel options for the trucks, buses, and other vehicles they operate. The connection between the American farm and the city garage is becoming more than just a concept.
As cities across the country look for ways to cut down on vehicle emissions, soy-based biodiesel is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels. Unlike electric vehicles, which require significant infrastructure investment, biodiesel can often be used in existing engines with little or no modification.
For soybean growers, this represents a meaningful opportunity to expand the market for their crop beyond traditional food and feed uses. Fleet adoption of soy-based fuels could translate into steady, large-scale demand that benefits farmers throughout the supply chain.
The United Soybean Board has been highlighting this growing connection between agricultural production and urban transportation as part of a broader effort to promote the versatility and value of U.S. soy.
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday unveiled charges against 15 people accused of obstructing federal immigration agents during a sweeping enforcement operation carried out earlier this year in Minnesota under the Trump administration.
Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced at a press conference that the investigation focused on two Minneapolis-based groups he described as “antifa” organizations whose members had been trained in “surveillance, operational planning and rapid mobilization against law enforcement.”
The charges arrive as the Trump administration has ramped up its focus on “antifa” — a broad term referring to a loosely organized movement of militant left-wing activists. President Donald Trump has characterized the movement as a domestic terror group.
Rosen said some of the individuals arrested had self-identified as “antifa” and used various methods to disrupt the immigration operation, including what he called “stalking” federal agents and placing blocks of ice in the path of their vehicle convoys. When asked whether any federal agents were physically hurt, Rosen declined to answer directly.
“Whether or not they actually, at the end of the day, cause bodily harm is not the measure of whether or not they committed a serious federal crime,” Rosen told reporters.
Of the 15 charged, 12 were arrested Tuesday, one was already in custody, and two remain at large. The identities of those arrested and the specific charges they face were not immediately released.
The case stems from the administration’s “Operation Metro Surge,” which brought thousands of federal agents flooding into the Twin Cities area. The operation triggered widespread protests and resulted in the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens.
During the crackdown, convoys of federal agents in unmarked SUVs moved through residential neighborhoods — in some cases forcing their way into homes, waiting near schools, and demanding that residents show proof of citizenship.
In response, a large and largely informal network of Minnesota residents quickly organized — mainly through anonymous neighborhood messaging platforms — with everyday citizens and activists using whistles and car horns to draw attention to the masked and heavily armed agents.
Border czar Tom Homan had signaled at the time that federal authorities were already looking into “the organization and funding of the attacks on ICE.”
“They’ll be held accountable,” Homan said. “Justice is coming.”
Last September, President Trump signed an executive order formally classifying antifa as a domestic terror organization and instructing federal agencies to “investigate, disrupt, and dismantle” its affiliates and those who fund them.
The designation has drawn criticism from Democrats and multiple First Amendment advocacy groups. While the federal government has the authority to label foreign organizations as terror groups, no formal legal mechanism exists to apply that same classification to domestic groups.
Trump has repeatedly used the “antifa” label broadly, at times directing it toward political opponents and peaceful demonstrators who do not hold anarchist views.
The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Potential Tropical Cyclone One, designated as system AL012026 in the Atlantic basin.
The graphics, which were last updated Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at approximately 15:22 GMT, display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds affecting different regions over a five-day forecast window.
Residents along the Atlantic coast are encouraged to keep a close eye on further updates from the National Hurricane Center as forecasters continue to monitor the development and track of this potential tropical system.
The Trump administration is pushing forward with plans to significantly reduce the role of the U.S. Department of Education, announcing the transfer of two of its core functions to other parts of the federal government.
Oversight of special education programs would be handed off to the Department of Health and Human Services under the proposal, while civil rights enforcement responsibilities would be moved to the Department of Justice.
The changes represent another major step in President Donald Trump’s broader effort to dismantle the Department of Education — an agency he has repeatedly pledged to eliminate altogether.
Israel’s Knesset House Committee voted Monday to recommend shielding Likud lawmaker Tally Gotliv from criminal prosecution, handing the governing coalition an early win in its push to keep charges against her out of court. The 11-to-3 vote is not the final word — the full Knesset must still weigh in and decide whether Gotliv deserves protection from prosecution over accusations that she exposed classified information tied to a current Shin Bet employee. The case has grown into a broader clash over the boundaries of parliamentary immunity, national security confidentiality, and the power of the attorney general.
The charges stem from an indictment approved by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara in May, accusing Gotliv of disclosing and publishing restricted information in violation of the Shin Bet law. Prosecutors allege the material she published identified the partner of anti-government protest figure Shikma Bressler as a Shin Bet employee and connected him to claims surrounding the October 7 attacks. Israeli security officials have disputed those claims, and prosecutors maintain that what Gotliv did was not a spontaneous comment during parliamentary debate, but rather a deliberate act carried out repeatedly.
Gotliv tells a very different story. She contends she was acting in her capacity as an elected official, pursuing what she describes as unresolved questions about the October 7 attacks and the behavior of state institutions. Her immunity request rests on the argument that her actions were part of her duties as a member of Knesset and that allowing a criminal case to proceed would undermine her ability to serve her constituents. Her stance has transformed the hearing into a broader test of the coalition’s position that lawmakers must be free to challenge legal and security institutions without the threat of criminal charges hanging over them.
The legal protections available to Gotliv are more limited than the political argument surrounding them. Under Israeli law, a lawmaker who receives a draft indictment from the attorney general may ask the Knesset to block the case from being filed for as long as the current parliament is seated. This is a procedural shield — it does not mean the allegations have been found to be without merit.
A separate, broader form of immunity covers actions or statements made in the course of parliamentary duties and can remain in place even after a lawmaker leaves office. The central question now before the Knesset is whether Gotliv’s alleged actions fall within those protections, or whether the indictment should be allowed to move forward in court.
A legal memo prepared for committee members noted that immunity hearings are meant to function as quasi-judicial proceedings, with members expected to weigh the arguments from both the lawmaker and the attorney general and reach a decision based on the law rather than party loyalty. In reality, Monday’s vote broke along predictable political lines — coalition members supported Gotliv, while opposition members voted against granting immunity.
Those opposed to the committee’s decision argue the case involves more than political speech. Both the Shin Bet employee’s attorney and the Movement for Quality Government urged the committee to turn down Gotliv’s request, saying the alleged disclosures were planned, repeated, and well outside the normal scope of parliamentary activity.
Critics of the move warn that if the Knesset ultimately grants immunity, it could set a troubling precedent allowing political majorities to halt security-related prosecutions before they ever reach a judge. The next step is a vote by the full Knesset, where the coalition must decide whether to complete the immunity process or allow the indictment to proceed.
If the full Knesset approves immunity, the charges will be put on hold for the duration of the current parliament’s term, barring a change in circumstances. If the plenum votes against it, the attorney general will be free to formally file the indictment and Gotliv will face the case as a criminal defendant rather than solely as a lawmaker waging a political fight.
A major milestone has been reached in Delaware’s effort to green the state — the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative, known as TEDI, has now exceeded 500,000 trees planted.
The program is working toward an ambitious target of planting one million trees across the state by the year 2030, and the latest numbers show it has now crossed the halfway point.
Along with the milestone announcement, officials have opened up a new application window for groups and organizations that are interested in receiving funding for tree planting projects planned for spring 2027.
Those who want to take part in the initiative are encouraged to apply during this current funding period.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is warning motorists about upcoming overnight lane restrictions affecting E-ZPass lanes in Newark and at Biddles Corner in New Castle County.
Tonight, travelers heading northbound on I-95 will encounter an E-ZPass lane closure running from 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m.
The following night, Wednesday, June 17th, the restrictions shift to southbound I-95, with another E-ZPass lane closure scheduled from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or plan alternate routes during those overnight hours.
Eight Salisbury University Sea Gulls have earned spots on the 2025-26 Academic All-District® Men’s and Women’s At-Large teams, as selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC).
The Academic All-District recognition is given to the nation’s top student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding achievement both on the field of play and in their academic pursuits.
The CSC Academic All-America® program recognizes at-large honorees across five separate divisions: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, and the College Division.
The eight Sea Gulls honored represent the university’s continued commitment to balancing competitive athletics with strong academic performance.
Governor Matt Meyer is urging swift action to bring down energy costs and shield Delaware residents from rising utility bills. The governor made the call during the closing stretch of the legislative session, pressing regulators, utility companies, state lawmakers, and members of the public to make energy affordability a top priority.
Meyer was joined by Senator Stephanie Hansen, Representative Frank Burns, Delaware Public Advocate Jameson Tweedie, and Public Service Commission Director Matt Hartigan as he made his case for protecting ratepayers across the state.
Eight people lost their lives Tuesday when a B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California, making it the deadliest accident involving that type of aircraft since 1982.
The B-52 Stratofortress — an eight-engine jet built to carry both nuclear and conventional weapons — went down during what military officials called a routine test mission. The aircraft had lifted off from the remote base at 11:20 a.m. local time before the crash occurred.
At a press conference, Col. James Hayes addressed the tragedy head-on. “Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans,” he said. Hayes went on to describe the victims as a “mixed crew of military, government civilians, and government contractors.”
Earlier in the day, the base had released a statement saying initial indications suggested the crash “was not survivable.” Military officials confirmed that response efforts have since transitioned fully to recovery operations. Black smoke rising from the crash site could be seen from miles away.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, confirmed that two of its employees were among those on board. “We are in contact with their families and are offering support,” the company said in a statement.
The tragedy drew condolences from high-ranking officials across the country. Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink and House Speaker Mike Johnson both took to social media to express their sympathies. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also offered his condolences to “the entire Edwards Air Force Base community” and praised the first responders who answered the call.
Col. Hayes said military investigators will work to piece together what led to the crash, but cautioned that detailed findings are not expected to be made public for roughly six months.
No information about the identities of the victims or the specific circumstances of the crash has been released. Authorities say the priority right now is recovery, followed by a thorough investigation into one of the worst B-52 disasters in decades.
Northbound travelers on Interstate 495 near the Christiana River Bridge are facing a right lane closure as crews carry out a sweeping operation in the area.
The lane restriction is in effect while the maintenance work is underway. Drivers are encouraged to use caution when passing through the affected stretch of roadway.
No word yet on how long the closure is expected to remain in place. Motorists should consider alternate routes or allow additional time for their commute until the operation is complete.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Monday that Pakistan helped bring about a landmark peace agreement between the United States and Iran, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.
Speaking before the National Assembly, Sharif declared that “after the darkness of war, the sun of peace has risen,” noting that both Iran and the United States had agreed to stop all military operations immediately.
Sharif extended his congratulations to US President Donald Trump, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for reaching the accord. He also expressed gratitude to Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their contributions to making the agreement possible.
The Pakistani prime minister also pointed to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s important role in pushing the agreement forward. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian confirmed Beijing’s support, telling reporters that China welcomes the deal and holds Pakistan’s mediation efforts in high regard.
Sharif described the recognition Pakistan has received for its peacemaking role as unprecedented, calling the agreement far more than a bilateral deal. In his words, it represents “a victory for peace and dialogue.”
He praised both the American and Iranian leaderships for showing patience and wisdom throughout the difficult negotiation process, stating: “Today, as a result of these efforts, the entire world is witnessing this historic day.”
Sharif had first broken the news late Sunday night in a post on the social media platform X, writing: “After prolonged and productive negotiations, a peace agreement has been reached between the United States and Iran. The formal signing ceremony of the agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.”
He noted that the deal covers an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, Lebanon included, and thanked both nations for choosing a diplomatic path to resolve the conflict.
The announcement drew widespread praise from world leaders, many of whom called it a major breakthrough for both regional stability and global diplomacy. Pakistan’s role as a mediator drew particular attention, with observers crediting Islamabad for bringing both sides to the negotiating table.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres offered his congratulations to both countries, describing the agreement as “a highly important step toward the peaceful resolution of the conflict” and calling it a rare encouraging moment for diplomacy amid heightened global tensions.
Guterres also acknowledged the countries that helped make the deal happen, saying: “I am deeply grateful to Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other regional countries for their constructive role in the success of these negotiations.”
President Donald Trump pushed back hard against a Financial Times report claiming his administration was supporting a massive $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, labeling the story “fake news” while affirming that Tehran had committed to giving up its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
According to the Financial Times, the proposed fund could be created if Iran agrees to the terms laid out in a memorandum of understanding designed to end hostilities and reach a nuclear deal. The report described the fund as being financed mainly through private investors and international partners — not directly by U.S. taxpayer dollars — though it would carry the backing of the Trump administration.
Trump fired back on social media, dismissing the story and pointing the finger at what he called “Dumocrats” — an apparent jab at Democrats.
“Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon! Also, the story that the U.S. is paying Iran 300 million Dollars is Fake News, put out by the Dumocrats!!!” he wrote.
Notably, Trump’s post referenced “300 million Dollars,” while the Financial Times report cited a figure of $300 billion — a significant discrepancy. The original report also never stated the money would come directly from the U.S. government, describing instead a privately and internationally financed structure.
The controversy unfolded shortly after Trump announced that the United States and Iran had reached an agreement to resolve their conflict. He then headed to the G-7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, where he expressed optimism about the deal and indicated further talks would be needed.
“We have our deal done with Iran, and it should be successful, it goes to a second stage, which I think would be actually easier,” Trump told reporters at the summit.
He characterized the agreement as serving as “a wall to a nuclear weapon” for Iran.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif indicated that the proposal is expected to move toward a formal signing ceremony on Friday in Geneva.
Northbound travelers on Interstate 495 are facing a lane restriction near the Christiana River Bridge as crews conduct a sweeping operation in the area.
The right lane of I-495 northbound at the Christiana River Bridge has been closed to allow the work to take place safely. Drivers in the area should expect some slowdowns and are encouraged to use caution while passing through the work zone.
No additional details regarding the expected duration of the closure were immediately available. Motorists are urged to stay alert, reduce speed, and be prepared for changing traffic conditions near the bridge.
LAS VEGAS — The Vegas Golden Knights have decided not to retain John Tortorella as their head coach, despite the fact that he steered the team all the way to the Stanley Cup Final while serving in an interim role.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon broke the news Tuesday, confirming Tortorella’s departure from the organization.
“We thank Torts for the guidance he provided our team since joining the organization in March,” McCrimmon said. “When the decision was made to bring Torts to Vegas, we needed an immediate impact to help us at a pivotal point in the season. Torts’ experience and leadership proved to be the boost that we were looking for, helping guide us to the Stanley Cup Final. We are grateful for Torts’ passion, sincerity, and commitment to our organization, and we wish him and his family the best.”
McCrimmon had brought Tortorella on board on March 30, the same day he let go of Bruce Cassidy with only eight games remaining in the regular season. The Golden Knights responded by winning seven of those eight games and then advanced through three playoff rounds before ultimately falling to Carolina in six games in the Stanley Cup Final.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice walked out of a Dallas County jail on Tuesday, having completed a 30-day sentence handed down for a probation violation connected to a multi-injury car crash on a Texas highway.
The 26-year-old was booked into the facility on May 19 after a positive test for THC. When he emerged from jail, Rice moved quickly past waiting reporters and climbed into a waiting SUV that drove him away from the scene.
Prior to beginning his sentence, Rice underwent surgery on his right knee to address debris that had been causing inflammation. His legal team successfully petitioned a judge to allow Rice to receive treatment at Parkland Hospital during his incarceration.
Rice was absent for all of the Chiefs’ voluntary offseason workouts and missed the team’s mandatory minicamp, which wrapped up last week. Despite that, head coach Andy Reid has indicated he expects the receiver to arrive on time when training camp opens at the end of July.
“(Chiefs trainer) Rick (Burkholder) has talked to him more than what I have,” Reid said, “just making sure that everything was set there where he could do some rehab with it and still do the time that he needed to take care of. So he’s on top of that, and thank goodness that they’re allowing him to do that. So, they’ve been great with that.”
The Chiefs are counting on Rice to provide a boost to an offense that struggled significantly during a disappointing 6-11 finish last season.
When healthy and available, Rice has proven to be a valuable contributor, recording 156 receptions for 1,797 yards and 14 touchdowns, and playing a role in the team’s Super Bowl victory in the 2023 season. However, suspensions and injuries have limited him to just 28 games played across three seasons.
“We’re moving forward as normal as we go here,” Reid said during voluntary workouts. “When he gets back, we’ve got to get him caught up in doing what he needs to do, and make sure he gets it. It’s not an easy thing he’s going through.”
“Life lessons are important,” Reid added, “but we’re all given chances to learn, and he’s in that position now.”
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The family of former NFL defensive star Aldon Smith has sent his brain to the Boston University CTE Center, where researchers will study the long-term impact of repeated head trauma, following his unexpected death at just 36 years old.
Smith passed away Saturday, just hours after he had delivered pizzas to a homeless charity in the San Francisco Bay area. No official cause of death has been released.
His family has brought on attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall to look into the circumstances of his death. In a statement issued Tuesday, the legal team said: “As with anyone who dies so suddenly at such a young age, we understand that there is a great deal of interest in and speculation about Aldon Smith’s passing and we intend to get to the bottom of it. To that end, we have taken a number of steps including sending his brain to Boston where medical experts will examine it for CTE as well as other damage caused by years of concussions and additional trauma.”
The attorneys also asked the public to “keep Aldon’s family in our prayers and respect their privacy as they struggle to come to grips with this terrible loss.”
According to Smith’s friend Amir Shirazi, who spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle, he discovered Smith slumped over in the front passenger seat of a vehicle after the pizza delivery on Saturday. Smith was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Former teammate Anthony Dixon paid tribute on social media, writing: “He was a creative mind, so smart, so fierce, so real, so powerful, his presence, his passion and his aura meant a lot to me as a brother and I wish I could’ve did more to help him and pray to God he doesn’t have to hurt anymore.”
Smith entered the league when San Francisco selected him seventh overall out of Missouri in the 2011 NFL Draft. He made an immediate splash, helping the 49ers end a playoff drought and advance to the NFC Championship Game in each of his first three seasons, including one Super Bowl appearance.
As a rookie, Smith recorded 14 sacks and finished as the runner-up to Von Miller in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The following year, he set a franchise record with 19 and a half sacks and earned first-team All-Pro honors. His combined 33 and a half sacks across his first two seasons remain the most in NFL history.
Smith continued that dominance into 2013, posting four and a half sacks in the first three games before off-field troubles began to mount. A DUI arrest and a stint in rehab for substance abuse cost him five games that season.
San Francisco released him in August 2015 following a fifth arrest in three years — another drunk driving charge. He signed with Oakland shortly before the 2015 season kicked off and recorded three and a half sacks in nine games before facing another suspension.
Smith sought reinstatement to the NFL in 2016 but was initially denied. Oakland released him in 2018 after a domestic violence arrest, though a plea agreement was later reached in that case.
He was ultimately reinstated in 2020 and played all 16 games for Dallas that year, contributing five sacks. He signed with Seattle the following season but was arrested again on a battery charge and released during training camp. In 2023, he served a six-month jail sentence for DUI and never returned to the NFL.
Smith wrapped up his professional career with 52 and a half sacks across 75 games.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When World Cup fans show up to cheer on their national teams, they’re not just carrying flags, jerseys, and team songs — many are also toting cups and metal straws to share a round of yerba mate.
The energizing beverage, a staple in many South American countries, has grown in popularity alongside the global reach of soccer. In the United States, it has even become a go-to drink for elite athletes both on and off the field.
When reigning World Cup champions Argentina arrived at their Kansas City hotel, supporters gathered outside sharing yerba mate from gourd-shaped cups, sipping through metal bombillas — a special filtered straw designed for the steeped leaves. At Cafe Corazon, considered one of the largest yerba mate importers in the Midwest, a crowd of fans dressed in Argentina’s signature sky blue-and-white jerseys stretched nearly to the door on Monday — the day before Argentina’s opening World Cup match.
“Our mate has been flying off the shelves,” said Dulcinea Herrera, a co-owner of Cafe Corazon. “So a lot of people have been coming in to try it. People who aren’t Argentinian want to just have that experience. And we have a lot of Argentinians coming in saying, ‘Oh, this reminds me of home.’”
Several of the World Cup’s most recognizable players are well-known mate enthusiasts, including Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. After Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, Messi famously shared a photo of himself holding a mate cup in one hand and the championship trophy in the other — a moment that firmly placed the drink among the most iconic images in sports history.
The beverage traces its origins to Indigenous peoples and gauchos — the traditional cowboys of South America — and has since traveled the globe. Christine Folch, a cultural anthropologist at Duke University and author of “The Book of Yerba Mate,” notes that different cultures around the world have put their own unique spin on the drink.
Mate drinkers from Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil each have distinct preferences for how the drink is prepared and what vessel it’s served in, which can serve as a cultural marker when fans from those regions cross paths at a match. Folch herself owns an extensive collection of mate cups, ranging from those crafted from cow hooves and horns to hand-stitched, leather-wrapped metal containers and traditional gourds.
Folch also explained that in the early 1900s, mate gained a strong following in Syria and Lebanon — which is why Middle Eastern grocery stores in the United States remain one of the primary places to find the dried leaves. In the American market, mate is frequently sold in refrigerated cans and promoted as a natural energy drink, often blended with fruit flavors. Some Cuban Americans enjoy a sweetened, carbonated version, while in Berlin, a sparkling mate drink called Club Mate is widely popular and frequently mixed with alcohol.
In its traditional form, the leaves are smoked during preparation, giving mate a slightly smoky quality along with a bold, earthy, grassy taste. Many drinkers say it provides an energy boost without the jittery feeling associated with coffee.
And for those new to ordering it — the correct pronunciation is MAH-teh, not like the word for a teammate on the soccer field.
Folch describes mate as a naturally social drink, well-suited for gatherings like sporting events, where it’s customary to share a single cup or bring enough for everyone around you.
“When somebody offers you mate and you accept, what you have done is you have stepped into a relationship. So it’s a way of bonding with people,” Folch said.
Sebastian Cufre and his father Rene, who was born in Argentina, made the drive from Albuquerque to Kansas City hoping to land last-minute tickets to Argentina’s match. At Cafe Corazon, they connected with fellow Argentina fans and passed a cup of mate around the table.
“It’s like something that you pass around during the games,” Cufre said.
While he has sampled the canned American version of the drink, he’s not impressed by it.
“Honestly, I don’t even consider that to be mate,” Cufre said. “That’s like a completely different class of beverage.”
Regardless of how someone prefers their mate, fans of the drink are encouraging North Americans to give it a try if they spot a cup being passed around at a cafe, restaurant, or watch party.
“It’s not only a drink, but a social thing,” said Fernando Villagran, originally from Salta, Argentina, who traveled from California to support his country’s team. “It is about friendship.”
WASHINGTON — Indiana has joined a small but growing list of states gaining new freedom over how they spend federal education money, becoming the third state to receive special exemptions from the U.S. Education Department under the Trump administration’s effort to “return education to the states.”
Under the approved plan, Indiana will combine $50 million in federal funding from five different funding streams into a single pool with fewer rules about how the money must be spent. State officials say the arrangement will cut compliance and paperwork costs by roughly $20 million. Iowa and Louisiana received similar exemptions earlier this year.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon traveled to Indiana on Tuesday to formally approve the plan alongside state Secretary of Education Katie Jenner and Gov. Mike Braun, a Republican.
Jenner expressed enthusiasm about the increased authority over federal dollars, saying states have long had control over standards, curriculum, and assessments — but not over how federal funding is used.
“As states, we have significant control over education in that we set the standards, we can choose our curriculum, we can design our assessments,” Jenner said. “But when it comes to federal funding, our hands have always been tied. Until now.”
Each year, the federal government sends billions of dollars to schools across the country, with funding levels determined by Congress. That money arrives through dozens of separate grants, each designated for specific purposes, and while it represents only a portion of most school budgets, it plays a critical role for many districts.
Federal waivers have existed for years and were heavily used during the pandemic. Under the current administration — which has pledged to dramatically reduce the federal government’s role in education — these waivers have taken on new significance as a tool for scaling back federal oversight of local school decisions.
Indiana’s waiver is also notable as the first approved by the Trump administration that touches the accountability system, permitting the state to reduce how much weight academic performance indicators carry in school ratings.
However, there are limits to what the federal government can approve. Indiana had asked to redirect money meant for struggling schools toward higher-performing schools that accept transfer students — essentially creating a school choice program — but that portion of the request was denied. An Education Department official explained that the proposal would have changed how funds are distributed to recipients, which falls outside the secretary’s legal authority to waive.
Iowa’s experience was similar. The state originally sought flexibility over major funding streams including Title I — which delivers more than $100 million to Iowa schools with large numbers of low-income students — and wanted to merge 10 funding streams into one. The department approved a much narrower waiver, combining just four funding streams worth a total of $9.8 million, covering teacher training, English learner programs, after-school activities, and academic enrichment.
Additional waivers are expected in the coming months, as several conservative-led states have either signaled interest or already submitted their own proposals seeking greater spending flexibility.
The Trump administration has framed the waivers as a way to empower state leaders and cut down on administrative red tape. The administration has also been a strong supporter of the school choice movement, in which taxpayer dollars are used to help families pay for private school or homeschooling. A federally run school choice program is set to launch next year.
Many of the funding streams being consolidated were originally set aside to help disadvantaged groups, including students in rural and low-income schools and those still learning English. Critics argue that without those specific designations, money intended for the most vulnerable students could get absorbed into broader spending that doesn’t directly address their needs. All three waivers approved so far roll English-language learner funding into a general spending pool.
The Education Department also signed off on Indiana’s request to overhaul its school accountability system using state-developed benchmarks, with a stronger emphasis on college and career readiness.
Denise Forte, CEO of EdTrust, an organization that advocates for educational equity, criticized both the waiver and the new accountability framework, arguing they reduce transparency and downplay reading and math performance.
“The Department of Education will allow Indiana to rewrite its accountability system in a way that will mask student performance and move millions of dollars in dedicated funding away from students who need it most,” Forte said in a written statement.
If you’ve ever shopped for groceries in certain countries, you may have noticed large black warning symbols plastered on food packaging. Known as front-of-package labels, or FOPLs, these markings are designed to alert consumers when a product contains elevated levels of added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. The goal is to encourage healthier eating — but critics say the system is deeply flawed, often flagging a carton of whole milk or chocolate milk with warning signs while leaving a can of diet soda untouched.
When a public health policy ends up discouraging people from eating genuinely nutritious foods, something has gone wrong. That’s the argument being made by the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, who say these labeling systems misrepresent dairy’s well-documented health benefits and threaten demand in key export markets — ultimately hurting American dairy farmers.
Three Major Battles in Latin America
The most active regulatory fights are currently playing out across Latin America.
In Chile — a market that generated $100 million in U.S. dairy exports last year — a front-of-package labeling requirement has been in place since 2019. Under that system, milk, yogurt, and cheese that exceed government thresholds for calories, saturated fats, sugars, and sodium must carry prominent warning labels. The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council have been teaming up with the Chilean Federation of Milk Producers to seek exemptions specifically for dairy products and to bring the labeling rules in line with Chile’s own dietary guidelines, which acknowledge dairy’s health value.
In Colombia, a market worth $183 million in U.S. dairy exports last year, regulators are considering a draft proposal that could classify most dairy products as “ultra-processed” — simply because making them involves certain processing steps or added functional ingredients. The two organizations filed formal comments with Colombian officials last month and are working alongside Colombian dairy industry partners to push for exemptions for nutrient-rich dairy foods.
In Mexico, the effort has been ongoing for six years. That market represents $2.6 billion in dairy exports, making the stakes enormous. The work there has focused on shaping Mexico’s labeling regulations in a more reasonable direction and preventing a final regulatory phase that could have banned many dairy products from publicly funded settings such as schools and hospitals.
Getting Policymakers Up to Speed on the Science
Changing policy requires more than advocacy — it requires educating the people who write the rules. To that end, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, with backing from the National Dairy Council and the National Milk Producers Federation, organized the NutriLact Congress 2026, a dairy nutrition conference held this past February in Lima, Peru. The event drew more than 300 scientists, health officials, policymakers, and other participants from 17 countries across Latin America. The conference made the case that dairy products play a unique role in filling nutritional gaps at every stage of life — from pregnancy and early childhood all the way through healthy aging.
What This Means for Dairy Farmers
A warning label on a block of cheese sold overseas might seem like a faraway concern, but the ripple effects are real. Reduced demand in export markets affects the bottom line for dairy farmers everywhere. The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council say they are committed to ensuring American dairy isn’t unfairly branded with misleading warning symbols. Through regional partnerships and educational initiatives like NutriLact, the industry is working to build the long-term relationships needed to win this global labeling fight.
VANCOUVER — A highly anticipated World Cup showdown is scheduled for Thursday as Canada takes on Qatar at BC Place stadium in Vancouver, with Group B remaining wide open and three points on the line for both teams.
Co-host Canada is coming off a 1-1 tie with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto during its tournament opener. The team can count on enthusiastic home support once again in Vancouver, where fans have already shown they are ready to embrace the sport in a country better known for its passion for ice hockey.
Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, also kicked off this tournament with a 1-1 draw, that time against Switzerland out in California.
BC Place has already demonstrated its enthusiasm for the competition, packing in a strong crowd for Australia’s 2-0 victory over Turkey. The stadium is expected to deliver a lively atmosphere as Canada pushes for a home win.
Canada enters as the favorite despite still being in search of their first-ever World Cup victory. Star forward Jonathan David, the country’s all-time leading scorer, will be looking to step up after substitute Cyle Larin scored the goal in the opening match.
A significant question mark hangs over the fitness of captain and left-back Alphonso Davies, who is dealing with a hamstring issue. That leaves head coach Jesse Marsch with a major lineup decision heading into the match.
Defender Joel Waterman is also hoping to see time on the field. He sat on the bench during the opener, but playing in his home city would make this game especially meaningful for him.
Qatar has had a tough road when it comes to earning respect on the World Cup stage. Heading into this tournament, the team had gone without a win across six matches played at the 1986 and 2022 editions. In 2022, they finished last in their group without earning a single point.
Still, Qatar has already shown improvement over that dismal 2022 showing and now has a chance to build on their opening draw with another strong result.
Waterman summed up the stakes heading into Thursday’s match. “The group is wide open,” he told reporters. “We want to top the group. The focus has never changed for us.”
“It’s a big game on Thursday to beat Qatar and then we’ve got to try and beat Switzerland as well,” Waterman continued. “We’re going to try and pick up the six points and go on to the next round.”
NEWARK, Del. — The University of Delaware field hockey team is looking ahead to the 2026 season after head coach Tara Zollinger unveiled the program’s full schedule on Tuesday.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens are set to compete in 18 games during the upcoming campaign, with 10 of those matchups taking place at Fred P. Rullo Stadium in Newark. The double-digit home game total marks the second year in a row the program has welcomed fans to 10 or more contests on their home turf.
