Motorists traveling on eastbound Naamans Road will encounter lane restrictions overnight due to ongoing construction activities.
The right lane is currently blocked between Peach Tree Lane and Hickman Road, with the closure expected to remain in effect until 6 AM.
Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes during the construction period.
Drivers should expect delays on Paper Mill Road tonight as construction work forces the closure of the westbound lane.
The lane shutdown affects the stretch of roadway between Corner Ketch Road and Willow Creek Lane, with the closure scheduled to last until 5 a.m.
Motorists traveling in that direction should plan alternate routes or allow extra time for their commute during the overnight construction period.
The director of Puerto Rico’s primary economic development agency stepped down Tuesday, launching sharp criticism at the U.S. territory’s administration led by Jenniffer González and alleging government meddling in departmental operations.
Sebastián Negrón Reichard’s exit from the influential Department of Economic Development and Commerce occurs during a crucial period as Puerto Rico works to rebuild its economy and draw in affluent investors.
In his resignation statement, Negrón Reichard revealed that over 10 senior agency officials — including the chief of staff, general counsel and finance director — had also quit following what he described as government interference. He stated this included overturning two summary suspensions he had implemented after an inquiry revealed inappropriate meddling in the agency’s procurement processes.
The administration’s decisions “made it impossible to continue performing the duties of the position with the integrity and autonomy that the role requires and that every secretary owes to the public,” Negrón Reichard stated.
He further noted that these actions left “unprotected the staff who reported alleged irregularities in internal processes.” Negrón Reichard indicated he would refrain from additional comments while legal proceedings are pending.
When reporters asked Gov. González about the resignation, she voiced her disappointment and deflected questions regarding the alleged interference claims.
“I’m disappointed because I think he was a great agency secretary,” she stated. “We accomplished a lot and worked hard.”
Puerto Rico Senate President Thomás Rivera Schatz, who has recently clashed with González despite sharing the same pro-statehood party affiliation, described the resignation as “extremely regrettable.”
“I hope that those responsible for evaluating and understanding the scope of these circumstances will do so and take the corrective actions they need to take, which I’ve been warning them about for quite some time,” Rivera Schatz stated.
“If they don’t, well, I’ll be talking to these people, and if they bring evidence to me that shows something is wrong, I’ll go after them,” he continued.
CUPERTINO, Calif. — Clarence B. Jones, the attorney and speechwriter who collaborated with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his iconic “I Have A Dream” address, has passed away at the age of 95.
Jones passed away Friday at a senior care facility in Cupertino, a community in the San Francisco Bay Area, with family members by his side, according to a family statement.
“Our father lived a life of conscience,” the family of Jones stated Tuesday. “He believed, until his final days, that an idea” is “more powerful than the march of any army. We are grateful beyond words for the love, the prayers, and the friendships that sustained him, and us, across this long and remarkable life.”
Serving as King’s legal counsel, Jones played a crucial role in pivotal moments during the Civil Rights Movement. He is recognized for secretly transporting portions of King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” from his prison cell and continued crafting speeches with the civil rights leader until King’s assassination in 1968.
Jones assisted in developing King’s 1967 “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” speech delivered at Riverside Church in New York exactly one year prior to King’s death. The address became a landmark moment in King’s opposition to the Vietnam War and American militarism overall. King contended that America’s involvement in the conflict worsened poverty throughout the nation.
Jones entered the world on Jan. 8, 1931 in Philadelphia, with parents who worked as domestic help for an affluent Quaker household located miles away in New Jersey, according to the Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy. Jones earned the honor of class valedictorian at an integrated high school in Palmyra, New Jersey. His talent for speechwriting emerged in 1949 when he delivered a graduation address focused on dismantling racial barriers.
Jones continued his education at Columbia University in New York. Following graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army but received an honorable discharge nearly two years afterward. He subsequently obtained his law degree from Boston University.
In 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership, Jones was contacted by King to join his legal defense team for a tax evasion case filed by Alabama. Jones shifted away from his entertainment law practice in California and relocated his family to New York City. This move allowed him to work closely with King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference while serving as a full-time advisor, attorney and speechwriter.
Jones participated as a legal team member in the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan case. The Supreme Court reversed a libel judgment against the publication, which had printed an advertisement criticizing police actions toward civil rights protesters in Montgomery, Alabama.
Following King’s assassination, Jones transitioned to employment with a Wall Street investment banking company and achieved the distinction of becoming the first Black American to receive allied member status with the New York Stock Exchange.
Jones later pursued academic endeavors. In 2012, he became a faculty member at the University of San Francisco, instructing law students and undergraduates in classes including “From Slavery to Obama.” In 2018, he helped establish the Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice at the institution. During this period, he also accepted a scholar-in-residence position at Stanford University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute.
In 2023, Jones released a memoir about his time working alongside King, titled “Last of the Lions: An African American Journey in Memoir.”
The next year, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian recognition, from then-President Joe Biden. Several weeks afterward, an emotional Jones made an appearance at a San Francisco Giants baseball game alongside Golden State Warriors basketball player Stephen Curry to deliver the ceremonial first pitch. Curry has produced and co-directed a documentary short film about Jones.
“The Baddest Speechwriter of All” received recognition at the Sundance Film Festival in January and is scheduled to become available on Netflix later this year.
Jones leaves behind five children and his longtime partner Lin Walters.
Arrangements for funeral services and a public memorial celebration are currently being developed.
A senior British intelligence leader will deliver stark warnings Wednesday about mounting security challenges facing the United Kingdom from hostile nations and rapidly evolving technology threats.
Anne Keast-Butler, who heads GCHQ, plans to address what she describes as a critical juncture for Britain during her agency’s inaugural annual lecture. Her prepared remarks characterize the current global situation as a “new era of radical uncertainty, contested geopolitics and rapidly changing technology.”
“The risk of miscalculation is as high as I’ve ever seen it,” Keast-Butler will tell audiences, according to advance excerpts from her presentation.
GCHQ serves as one of three British intelligence branches, focusing on communications monitoring and national cybersecurity operations. The agency has consistently raised alarms about security risks from Russia and China in recent years.
Just last month, officials from the National Cyber Security Centre, operating under GCHQ’s umbrella, cautioned that Britain should prepare for increased cyberattacks from unfriendly governments.
Speaking from Bletchley Park, the historic site where British codebreakers operated during World War Two, Keast-Butler will describe how Russia is “scaling up its daily hybrid activity against the UK and Europe” while “relentlessly targeting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust.”
The intelligence chief will also outline her organization’s efforts in “disrupting Russia’s efforts to smuggle Western tech, fending off cyber attacks, and countering reckless sabotage and assassination attempts,” based on speech previews.
Regarding technological developments like artificial intelligence breakthroughs, Keast-Butler will note that the “ground beneath our feet is shifting,” creating competitive pressures for Britain and allied nations to maintain their advantage over rivals including China.
Motorists traveling on southbound Route 113 should expect delays today as construction crews have closed the shoulder between Airport Road and Buccaneer Street.
The shoulder closure on this section of the highway is part of ongoing construction activities and is expected to last until 3 PM today.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute.
Motorists traveling through the area should plan for potential delays as construction crews have temporarily closed the right lane on northbound N James Street.
The lane restriction is in effect along the section of roadway that runs from E Justis Street to McMichaels Court. According to traffic officials, the closure is expected to remain in place until 3 PM today.
Drivers are advised to use caution when passing through the construction zone and to consider alternate routes if possible to avoid congestion.
Motorists traveling northbound on N James Street are encountering a right lane closure today due to ongoing construction work.
The lane restriction is affecting traffic between E Justis Street and McMichaels Court, with the closure expected to remain in effect until 3 PM.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their commute and use caution when traveling through the construction zone.
Motorists should avoid Tree Line Court today as the roadway remains completely impassable due to ongoing water main repair operations.
The full road closure spans the stretch of Tree Line Court running from Millcreek Road to Crossgates Drive. Repair crews are working to fix the damaged water main, with the closure scheduled to remain in effect until 4 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time when navigating the area.
A prominent evangelical leader who has been a strong supporter of President Donald Trump is already making bold predictions about the 2028 presidential election, claiming that a potential campaign pairing Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Ivanka Trump would be virtually unwinnable for Democratic opponents.
Dr. Mike Evans, who founded the Friends of Zion Museum, shared his thoughts with The Media Line on Tuesday morning, expressing confidence that such a political combination could successfully unite Trump’s core supporters with broader American voters.
“If this opportunity is seized, no one could run against these candidates,” Dr. Evans stated during the interview. “There’s no Democrat who could run and beat them. They’ll 100% win the White House back.”
Dr. Evans conducted this interview as international tensions were escalating, with Israeli forces reportedly advancing further into Lebanon territory, while President Trump simultaneously announced that the United States and Iran were approaching a potential agreement, even as American forces targeted Iranian positions in what Tehran described as a “grave violation” of the fragile ceasefire between the nations.
The evangelical leader praised both potential candidates, saying that Ivanka Trump “has the intelligence, she has the communication skills, she has it all, and she can cross over the base. Marco Rubio is the veteran with all the experience. So, I personally believe, if Marco Rubio and Ivanka run … no one can touch them with a 10-foot pole.”
According to Dr. Evans, Ivanka Trump could potentially reach the presidency within the next ten years, but serving as vice president initially would allow her to continue her father’s political legacy, with “the entire evangelical base, 100% of them, will support that on steroids.”
Shifting focus to international affairs, Dr. Evans discussed his belief that President Trump is currently pursuing a diplomatic agreement with Iran, though he emphasized this doesn’t mean the president would tolerate Iranian uranium enrichment, ballistic missile development, interference with the Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes, or continued funding of regional terrorist activities.
Dr. Evans characterized President Trump’s approach by saying he “plays the long game, so he’s looking at Iran, and he’s also looking at the clock. He knows he has two and a half years [left in office].”
The evangelical leader warned that President Trump refuses to allow anyone to “play him for the fool,” and if they attempt to do so, he will “go for your throat with revenge.” Dr. Evans suggested that if Tehran attempts to deceive or underestimate President Trump, “Iran can’t imagine in their worst nightmare what he will do to them. He will come back in a way they couldn’t possibly imagine.”
Dr. Evans has established himself as an influential evangelical figure who claims to have predicted major political developments, including the Abraham Accords years before their implementation during a speech at a conference hosted by a major publication. He also maintains that he anticipated President Trump’s political resurgence following his 2020 election defeat. During a 2024 speech in Jerusalem, Dr. Evans mentioned correspondence he had sent to President Trump during the period between his presidencies, urging him to use his Republican Party influence to advocate for military action against Kharg Island.
The evangelical leader has consistently positioned himself as one of President Trump’s most dedicated religious supporters and has been a vocal advocate for aggressive policies toward Iran, frequently discussing the conflict through both political and religious perspectives.
Dr. Evans expressed his belief that President Trump recognizes the significance of the upcoming midterm elections and the potential political limitations that could result from Republicans losing control in Washington.
“The Republicans need to stay in power, because then if the Democrats are in power, they can pass legislation to block the president from everything, including war in Iran,” Dr. Evans explained. “So we need to win these midterms. This is very important.”
Based on this political calculation, he anticipates that President Trump will likely delay any major escalation with Iran until after the midterm elections conclude.
However, Dr. Evans also argued that President Trump has already demonstrated his willingness to authorize significant military operations despite potential political consequences.
“I don’t think he’s capitulating over the midterms, because if he was basing his decisions on the midterm, he would have never attacked Iran,” Dr. Evans observed. He noted that President Trump is “dancing with the gorilla in the midterms, and the dilemma you have with this gorilla he’s dancing with is it’s affecting the US economy, affecting the prices of food, affecting the prices of oil, and he doesn’t want to lose the midterms, because we know what the Democrats will do to him in the next two years.”
He suggested that even if President Trump reaches an agreement with Iran, the country should not anticipate significant concessions from the United States. Instead, Dr. Evans argued, President Trump would provide Iran with an opportunity to demonstrate good faith, and if Tehran fails to meet expectations, “he’s not going to allow Iran to play games … He’s had the courage to do the right thing, and the damage he’s done to Iran is unbelievably significant, so I think he’s trying his best to balance both these complicated dilemmas, without compromising.”
Dr. Evans also predicted that President Trump will work to expand the Abraham Accords by bringing Saudi Arabia and other nations into the agreement before the midterm elections and their political ramifications take effect.
“This will be a game changer for the state of Israel, because it builds a firewall for Israel,” Dr. Evans stated.
President Trump facilitated the original Abraham Accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and later Morocco during the final period of his first presidency. Sudan also became a signatory to the accords, though its involvement has been effectively suspended due to the civil conflict that erupted in the country in April 2023. Kazakhstan became the most recent addition to the Abraham Accords when it officially joined on November 6, 2025.
Dr. Evans added that the “greatest military maneuver is sometimes not advancing but retrenching. It’s regrouping for the next battle. So, I’m not one bit worried about Israel.”
In May 2024, Dr. Evans installed prominent billboards throughout Jerusalem displaying an hourglass image overlaid on the Islamic Republic’s flag, accompanied by a prediction that the Iranian Ayatollah regime would fall by October 28, 2028. This date corresponds with the 7th of Aban in the Iranian calendar, which is observed as Cyrus the Great Day.
Many evangelical Christians draw comparisons between President Trump and Cyrus, who is referenced in the Book of Isaiah, as an example of how imperfect, non-believing leaders can still be instruments for advancing divine purposes.
“I still believe by 2028 it’ll happen,” Dr. Evans maintained. “It may not happen in the exact month I’m saying, but I believe it’s going to happen in the fall of that year.”
He explained that the collapse of the Iranian regime requires time and that “Trump knows what he’s doing … I believe he’s playing the long game, and I believe he knows exactly what he’s doing, and it’ll be just fine.”
Dr. Evans also discussed the anticipated Israeli election, which is expected to occur within the next five months. He advocated for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek reelection, stating that “he’s done an enormous amount of good for the state of Israel. No prime minister has done what he’s done.”
He dismissed Netanyahu’s opponents, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, as “characters.”
In 2021, Dr. Evans launched a harsh public criticism of then-Yamina leader Bennett for his role in removing Netanyahu from power. He distributed a letter to Bennett that gained widespread attention on social media, in which he accused the leader of having “betrayed the very principles that a generation gave their blood for and died for. You want to be in bed with the Muslim Brotherhood and leftists. God have mercy on your soul. You’re a pathetic, bitter little man so obsessed with murdering Netanyahu that you’re willing to damage the State of Israel for your worthless cause.”
Dr. Evans subsequently issued a personal apology for that letter.
He informed The Media Line that Christians will continue supporting Israel regardless of who serves as prime minister, but emphasized that “no person on the planet is more loved by evangelicals than Benjamin Netanyahu, not even Donald Trump … If you think of evangelicals globally all over the world, this is the bridge builder, this is the one who speaks our language.”
He suggested that alternative prime ministers would be unlikely to understand how to effectively engage with evangelicals to the same degree as Netanyahu and would probably lack meaningful relationships with this constituency.
“They’ll be at a tremendous disadvantage,” he concluded.
LAS VEGAS — The head coach of the Las Vegas Aces is holding firm on her controversial stance about shorter players leading championship teams, despite Jalen Brunson’s success in taking the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals.
Becky Hammon originally shared her views during an ESPN appearance in December 2023, declaring that the Knicks would be unable to capture a championship with the 6-foot-2 Brunson as their top performer.
“If your best player is small, you’re not winning,” Hammon said at the time.
Her remarks have resurfaced following Brunson’s outstanding performance in earning the Larry Bird Trophy as Eastern Conference finals MVP after the Knicks completed a sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday evening. During the series, he posted averages of 25.5 points and 7.8 assists per game.
New York will meet either defending champion Oklahoma City or San Antonio in the championship series.
“I speak from experience,” Hammon stated on Tuesday. “Allen Iverson got MVP and he lost in the finals. I think the two best teams are probably in the West, but I’m up for being proven wrong. That’s the other thing, I think Jalen Brunson’s a hell of a player, a hell of a player. I’m speaking historically on the NBA with what I said. I don’t know why everybody’s so stuck on that. I said it two years ago.
“I said what I said. If he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong.”
Hammon, whose coaching has led the Aces to three WNBA titles in the last four seasons, has personal ties to the current NBA playoff picture.
The Hall of Fame player previously suited up for the San Antonio Silver Stars — the franchise that later relocated to Las Vegas and transformed into the Aces — and subsequently served as an assistant coach with the Spurs organization under coach Gregg Popovich.
“Oh, you know who I’m cheering for,” Hammon said.
RAQQA, Syria (AP) — Officials in Syria issued evacuation warnings Tuesday for people living along the Euphrates River after water levels climbed significantly over recent days, triggering widespread flooding across northern and eastern regions.
The flooding has impacted two provinces – Raqqa in the north and Deir el-Zour in the east – though no injuries have been documented so far. Such flooding events have become uncommon in Syria following the construction of Turkish dams years ago that now regulate water flow into Syria and Iraq.
According to state media reports, the rising waters have damaged farmland along with residential and commercial properties in areas that saw fighting between government troops and Kurdish forces earlier this year.
Officials attribute the flooding to unusually heavy rainfall this season, which forced authorities to release water through gates at the Euphrates Dam to relieve structural pressure on the facility.
The state news agency SANA reported that opening the dam gates has created a flow rate of approximately 1,800 cubic meters (63,566 cubic feet) per second, potentially causing further water level increases.
Forecasters predict river levels could climb an additional 2 meters (6.5 feet) in the coming hours.
Mohammed Amin, 65, owns the well-known Greek House restaurant in Raqqa, which suffered partial submersion and thousands of dollars in losses. Fish were spotted swimming through the main dining area where water reached several centimeters deep.
“Our losses are huge,” Amin stated, explaining that refrigeration equipment failed and floodwaters swept away more than 200 chairs positioned along the riverbank.
Sabha Mohammed, 50, who was forced to leave her home in Maadan within Raqqa province, watched as flood waters destroyed much of her possessions at the riverside tent where she currently lives. “It was early in the morning when the flood began,” she explained.
Syria’s Civil Defense organization issued safety warnings advising people to stay out of the river and avoid crossing small bridges or using boats during the flooding. The agency also recommended that residents relocate themselves and their livestock to elevated areas.
LIMA, Peru (AP) — An international heritage organization that focuses on preserving world-famous archaeological locations has extended an offer to collaborate with Peru’s leadership to address persistent issues at Machu Picchu, where visitors regularly encounter lengthy waits, excessive crowds, and undependable transportation services.
The New7Wonders foundation made this announcement on Tuesday, several months following their September warning that Machu Picchu’s status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — a title awarded in 2007 — could be jeopardized due to ongoing visitor service problems.
Jean Paul De la Fuente, who heads the foundation, stated he had observed “no progress” at the ancient site following last year’s alert, blaming Peru’s “political paralysis” for the lack of improvement.
De la Fuente, who is currently visiting Peru to meet with tourism authorities, expressed his readiness to engage with Peru’s incoming administration to “explore solutions” for the inadequate services plaguing the location.
Peruvian officials have not yet responded to the offer. The country is preparing for a presidential runoff election on June 7 to select its next leader — marking the ninth president in ten years.
The electoral contest features Keiko Fujimori, whose father previously served as president before being imprisoned for human rights violations, competing against Roberto Sanchez, a former commerce minister who has pledged significant changes to the country’s mining industry. The winner will form the next government.
“People travel to Machu Picchu thinking that they will visit a marvel of the world,” De la Fuente said. “But for many that dream is turning into a nightmare.”
The ancient Inca fortress, constructed during the 15th century, received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983. Twenty-four years later, it earned recognition through an internet-based survey organized by the New7Wonders foundation, where travelers selected seven modern world wonders.
De la Fuente noted that visitor numbers have increased dramatically since that designation, while Peruvian officials have failed to implement necessary infrastructure improvements.
He emphasized that removing Machu Picchu’s wonder status is not currently under consideration, though he hopes the government will review his organization’s improvement proposals.
“We hope to be able to work with a new leadership once its in place, to find a positive outcome for Machu Picchu,” De la Fuente said. “Going from a negative situation to making sure than Machu Picchu can be an example that many of the other wonders of the world can look up to.”
A devastating house blast in Plainfield Township, Michigan early Tuesday morning resulted in one fatality and left another person fighting for their life, according to local officials.
The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire remains under investigation by authorities. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. in the township located north of Grand Rapids.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office reported that when emergency responders reached the scene, the residence had been completely destroyed with burning debris scattered around the area. Officials confirmed one fatality at the scene.
Two heroic neighbors managed to rescue a woman from the wreckage after they heard her cries for help.
“I had to get in there and get her out,” neighbor Tim Johnson told WOOD-TV. He described how they “grabbed her arms and pulled her out as far as we could.”
Emergency crews transported the rescued woman to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition.
The powerful explosion was strong enough to shake Johnson’s nearby home. During the rescue effort, Johnson sustained second-degree burns to his head and hand.
Authorities announced Tuesday that the deadly blaze and blast at a Maine lumber facility that claimed a firefighter’s life and wounded twelve others was unintentional and began at the bottom of a storage silo.
The May 15 incident at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont resulted in the death of Andrew Cross, 27, from the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Those hurt in the incident included family members who operate the lumber facility as well as other emergency personnel. The blaze created massive clouds of dark smoke and necessitated hundreds of firefighters from multiple departments to bring it under control.
Quick ignition of dust particles led to a blast inside the silo that lifted it off its concrete foundation and released substantial amounts of sawdust and other debris, according to a Tuesday statement from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. The storage structure then collapsed and flames spread throughout the surrounding area, officials reported.
The fire marshal’s office indicated that investigators plan to return to the site in upcoming months for a more thorough examination.
“Investigators also determined the facility’s fire suppression system, which was located near the top of the silo, did not activate because temperatures at that elevation did not reach the activation threshold after the fire originated at the base of the silo,” the office’s statement said.
Facilities that process lumber are significant sources of flammable dust. Strong winds during the investigation postponed the release of findings, according to Maj. Aaron Turcotte, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, who spoke last week.
“High winds throughout the day created difficult working conditions on scene, resulting in flying debris and periodic interruptions to investigative operations. Drone operations and aerial photography were particularly challenging due to the wind, causing delays in some scene documentation,” Turcotte said in a statement.
The blast in Searsmont, located approximately 95 miles northeast of Portland, prompted a large-scale emergency response to this remote area of the state. Personnel from the state fire marshal and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives launched an investigation following the explosion and fire, which required several hours to control.
Gov. Janet Mills subsequently directed that state flags be lowered to half-staff last week to honor Cross.
“My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Andrew Cross,” Mills said. “He died a hero.”
The company’s website characterizes Robbins Lumber as a “high-tech lumber manufacturer” operating since 1881 and owned by the same family for five generations. Christian Halsted, speaking for the family, stated following the fire that it was a “hugely devastating day for the family” and confirmed the family’s cooperation with investigators.
Wood and lumber products represent a vital and longstanding industry in Maine. According to the Maine Forest Products Council, the sector generated over $8 billion for the state’s economy in 2024 and employs approximately 29,000 people.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. health secretary, has internet users talking after posting footage of himself bare-handedly capturing two serpents, marking another chapter in his well-documented history of wildlife encounters.
The clip, which Kennedy posted to his personal social media Tuesday, shows him grasping the tails of two harmless black racer snakes while removing them from the outdoor space belonging to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Kennedy, known for his outdoor pursuits, has frequently documented his interactions with various wild creatures through photos and videos over the years. His animal-related stories include a past admission of placing a deceased bear in New York’s Central Park as a joke.
The recent snake footage drew mixed reactions online, with viewers expressing everything from delight to disbelief to criticism. The video captures the serpents attempting to bite toward Kennedy’s hands while Oz inquires about the creatures. Kennedy’s spouse, actress Cheryl Hines, can be heard questioning “Why?” and urging him to release the animals.
Wildlife specialists confirmed the snake species poses minimal threat to people, even when biting occurs. However, they emphasized that handling wild animals creates stress for the creatures and advised against Kennedy’s tail-grabbing technique, which risks spinal damage to the snakes.
“That is not how I would handle the snakes, but I’m a trained professional,” said Bonnie Keller, a herpetologist and former board member of the Virginia Herpetological Society.
Sean McKnight, director of programs at the nonprofit Rattlesnake Conservancy, said he encourages people to minimize the duration that they’re handling any kind of wildlife, because they are “potentially stressing out the animals more than needed.”
Kennedy’s recent animal interactions include a photo from earlier this month showing him holding a bird he described as rescuing a starling at Dulles Airport in northern Virginia.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, he shared footage of himself using a net and small shovel to catch a rattlesnake in his California driveway. That video showed him carefully gripping the poisonous snake with his bare hands and displaying its fangs for the camera. McKnight noted he wouldn’t recommend anyone handle rattlesnakes in this manner, as there’s no safe way to restrain them manually.
Kennedy also drew criticism in 2024 when he revealed he had taken a bear carcass from a roadside and positioned it in Central Park as a prank in 2014. He mentioned at that time having collected roadkill throughout his life and once maintaining a “freezer full of it” at his residence. His campaign spokesperson Stefanie Spear, now a senior adviser at the nation’s health department, explained that roadkill served as food for Kennedy’s birds, as he has long practiced falconry.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorneys for the Southern Poverty Law Center told a federal judge Tuesday that criminal charges against their organization represent a politically motivated prosecution that should be thrown out, claiming the case stems from a coordinated effort to target President Donald Trump’s perceived adversaries.
The civil rights organization based in Alabama faces fraud and money laundering allegations filed in April, with prosecutors claiming the group deceived contributors by compensating informants within white supremacist and extremist organizations to gather intelligence about their operations.
Defense attorneys for the SPLC previously contended that law enforcement has been aware for years that the organization compensated informants to monitor hate group activities. They also pointed out that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche made inaccurate statements during a press conference and media appearances when he claimed the organization withheld information gathered from informants from law enforcement agencies. Blanche later seemed to modify his position in a television appearance, acknowledging the SPLC had “selectively” provided information to law enforcement throughout the years.
In Tuesday’s dismissal motion, the organization’s legal team built upon these arguments, describing the prosecution as the “culmination of a top-down, retributive campaign” where Trump pressured the Justice Department “to go after those individuals and groups he deemed his political enemies, including the SPLC.”
The filing comes amid other controversial prosecutions that have sparked worries about the Justice Department being used as a tool against Trump’s critics. The motion attempts to connect the SPLC case with the human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, which a judge dismissed Friday on similar vindictive prosecution grounds, calling it an “abuse of prosecuting power.”
The SPLC has explained that its discontinued informant compensation program was created to gather crucial intelligence about hate group activities to help protect potential targets. While an earlier federal probe into these practices ended without charges, the current motion portrays the Justice Department as pursuing the matter with renewed and hasty determination.
According to the defense filing, the department moved forward with the indictment without interviewing any current SPLC staff members and didn’t request documents from the organization until after informing defense counsel that criminal charges would be filed. When defense lawyers requested a meeting hoping to prevent the indictment, Justice Department officials told them the charging decision had already been finalized, the motion reveals.
“These procedural irregularities show that the charges against the SPLC were a foregone conclusion based on prosecutorial vindictiveness — driven by the White House and FBI leadership’s retribution campaign — rather than the result of a good faith examination of the evidence,” the motion states, describing the indictment as “premised on conclusory accusations but devoid of provable facts or a proper statement of the law.”
The motion also references whistleblower reports that alleged senior Justice Department officials rushed the indictment despite internal doubts about the case’s merit and evidence quality.
“For weeks, we have been arguing against these false allegations levied against the SPLC — an organization that for 55 years has stood as a beacon of hope fighting white supremacy and various forms of injustice to create a multiracial democracy where we can all live and thrive,” Bryan Fair, the interim president and CEO of SPLC, said in a statement. “The government can’t prosecute the SPLC as payback for its protected speech — it violates basic constitutional rights.”
Established in 1971 as a civil rights organization, the SPLC has spent decades using legal action to combat white supremacist organizations. The group also monitors the activities and locations of domestic extremists. However, this work has made it a frequent target among Republicans who view it as excessively liberal and partisan.
The organization gained renewed scrutiny last year following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as the SPLC had featured a section about the organization Kirk established and headed, Turning Point USA, in a publication called “The Year in Hate and Extremism 2024.”
FBI Director Kash Patel announced in October that the bureau would end its relationship with the SPLC, characterizing it as a “partisan smear machine” and accusing it of defaming “mainstream Americans” through its “hate map” that documents alleged anti-government and hate groups across the United States.
The defense motion argues that “animus” from high-ranking administration officials influenced the indictment.
Among the examples cited, the motion includes Trump’s own remarks calling the SPLC “a total scam run by the Democrats,” along with a media interview where Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department’s top civil rights official, described the indictment as “personal” to her because she had “a lot of journalist friends … and groups that I’ve represented who have been targeted by the Southern Poverty Law Center.”
WASHINGTON — Construction workers are busy installing a temporary but elaborate project on the White House grounds that’s unlike anything seen before at the presidential residence.
An eight-sided fighting arena is being assembled on the South Lawn to accommodate a UFC event scheduled for next month, serving as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebration and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Digital mockups show the planned appearance of the wire-mesh-enclosed combat area before the June 14 event. The fighting space will be encircled by a patriotic red, white and blue platform beneath a massive archway decorated with star and stripe designs and two jumbo screens broadcasting the action in real time.
The arena and platform will be encircled by thousands of temporary bleachers, including front-row areas designated for a complete marching band that will provide loud musical accompaniment to the entire spectacle.
This construction represents one element of multiple events planned to commemorate the semiquincentennial of when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. Additional scheduled activities include an IndyCar race route that will travel past the White House and the Great American State Fair happening on the National Mall.
Trump has described the completed UFC installation as featuring “a 5,000-seat arena right outside the front door of the White House.” Extra jumbo screens showing the matches will be positioned in a park at the nearby Ellipse, with the UFC planning to distribute up to 85,000 complimentary tickets for viewers at both venues.
“I have never seen anybody want anything so much as people want those tickets,” Trump said recently regarding attendance demand for the UFC event, adding, “That’s gonna be something.”
Online fans have criticized the fight lineup as disappointing, with only two title matches scheduled. Brazil’s Alex Pereira will face France’s Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Then Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria takes on interim champ Justin Gaethje, one of just two Americans who currently hold even a share of the UFC’s 11 championship belts.
The eight-sided ring and accompanying infrastructure represent the newest addition to the White House construction surge Trump is overseeing.
The president’s additional efforts to create his legacy include removing portions of the Rose Garden to create patio areas similar to his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida, installing partisan plaques along the colonnade wall for a Presidential Walk of Fame, remodeling the bathroom connected to the Lincoln Bedroom and updating the Palm Room, adding new flag poles to the north and south lawns and completely demolishing the East Wing for an expansive ballroom.
The president also plans to repaint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House and construct a 250-foot arch at the nearby Lincoln Memorial — the same location where weigh-ins for the upcoming UFC event are scheduled to occur, according to event organizers.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson is set to return for another season behind the bench, sources indicate.
The Cavaliers’ season came to an end when they were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. The series started with Cleveland surrendering a 22-point fourth-quarter advantage in the opening game and concluded Monday evening with a decisive 130-93 defeat.
Atkinson earned NBA Coach of the Year honors last season and inked a five-year contract upon his hiring in 2024.
Star player Donovan Mitchell voiced his backing for Atkinson on Monday, praising the coach for guiding the team to the conference finals following consecutive second-round exits in previous years.
“We love Kenny. I ride with Kenny,” Mitchell stated.
During his two seasons leading the Cavaliers, Atkinson has compiled a 116-48 regular-season record. His previous head coaching experience includes a stint with the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020, and he has worked as an assistant coach for various teams since 2008, including his most recent role with the Golden State Warriors from 2021-2024.
The Cavaliers roster may undergo changes heading into next season.
Mitchell can sign a long-term extension, while James Harden must decide whether to exercise his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Reports suggest Harden is expected to negotiate a new two-year contract at a reduced salary to stay in Cleveland. He expressed Monday night that he “definitely wants to be” with the Cavaliers.
Cleveland could also pursue a third stint with LeBron James, who mentioned last week that he is still considering his options for the upcoming season.
However, the Cavs have reportedly shown considerable interest in pursuing Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sources indicate Cleveland approached Milwaukee during the trade deadline but couldn’t reach an agreement because they refused to include Evan Mobley in any deal.
WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) – The United Nations Security Council issued a formal condemnation Tuesday regarding an assault on the Barakah Nuclear Plant located in the United Arab Emirates, declaring in an official statement that such actions represent a breach of international law.
The security council stopped short of assigning responsibility for the assault.
According to UAE officials from the previous week, six unmanned aircraft were deployed against the nation from Iraqi territory, with one of the drones sparking a blaze at the nuclear facility in the Gulf nation. Iraq serves as a base for influential militia organizations backed by Iran, which have taken credit for strikes against “enemy bases in Iraq and the region” throughout the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Drivers traveling northbound on S Old Baltimore Pike should expect reduced lane availability due to ongoing construction work.
The shoulder closure spans the stretch between Woodshade Drive and Trefoil Drive, with work expected to continue until 7 PM today.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
Soccer fans across the country now know where they might catch a glimpse of their favorite international teams preparing for competition. FIFA has announced the complete roster of American cities that will serve as training headquarters for 39 national teams during the 2026 World Cup.
The international soccer organization completed its selection process this week, revealing which municipalities will welcome teams for practice sessions throughout the tournament. The decision affects communities nationwide as they prepare to host some of the world’s top soccer talent.
With 11 American venues already selected to host actual World Cup matches, the training site announcements add another layer of excitement for fans hoping to experience the global tournament closer to home. The training facilities will give supporters additional opportunities to see international players in action beyond the official match schedule.
Naomi Osaka came prepared for pushback when she stepped onto the court at the French Open wearing a dazzling yellow-brown and gold dress, packing plain alternatives just in case tournament officials raised concerns about her fashion choice.
The Japanese tennis star elevated the style game in Paris during the third day of competition, making her entrance on Court Suzanne Lenglen wearing a black Kevin Germanier skirt before revealing her shimmering layered Nike competition outfit for her match against Laura Siegemund on Tuesday.
“When I first saw the match dress in real life, I felt I look like the Eiffel Tower at night, when it’s bright,” Osaka shared with media following her 6-3 7-6(3) victory.
“I actually got a little worried, because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot. So I was a little scared that the umpire was going to kick me off the court.”
“So I got two backup normal Nike dresses… thank God I didn’t have to wear them, though. I thought that the reflection of the dress was really beautiful, but it just reminded me of the Eiffel Tower a little bit.”
The tennis player, who previously caught attention with a jellyfish-themed outfit at this year’s Australian Open, acknowledged she’s grown comfortable with her reputation as a fashion trendsetter on the women’s professional circuit.
“I’m a little used to it now. I think in Australia … the Yoon (Ahn) Ambush dress first started it all off (in 2024). The U.S. Open, the roses in my hair (last year), that’s when I started to really get into it a lot more,” she explained.
“In Australia (this year), it was a real conversation starter. I don’t really feel like it’s a big deal to do that and then play after. I can see where people think I feel a little stressed or whatever. I think that’s the thing about it.”
“Sometimes people say athletes are in show business or are entertainers, or whatever. I feel like for me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel I’m an entertainer.”
Osaka expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of style icon and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams making a comeback to professional tennis.
The 44-year-old American hasn’t competed since the 2022 U.S. Open, following which she announced she was “evolving away from tennis,” but has sparked comeback rumors after rejoining the sport’s anti-doping program last year.
“Just to see her around the sites and playing matches again I think is really cool for tennis,” Osaka commented.
“I would be excited to see her outfits again, too. But also her playing. I think she’s one of the best players in the world, of course.”
WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY – The Trump administration’s chief trade official announced Tuesday that the United States intends to impose tariffs on its North American free trade partners while highlighting major trade disputes with Canada.
Speaking at a forum, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that tariff implementation will continue as long as the country faces substantial trade deficits.
“We’re going to have tariffs as long as we have a giant trade deficit,” Greer explained during his remarks. “The reality is we’ve spent the past year and a half going to countries telling them we have to have some level of tariff.”
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed the United States men’s soccer team’s 26-player World Cup roster on Tuesday, with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie serving as the squad’s cornerstone players for a tournament where Americans are hoping for a strong performance on home turf.
The roster features an equal balance of 13 first-time World Cup participants and 13 veterans from the 2022 Qatar tournament, where the United States advanced to the round of 16. The returning group features the team’s three goal scorers from Qatar: Pulisic, Tim Weah and Haji Wright.
“We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup,” Pochettino stated.
“These were very difficult decisions, and we are thankful to all the players who were part of this journey. This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and deliver performances that will make the fans and the country proud.”
The AC Milan player Pulisic continues to be the squad’s most prominent figure, while Adams, who captained the 2022 team, brings a fighting spirit and flexibility to the midfield following his campaign with Premier League side Bournemouth.
AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun is anticipated to vie for the top striker position if the United States deploys Pochettino’s favored 3-4-2-1 system, and may become a crucial offensive weapon this summer.
Despite receiving minimal minutes at Borussia Moenchengladbach this season, Gio Reyna secured his spot, providing the United States with an additional creative attacking option.
Alejandro Zendejas also made the cut following an impressive end to his season with Liga MX team Club America, after being excluded from the March roster.
Two significant absences include Diego Luna, who has been managing an injury, and Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann.
The United States is jointly hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada. This represents the first occasion the nation has welcomed soccer’s premier global competition since 1994.
McKennie expressed that the team has an opportunity to energize a new wave of American supporters.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone on the roster and also for the fans who maybe don’t know a lot about soccer here in America to feel the passion,” he commented during a roster announcement event in Manhattan.
“I hope that we can make people fall in love with the game here and maybe be able to etch our names in the history books.”
The United States will begin their Group D matches against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles.
The space agency has begun placing orders for equipment needed to establish a lunar outpost, just weeks following the successful Artemis II mission that broke records for deep space travel.
On Tuesday, NASA revealed details for the initial stage of constructing a moon base, distributing contract awards worth hundreds of millions to four American companies.
Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, will supply two landing vehicles to transport lunar rovers to the moon’s surface near the south polar region. The moon vehicles will be manufactured by Astrolab and Lunar Outpost. Firefly Aerospace, which achieved a successful moon landing last year, will transport the initial aerial drones to the lunar surface.
The timeline calls for all equipment to reach the moon ahead of the first Artemis crew landing, currently scheduled for 2028 at the earliest.
This past April, four astronauts completed the Artemis II mission by circling the moon, venturing further from Earth than any Apollo crews during their missions in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The upcoming Artemis III mission next year will see astronauts rehearse connecting NASA’s Orion spacecraft with lunar landing vehicles in Earth orbit, which are being developed by Blue Origin and SpaceX, led by Elon Musk.
NASA has set a target of mid-2027 for Artemis III, followed by a two-person lunar landing mission as early as 2028. The lunar base’s second development stage, spanning from 2029 through the early 2030s, will focus on establishing permanent infrastructure including electrical systems. The facility is expected to accommodate astronauts for long-duration stays in dedicated living quarters during the third phase sometime in the 2030s.
“Then we’ll be able to say, ‘Hey, we’re permanently here and we’re not giving it up,’” said NASA’s moon base program executive Carlos Garcia-Galan.
Garcia-Galan pictures a lunar facility extending across hundreds of square miles, with boundaries defined by drones called MoonFall positioned at strategic points.
Isaacman explained that these boundary markers are designed to show consideration for other nations’ spacecraft and equipment that may be operating in the vicinity. He anticipates similar courtesy from other countries.
The lunar base aims to foster commercial lunar activities while supporting scientific studies and preparing for future Mars missions, according to Isaacman.
“For those waiting patiently, the grand return is close at hand and we will not slow down,” Isaacman said. “We are really just getting started.”
Late Tuesday evening, Israeli forces launched dual airstrikes in Gaza City, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 12 people wounded, according to medical officials. The military action occurred just hours before Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most significant religious celebrations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with defense minister Israel Katz, issued a joint statement confirming the strikes aimed at Mohammed Odeh, who they identified as Hamas’ new military wing commander. The officials described Odeh as “one of the architects” behind the October 7, 2023, assault that sparked more than two years of ongoing conflict.
This latest military action follows another recent Israeli operation that eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the former commander of Hamas’ military branch, less than two weeks earlier.
Hamas has not yet responded to the strikes. Medical personnel transported the victims’ remains to Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, where officials verified the casualties.
The timing of the operation coincided with the start of Eid al-Adha, traditionally marked by festive family reunions and celebratory feasts.
For Gaza residents, this year’s holiday observance remains muted, as most of the population continues living in displacement camps and makeshift accommodations following extensive warfare destruction.
The October ceasefire agreement between Israeli and Hamas forces continues to face challenges. Since the truce began, Israeli military operations have resulted in more than 880 Palestinian deaths. Israeli officials justify these actions as responses to Hamas ceasefire breaches or security threats against their troops, though Palestinian medical authorities report significant civilian casualties among the fatalities. During the same timeframe, four Israeli military personnel have also lost their lives.
Israel’s Gaza military campaign began following Hamas’ October 2023 offensive, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in 250 individuals being taken captive.
Gaza’s Palestinian Health Ministry reports that Israeli military action has killed more than 72,700 Palestinians. The ministry, operating under Gaza’s Hamas administration, does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties in its tallies.
ATHENS, Greece — The former Greek prime minister who battled European creditors during his nation’s financial crisis has made his political comeback, announcing the formation of a new party ahead of upcoming elections.
Alexis Tsipras unveiled the Greek Left Alliance on Tuesday during a rally held outdoors near the Acropolis, with enthusiastic supporters in attendance.
“We cannot stand by and watch society suffocate,” Tsipras declared, claiming the current center-right administration’s business-friendly policies have increased income disparity. “We don’t want to get used to a world of war and injustice.”
The 51-year-old politician has concluded a three-year hiatus from political activity, though he continues to divide public opinion.
Tsipras gained power in 2015 by pledging to eliminate the severe austerity policies required by Greece’s European lenders and the International Monetary Fund. The confrontation shook international markets as Greece nearly exited the eurozone. The country ultimately agreed to additional loans and continued austerity measures.
The former leader now aims to draw support — and possibly legislators — from competing opposition groups as he prepares to confront conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his attempt at securing a third term.
During the party launch, Tsipras emphasized affordable housing, enhanced worker protections, and growing economic disparity — issues his supporters believe could appeal to younger and working-class voters facing increased living expenses. He also denounced the administration’s strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Even with ongoing cost-of-living pressures and a corruption controversy affecting his administration, Mitsotakis maintains a substantial lead in polling, supported by consistent economic expansion and decreasing joblessness.
The nation’s opposition remains severely divided, with seven parties holding parliamentary seats.
Multiple new groups and smaller organizations are working to build momentum before the election. Recently, the parent of a 19-year-old college student who died in Greece’s 2023 train crash created an anti-corruption movement, increasing challenges for established opposition factions.
Supporters of Tsipras claim he protected working-class Greeks throughout the nation’s most difficult economic period and accepted difficult compromises to prevent national catastrophe.
However, detractors charge him with deceiving voters by opposing austerity measures during his campaign, then later agreeing to a strict bailout deal.
“No matter how hard Mr. Tsipras tries — investing in communication that has no substance — to bury his record deep in the ground, the truth will follow him forever,” government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said.
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian authorities announced Tuesday they will mandate a 21-day quarantine period for visitors arriving from regions experiencing Ebola outbreaks, while also putting a temporary hold on immigration application decisions for people from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda.
Luc Brisebois, director-general for the Centre for Border and Travel Health at the Public Health Agency of Canada, explained the policies are being put in place as an “abundance of caution” and will remain effective through Aug. 29.
Any visitors showing symptoms will be transported to medical facilities for additional evaluation. These enhanced border controls take effect Saturday, with Canadian officials providing isolation accommodations for those who lack suitable quarantine locations.
Canadian authorities also announced that beginning Wednesday, they will suspend final rulings on immigration requests from individuals in outbreak-affected nations for a 90-day period, though this timeframe may be adjusted depending on how the health crisis develops.
The current outbreak is concentrated in northeastern Congo and involves an uncommon strain of Ebola that is overwhelming containment efforts, according to the World Health Organization, which reports over 900 suspected infections and more than 220 fatalities. Relief operations have been stepped up, and WHO officials indicate the outbreak may continue for several months.
WASHINGTON — The Scripps National Spelling Bee has relocated to a prestigious new location this year after spending a decade and a half at a Maryland convention center. The competition now takes place at Constitution Hall, the capital’s premier concert facility.
However, participants in this week’s contest have varying opinions about the venue change.
“I feel like they should not have moved it. The old venue was better. Because it’s a bit of a hassle, getting on the bus and going there and then coming back,” said 14-year-old Yahya Mohammed, a three-time speller from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. “The old venue was more spacious, and it feels kind of isolated in the hotel.”
While Tuesday’s opening rounds commenced, contestants and their relatives found themselves admiring the historic importance of their new location and nearby attractions, though they also faced practical challenges including packed corridors, few food choices, and required transportation between their accommodations and the competition site.
The Daughters of the American Revolution constructed Constitution Hall in 1929, positioning it just blocks away from the Washington Monument and the White House. Participants are lodging at the adjacent J.W. Marriott, a popular destination for lobbyists and advocacy organizations, with what would typically be an easy walk across the Ellipse to reach the competition.
But the Ellipse currently features temporary barriers and security stations as workers assemble an outdoor octagon on the South Lawn of the White House for UFC Freedom 250, a June 14 event timed for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
“Two very disparate forms of entertainment,” said Rajeev Malhotra of Boston, the father of speller Rajeev Malhotra, describing the bee and the mixed martial arts extravaganza.
Enhanced security measures were implemented at the venue, including guards and metal detectors at all entrances plus explosive-sniffing dogs walking the corridors. Just three blocks away three days prior, a gunman attacked a White House security checkpoint, wounding a bystander before Secret Service officers killed him.
At the previous location, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, contestants could move around the facility without restrictions, traveling between their rooms, the competition ballroom, and an extensive food court where they ate quick meals during final preparation sessions.
“Last year was better,” said Arpit Aggarwal of Columbia, Missouri, whose daughter, Ananya, is competing for the second time. “Everything was in one place.”
“It’s an adjustment,” Ananya’s mom, Deepti Bahl, said diplomatically.
Some participants welcomed the excitement of meeting in the downtown area, believing it better suited a national championship. The competition started in 1925 and occurred at various Washington hotels before relocating to suburban areas in 2011.
“I just love being here, right next to the National Mall. You can see the Smithsonian, you can see the Jefferson Memorial. It’s such a lively and unique city and I love being in the heart of it,” said three-time speller Oliver Halkett, a 14-year-old from Los Angeles. “There’s so much history, there’s so much culture. The memorials and the museums are fascinating to go to.”
Speller Andie Seavey of Fairbanks, Alaska, and her mom, Kristin, went to see the musical “The Great Gatsby” at the National Theater next door to the hotel.
Following Tuesday’s elimination of 80 contestants through stage spelling and vocabulary challenges, the remaining 167 participants returned to their hotel for a crucial written examination that selected approximately 100 who advanced to Wednesday morning’s quarterfinals. The championship ends Thursday evening.
Previous year’s winner Faizan Zaki claimed the National Spelling Bee title despite making an error and hearing the elimination bell from head judge Mary Brooks. He recognized his mistake early and told Brooks, “Just ring the bell.”
Faizan’s error allowed his two remaining opponents another opportunity, as all three made mistakes in that round.
Kushi Gottimukkala of Morrisville, North Carolina, represents one of several current contestants familiar with that experience.
During her regional competition, sponsored by the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, Kushi faced two other spellers for the final national berth. She incorrectly spelled “anchialine” and assumed she was finished, only to watch the other competitors also fail.
Kushi experienced the dramatic ups and downs but eventually succeeded.
“I was still thinking about the mistake, but I was also really grateful that I got a second chance, and so I took that into consideration and decided to focus on my next word,” she said.
Contestants must prepare for scenarios where spelling errors don’t necessarily mean elimination.
Oliver Halkett also participated in a competition where he misspelled but continued. He overcame the setback by concentrating solely on his next challenge.
“It’s a peculiar situation, but I think, above all, mental clarity is so important, especially in those latter rounds,” he said. “I close my eyes and do some deep breathing and I visualize the word, and it’s just me and the word. That’s how you have to approach every single word.
“Treat every word as if it’s your first and last word.”
Two college basketball standouts have committed to pursuing professional careers by remaining in the 2026 NBA Draft pool.
Christian Anderson, a sophomore guard from Texas Tech, and Allen Graves, a freshman forward from Santa Clara, have both chosen to keep their names in the draft rather than return to college basketball.
Draft analysts project both players will be selected in the first round.
Anderson significantly boosted his professional prospects during this month’s scouting combine, where he demonstrated reliable performance and exceptional shooting range in workout sessions.
The Red Raiders guard posted impressive numbers last season, scoring 18.5 points per game while ranking tied for fourth nationally with 7.4 assists per game. ESPN’s draft projections place him as a potential lottery selection (top 14 overall) for next month’s draft. The third-team All-American connected on 41.5% of his three-point attempts.
Standing 6-foot-3, Anderson compensates for his height with aggressive drives to the basket, aided by his impressive 40.5-inch vertical leap that was confirmed at the Chicago combine.
Anderson made his draft intentions public through social media on Tuesday.
Multiple media outlets report that Graves has also decided to remain eligible for the draft.
The 6-foot-9 forward made a significant contribution at Santa Clara following a redshirt season. Coming primarily off the bench, Graves posted 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Broncos last season.
His playing time increased during the latter portion of the season, and Graves delivered what seemed to be a game-winning three-pointer against Kentucky during the NCAA Tournament’s first round in March. However, Santa Clara and Graves watched in disbelief as Otega Oweh connected on a half-court buzzer-beater less than a second later, sending the game to overtime. The Wildcats ultimately won 89-84.
College players who still have eligibility must decide by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday whether to withdraw from this year’s draft and return to their schools. The draft will take place in New York beginning June 23.
Medical device manufacturer Insulet Corporation announced Tuesday it is conducting a voluntary recall of specific insulin pump pods following the discovery of a manufacturing defect that may prevent patients from receiving adequate insulin doses.
The company’s stock price dropped 8% during after-hours trading following the announcement.
Key details of the recall include:
• The recall impacts particular batches of Omnipod 5, Omnipod DASH and the Omnipod Insulin Management System that were distributed throughout the United States and certain international markets.
• The defect, discovered during standard quality monitoring procedures, can create a small rupture in the cannula tubing above the patient’s skin, which may cause insulin to leak out rather than being properly administered.
• Patients might observe moisture or detect the odor of insulin, although the malfunction could potentially remain unnoticed.
• Insufficient insulin delivery can result in elevated blood glucose levels and, in extreme situations, diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal complication.
• This recall is distinct from a previous correction in March 2026 and stems from a separate manufacturing procedure, although both issues involved cannula processing at the company’s Massachusetts manufacturing plant, according to Insulet’s regulatory submission.
• Approximately 7 million pods are covered by this current recall, with roughly 60% already consumed or past their expiration date, accounting for about 8.5% of worldwide pod manufacturing in 2025, the company stated.
• Insulet documented 24 serious adverse reactions, including hospital admissions, but reported no fatalities.
• The company anticipates no interruptions to product supply and estimates related expenses could reach $50 million this year.
NEW YORK, May 26 – Major stock indices reached unprecedented closing levels on Tuesday, driven by enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence technology that helped overcome concerns about ongoing Middle East diplomatic efforts and recent military actions involving Iran.
Technology companies focused on semiconductors powered the market gains, with Micron experiencing a remarkable 19% surge that pushed the company’s market capitalization to $1 trillion for the first time. This milestone came after UBS analysts raised their price target for the stock from $535 to $1,625.
Strong corporate earnings reports and renewed investor confidence in artificial intelligence investments have propelled equity markets upward despite international tensions with Iran. Market participants are now focusing on potential public offerings from major private AI companies, including SpaceX.
“For those of us that have been working that long, the tech rallies we’ve been seeing this year are reminiscent of the boom at the end of the 1990s,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Northlight Asset Management.
“It’s also possible that some of the lessons that were learned after the tech bubble burst over 25 years ago will prevent the same thing from happening again.”
Investors found reassurance in statements from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that reaching an agreement with Tehran to end hostilities could “take a few days.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran is pursuing the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets held overseas.
“Even though we don’t have an end of the war yet, there’s a very high likelihood the situation will resolve itself in a peaceful fashion sooner rather than later,” said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of 50 Park Investments.
“But the reality is that earnings are expected to grow even with high inflation. The economy is still growing, and the market is a mirror of the economy to a large extent.”
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 118.02 points, or 0.23%, closing at 50,461.68. The S&P 500 climbed 45.65 points, or 0.61%, finishing at 7,519.12, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 312.21 points, or 1.19%, to end at 26,656.18.
All three major indices – the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 – achieved intraday record highs during Tuesday’s session, highlighting the momentum behind the current market advance.
Oil prices surged approximately 4% following U.S. military operations in Iran, creating additional uncertainty about prospects for a swift resolution to the conflict and potential impacts on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Qualcomm shares climbed nearly 4.5% after reports emerged that the company secured a chip supply agreement with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Marvell Technology finished 6% higher, while the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index achieved a new all-time high with a 5.5% gain.
As the current earnings season nears completion, first-quarter profit growth is projected at 29% compared to the same period last year, significantly higher than the 16.1% estimate from a month earlier, according to LSEG data released Friday.
On the New York Stock Exchange, advancing stocks outnumbered declining ones by a 2.47-to-1 margin. The exchange recorded 627 new highs against 90 new lows.
Nasdaq trading showed 3,078 stocks rising while 1,785 declined, with advancing issues leading by a 1.72-to-1 ratio.
The S&P 500 registered 42 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq Composite logged 185 new highs and 70 new lows.
Trading volume across U.S. exchanges totaled 18.85 billion shares, compared to the 18.71 billion average over the past 20 trading sessions.
Cybersecurity company Zscaler announced Tuesday that its projected fourth-quarter earnings would fall short of Wall Street expectations, as the firm grapples with mounting competition in the cloud security sector and more cautious business spending on security technologies.
The company’s stock price tumbled 15% during after-hours trading following the announcement, which highlighted the increasingly competitive landscape in cybersecurity services.
Zscaler operates primarily in the Secure Access Service Edge market, known as SASE, which merges network infrastructure and security functions into one unified platform designed to connect users, devices and applications regardless of location.
The SASE sector represents one of cybersecurity’s most rapidly expanding areas, fueled by ongoing cloud migration and the artificial intelligence revolution that continues reshaping network security frameworks.
However, Zscaler must contend with pressure from bigger competitors like Palo Alto Networks, which are aggressively pursuing greater market control through their own comprehensive platform solutions.
For the upcoming fourth quarter, the cloud security provider anticipates revenue ranging from $875 million to $878 million, falling below the $878.6 million average projection from analysts surveyed by LSEG.
The company does expect to exceed profit expectations, projecting adjusted earnings of $1.08 to $1.09 per share for the fourth quarter, surpassing analyst estimates of $1.03.
Zscaler’s third-quarter performance showed revenue of $850.5 million, which topped analyst predictions of $835.4 million.
During the third quarter, the company’s total operational costs climbed approximately 25% to $687.5 million, up from $547.5 million during the same period last year.
Athletic apparel company Lululemon Athletica is close to reaching a settlement agreement with company founder Chip Wilson that would resolve their ongoing proxy battle, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.
The proposed agreement under discussion would expand the company’s board of directors by adding two individuals chosen by Wilson, with plans to identify an additional mutually acceptable director at a later time, sources who are not authorized to speak publicly about the private negotiations revealed. The deal would also provide Wilson with regular access to incoming chief executive officer Heidi O’Neill, according to the sources.
Wilson, who established the company in 1998 and currently holds an 8.6% ownership stake, would agree to refrain from publicly or privately criticizing Lululemon for approximately two years under the proposed terms. His ownership percentage would also be limited to roughly 10%, the sources indicated.
However, sources emphasized that reaching a final agreement is not certain.
Neither company representatives nor Wilson were available for immediate comment.
These latest negotiations follow the recent collapse of earlier attempts to resolve what has become one of this year’s most notable proxy battles. After those talks failed, both sides exchanged sharp criticisms. The company stated in a regulatory filing last week that Wilson, who departed Lululemon’s board in 2015, holds “outdated perspectives” regarding the company’s strategic direction and has “troubling conflicts of interest.”
For several months, Wilson has voiced criticism of the company, claiming it has lost its “cool” factor and expressing concerns about current management practices.
Wilson initiated a proxy fight late last year and has spent recent months attempting to convince shareholders to support his three director candidates rather than the company’s three board members up for election at next month’s annual shareholder meeting.
The athletic wear company has experienced declining sales in North America, with its stock price dropping more than 60% over the past year as it faces increased competition from brands like Alo and Vuori.
With a market valuation approaching $15 billion, the company’s stock recently traded around $127, significantly down from its peak near $510 reached in late 2023.
Despite these challenges, the company has been preparing for a new phase by naming O’Neill, who developed Nike’s women’s business division, as its new CEO. The board has also welcomed former Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh and former Unilever chief growth and marketing officer Esi Eggleston Bracey as new directors.
Teri List, previously chief financial officer at Gap, joined the board in 2024. Directors David Mussafer and Shane Grant are scheduled to leave the board at the upcoming annual meeting.
O’Neill, who has a noncompete clause with Nike, is set to begin her role in September after being unanimously selected by the board, according to sources familiar with the selection process and investors who requested anonymity.
Motorists traveling southbound on Interstate 95 are encountering construction-related lane restrictions this morning. The right lane remains blocked between the Welcome Center and the DE 896 interchange.
According to traffic officials, the lane closure is expected to continue until 7:00 AM. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and use caution when traveling through the work zone.
Delaware State Police have released the name of the victim who died in Saturday evening’s deadly crash in Harrington. The victim has been identified as Leondre Boone, 34, of Lincoln, Delaware, according to authorities.
The deadly single-vehicle accident occurred on Sandbox Road and remains under active investigation by Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Authorities are seeking any witnesses or individuals with information about the crash to reach out to Master Corporal W. Booth at (302) 698-8451. Tips can also be submitted through private Facebook messages to Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Those affected by crime, witnesses, or families who have experienced sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center. These services are available around the clock via a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Support can also be requested by emailing [email protected].
A supplement manufacturer based in Deer Park, New York has issued a voluntary recall for two of its green superfood products due to concerns about bacterial contamination.
Total Nutrition Inc. is pulling TNVitamins Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood and Doctor’s Pride Complete Green Superfood Ultra Potent Moringa Capsules from the market. The recalled products come in 120-count bottles.
The company initiated the recall after discovering the supplements could potentially contain Salmonella bacteria, which poses serious health risks to consumers.
The Trump administration has put forward a proposal requiring federal workers throughout the government to sign nondisclosure agreements as part of an effort to prevent information leaks.
According to the plan, both newly hired federal employees and those currently working for the government would be required to sign these confidentiality agreements.
The initiative represents a government-wide approach to addressing concerns about unauthorized disclosure of information from federal agencies.
Motorists traveling on Otts Chapel Road should expect delays as construction work has forced the closure of the westbound shoulder between Welsh Tract Road and Entre Lane.
The shoulder closure is currently active and is expected to last until 3PM today, according to traffic officials.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and to allow extra time for their commute.
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Craig Kimbrel on a major league deal Tuesday as they look to improve their bullpen performance.
To create roster space for Kimbrel, the team moved right-hander Jesse Scholtens to the 15-day injured list due to a right wrist strain.
Kimbrel became available after the New York Mets released him Friday following a difficult stretch where the nine-time All-Star gave up 10 runs across 15 innings in 14 outings. The Mets had signed him as a free agent in January.
At 37 years old, Kimbrel brings extensive experience with 440 career saves across 10 different teams during his 17 seasons in professional baseball. His resume includes a World Series championship with Boston in 2018 and the 2011 National League rookie of the year award.
While the Rays currently hold the American League’s top record at 34-17, their bullpen has been a weak spot with a 4.40 earned run average that ranks 21st league-wide.
TAFTANAZ, Syria (AP) — Ancient agricultural traditions continue to thrive in northwestern Syria, where farmers maintain centuries-old techniques for cultivating freekeh, a smoky roasted wheat grain that serves as a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cooking.
The distinctive grain comes from wheat that’s harvested while still young and green, then roasted using open fire methods. This process burns off the outer shells while keeping the inner grain intact, creating freekeh’s characteristic smoky taste that sets it apart from other wheat products.
Around Taftanaz in Syria’s Idlib province, agricultural workers continue the seasonal ritual of gathering, moving and fire-roasting the wheat before cleaning it for sale at local markets. The practice has survived ongoing warfare and financial difficulties, representing a lasting element of Syria’s agricultural heritage. Throughout Syrian households and dining establishments, the grain typically accompanies meat dishes like lamb or chicken, often topped with nuts and fresh vegetables.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Delaware’s mobile motor vehicle services will be temporarily unavailable during the first week of June 2026 as the traveling unit undergoes routine maintenance work.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has announced that its mobile DMV truck and trailer will be offline for scheduled repairs starting June 1, 2026. During this maintenance period, the mobile unit will not make its regular stops in Seaford, Milton, and Lewes.
Residents who normally rely on the traveling DMV services are being directed to visit permanent office locations in Georgetown, Dover, Delaware City, or Wilmington to conduct their motor vehicle business during this time.
Colorado’s star player Nathan MacKinnon is expected to take the ice for Tuesday’s critical Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights, despite nursing a right leg injury, head coach Jared Bednar announced. The Avalanche are fighting to stay alive in the Western Conference finals, currently facing elimination while down 3-0 in the series.
The 30-year-old forward skipped Tuesday morning’s optional practice session due to his injured right leg, but Bednar indicated MacKinnon was feeling significantly improved after taking a complete day of rest.
The injury occurred during Sunday’s game when MacKinnon blocked a one-timer from Shea Theodore, taking the shot directly to his right knee with less than eight minutes remaining in the second period.
MacKinnon dropped to the ice immediately and clutched his right leg after the puck struck the side of his knee. Despite being down on the ice, he managed to clear the puck beyond the blue line before being unable to stand, prompting officials to halt play for medical attention.
The injured star left the ice on his own but was clearly struggling. He attempted to continue playing, returning for two additional shifts before ultimately heading to the locker room late in the second period due to his discomfort.
During the third period, MacKinnon managed only one regular-strength shift, though he did contribute during a power play opportunity and when Colorado pulled their goaltender for a 6-on-5 advantage in the final minutes.
Throughout these playoffs, MacKinnon has recorded points in nine of Colorado’s 12 postseason games, including an assist in the first period of Sunday’s contest. His playoff total stands at 15 points, consisting of seven goals and eight assists. During the regular season, he topped the NHL with 53 goals.
Colorado winger Valeri Nichushkin, who sustained a lower-body injury during Game 3, also missed Tuesday’s practice and remains questionable for the upcoming game.
For the first time in the conference finals, the Avalanche will start goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood as they attempt to prevent being swept by the Knights.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have locked up veteran forward Evgeni Malkin for another year, announcing a one-year contract extension worth $5.5 million on Tuesday.
The deal ensures Malkin will suit up for his 21st campaign with Pittsburgh during the 2026-27 season. The forward was set to become a free agent before the new agreement was reached.
At 39 years old, with his 40th birthday approaching on July 31, Malkin continues to produce at an elite level. During the 2025-26 campaign, he tallied 61 points through 19 goals and 42 assists across 56 contests.
Since joining the NHL with Pittsburgh in 2006, Malkin has built an impressive resume of achievements. The veteran has captured three Stanley Cup championships and earned seven All-Star selections throughout his career.
His trophy case includes the Calder Trophy for top rookie honors in 2006-07, the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2011-12, and two Art Ross trophies for leading the NHL in scoring during the 2008-09 and 2011-12 seasons. He also claimed the 2009 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
In franchise history, Malkin trails only teammate Sidney Crosby in games played with 1,269 appearances. He sits third on the team’s all-time lists for goals with 533, assists with 874, and total points with 1,407.
Oil markets experienced significant volatility Tuesday as Brent crude futures surged approximately 4% following U.S. military action in Iran, dealing a blow to weekend optimism that Washington and Tehran might reach a deal to conclude their three-month conflict and reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
While international oil prices climbed, U.S. crude futures declined as they adjusted to Monday’s Brent selloff that occurred while American markets were shuttered.
The global Brent benchmark increased $3.44, or 3.6%, closing at $99.58 per barrel, whereas U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $2.71, or 2.8%, finishing at $93.89.
Monday saw Brent reach its lowest point since April 20, falling 7% amid fresh optimism for a U.S.-Iran accord. American crude markets were closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.
WTI hit its lowest close since April 22 on Tuesday, with U.S. gasoline futures plummeting 7% and diesel declining 4% to five-week lows.
American officials have repeatedly indicated they were nearing an agreement with Iran to cease hostilities, though no deal has materialized beyond a temporary truce that has minimized attacks.
Tuesday brought Iranian accusations that the U.S. violated the ceasefire through what America termed defensive operations in southern Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested reaching a conflict-ending agreement might “take a few days.”
Iran’s foreign ministry characterized the U.S. operations in the southern Hormozgan province, where Iranian media documented explosion sounds early Tuesday, as a “gross violation” of the fragile seven-week ceasefire.
Previously, both nations had signaled advancement on a memorandum of understanding that could end hostilities and resume Strait of Hormuz shipping, providing negotiators 60 days to address more complicated matters, including Iran’s nuclear activities.
“We are still waiting for more details on a potential deal,” said Giovanni Staunovo at UBS. “Meanwhile we see renewed tensions in the Middle East, while flows through the Strait remain restricted.”
The American military action coincided with Iran’s chief negotiator and foreign minister conducting discussions in Doha with Qatar’s prime minister to pursue an agreement.
Iran has essentially blocked nearly all non-Iranian vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since late February when the conflict commenced, restricting roughly one-fifth of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas transportation.
Nevertheless, vessel tracking information revealed three LNG carriers recently transited the Strait heading to Pakistan, China and India, alongside a supertanker transporting Iraqi crude to China that had been stranded for almost three months.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported Tuesday that a tanker experienced an external blast on its port side near the waterline, approximately 60 nautical miles from Oman’s capital, Muscat.
Pakistan intends to expand domestic storage capacity for crude oil and refined products to enhance energy security, according to government documentation shared with oil producers and major global trading companies.
American consumer confidence decreased in May as concerns about war-related inflation escalated and households maintained negative labor market outlooks.
Rising inflation increases consumer costs for goods, prompting central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve to consider tighter monetary policies that would likely raise borrowing expenses and slow economic expansion.
Seattle’s baseball team brought back relief pitcher Gabe Speier from the 15-day injury reserve list on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old left-handed pitcher had been sidelined since May 4 due to inflammation in his left shoulder.
Before getting hurt, Speier posted an 0-2 record with a 2.92 ERA and recorded one save across 15 relief outings this season.
Throughout his major league career spanning 230 games (including one start) with Kansas City from 2019-22 and Seattle, he holds a 6-11 record with a 3.60 ERA.
To create roster space, Seattle sent right-handed pitcher Nick Davila down to Triple-A Tacoma following Monday’s contest.
The 27-year-old Davila, who made his big league debut on May 3, has given up three hits while throwing 7 1/3 shutout innings over seven relief outings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for volunteer personnel to help with emergency screening efforts for Ebola at entry points across the United States, according to an internal communication obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.
In an email sent to staff, CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya explained that the agency initiated a Level 2 emergency response on May 18 following an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The agency is now looking beyond its typical emergency response team as screening operations for certain international travelers increase.
According to CDC guidelines, a Level 2 emergency response represents a moderate level of crisis requiring significant additional personnel to handle response needs.
Enhanced screening procedures have already begun at multiple port health stations and will need more staff members to operate effectively. The agency is requesting volunteers from various departments, including public health advisers, emergency specialists and licensed medical providers, pending approval from their supervisors.
Those who volunteer may be assigned duties such as observing incoming travelers for symptoms of illness, taking temperatures and directing potential cases for additional evaluation, the email indicated.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Ebola is a dangerous and frequently deadly illness spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
The World Health Organization has classified this outbreak of the uncommon Bundibugyo strain as the third-largest Ebola outbreak in history and declared it a public health emergency of international concern.
On Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was moving faster than response capabilities, reporting the most recent count of suspected fatalities at 220.
Officials in Washington state are responding to a deadly industrial accident that occurred Tuesday when a tank filled with chemicals exploded at a packaging plant.
The blast happened at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility located in Longview, Washington, according to ABC News reports citing local authorities. The incident resulted in several deaths and left multiple workers with serious injuries.
Emergency responders are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tank explosion at the industrial facility.
Major U.S. stock indexes climbed to record territory Tuesday as enthusiasm for artificial intelligence technology overshadowed worries about Middle East diplomatic efforts, which have been complicated by recent American military actions against Iran.
Technology companies focused on semiconductors drove the market gains, with Micron Technology surging over 19% to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization for the first time. The rally came after UBS analysts boosted their price target for the stock from $535 to $1,625.
Strong corporate earnings and renewed investor confidence in AI-related investments have pushed American stock markets higher despite ongoing tensions with Iran. Market participants are now watching for initial public offerings from major private artificial intelligence companies, including SpaceX.
“For those of us that have been working that long, the tech rallies we’ve been seeing this year are reminiscent of the boom at the end of the 1990s,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Northlight Asset Management.
“It’s also possible that some of the lessons that were learned after the tech bubble burst over 25 years ago will prevent the same thing from happening again.”
Investors found encouragement in statements from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that an agreement with Tehran to stop the conflict could “take a few days.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran is pursuing the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets frozen internationally.
“Even though we don’t have an end of the war yet, there’s a very high likelihood the situation will resolve itself in a peaceful fashion sooner rather than later,” said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of 50 Park Investments.
“But the reality is that earnings are expected to grow even with high inflation. The economy is still growing, and the market is a mirror of the economy to a large extent.”
By 2:13 p.m. EDT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 175.28 points, or 0.35%, to 50,404.42. The S&P 500 climbed 40.23 points, or 0.54%, to 7,513.70, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 265.39 points, or 1.01%, to 26,609.36.
The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all achieved new intraday peaks Tuesday, highlighting the momentum behind the current market upswing.
Oil prices also moved higher, with Brent crude futures jumping approximately 4% Tuesday following U.S. military strikes in Iran. The action has increased uncertainty about whether negotiators can quickly reach an agreement to end the conflict and restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Other technology stocks also posted gains, with Qualcomm climbing 3.6% after Bloomberg News reported the company secured a chip supply agreement with TikTok owner ByteDance. Marvell Technology increased 6%, while the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index rose 5% to reach an all-time high.
The S&P 500 information technology sector led all categories with a 1.5% increase.
As the quarterly earnings reporting period nears completion, first-quarter profit growth is projected to reach 29% compared to the same period last year, up from the 16.1% estimate from a month earlier, according to LSEG data from Friday.
On the New York Stock Exchange, stocks moving higher outnumbered those declining by a 2.27-to-1 margin. The exchange saw 504 new highs and 82 new lows.
Nasdaq trading showed 3,040 stocks rising and 1,761 falling, with advancing issues leading decliners by a 1.73-to-1 ratio.
The S&P 500 registered 40 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 174 new highs and 65 new lows.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has announced that its mobile DMV on the Go service will be temporarily unavailable during the week beginning June 1, 2026, due to routine maintenance on the truck and trailer.
During this maintenance period, the mobile unit will not make its regularly scheduled stops in Seaford, Milton, and Lewes. Residents needing DMV services are advised to visit one of the permanent office locations in Georgetown, Dover, Delaware City, or Wilmington instead.
As an alternative, many DMV transactions can be completed through the state’s online portal using a myDMV account, which is accessible at myDMV.delaware.gov.
The mobile DMV service is expected to resume its regular operating schedule on June 8, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service has issued its most recent assessment of crop development and agricultural conditions.
The federal agency’s latest report provides updated statistics on farming progress and the current state of crops in the field.
This periodic assessment helps track agricultural development throughout the growing season, offering insights into crop advancement and field conditions across farming regions.
Commercial shrimp fishing operations along the Gulf Coast are appealing to federal lawmakers for assistance as they face a perfect storm of rising fuel expenses and ongoing pressure from less expensive foreign competition.
The shrinking community of shrimp boat operators who remain active in the industry are experiencing severe financial strain as gasoline prices continue to climb while they battle against an influx of lower-cost imported seafood flooding the market.
These economic pressures have forced some fishers to seek alternative employment to supplement their income, highlighting the precarious state of an industry that has already seen significant consolidation in recent years.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins organization announced Tuesday that Manny Fernandez, a defensive lineman who played a crucial role in the team’s historic undefeated 1972 campaign, has passed away at the age of 79.
The team did not reveal the cause of death.
Throughout his complete eight-season NFL tenure with Miami, Fernandez served as a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ “No-Name Defense,” a unit that propelled the franchise to three straight Super Bowl appearances between 1971 and 1973, capturing championships in both 1972 and 1973.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez,” the Dolphins said in a statement, “a member of the 1972 perfect team, a two-time Super Bowl champion, ring of honor member and an anchor of the Dolphins’ legendary ‘No-Name Defense.’ His consistent and selfless contributions on the field were instrumental to the Dolphins’ success throughout the early 1970s, particularly in the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, in which he produced some of the most memorable defensive performances in the history of the game.”
Fernandez delivered an outstanding performance in Miami’s Super Bowl victory against Washington that capped their flawless 1972 campaign. He played alongside legendary teammates including Bob Griese, Nick Buoniconti and Larry Csonka.
Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent from Utah in 1968, Fernandez earned recognition in the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor in 2014.
“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history,” the team said.
A Maine Democratic Senate candidate turned a pulled advertisement into a campaign opportunity over Memorial Day weekend, using the controversy to advance his message against private equity influence.
Graham Platner, seeking to challenge longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, launched a commercial during Red Sox game coverage that criticized the team’s ownership for damaging the beloved franchise. The network removed the advertisement partway through the broadcast, giving Platner additional ammunition for his populist campaign themes.
“We ran an ad during last night’s Red Sox game exposing how private equity is making everything in our lives worse, and it got pulled midway through the game by a station owned by Red Sox ownership,” Platner stated on Saturday. “And of course, the Red Sox blew a 4-0 lead to lose the game.”
New England Sports Network, which removed the advertisement, is primarily owned by Fenway Sports Group – the same conglomerate that controls the Red Sox and Liverpool soccer club.
“NESN removes advertisements when credible concerns arise regarding the use of intellectual property,” the network explained in a statement. “The advertisement in question was removed because the creative included unauthorized use of third-party intellectual property and did not comply with NESN’s advertising standards.”
Network officials declined to specify which elements of the commercial violated their policies. The Red Sox organization also remained silent when asked for comment.
Collins’ campaign dismissed Platner’s Red Sox criticism as a distraction from “questions about his judgment and character.” The candidate has faced scrutiny over a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism that he later covered up, plus controversial social media posts about women, police, veterans and rural residents. Platner has apologized for these issues and claimed ignorance about the tattoo’s significance when he got it following a drinking session.
The 15-second commercial featured the oyster farmer pledging to “reverse the private equity curse” if elected, while lamenting the absence of Mookie Betts – referencing fan anger over FSG’s 2020 trade of the homegrown star to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The phrase echoes “reverse the curse,” a popular fan rallying cry from the 1990s and 2000s referencing the team’s championship drought before 2004.
The advertisement also targeted private equity for “buying up our homes, our sports and our lives” while citing a March 2021 Axios report about RedBird Capital Partners acquiring an 11% stake in FSG.
During that period, FSG also brought on Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James as an investor, with James expressing interest in eventual NBA team ownership.
FSG subsequently acquired the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins in late 2021, winners of five Stanley Cup championships. The group agreed to sell the Penguins to Chicago-based Hoffmann Family of Cos. for approximately $1.7 billion in 2025, with the sale receiving approval this year.
John Henry, FSG’s founder and principal owner, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars primarily to Democratic candidates during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Campaign records show no political contributions from him after 2004.
The Red Sox currently occupy last place in their division with a 22-30 record, sliding into mediocrity since the RedBird Capital partnership began. Frustrated fans have chanted “sell the team” during some home games this season in Boston.
Before the RedBird Capital arrangement, the franchise enjoyed considerable success, capturing World Series titles in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018. Since then, the team has struggled, reaching the American League Championship Series just once.
A catastrophic chemical tank collapse at a Washington state paper manufacturing facility Tuesday morning resulted in multiple fatalities and severe injuries, according to company representatives and local emergency officials.
The tank failure occurred at 7:15 a.m. at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington. Company officials and law enforcement agencies released a combined statement confirming the incident produced “multiple critical injuries” along with an unspecified number of deaths. Emergency responders reported that victims sustained burn wounds and breathing-related injuries from the accident. Officials emphasized there was no danger to surrounding communities.
The official announcement came more than four hours following the tank failure, with authorities stating that rescue and recovery efforts were ongoing. Officials indicated they would not identify casualties until family members could be contacted.
Family members and friends gathered outside the company’s main entrance Tuesday, hoping to learn about employees they knew who worked inside the plant. These individuals refused to speak with an Associated Press journalist.
The manufacturing complex operates as both a pulp production facility and liquid packaging operation, creating materials for facial tissues, office paper, disposable cups and plates, beverage containers and similar products. The Washington State Department of Ecology reports the plant workforce totals approximately 1,000 employees.
The failed container held a chemical mixture called “white liquor,” a caustic solution composed primarily of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide that breaks down wood fibers during kraft paper manufacturing. Kraft paper serves as a strong packaging material used in shopping bags and various container applications.
Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief with the fire department in Longview, Washington, characterized the situation as a “mass casualty scene.” Emergency personnel decontaminated injured workers before transporting them to medical facilities in Longview and Vancouver, Washington, Gorsuch explained.
Approximately 40 fire and emergency medical personnel responded to the incident, supported by a specialized hazardous materials response team, according to Gorsuch.
Meanwhile, thousands of southern California residents remained displaced Tuesday following damage to a chemical storage tank at an aerospace manufacturing plant.
The nation’s highest court on Tuesday turned down Meta’s request to block a legal challenge claiming the company’s Facebook and Instagram platforms damage teenage users’ wellbeing, marking another setback for social media giants facing mounting legal pressure.
Meta Platforms Inc. had sought Supreme Court intervention after Vermont’s top court permitted a 2023 lawsuit brought by the state’s attorney general to proceed. The tech giant confronts comparable legal actions from multiple states nationwide, all claiming the company deliberately created habit-forming platform elements.
The corporation maintained it should not face litigation in Vermont’s courts since neither the business nor its app development has direct connections to that state. Vermont responded that the platforms’ substantial teenage user base within state borders provides adequate legal grounds for court authority.
In a standard brief order without explanation, the Supreme Court refused to consider the appeal. This ruling follows previous courtroom defeats for Meta and YouTube in social media dependency cases in California and New Mexico.
These legal challenges emerged following a multi-state investigation led by attorneys general from both political parties, including Vermont. Media coverage highlighting Meta’s internal research revealed the corporation understood Instagram’s potential negative effects on adolescents, particularly teenage girls, regarding mental wellness and self-image concerns. Company research indicated that 13.5% of teen girls reported Instagram worsened suicidal thoughts, while 17% said the platform aggravated eating disorder symptoms.
Data from the Pew Research Center shows nearly every teenager between 13 and 17 years old in America uses social media platforms, with approximately one-third reporting “almost constant” usage.
Meta has responded by stating it has already rolled out numerous resources designed to help teenagers and their families, and indicated willingness to collaborate with states on establishing youth social media usage guidelines.
New York basketball fans remained in celebration mode Tuesday morning following their team’s historic advancement to the NBA Finals, marking the Knicks’ first championship series appearance since 1999.
Crowds wearing team colors of blue and orange packed the streets of New York City late into Monday evening after the Knicks finished off a complete four-game series victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The triumph sends New York to the Finals as underdogs, no matter which opponent awaits them in their quest to break a 53-year championship dry spell.
Celebrating supporters brought brooms to the festivities, playfully using them to sweep pavement and wave overhead during the street party. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined the fun on social media platform X, posting “@NYCSanitation I’d like to report a sweep.”
Following his team-leading 19-point performance in the series-clinching victory in Cleveland, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns reflected on the moment’s significance. “It’s a magical thing, it’s a historic thing,” Towns commented. “It’s something New York has been dying for, for a long, long time.”
“But for us as players, we understand that the job’s not done,” he added.
The transformation from struggling franchise to championship contender began with team President Leon Rose joining the organization in March 2020, just as the club was heading toward its seventh straight season without playoff basketball.
Under Rose’s leadership, the franchise evolved from league joke to serious title threat. The team has reached the postseason in five of the past six years and made it to the second-to-last playoff round in 2025, falling to the Indiana Pacers in a six-game series.
Point guard Jalen Brunson, who earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors this year, has been the cornerstone since joining the organization four years ago. Management has constructed the roster around Brunson, adding talent like six-time All-Star Towns.
“Growing up in the (New York) area, I feel like the word ‘hope’ has been gone from the New York Knicks name for a long time,” Towns explained. “To be part of this team that revives hope is something special.”
New York’s Finals appearance creates compelling drama for the seven-game championship series. The franchise hasn’t captured a title since 1973, and this marks only their third Finals berth since that championship, having fallen short in 1994 and 1999.
Despite an impressive 11-game postseason winning streak, the Knicks enter as underdogs against either NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, or a San Antonio Spurs squad featuring French star Victor Wembanyama.
The Finals run will draw the typical collection of famous supporters to the games. Director and devoted fan Spike Lee, wearing his signature orange glasses, positioned himself courtside to record the team receiving the Eastern Conference championship trophy Monday night.
Four-time Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet joined players in their celebration, while actor Ben Stiller also attended the game. Comedian Tracy Morgan appeared emotional while enjoying the victory from his courtside seat.
Whether regular citizens or Hollywood celebrities, the Knicks will have an entire city supporting their attempt to end five decades without a championship.
China’s top diplomat called on Tuesday for all sides involved in the Iran conflict to maintain their dedication to ceasefire negotiations and continue working toward compromise.
The statement from Foreign Minister Wang Yi came as tensions escalated, with Iran accusing the United States of breaking the ceasefire following what the U.S. described as defensive military actions in southern Iran. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that reaching an agreement to end the fighting could require “a few days” of additional negotiations.
Speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York following his leadership of a 15-member Security Council session, Wang expressed his desire for progress toward peace.
“We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway, so that peace can return to the Middle East as early as possible,” Wang told the media.
The Chinese Foreign Minister acknowledged the complexity of resolving deep-rooted conflicts, using a metaphor to illustrate his point.
“As we have been saying, it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice, and long-standing issues cannot be resolved overnight,” Wang stated.
Despite the challenges, Wang emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in diplomatic efforts.
“However, every step forward in the negotiation brings more hope to peace, and one day earlier the conflict is ended means less civilian casualties,” he added.
Federal civil rights officials have taken legal action against the University of California Los Angeles, claiming the school allowed a dangerous atmosphere for Jewish and Israeli students to persist on campus.
The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice filed the federal lawsuit on Tuesday, charging that UCLA violated Title VI, the federal statute that bars discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funding. Officials accused the university of showing “deliberate indifference to this pervasive on-campus antisemitism.”
The legal complaint focuses on an unauthorized encampment established on UCLA’s campus during April 2024. Federal prosecutors characterized this encampment as unlawful and claim that Jewish students faced physical attacks during this period.
“Universities have an obligation to maintain safe and inclusive campuses for all students,” stated Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.
“Universities that violate our nation’s civil rights laws by repeatedly failing to shield Jewish students from antisemitism will be held accountable.”
UCLA officials had not provided a response when contacted for comment about the lawsuit.
The Justice Department revealed this legal action on the same day that a federal appeals court partially supported an injunction requiring the restoration of University of California grants that the Trump administration had cancelled last year due to concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
This lawsuit represents another enforcement action by the Trump administration targeting what officials characterize as antisemitism at American universities following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas against Israel.
The 2023 assault killed more than 1,200 people and sparked the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The war has claimed over 75,000 lives to date.
Student activists across the United States and Europe organized protests following the outbreak of war, demanding an end to hostilities through a ceasefire. Some demonstrations involved students taking over university buildings.
WASHINGTON – Federal aviation authorities announced Tuesday they are seeking a $165,000 penalty against Alaska Airlines for reportedly permitting passengers who appeared intoxicated to board aircraft.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the violations allegedly happened across 11 separate flights spanning from February 2024 through February 2025. Federal rules strictly forbid airlines from allowing anyone who seems to be under the influence to board planes, the agency noted.
Alaska Airlines had not provided a response to requests for comment as of Tuesday.
WASHINGTON – Federal safety investigators are urging aviation officials to overhaul their methods for evaluating runway safety during storm conditions, warning of increased dangers when aircraft attempt to land on water-soaked surfaces.
The National Transportation Safety Board issued the safety recommendations Tuesday following their analysis of 11 separate incidents where planes skidded beyond runway boundaries between 2008 and 2022, all involving landings on rain-soaked pavement.
Safety investigators specifically highlighted a 2019 incident involving a Boeing 737 that overran the runway in Jacksonville, Florida, which they attributed partly to “an extreme loss of braking friction due to heavy rain and the water depth on the ungrooved runway, which resulted in viscous hydroplaning.”
South Carolina’s Republican state senators have declined to move forward with a redistricting proposal that received endorsement from Trump, according to recent legislative developments.
The redistricting effort was designed to potentially impact the congressional district currently represented by prominent Democrat Jim Clyburn. Trump had encouraged the Republican senators to pursue the redistricting changes as a strategy to help flip the House seat.
However, the GOP senators, who are not up for reelection this year, chose to reject the redistricting plan despite the former president’s advocacy for the measure. The proposal faced resistance within the state legislature.
Maps displaying the proposed new congressional districts were presented in the South Carolina Senate antechamber on Friday, but the legislative body ultimately decided against implementing the changes.
Soccer fans across the nation are waiting to learn which athletes will represent the United States at the upcoming World Cup tournament, with the official announcement scheduled for 3 p.m. ET this afternoon.
Several experienced players who competed in the previous World Cup are anticipated to earn positions on the team roster. Forward Christian Pulisic along with midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are among the veterans expected to secure their places when the complete lineup is revealed.
The roster announcement comes as excitement builds for the international tournament, with supporters eager to see which combination of players will take the field for the national team.
Three young suspects are now in custody following an early morning robbery investigation in New Castle County.
New Castle County Division of Police officers were called to Clayton Road’s 1500 block in the Cleland Heights neighborhood on Monday, May 25, 2026, around 6:28 a.m. after receiving reports of a robbery that had just taken place.
When police arrived at the scene, they spoke with the victims who told them that multiple suspects were involved in the incident.
Five athletes from the University of Delaware softball program have been recognized for their academic excellence by College Sports Communicators.
Katie Scheivert, Josie Crossman, Bridget Chapman, Kylie Wilkerson, and Claire Woods all received Academic All-District Team honors, according to an announcement made by the organization on May 26.
The recognition highlights the academic achievements of these student-athletes alongside their athletic participation in the university’s softball program.
An employee terminated by an Indiana university following her Facebook comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been awarded $225,000 in a legal settlement that claimed her former workplace violated her constitutional free speech protections, her legal representatives announced Tuesday.
The American Civil Liberties Union revealed the settlement in a federal case they brought last year representing Suzanne Swierc against Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns.
Swierc held the position of director of health promotion and advocacy at Ball State’s Muncie, Indiana campus until her termination last September. Ball State pointed to Swierc’s personal Facebook comment regarding Kirk as the only basis for dismissing her, claiming it created “significant disruption” on campus.
The termination of Swierc breached her constitutional protections since she was “speaking as a private citizen on a matter of public concern,” stated Stevie Pactor, an ACLU lawyer in Indiana.
“The First Amendment does not allow government institutions to retaliate in those circumstances, and this settlement reflects that,” Pactor said in a statement.
Mearns stood by his decision to terminate Swierc in a Tuesday statement distributed to campus leadership, which a Ball State spokesperson provided to The Associated Press.
Mearns explained that negative reactions to Swierc’s comment posed risks to the institution’s student recruitment and donor contributions. He characterized the settlement’s “modest monetary payment” to Swierc as significantly lower than the expense of litigating her case.
Kirk, who established the conservative group Turning Point USA, died in a shooting incident on September 10 at a Utah university campus. Prior to his death, Kirk was recognized for mobilizing conservative young voters to support President Donald Trump’s successful bid for a second presidency.
Swierc joined numerous employees across public and private organizations who faced job losses after sharing social media content and images related to Kirk’s assassination. She represents one of several individuals who have secured legal settlements through court proceedings.
This month, a Florida state department agreed to a $485,000 settlement with a former state biologist dismissed after sharing a meme suggesting Kirk was indifferent to school shooting victims.
In January, Austin Peay State University in Tennessee brought back a professor and provided him a $500,000 settlement following his lawsuit over termination for sharing a 2023 news story titled: “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.”
Legal cases from additional terminated employees remain active in the courts.
In her Facebook message, Swierc described Kirk’s death as a “tragedy.” However, she also characterized it as a “reflection of the violence, fear, and hatred he sowed.” She added: “If you think Charlie Kirk was a wonderful person, we can’t be friends.”
Swierc’s legal team noted that her Facebook account’s privacy controls restricted public access to her posts, though someone captured and widely distributed screenshots of her Kirk commentary online.
Ball State’s president reported that Swierc’s post generated numerous angry phone calls and emails directed at the university. Some threatened to stop financial contributions and at least one parent indicated plans to remove her children from the institution. Several callers made violent threats, Mearns reported.
“The reaction was extraordinarily damaging to our University’s reputation and image, and it was exceptionally disruptive to our mission and our people,” Mearns said in his statement.
WASHINGTON — The nation’s highest court delivered a victory Tuesday to President Donald Trump’s administration in a legal battle concerning speech limitations placed on immigration judges, a case that highlighted broader questions about federal worker rights.
The justices reversed a previous court decision that had permitted the lawsuit to move forward, while simultaneously raising concerns about whether the federal employee grievance process remains effective following the Republican president’s removal of several key officials from the system.
Despite holding the title of judges, these immigration officials are classified as federal employees who sought to challenge through the courts a policy that limited their ability to speak publicly. This restriction began during Trump’s initial presidency and was maintained under President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration. The immigration judges contended this represented a violation of free speech rights that warranted federal court intervention.
The Trump administration took the opposite position, maintaining that these officials should pursue their grievances through the established federal employee complaint process managed by the Merit Systems Protection Board.
While the court’s decision focused on procedural matters, Justice Clarence Thomas, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s agreement, issued criticism directed at the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for engaging with “political controversies of the day.”
This Tuesday ruling arrives as the court considers a separate case regarding Trump’s authority to dismiss leaders of independent agencies. The resolution is anticipated to influence dismissal powers concerning Merit Systems Protection Board members as well.
The immigration judges initially filed their lawsuit in 2020, and the Supreme Court had previously provided them temporary support through an emergency ruling in December.
Ride-share drivers working for companies like Uber and Lyft in Massachusetts achieved a historic milestone Tuesday by establishing the nation’s first statewide union for app-based transportation workers, representing a significant breakthrough in efforts to organize gig economy employees.
This groundbreaking achievement could serve as a blueprint for similar organizing campaigns underway in states like California and Illinois, where labor advocates are increasingly focusing on app-based industries as workers also face concerns about the rapid advancement of autonomous driving technology.
Currently, Massachusetts does not allow fully autonomous commercial rides operating without human supervision.
The union certification was made possible following voter approval of a 2024 ballot initiative that established an unprecedented system enabling ride-share drivers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining while maintaining their status as independent contractors. Union organizers indicate the group could eventually include nearly 70,000 drivers across the state.
With drivers holding signs and chanting in front of the Massachusetts State House’s distinctive gold dome, labor representatives characterized this achievement as the most significant private-sector organizing success since autoworkers at Ford formed their union in 1941.
Jean Fredo, an Uber driver with more than seven years of experience, expressed hope that unionization would deliver improved wages, enhanced protection against unexpected account suspensions, and greater job security for drivers.
“With the union, it will not feel like we’re working for nothing,” he said in French through a translator. “Now the money will not only stay in the billionaire’s pockets. The money will actually come to the workers who work very hard.”
Fredo explained that while he initially valued the flexibility and schedule control that came with driving for Uber, allowing him to remain available for his family, conditions gradually deteriorated. He found himself putting in longer shifts while earning less as fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses increased.
Workers can also suddenly lose platform access with minimal notice or appeal options, he noted.
“I live with stress — always scared to lose my app,” Fredo said. “This is not a way to live.”
Upon learning about the organizing campaign, Fredo immediately participated and subsequently helped recruit hundreds of additional drivers at airports and meeting locations throughout the Boston region.
During the celebration, Fredo raised his fists triumphantly while displaying a photograph of his family to the assembled crowd.
“This is my family,” he said. “I’m fighting for a better life for them — just like everyone else is fighting for their families. My dream is to save and send my kids to college, and I believe we will get there.”
Advocates point to increasing vehicle expenses, unpredictable compensation, and unclear app algorithms as sources of driver dissatisfaction, particularly among those working extended hours while covering their own fuel, insurance, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation costs. Both Uber and Lyft maintain that drivers appreciate the flexibility of app-based employment and have resisted initiatives that might reclassify workers or modify the industry’s operating structure.
The union drive has developed alongside the accelerating growth of self-driving vehicle technology. While Massachusetts permits autonomous vehicle testing on public streets, existing rules mandate a licensed human operator remain in the vehicle. Completely driverless commercial services without human supervision are prohibited throughout the state.
Waymo has launched driverless taxi services in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. This expansion has faced criticism regarding traffic interference, safety reviews, and problems with stuck or malfunctioning vehicles, while also increasing concerns among ride-hailing drivers about their employment prospects.
Julie Blust of the App Drivers Union noted that drivers nationwide maintain regular communication about evolving industry conditions, including autonomous vehicle expansion in California.
“We now know what’s happening there,” she said. “Drivers are seeing pay go down, and there are real concerns about safety and job security as automatic vehicles expand.”
Union organizers increasingly view collective bargaining as a method for drivers to jointly address the growth of autonomous vehicle companies, she explained.
“Drivers now have an official organization and can speak with one voice about what’s happening in this industry,” Blust said. “We cannot let billions of dollars leave Massachusetts and go to Silicon Valley. That money feeds people’s families, that money pays the rent. That money goes into small businesses.”
The negotiation process is occurring as Massachusetts officials review comprehensive new ride-hailing regulations proposed this spring covering safety requirements, driver supervision, and electric vehicle fleet proposals. Shortly before the union certification, Uber cautioned in a blog post that certain proposals might increase costs and limit driver flexibility, while supporters argued the changes aim to improve safety and oversight.
In a Tuesday email statement, Uber indicated it would collaborate with the union and state officials as negotiations proceed.
“As we enter this next phase, we will work closely with the ADU, our broader driver community, and the Department of Labor Relations,” the company said. “Together, we will ensure that driver flexibility and hard-won benefits remain the foundation of our progress.”
Lyft also announced plans to participate in the new bargaining framework.
“As this new process moves forward, we’re committed to engaging in good faith,” the company said in a statement. “Lyft does well when drivers do well, and we’ll stay focused on helping drivers succeed while keeping rideshare affordable and dependable for everyone who counts on it.”
Four student-athletes from Salisbury University’s softball program have been named to the 2026 Academic All-District teams, as announced by College Sports Communicators.
The Academic All-District recognition highlights student-athletes across the country who demonstrate excellence both in competition and in their academic studies. College Sports Communicators oversees the Academic All-America program, which provides separate recognition for softball players across four different divisions: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.
The honor represents the combined achievements of these players in their athletic performance on the softball field as well as their commitment to academic success in the classroom.
MONTREAL — Following a regular season where he nearly averaged a point per game and surpassed 30 goals as one of Carolina’s top offensive contributors, Andrei Svechnikov had little to celebrate through his initial 10 playoff contests this spring.
That changed during Monday night’s overtime period.
The Russian winger’s game-winning strike in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final versus Montreal marked only his second postseason goal and fifth overall point, pushing Carolina ahead 2-1 in the series. For the 26-year-old forward, it represented a crucial breakthrough moment.
“It’s the most important time of my life right now — of our life as a team — and you’ve got to get on the scoresheet somehow,” Svechnikov said. “I think we’re just playing good as a line. We’re creating a lot, and (in Game 3) we create lots of chances.”
The Hurricanes’ primary offensive unit featuring Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis had struggled to generate scoring throughout the playoffs. Instead, the combination of Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven had primarily driven the attack that carried Carolina through two consecutive sweep victories in earlier rounds.
However, after outshooting Montreal by nearly three-to-one, they delivered when the stakes were highest.
“It’s awesome,” said defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who recorded the opening goal with his first playoff tally. “Those guys built the foundation of this team, and they carried us this whole season. It’s nice to see them, obviously, get the results that they’ve been working hard for.”
This is particularly true for Svechnikov, whom his teammates routinely encourage to take more shots.
“He’s the strongest guy on the ice, and when he’s playing a power forward role is when he’s his best,” Gostisbehere said. “We always say, ‘Just go be an animal out there — smartly.’”
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour, who has guided the team through eight straight playoff berths since assuming control and served as captain during Carolina’s 2006 Stanley Cup championship, wasn’t dissatisfied with Svechnikov’s overall performance. With nine victories in 10 contests, there was little reason for major complaints. Still, Monday’s breakthrough could prove pivotal.
“Hopefully it jumpstarts him getting on the scoresheet,” Brind’Amour said. “He’s been a factor — just not scoring. You’re not going to advance if you don’t get production out of your top guys, obviously, so it was great to see that.”
Contributing as a factor involves delivering hits and maintaining physical presence. Svechnikov ranks third on the roster with 46 hits, and part of their Eastern Conference Final strategy involves targeting Montreal’s smaller defenseman Lane Hutson and his teammates. Svechnikov embraces this approach.
“I don’t want to really talk about it, but that’s what we try to do,” he said. “Just finish the checks, obviously, and hopefully they’re going to turn the puck over or ice the puck and we get the offensive faceoff and all that stuff. We always try to finish our checks.”
Converting offensive opportunities remains equally important. Aho expressed satisfaction with their line’s performance, which finally resulted in a goal just past the 14-minute mark of overtime.
“We could have scored more than one goal, but it’s just the way it goes and we know more goals are coming for us,” Svechnikov said.
Republican lawmakers in South Carolina’s state Senate delivered an unexpected setback to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, voting down a proposed congressional redistricting plan that would have targeted Democratic U.S. Representative James Clyburn’s district.
The rejection of the new map represents an uncommon instance of members of Trump’s own party breaking ranks with the president’s agenda. The proposed redistricting effort had been designed to create a more competitive landscape in Clyburn’s congressional seat.
Three sources familiar with the situation revealed Tuesday that Canadian satellite company Telesat has conducted initial discussions with Italian officials regarding the provision of encrypted communication services for government personnel, diplomats, and military officials working in dangerous locations.
The pursuit of satellite communication solutions has emerged as a particularly delicate matter in Italy following the breakdown of negotiations with Elon Musk’s Starlink service last year, highlighting increasing strains between European and American interests.
According to company information, Telesat currently manages 11 geostationary satellites and has plans to deploy between 150 and 200 low-Earth-orbit satellites starting this year to serve both commercial and military clients.
The unnamed sources indicated that Telesat officials engaged in preliminary conversations with Italian government representatives, though no financial terms were discussed during these early meetings.
According to one source, the most recent discussions occurred within the past month. A separate source noted that Italian officials have not yet provided any response to Telesat’s proposal.
When contacted, a Telesat representative stated the company could not offer any comments regarding the matter at this time.
Reuters previously reported that Rome had explored a potential five-year agreement worth €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) with SpaceX’s Starlink, which leads the industry with approximately 7,000 operational low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Low-Earth-orbit satellites function 36 times nearer to Earth compared to conventional satellites, resulting in reduced transmission delays and delivering superior, faster internet connectivity even in isolated regions.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A cruise vessel connected to a fatal hantavirus outbreak must complete extended sanitization procedures before heading back to its home port, according to the company that runs the ship.
Oceanwide Expeditions announced Tuesday in a written statement that the additional work is happening at the recommendation of the GGD local health authority in Rotterdam, the port city where the ship returned early last week. The vessel’s home port is located in nearby Vlissingen in the southern Netherlands.
“Based on their inspection findings, GGD has advised additional cleaning,” the cruise company stated. “Following completion of this work, GGD will conduct a final inspection before the vessel can depart from Rotterdam.”
The company did not provide details about why extended cleaning was necessary, and the health authority did not immediately respond with comments about the reasoning behind the additional requirements.
Yvonne van Duijnhoven, the director of public health in Rotterdam, had indicated when the Hondius docked at the city’s expansive port eight days ago that cleaning and disinfecting the ship would probably require three days.
In a post shared Sunday on X, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that 12 hantavirus cases and three deaths have been documented by the organization so far, with no fatalities recorded since May 2.
“All passengers and crew remain in quarantine and under close monitoring to ensure they receive care if needed. The situation is stable for now. We continue to remain vigilant and in close contact with all relevant governments,” he stated.
Hantaviruses typically transmit when individuals breathe in contaminated particles from rodent waste. However, the specific hantavirus responsible for this outbreak, known as the Andes virus, might occasionally spread from person to person. Public health authorities indicate that the risk to the broader public from this cruise ship outbreak remains minimal.
Oceanwide Expeditions had earlier stated it did not anticipate any modifications to the Hondius’ operations. The vessel had an Arctic voyage scheduled to depart from Keflavik, Iceland, on May 29. However, in Tuesday’s announcement, the company indicated that “all voyages from 13 June onwards will proceed as scheduled. No further disruption to the sailing schedule of m/v Hondius is expected.”
SAO PAULO (AP) — Twelve months ago, Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro promoted his family’s ties to U.S. President Donald Trump as a significant political advantage. This week, the senator has traveled to Washington to strengthen that alliance once more as he works to stabilize his faltering presidential campaign following revelations that he accepted millions from a corrupt banking executive.
The senator touched down on Tuesday with no announced public schedule. His political opponent in October’s election, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, held a three-hour session with Trump on May 7. The 80-year-old president is pursuing a fourth non-consecutive term in office.
The Trump administration has remained silent regarding the Bolsonaro controversy.
The former President Jair Bolsonaro’s son has faced intense criticism since May 13, when leaked communications published by The Intercept from a federal police probe revealed he obtained approximately $12 million from Daniel Vorcaro, the former head of the now-closed Banco Master.
Vorcaro faces charges of stealing hundreds of millions from bank clients after persuading them to participate in questionable investment schemes. Federal police in Brazil calculate the institution’s overall fraud at 12 billion reais ($2.3 billion).
Flávio Bolsonaro has rejected all allegations of misconduct and maintains that Vorcaro’s funds were utilized to finance a biographical film about his father. While Bolsonaro is not anticipated to face charges in the matter, the probe remains ongoing.
Opposition figures have launched attacks following the disclosure.
“Anyone getting close to a criminal banker gives a bad sign,” former Minas Gerais Gov. Romeu Zema, a Jair Bolsonaro supporter who is running for the presidency, said on Monday.
The senator’s campaign has experienced turbulence as he hunts for a vice presidential candidate and works to build coalition partnerships. These alliances are crucial for securing additional funding and complimentary television and radio coverage, which depends on each party’s representation in the lower legislative chamber.
Prior to the public emergence of Bolsonaro’s ties to Vorcaro, he already faced limited backing from much of the business sector.
Former Goias Gov. Ronaldo Caiado and Renan Santos, both seeking the presidency, have expressed skepticism about Bolsonaro, while some political figures suggest that former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro should take his place as the presidential nominee.
“Michelle would bring many voters back. She has a good name for herself,” former environment minister and lawmaker Ricardo Salles said in a recent podcast. “She is much softer and that could work.”
Michelle Bolsonaro resides with the former president in Brasilia, where he remains under house arrest following his conviction for attempting a coup. She has stayed quiet about the connection between the senator and the failed banking executive, as well as about potentially launching her own presidential campaign.
“That is none of my business. I have to take care of my husband,” she said last week.
Sen. Marcos Rogerio, among Flávio Bolsonaro’s primary congressional supporters, stated the presidential candidate has been providing appropriate explanations regarding his dealings with Vorcaro.
“Moments like this deserve our attention. He needs to make it all clear. But he has also argued in favor of a congressional inquiry on Banco Master. This thing will not bar his candidacy at all,” Rogério told journalists on Saturday. “We are not going to re-evaluate his bid or choose a different person. The senator’s candidacy is still standing.”
Political analyst Lula Guimaraes, who has advised candidates from various political backgrounds in Brazilian campaigns, indicated the revelations would have been devastating for Bolsonaro had they emerged closer to election day.
The ongoing police investigations may continue to damage his prospects, though voters could set the matter aside when casting ballots, Guimaraes noted.
“As of now, people in Brazil want to know who will win the next World Cup. They want to know whether Neymar will play or not. That alone will make this whole affair less visible for a month,” Guimaraes said. “I don’t think this alone will be deadly for Flávio Bolsonaro, but even the man himself said there’s more about him and Vorcaro to come out. He’d better buckle up.”
WASHINGTON — Federal workers across the country could soon be required to sign non-disclosure agreements under a new proposal from the Trump administration aimed at preventing unauthorized information from reaching the press.
The Office of Personnel Management published a request for public feedback Tuesday in the Federal Register regarding a draft agreement that would apply to both current federal workers and new hires.
According to the notice, the agreement would serve to “document Federal employees’ acknowledgment of, and agreement to comply with, current legal obligations to safeguard non-public, confidential, or proprietary information, created or obtained through their official duties, while expressly preserving the right to make disclosures authorized by law.”
Officials cited multiple recent cases where internal government communications about policy decisions and rule development were shared without permission. The agency specifically mentioned unauthorized disclosures by workers at the FBI and Department of Homeland Security regarding planned immigration operations.
The request highlighted one incident where the New York Times and Washington Post obtained advance knowledge of a U.S. operation in Venezuela last January and chose to postpone “publishing what they knew to avoid endangering U.S. troops.”
Neither newspaper responded immediately to requests for comment.
Stopping unauthorized disclosures that the administration considers damaging to its communications strategy has become a key focus across government agencies since President Donald Trump’s return to office. As part of these efforts, federal investigators in January confiscated electronic equipment belonging to a Washington Post journalist, drawing criticism from news organizations and press freedom advocates.
Another significant confrontation happened last year when numerous reporters surrendered their Pentagon press credentials rather than accept new restrictions from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that could result in their removal for attempting to report on any information — whether classified or not — that Hegseth had not personally authorized for publication.
The American Federation of Government Employees has not yet provided a response to the proposal.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tuesday marked the start of early in-person voting for South Carolina’s primary elections, while state senators deliberated on potentially canceling congressional elections to implement new district boundaries crafted to assist Republicans in defeating an established Democratic representative.
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the Democratic congressman Republicans aim to unseat through redistricting, was among the initial voters casting early ballots in Orangeburg. The veteran lawmaker declared his intention to seek reelection despite potential changes to his district boundaries.
“I’m OK if it’s Trump plus 20,” Clyburn stated when discussing the possible Republican edge in a redrawn district. “I would be running where I live.”
This South Carolina political maneuvering represents part of a broader Republican initiative — driven by President Donald Trump — to redraw electoral boundaries favoring the GOP as they attempt to maintain their narrow House majority during midterm elections. Republicans have moved swiftly to capitalize on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that reduced minority protections under federal Voting Rights Act provisions.
However, Republicans encountered a significant obstacle Tuesday in Alabama, where a three-judge federal panel issued a preliminary injunction preventing the state from implementing a Republican-designed congressional map that could secure the GOP an additional seat. The court determined the Republican proposal “intentionally discriminated based on race” by establishing only one Black-majority district and mandated continued use of a court-imposed map featuring two districts with substantial Black populations.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, a Republican, pledged a swift appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and predicted ultimate success.
Democrats, who have experienced their own losses in the nationwide redistricting conflict, celebrated the Alabama development.
The “fight for justice is far from over in states across the country where politicians are enacting gerrymanders on top of gerrymanders to erase equal representation for communities of color,” said Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Redistricting Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
Electoral districts are customarily redrawn following a census at each decade’s beginning. However, Trump has encouraged Republican-controlled states to redistrict before November elections to counter political challenges, which typically cause the president’s party to lose congressional seats during midterms.
Following Trump’s initial push for Texas to redraw its electoral districts last summer, Republicans have also implemented new House districts in Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida and Tennessee. Simultaneously, California voters approved new Democratic-drawn districts, and a court imposed a favorable map for Democrats in Utah. Democrats faced disappointment in Virginia, where the state Supreme Court invalidated a voter-approved redistricting plan that might have helped Democrats secure additional seats.
Redistricting conversations continue in Louisiana after an April high court decision that overturned a majority-Black congressional district as an illegal partisan gerrymander. The Louisiana House may vote this week on a new map that could eliminate a seat held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields and enhance Republicans’ prospects of winning six of the state’s seven seats.
The Congressional Black Caucus on Tuesday urged major corporations throughout the U.S., including those that previously supported voting rights and racial justice, to oppose redistricting efforts by Republican-led states seeking to eliminate majority-Black U.S. House districts. This follows the caucus’s previous call for Black athletes to boycott public universities in states gerrymandering congressional maps to eliminate districts held by Black lawmakers.
Over 26,000 ballots were cast in South Carolina by midday Tuesday during the first day of early voting for the June 9 primary after Democrats urged opponents of the proposed new map to vote in large numbers. In 2022, approximately 125,000 early votes were cast during the entire two-week period.
The Republican-controlled House has already approved a proposal that would restructure Clyburn’s district, invalidate current congressional primary results and conduct new U.S. House primaries in August.
Trump has advocated for the proposal, placing at least two phone calls to Republican state Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey and also calling into a private Republican senators’ meeting earlier this month. He has also continued applying pressure through social media.
Discussion has stalled in the Senate, where Democrats strongly oppose the plan and some GOP legislators worry that aggressive redistricting might backfire by making certain Republican-held seats vulnerable to losses due to adding Democratic voters.
Clyburn observed that when state lawmakers previously redrew congressional districts following the 2020 census, they spent months conducting statewide meetings to collect public input. Although that map created a 6-1 seat advantage for Republicans over Democrats, the process was systematic and equitable, he explained.
“When the map was challenged, the U.S. Supreme Court said, yes, this is constitutional,” Clyburn said. But now, “this White House says, to hell with the process, to hell with the Constitution, just do what we want done.”
DOVER, Del. – Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is marking America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary with special commemorative programming across multiple historic sites statewide.
The celebrations will feature events at various HCA locations designed to highlight significant historical moments that shaped our nation’s story. Participating venues include the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House located in Dover, and the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes.
These programs are being coordinated as part of Delaware’s broader observance of the nation’s semiquincentennial milestone, offering residents opportunities to connect with pivotal chapters in American history at some of the state’s most significant historical landmarks.
PORTLAND, Maine — A ballot measure in Maine designed to restrict transgender students’ participation in athletics has been struck from the November ballot due to insufficient valid signatures, state officials announced Tuesday.
The initiative, backed by the parents’ organization Protect Girls Sports in Maine, sought to have voters decide whether public schools should limit bathroom and sports access based on the gender listed on a student’s birth certificate.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who is running for governor as a Democrat, announced Tuesday that her office discovered more than 12,000 signatures on the referendum petition were invalid. This finding left the campaign several hundred signatures below the necessary 67,682 needed to qualify for the ballot, Bellows explained.
The ruling represents a blow to the broader national effort to restrict or prohibit transgender student participation in athletics. Maine became a focal point for this debate last year amid a public dispute between Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who is serving her final year due to term limits, and President Donald Trump.
“We take the integrity of the petitions just as seriously as we take the security of voting. It’s really important that anyone seeking to place a initiative on the ballot follow the law,” Bellows said.
The petition organizers have a 10-day window to challenge Bellows’ ruling. Representatives from Protect Girls Sports in Maine did not respond immediately to requests for comment Tuesday, though they indicated last week they would continue efforts to get the measure on the ballot. The organization retains the option to pursue placing the initiative on a future ballot, Bellows noted.
Last week, the secretary of state’s office issued a preliminary recommendation stating the petition “does not meet the constitution threshold” for valid signatures. Leyland Streiff, the principal officer of Protect Girls Sports in Maine, responded with a statement saying the group was “continuing our defense of the Protect Girls Sports ballot measure.”
Currently, at least 19 states have enacted legislation prohibiting transgender girls and women from accessing girls’ and women’s restrooms in public schools, with some extending to other government buildings, private schools, or public spaces. A court has temporarily suspended enforcement of one such law in Montana.
Additionally, at least 30 states have implemented laws or policies aimed at preventing transgender girls and women from participating in girls’ and women’s athletics. Legal challenges have blocked some of these measures from taking effect.
None of these bathroom or sports restrictions originated through voter initiatives. Two other Democratic-led states, Colorado and Washington, have sports-related measures appearing on their November ballots.
These limitations on both issues have been enacted within the last five years and have received support from Trump. Following his return to office last year, he ended agreements with school districts designed to protect transgender students and issued an executive order restricting transgender athlete participation in sports.
Those opposing the Maine ballot question expressed support for Bellows’ decision Tuesday. The petition organizers “failed to follow the rules,” stated David Farmer, campaign manager for the Campaign for Free and Fair Schools, which worked against the proposed question.
WASHINGTON — Federal officials announced Tuesday they will accept an additional 10,000 white South Africans as refugees this year, expanding the nation’s historically limited annual ceiling while continuing to deny entry to people from other nations seeking refuge.
The administration halted the refugee program on its first day and has since transformed it into a pathway specifically for Afrikaners — white South Africans primarily descended from Dutch colonists — to enter the United States. Advocacy organizations argue that directing a program with decades of history toward a single demographic has stranded individuals worldwide who are escaping violence and conflict with limited alternatives.
Officials claim Afrikaners face persecution in their homeland, an allegation that South Africa’s government rejects.
In Tuesday’s Federal Register announcement, President Donald Trump cited “an unforeseen emergency refugee situation” as justification for expanding the refugee ceiling. He criticized South Africa’s government for “recent increases in the incitement of racially motivated violence” without providing specific details.
“I hereby determine that the admission to the United States of Afrikaners from South Africa in response to this emergency is justified by the grave humanitarian concerns and is otherwise in the national interest,” Trump stated in the announcement.
Officials previously indicated they would accept up to 7,500 individuals, primarily Afrikaners, during the fiscal year running from October 2025 through September 2026. However, in a recent congressional notification about the increase, the administration cited “unforeseen developments in South Africa created an emergency refugee situation.” The revision increases the ceiling to 17,500.
The State Department has already processed more than 6,000 individuals through the refugee program since the fiscal year began in October, according to government statistics. All but three of those individuals came from South Africa, with the remaining three originating from Afghanistan.
Presidential authority determines annual refugee admission limits, and traditionally, these numbers have been distributed across different global regions while considering conflicts or wars that create humanitarian crises worldwide.
The refugee program, overseen by the State Department and Department of Homeland Security, operates separately from asylum procedures. Refugee applicants must reside outside the United States and complete screening and verification processes before admission, while asylum seekers are already present on American territory.
During his previous term, the administration dramatically reduced annual refugee admissions. The subsequent administration rebuilt the system, establishing a goal of accepting 125,000 refugees in its final year.
Organizations that have spent decades assisting refugee resettlement in America have filed lawsuits seeking admission for individuals who were undergoing the refugee application process but are now stranded.
“For nearly half a century, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program embodied a simple but powerful, bipartisan idea: that the United States would offer safety to the world’s most vulnerable refugees,” said Beth Oppenheim, President & CEO of HIAS, in a statement. “This administration is now dismantling that legacy in plain sight.”
Texas voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide a Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff between longtime incumbent Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton, in a costly and prolonged campaign that has drawn President Donald Trump into the fray.
Trump’s backing of Paxton, whom he described as ‘a true MAGA Warrior,’ arrived in the final stretch of the contest and represents another attempt by the president to target Republican officials he considers inadequately supportive.
The Republican victor will face off against Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the November general election.
The March 3 primary results showed no distinct regional patterns. Close vote tallies in Houston, Dallas and neighboring communities highlight how the competition crosses through, rather than cleanly dividing, Texas’ metropolitan and suburban territories.
Cornyn — who Paxton criticized as overly connected to Washington Republicans and insufficiently devoted to Trump — captured victories in the state’s most populous counties, including metropolitan areas around Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin and Houston. However, Paxton stayed within striking distance, losing by approximately 1,900 votes in Harris County, which includes Houston, and 4,100 votes in Bexar County, which contains San Antonio. Tuesday’s runoff may hinge on which candidate establishes stronger regional support, especially around Houston, where Representative Wesley Hunt, who placed third, exceeded his statewide performance.
Dallas-area contractor Raymond Schramm stated Tuesday that healthcare concerns him, particularly Republican-led reductions in Affordable Care Act subsidies, and he questions how the conflict with Iran has been handled.
While he supported President Donald Trump, he believes the Senate requires someone who will “have a little bit of a difference.” He favors Talarico for his apparent kindness.
“I like him. He’s a nice guy. He speaks well,” he said. “I don’t believe in the party system.”
“My situation is a little different than Massie’s or Cassidy’s,” said Cornyn, referring to two other Republican incumbents who criticized Trump more openly and recently lost their primaries amid pressure from the president and his endorsed candidates.
Regarding his circumstances, Cornyn explained on Fox News Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show that Trump is “frustrated I think with the Senate as a whole.”
There are “grifters,” the senator added, who are “claiming I am opposed to the president’s agenda and I think that’s caused some confusion with the president himself, but I’ve been supportive.”
Legal assistant Calise Perry describes herself as “100%” Republican and cast her ballot Tuesday for challenger Ken Paxton over incumbent Cornyn in Texas’ GOP runoff.
The 65-year-old Garland resident said Paxton, the Texas attorney general, fights hard, “and that’s what we need right now.” The runoff occurred one week after President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton.
“Cornyn’s been in way too long, and it’s time for him to retire,” she said. “He’s been in office a long time and really hasn’t done much, as far as I can see.”
SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University baseball program received significant recognition Tuesday when national coaching organizations announced their All-Region selections for the Mid-Atlantic area.
Pitcher Aidan Brinsfield, a right-hander, earned the prestigious Consensus Region V Pitcher of the Year award, while outfielder Nathan Tondreault was named D3baseball.com Region V Rookie of the Year.
The honors were part of the 2026 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and Rawlings and D3baseball.com All-Region team announcements released Tuesday morning.
Four additional Sea Gulls players earned spots on the All-Region V teams alongside Brinsfield and Tondreault. Third baseman Jackson Inman was selected, along with three relief pitchers: Cole Williams, Jack Rucker, and Bryce Sterling.
The six total selections represent the top baseball talent from across the Mid-Atlantic region as chosen by the national baseball coaching organizations.
Middle and high school students from across the First State brought home impressive achievements from the 2026 Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference, which took place in Nashville this month.
With backing from Delaware Department of Education personnel, the BPA program provides students with valuable chances to put their technical skills to work, develop their leadership abilities, and participate in practical, career-focused educational experiences that connect directly with real-world applications.
Star guard Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever said Tuesday she recognizes she has been dealing with back problems but isn’t worried about the situation.
“I don’t think (the back issues) necessarily started at a certain point. I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve kind of been understanding my body more,” Clark said. “But before that, I was always like, I’m fine, I’m fine, I can go play, go play, go play.
“And maybe sometimes I’m too hyperaware about certain things.
“… But I don’t think it’s anything of concern, no.”
However, fans were alarmed when Clark was pulled from Indiana’s matchup with the Portland Fire last Wednesday due to back stiffness she experienced upon waking. The decision to sideline her came less than two hours before the game began.
Indiana’s head coach Stephanie White explained to media that the move was made as a safety measure, saying “it’s not the time to take a chance.”
The 24-year-old player was back on the court Friday, scoring 22 points and dishing out nine assists as the Fever defeated the Golden State Valkyries 90-82.
Through five games this season, she is posting averages of 23.8 points and 9.0 assists per contest.
Clark, who was selected first overall in the 2024 draft and has earned two All-Star selections, appeared in only 13 games during the previous season after dealing with injuries to her quadriceps, groin and ankle.
Hockey Canada revealed Tuesday that the organization has reached a mutual understanding with women’s national team general manager Gina Kingsbury and head coach Troy Ryan that both will step down following the 2026-27 season.
The leadership changes come after the women’s squad fell short against their American rivals in an overtime battle for Olympic gold this past February. Both Kingsbury and Ryan had existing agreements that would have kept them in their roles through the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.
Despite the recent Olympic disappointment, the departing duo guided the team to significant achievements during their tenure. The women’s program captured Olympic gold in 2022 and secured world championship victories in 2021, 2022, and 2024 under their direction.
Hockey Canada has formed a selection committee tasked with finding the team’s next general manager. Once chosen, that individual will be responsible for selecting the new head coach and assembling the complete coaching staff, management team, and support personnel.
PARIS, May 26 – Key moments from Tuesday’s third day of competition at the French Open tennis tournament (all times in GMT):
1610 DE MINAUR ADVANCES AS OPPONENT WITHDRAWS
Alex De Minaur secured his spot in the third round when second-round adversary Alexander Blockx pulled out of the competition due to an ankle injury.
1510 GAUFF AND OSAKA ADVANCE TO NEXT ROUND
Title holder Coco Gauff defeated compatriot Taylor Townsend in straight sets 6-4, 6-0 to easily advance to the second round.
Naomi Osaka overcame Germany’s Laura Siegemund with a 6-3, 7-6(3) win to move forward.
1346 NORRIE FORCED TO WITHDRAW DUE TO INJURY
Britain’s 20th-seeded Cameron Norrie was forced to quit during the second set after taking a medical break for what appeared to be a rib problem.
This represented the first occasion the 30-year-old had withdrawn from any competition above ITF level.
1334 AUSTRALIAN WILDCARD WALTON UPSETS MEDVEDEV
Sixth-seeded Daniil Medvedev was eliminated in the opening round following an unexpected loss to Australian wildcard Adam Walton, who defeated the 30-year-old 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 to progress.
1225 ARYNA SABALENKA DEFEATS JESSICA BOUZAS MANEIRO
Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka started her campaign for a first clay court Grand Slam championship with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
0908 COMPETITION BEGINS
Matches commenced in warm weather at Roland Garros, with Paris temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius and expected to climb to approximately 33 degrees later in the day.
Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament’s number one seed, kicked off action on Court Philippe-Chatrier facing Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
The Oakland Athletics are set to call up their highly-rated pitching prospect Gage Jump from the minor leagues following an injury to starter Aaron Civale, multiple sources reported Tuesday.
Jump, a 23-year-old left-handed pitcher known for his strikeout ability, has recorded 56 strikeouts across 38 innings in nine Triple-A Las Vegas appearances this season. The southpaw has issued 20 walks while compiling a 4.50 ERA and an 0-2 win-loss record.
Selected in the second round of the 2024 draft from LSU, Jump currently ranks as the 41st best prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline. Among Athletics prospects, he sits third behind shortstop Leo De Vries and left-hander Jamie Arnold. Arnold, chosen 11th overall in the 2025 draft from Florida State, is presently playing at Double-A Midland.
Civale was removed from Monday’s game after just four innings due to concerning velocity decline that manager Mark Kotsay attributed to a potential right shoulder or lat muscle problem following the contest. The team announced Civale would receive medical evaluation Tuesday.
During Monday’s 9-2 defeat to the visiting Seattle Mariners, he surrendered seven runs on nine hits plus one walk while throwing just 73 pitches. In his previous outing against the Los Angeles Angels last week, when he gave up five runs over five innings, Civale acknowledged he had been “working through” the arm problem “for a little bit.”
Monday’s fastball velocity registered 88.3 mph on the stadium radar system, representing a drop of more than 3 mph from his 2026 season average.
The 30-year-old Civale carries a 5-2 record this season with a 4.20 ERA through 11 starts. Before his struggles against the Angels and Mariners in his last two outings, he maintained a 2.70 ERA. Those two difficult performances resulted in 14 hits allowed (including six home runs) and 12 earned runs.
The head of Israel’s biggest defense company says his firm is working on new technology to stop deadly explosive drones from Hezbollah that have been killing Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.
Bezhalel Machlis, who leads Elbit Systems, told Reuters in an interview Tuesday that his company is actively collaborating with Israel’s defense ministry to create a rapid response to the drone problem. The solution might include what he called an “energy weapon solution,” noting that his company is “very active in energy weapons such as lasers.”
“There are other means, which are also relevant to this threat. We are heavily involved in the development of a solution (to) this challenge” of explosive drones, Machlis explained after his company announced strong first-quarter earnings and profit increases.
The Iran-supported Hezbollah has deployed these inexpensive, simple-to-build kamikaze drones against Israeli forces who have stayed in southern Lebanon following an April 16 ceasefire. These drones pose a significant challenge for air defense systems to stop and are also causing devastating damage in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Facing mounting pressure to tackle this threat, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday his intention to intensify strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, he didn’t outline a specific strategy for dealing with the drones, which can bypass Israel’s advanced jamming technology.
Currently, Israel has resorted to basic methods like nets to prevent the First-Person-View drones, operated through fiber-optic cables, from striking troops.
The Israel-Hezbollah fighting represents the most lethal extension of the wider U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, where prospects for a quick resolution dimmed Tuesday after U.S. forces launched strikes in the country’s southern region.
Iran maintains that any agreement to conclude the war must include stopping Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Netanyahu has insisted on maintaining the authority to strike throughout the region to counter perceived dangers.
On Tuesday, Hezbollah announced that its forces deployed explosive drones and rockets against Israeli troops moving toward the southern Lebanese community of Zawtar al-Sharqiya, calling it retaliation for Israeli attacks on Lebanese villages.
This drone threat and the Israeli defense sector’s efforts to develop countermeasures come during a surge in Israeli military exports, with international demand for Israeli defense technology including ammunition, laser systems, electronic warfare equipment, and night-vision devices rising dramatically since the Gaza conflict began in 2023.
Machlis reported that Elbit is experiencing increased demand across Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from the United Arab Emirates.
“We are active in this region,” Machlis commented regarding Elbit’s Middle East operations. “It is fast growing.”
App-based transportation drivers in Massachusetts have achieved a historic milestone by establishing the nation’s first officially recognized ride-share union, according to state officials and labor organizers.
The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations granted certification to the newly created App Drivers Union on Friday, authorizing it to represent approximately 70,000 ride-share drivers who work as independent contractors throughout the state for companies including Uber and Lyft.
At a Tuesday rally in Boston featuring drivers and labor advocates, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, declared: “It changes the game for ride-share workers across this country.”
This certification became possible after Massachusetts voters endorsed a ballot initiative in November 2024 that established an innovative legal structure enabling drivers working for app-based companies to organize and engage in collective bargaining regarding compensation and benefits.
The ballot victory concluded a prolonged national dispute over the employment classification of ride-share drivers and whether they should receive the benefits and wage safeguards typically afforded to employees rather than independent contractors.
Federal labor law under the National Labor Relations Act does not grant organizing rights to Uber and Lyft drivers since it only applies to traditional employees.
However, the Massachusetts legislation permitted drivers to establish a union after gathering signatures from a minimum of 25% of active drivers statewide—a threshold that union organizers successfully achieved. The union receives support from 32BJ SEIU, a Service Employees International Union affiliate, along with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
IAM President Brian Bryant addressed Tuesday’s rally, stating: “The workers who built these billion-dollar corporations deserve a union contract and a seat at the table.”
Bryant and fellow union officials highlighted Massachusetts as a significant labor achievement while organizing campaigns advance in additional states.
California ride-share drivers obtained unionization rights through legislation that Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed in October. Illinois is currently considering comparable legislation.
Neither Lyft nor Uber opposed the Massachusetts ballot initiative. Lyft announced Tuesday its commitment to participating constructively as the Massachusetts process continues.
“Lyft does well when drivers do well, and we’ll stay focused on helping drivers succeed while keeping rideshare affordable and dependable for everyone who counts on it,” the company stated.
Uber declined to provide comment when contacted.
Prior to the 2024 vote, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell negotiated an agreement with Uber and Lyft mandating they implement a $32.50 per hour minimum wage standard for Massachusetts drivers and pay $175 million to settle allegations they incorrectly classified drivers as independent contractors instead of employees under state regulations.
WASHINGTON, May 26 – Federal banking regulators under Republican President Trump are implementing the most extensive changes to financial institution oversight since the 2008 financial crisis. The agencies argue that bank examiners have become overly focused on procedural matters and minor violations, and should instead concentrate on significant financial threats. However, critics contend these modifications will collectively undermine the financial system’s stability.
SHIFTING FOCUS TO ‘MATERIAL’ THREATS
The Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have collectively elevated the bar for supervisory findings by directing examiners toward “material financial risks” rather than documentation and procedural matters that don’t present immediate dangers to a bank’s safety and stability.
Within this transformation, the agencies have ceased monitoring reputational risk, a measure that financial institutions had long criticized for providing examiners excessive discretion to penalize them based on subjective criteria. Trump has also personally criticized banks for using reputational risk management as justification to refuse services to conservatives, allegations the banks reject.
Critics argue the modifications have diminished examiners’ authority to address issues that may not constitute material financial risks initially, but could eventually create problems – including control failures, governance concerns, or other procedural matters.
LIMITING ‘MRA’ DIRECTIVE USAGE
To guarantee examiners concentrate on material threats, the agencies have limited the application of “matters requiring attention (MRAs),” confidential orders requiring banks to address issues or potentially face enforcement action.
For more than ten years, MRAs have served as examiners’ main instrument for overseeing banks, but financial institutions claim they are often applied to trivial matters. Examiners may now only issue MRAs for material financial risks. For other concerns, they can provide non-binding “observations,” according to the agencies.
When a bank voluntarily identifies an issue that would typically have resulted in an MRA and starts addressing it, bank examiners have been instructed to provide an observation instead.
The OCC and FDIC have also suggested regulations that would limit the definition of “unsafe and unsound” practices that examiners should monitor.
ELIMINATING REDUNDANCY, DEPENDING ON BANKS’ INTERNAL AUDITING
Banking regulators have instructed examiners to coordinate more effectively with one another to reduce redundant efforts. The Fed has instructed staff to depend to the “fullest extent possible” on examination work conducted by other agencies when they serve as the bank’s primary supervisor, and to perform their own examinations only when it isn’t “reasonably possible” to rely on another agency’s work.
Likewise, the Fed has informed examiners that as long as a bank’s internal audit function is adequate, they should depend on those auditors’ conclusions to determine whether an issue has been resolved, rather than performing their own evaluation.
PRIVATE RATING SYSTEMS
All three agencies are also restructuring the private rating system examiners use to evaluate banks, where institutions with poor scores may face penalties or operational restrictions. The “CAMELS” rating assesses banks across multiple factors, but the industry has criticized the framework as overly subjective. Regulators have suggested updating these measures to re-emphasize financial risk factors while de-emphasizing what banks describe as more vague elements such as management quality.
MODIFYING THE APPEALS SYSTEM
The FDIC and OCC are restructuring their process for reviewing bank appeals regarding issues like MRAs, regulatory ratings, and other matters to make them more organized, independent, and transparent, the agencies state. Banks claim the current appeals process lacks transparency, with excessive involvement from examiners who made the initial decision. Both agencies have established new, independent bodies to resolve disputes.
At the Fed, banks have been informed that if they believe their examiners aren’t following the new standards, they should report this to senior Fed personnel.
RESTRICTING HORIZONTAL EXAMINATIONS, INSPECTION INTENSITY
Another supervisory method being phased out is the “horizontal review,” where bank examiners investigate a group of similar banks regarding the same issue. Banks had long criticized such reviews as potentially becoming fishing expeditions, with examiners searching for problems without specific cause. The new Fed guidelines direct staff to stop horizontal reviews of large banks unless Fed leadership deems them critically necessary.
Brazil’s health regulatory agency Anvisa announced Tuesday that it has cleared EMS’s Ozivy, marking the first semaglutide injection pen approved in the country as the pharmaceutical company seeks to enter a more premium market segment.
The medication contains the same active compound found in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes and weight-loss treatment Ozempic, which lost patent protection in Brazil this past March.
Production of the drug will take place at an EMS facility located in Sao Paulo state, with manufacturing capability reaching as many as 40 million injection pens annually.
The CEO of Grupo NC, EMS’s parent company, had previously informed Reuters in March that the company anticipated bringing semaglutide pens to market during this year.
While regulatory approval has been secured, the medication cannot be sold until Brazil’s medicine pricing authority establishes a maximum price point.
To become part of Brazil’s government-run healthcare program SUS, Ozivy requires additional clearance from the Health Ministry.
Anvisa is currently evaluating five additional synthetic semaglutide submissions along with one biological variant.
Competing pharmaceutical company Hypera had also announced intentions to introduce its own generic semaglutide product this year.
DOVER, Del. — Local municipalities across Delaware will soon have access to free professional guidance on preparing for and recovering from disaster-related housing challenges.
The Delaware State Housing Authority has joined forces with the University of Delaware’s Sea Grant program to deliver specialized training sessions focused on post-disaster housing recovery and community resilience strategies.
These educational sessions, scheduled to take place in communities statewide, will guide municipal officials through hands-on mapping activities designed to pinpoint vulnerable neighborhoods, identify flood-prone areas with histories of repeated storm damage, and explore options for temporary housing solutions.
The collaborative effort aims to help Delaware’s local governments better prepare for future weather-related emergencies and develop more effective response plans for protecting residents’ housing needs during recovery periods.
The nation’s highest court declined Tuesday to step into a racial discrimination case brought by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores against the NFL, clearing the way for the lawsuit to move toward trial.
The justices turned down the league’s request to force the case into its private arbitration system instead of allowing it to continue in New York courts. Justice Brett Kavanaugh disagreed with the court’s decision to stay out of the matter.
Flores, who is Black, filed the lawsuit in February 2022 against the league and three franchises, claiming the NFL was “rife with racism” in how it handles hiring decisions for Black coaches. Two other Black coaches, Steve Wilks and Ray Horton, later became part of the legal action.
The former coach, who lost his job with the Dolphins just before launching the lawsuit, currently serves as defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
League officials had pushed for the dispute to go through arbitration instead of the court system, but federal judges at lower levels have supported the coaches’ position. The NFL stated it respected the Supreme Court’s ruling, which keeps the lower court decisions intact, but said it remains “fully prepared to defend ourselves as this matter proceeds.”
Lawyers David Gottlieb and Douglas Wigdor, who represent the coaches, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “The NFL must now accept that its commissioner cannot be the arbitrator over discrimination claims against the league and its teams. We look forward to litigating these claims in court,” they said in a written statement.
Flores was let go after compiling a 24-25 coaching record across three seasons with no postseason appearances. However, the Dolphins had achieved consecutive winning seasons before his dismissal.
The lawsuit names the NFL along with the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans. Flores had interviewed with Denver in 2019 and with the Giants and Texans in 2022.
Wilks, who lost his position as the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator in December, joined the case by alleging the Arizona Cardinals treated him as a “bridge coach” in 2018 — elevating him to interim status after dismissing another coach but then overlooking him for the permanent position. He claimed the Cardinals failed to give him a fair opportunity to prove himself.
Horton, whose last NFL coaching role ended in 2019, accused the Tennessee Titans of failing to conduct a legitimate interview process when he sought their head coaching job in 2016.
Known as the “Sommermärchen” or “Summer Fairy Tale,” Germany’s 2006 World Cup earned widespread acclaim as a celebration of a modern, unified country that welcomed international visitors. A key element of that achievement was the “KombiTicket,” which provided fans with complimentary local public transit access during game days.
Following that example, subsequent World Cup hosting nations have made substantial investments in fan transportation, particularly Russia in 2018, where even intercity rail travel between venues was provided at no charge, and Qatar in 2022, where complimentary subway access transformed venue-hopping into an integral tournament feature.
Now comes America’s turn.
Soccer supporters, already struggling with sky-high ticket costs, pricey airfare and steep hotel rates, have expressed anger upon learning that rail transportation to certain venues will carry another substantial expense: $98 for round-trip train travel in New Jersey and $80 in Massachusetts — journeys that typically cost NFL attendees $12.90 and $20, respectively.
Authorities maintain they’re not attempting to exploit supporters, but rather seeking to offset security expenses and enhanced rail operations without burdening taxpayers. However, fans view this as yet another financial burden placed on supporters who are already spending enormous amounts to visit America, a vast, automobile-dependent nation where mass transit has historically been neglected in numerous areas. Unlike previous host nations, certain state and local leaders have shown less willingness to absorb these expenses, contending that FIFA, the global soccer organization expected to generate billions from the tournament, should cover them.
“Planning for this World Cup has been a nightmare from start to finish,” said Scotland-born Rory Phillips-Hunter, a 37-year-old hospitality worker who lives in northern England. “I think it’s the most inaccessible one there’s ever been.”
Confused by the absence of reasonably priced travel options for the 25-mile (40-kilometer) journey from Providence, Rhode Island, to Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Scotland’s opening two games will occur, Phillips-Hunter and fellow Tartan Army supporters chose to arrange their own solution.
For approximately $50 per person, the Scottish fans have reserved roughly 20 school buses to transport nearly 1,000 members of their plaid-wearing supporter group to each game. They’re even receiving police escort services, all for slightly more than half the price of the $95 bus service that local authorities are providing — creating combined savings exceeding $85,000.
Phillips-Hunter acknowledges the $95 bus cost wouldn’t financially ruin him, but he and countless other Scottish supporters are already spending massive amounts to watch their men’s national team participate in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Phillips-Hunter calculates it will require two years to pay off the credit card debt he’s accumulating for his six-day American visit, including the $1,350 he paid for his Scotland-Morocco game ticket.
Above all else, Phillips-Hunter feels frustrated that a group of Scots from across the Atlantic managed to arrange transportation for significantly less than what local authorities proposed.
“When I look at that difference in cost, that’s just profits you’re taking from us,” he said.
Host cities aren’t all handling transportation identically. Atlanta, Houston and Seattle feature stadiums connected directly to rail networks, where standard ticket prices will be charged. Miami-Dade County leaders recently revealed they will provide complimentary shuttle services between Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and locations about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from downtown Miami. Philadelphia, meanwhile, offers free return trips from the venue, funded by FIFA sponsor Airbnb. Kansas City, Missouri, operates $15 shuttle services.
The comparatively expensive transit fees for games at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts stem partly from their suburban locations, where most fans typically drive to NFL contests they usually host. However, parking will be severely restricted during the World Cup due to expanded security zones, broadcasting requirements and lots designated for VIP use, compelling many more supporters to rely on public transportation.
David Gogishvili serves as a senior researcher at Switzerland’s University of Lausanne and examines how sports organizers coordinate major events like the World Cup.
He explained it’s typical procedure for organizers like FIFA to transfer much of the expense to host nations. The distinction this time involves the U.S. having “stronger and more independent” state and local leaders who have shown less willingness to accept the cost and “bow to the wills of FIFA.”
“These costs should be borne by the organization that is earning money out of these events, which is FIFA. It should not always be the host cities that take on all the expenses,” Gogishvili said, referencing the soccer organization’s anticipated $13 billion revenue from 2023-26.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, has called on FIFA to cover the transportation costs to matches.
However, FIFA responded by arguing that no other international event has been required to absorb such expenses and that its original agreements with host cities required free fan transportation to all games. The contracts were subsequently modified to permit cities to offer transit “at cost.”
Transportation has been so accessible at recent World Cups because host countries like Russia and Qatar treated the tournament as a “public relations exercise,” subsidizing transit costs accordingly, Gogishvili explained.
Leaders’ concerns about transit expenses also emerge amid increasing worry that the anticipated World Cup economic benefits won’t occur, with hotel reservations falling short of projections in most of the 11 American cities hosting tournament games. A 2022 study co-authored by Gogishvili discovered that nearly every World Cup from 1966 through 2018 operated at a financial loss.
Yonah Freemark, a researcher at the Washington-based Urban Institute think tank who specializes in transit issues, said World Cup fans from Europe and Asia will encounter less-developed but more expensive transit networks than they experience at home.
Referencing the transit costs associated with games in New Jersey and Massachusetts, Freemark said officials “are trying to get away with murder.” Delays and transit availability, he noted, will probably disappoint many international visitors.
Ynara Correa da Costa, a Brazilian systems analyst who lives outside Sao Paulo, will be attending her seventh World Cup.
Like many others, she was shocked when authorities initially suggested charging up to $150 for train travel from New York City to MetLife Stadium, where Brazil opens against Morocco. The widespread outrage prompted New Jersey officials to reduce the fare to $98 after obtaining additional funding.
But even the reduced cost for a brief train journey “is just not acceptable,” Costa said.
Costa felt encouraged when the local host committee announced it had obtained more buses for stadium transportation and cut the price from $80 to $20. However, only enough bus capacity exists for 18,000 supporters to reach the stadium, which accommodates approximately 82,500.
That appears much more reasonable to Costa. Previously, she questioned whether she and other budget-minded fans might need to walk to MetLife Stadium, but that option isn’t feasible.
“We’ll go to the match, that I know,” Costa said. “But how? Let’s see.”
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced Tuesday that his party will use its parliamentary majority to establish investigative panels examining alleged corruption and power abuses during Viktor Orbán’s previous administration.
Magyar’s center-right Tisza party secured a decisive victory over the autocratic former leader in last month’s elections. The overwhelming win provided Tisza with a two-thirds majority, enabling them to reverse numerous policies that earned Orbán criticism as a far-right authoritarian leader.
A central campaign pledge for Tisza involved holding Orbán, his nationalist-populist Fidesz party, and their business allies responsible for suspected wrongdoing.
Speaking Tuesday, Magyar announced that six parliamentary investigative panels will examine various aspects of Orbán’s time in office, including suspected misuse of public money handled by Hungary’s National Bank — a matter currently under police review involving potentially hundreds of millions of dollars.
“We will put all corruption and abuses of power on full display,” Magyar said. “The Hungarian people have the right to know who benefited from their money, who stole their money, who got rich from the vulnerability of the people.”
Throughout his 16-year tenure as Hungary’s prime minister, Orbán faced accusations from numerous critics of overseeing widespread public fund misuse, including directing profitable government contracts to relatives and business figures connected to his party.
Critics also accused him of wielding government power to weaken democratic institutions, prompting the European Parliament to declare in 2022 that Hungary was no longer a democracy.
Since assuming office earlier this month, Magyar’s party lawmakers have introduced a constitutional amendment restricting prime ministers to eight-year terms — a limitation that would apply to Magyar himself. Orbán, who completed four consecutive terms, would be barred from serving as prime minister again under this proposal.
Magyar stated Tuesday that his administration would also consider applying the eight-year restriction to other elected positions, noting: “No one should imagine that electoral authority is inherited forever. Power exercised without limits leads to loss of control over time in any democratic system.”
Another investigative committee will examine details surrounding a pardon granted to an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case by Hungary’s former president, Katalin Novák, which resulted in her 2024 resignation, Magyar explained.
The new premier has also committed to passing a constitutional amendment dissolving Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Office, an agency established by Orbán’s administration in 2023 to investigate non-governmental organizations, media companies and political parties under the guise of preventing foreign interference.
Magyar additionally promised his government would eliminate “political privileges” previously granted to officeholders, including salary reductions for the prime minister and cabinet members, state company executives, and legislators.
Officials in Hong Kong announced Tuesday they will offer 10,000 new vehicle permits for drivers working with ride-sharing platforms such as Uber, representing roughly half of what transportation industry groups had requested.
Currently, Hong Kong operates approximately 18,000 licensed taxis and limits private car-hire permits to 1,500 vehicles, with these drivers able to accept rides through mobile apps. However, additional drivers working through these platforms operate illegally and have previously faced criminal charges, despite being widespread throughout the city.
Hong Kong officials revealed specifics of their regulatory plan last summer to formalize oversight of the industry, responding to years of lobbying from taxi operators.
The Smart Transportation Alliance, representing ride-hailing companies and other transport businesses, had requested in May that authorities approve 20,500 new vehicle permits during the initial rollout phase.
However, in documentation presented Tuesday to lawmakers, Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau stated that limiting permits to 10,000 would be reasonable and suitable, considering both passenger needs and public road capacity. Officials indicated they would reassess the limit later to determine if modifications are necessary.
City legislators approved legislation last year mandating licenses and permits for ride-hailing platforms and their vehicles and drivers. When issuing licenses, Hong Kong’s transport commissioner may evaluate companies based on their track record, financial stability and planned regional investments. Licensed operators must provide “proper and efficient” service.
Driver requirements include being at least 21 years old, holding a driver’s license for a minimum of one year, maintaining a clean record without serious traffic violations over five years, and successfully completing an examination.
According to Tuesday’s announcement, most new ride-hailing rules will take effect in August, with remaining provisions implemented by August 2027. At that point, all platforms must obtain licenses and verify that their associated vehicles and drivers hold proper permits.
The proposals require companies to implement technology such as facial recognition systems to confirm drivers match the registered vehicle owners.
Law enforcement has previously arrested several Uber drivers suspected of operating without permits, and in 2018, more than two dozen drivers received fines.
Many taxi operators have historically opposed platforms like Uber, viewing them as competitors that harm their livelihoods. However, Uber, which launched Hong Kong operations in 2014, maintains popularity in the financial center, where numerous residents express dissatisfaction with taxi service quality. Uber has recently incorporated licensed taxi drivers into its platform.
In earlier legislative submissions, Uber’s Hong Kong division stated it maintains over 30,000 active drivers citywide over the past year. The company warned that even with 15,000 permits issued and enforced, booking wait times during peak periods could double from current levels, with fares potentially increasing up to 70%.
Uber said in a Tuesday statement that the legislative proposal represents an important step toward establishing clear regulations, but noted the initial quota falls “significantly lower” than necessary to satisfy rider demand. The company added that more than 20,000 people would lose earning opportunities under the proposals.
“This legislation is just a start. We hope to continue working closely with the government on an efficient allocation framework and a practical review mechanism that allows the system to evolve over time,” the company stated.
A supplement manufacturer in Missouri has initiated a voluntary recall of certain batches of its moringa capsules following concerns about potential salmonella contamination.
Mogo Moringa LLC, headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, announced on May 25, 2026, that it is pulling specific lots of its Mogo Moringa Capsules from the market as a precautionary measure.
The company’s recall notice was posted on the FDA’s official website for recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts.
Salmonella contamination can pose serious health risks to consumers, particularly those with compromised immune systems, young children, and elderly individuals.
Consumers who have purchased the affected product lots are advised to discontinue use and contact the company for further instructions.
WASHINGTON — The nation’s highest court turned away Florida’s ambitious legal challenge on Tuesday, declining to hear the state’s lawsuit against California and Washington over their policies of granting commercial driving permits to truckers who cannot speak English and lack legal authorization to remain in the country.
The legal dispute originated from a deadly collision in Florida last year that claimed three lives. The motorist responsible, Harjinder Singh, stands accused of executing an unlawful U-turn that triggered the fatal accident. Singh, an Indian national, possessed a current commercial driving permit issued by California and had previously obtained similar authorization from Washington state.
Florida’s Republican leadership has charged the Democrat-controlled Western states with deliberately flouting federal immigration statutes and petitioned the justices to declare that states cannot lawfully grant CDLs to individuals who lack citizenship or permanent legal residency status.
While the nation’s top court generally reviews decisions from lower tribunals, it occasionally considers what legal experts call original cases where states directly challenge one another before the highest judicial authority.
Two justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, registered their disagreement with Tuesday’s decision, following their customary practice of objecting when the court declines to hear original state-versus-state disputes, maintaining that the court must accept jurisdiction over such matters.
In related developments, a federal appellate court has halted a Trump administration initiative that sought to establish new limitations significantly restricting immigrant eligibility for commercial driving credentials needed to operate large trucks or buses.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed being “deeply concerned” on Tuesday regarding Russia’s declared intentions to target Ukrainian defense facilities and command centers located in Kyiv.
The U.N. leader delivered these comments to the Security Council following Moscow’s Monday declaration of its plans to carry out such attacks, coming just one day after launching one of its most intense bombardments of the Ukrainian capital since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine started.
The Secretary-General noted that Russia’s announcement came in response to reports about a Ukrainian drone strike that hit an educational facility and student housing in Starobilsk, a Ukrainian city currently under Russian control.
“We condemned the attack on the school – as we condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur,” Guterres stated.
“Now more than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation of a conflict that has already exacted a devastating toll on civilians, and that risks making the search for peace even more distant, prolonging the suffering of people,” the U.N. chief continued.
BRUSSELS, May 26 (Reuters) – Several European nations and the European Union called in Russian diplomatic officials Tuesday following Moscow’s warnings for foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel to evacuate Ukraine’s capital amid threats of renewed attacks.
Russian officials announced Monday their plans to target Ukrainian military installations and government decision-making facilities in Kyiv, coming just one day after launching one of the most intense bombing campaigns against the city since the conflict started.
The European Union’s foreign affairs department called in Russia’s chargé d’affaires, according to the bloc’s foreign policy spokesperson on Tuesday.
Russia’s “threat to foreign citizens & diplomats to leave Kyiv is an unacceptable escalation”, spokesperson Anitta Hipper said in a post on X, calling for Moscow to “stop hitting civilians”.
The EU’s delegation is remaining in Kyiv, the spokesperson added.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said he had summoned Russia’s ambassador Nikolai Korchunov to address “the explicit threats against foreign personnel in Ukraine”.
Sweden on Monday evening summoned the Russian ambassador to “condemn Russia’s false claims of airspace violations in the Nordic-Baltic region and Russia’s threats against Latvia and other countries in the region”.
