A vehicle accident has resulted in lane restrictions on northbound Interstate 95 at the Route 141 overpass, according to traffic officials.
Two right lanes are currently blocked to traffic as emergency crews respond to the crash scene. The lane closures are causing traffic backups for northbound travelers in the area.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and to consider alternative routes if possible to avoid delays. The duration of the lane closures has not yet been determined as crews continue working to clear the incident.
Fire attacks on Ebola treatment facilities in eastern Congo demonstrate how health officials confront multiple severe challenges — including community resistance — while attempting to contain an outbreak of an infectious disease that has been designated a global health emergency.
The destruction of treatment centers in two communities at the outbreak’s center reflects frustration in an area plagued by violence from armed rebel groups, massive population displacement, governmental breakdown and international aid reductions that experts say have weakened health facilities in at-risk communities.
“A devastating set of emergencies are converging,” said the Physicians for Human Rights nonprofit.
Here’s an examination of the ongoing crises in eastern Congo that have created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian disasters, and how they are now impacting efforts to combat a rare strain of Ebola:
Eastern Congo has experienced violence from dozens of different rebel groups for years, some with connections to foreign nations or Islamic State.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels maintain control over portions of the region. Although the Congolese government retains significant control over northeastern Ituri Province, where the Ebola outbreak is centered, that authority remains fragile. The Allied Democratic Forces, a Ugandan Islamist organization connected to Islamic State, ranks among the dominant rebel groups there and has conducted violent attacks on civilian populations.
Prior to the outbreak, Doctors Without Borders reported in their evaluation of Ituri’s situation that security had deteriorated recently, forcing medical personnel to evacuate and creating overwhelmed healthcare facilities with “catastrophic” conditions in certain areas.
Almost 1 million residents in Ituri have been forced from their homes due to conflict, according to the United Nations humanitarian office.
This means the current Ebola outbreak is “unfolding in communities already facing insecurity, displacement and fragile health care systems,” said Gabriela Arenas, Regional Operations Coordinator at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
There’s significant worry that the disease could reach the large displacement camps near the city of Bunia, where initial cases were identified.
Officials have reported over 700 suspected Ebola cases and more than 170 suspected deaths, primarily in Ituri. However, cases have emerged in two additional eastern provinces, North Kivu and South Kivu, where M23 maintains control, and also in neighboring Uganda.
This means portions of the Congo outbreak are being handled by the government while other areas are managed by rebel authorities, with various aid organizations providing assistance.
Health experts indicate that international aid reductions last year by the United States and other wealthy countries were catastrophic for eastern Congo due to its numerous challenges.
The reductions “reduced the capacity to detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks,” said Thomas McHale, public health director at Physicians for Human Rights. Congo has experienced more than a dozen previous Ebola outbreaks.
Relief organizations combating this outbreak report lacking necessary equipment, including face shields and protective suits for health workers, testing supplies, and body bags plus other materials required to safely handle victims’ remains, which can be extremely contagious.
“We have made requests to different partners, but we have not yet really received anything,” said Julienne Lusenge, president of Women’s Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development, an aid group operating a small hospital near Bunia.
“We only have hand sanitizer and a few masks for the nurses.”
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus causing the outbreak has no approved vaccine or treatment.
The destruction of two treatment centers by residents in the Rwampara and Mongbwalu areas — which report the highest case numbers — demonstrates how community opposition is further hampering response efforts.
Colin Thomas-Jensen, director of impact at the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, suggested the attacks may reflect the “built-in skepticism and anger” of eastern Congo residents regarding how their region has been handled, enduring years of violence from foreign-connected rebel groups and failures by their government and international peacekeepers to provide protection.
Another source of frustration involves strict procedures surrounding burial of suspected Ebola victims, which authorities are overseeing wherever possible to prevent additional disease transmission when families handle bodies and people gather for funerals.
The initial burning of an Ebola center in Rwampara involved local youth attempting to recover their deceased friend’s body, according to witnesses and police. The witnesses reported the crowd accused the foreign aid organization of deceiving them about Ebola.
Officials in northeastern Congo have prohibited funeral wakes and gatherings exceeding 50 people to limit transmission, with armed soldiers and police now protecting some burials conducted by aid workers.
Israel’s Prime Minister conveyed to the U.S. President during a Saturday phone conversation that his nation would continue operating freely against security threats in Lebanon, according to an Israeli government source.
The discussion occurred as the President revealed that Washington and Iran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding regarding a peace agreement that would restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route that has been essentially blocked since the U.S. and Israel began their military campaign against Iran in February.
“In last night’s conversation with President Trump, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel will maintain freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon, and President Trump reiterated and supported this principle,” the Israeli political source told Reuters on Sunday, asking not to be named.
Hope increased for a possible resolution to the three-month conflict after the President announced that Pakistan was helping broker an emerging deal to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported the proposed agreement includes provisions preventing the U.S. and its partners from attacking Iran or its allies, while Iran would commit to avoiding preemptive strikes against them.
A prominent Israeli politician expressed opposition to accepting any ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have deployed to combat the Iranian-supported Hezbollah militia, as part of negotiations with Iran.
The Israeli source indicated that the U.S. continues briefing Israel on the ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran.
“President Trump made it clear that he will stand firm in negotiations on his consistent demand for the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program and the removal of all enriched uranium from its territory,” the source said, “and that he will not sign a final agreement without these conditions being met”.
The President posted on Truth Social that his conversation with Israel’s leader had proceeded “very well”.
PARIS, May 24 – Monday’s opening round action at the French Open features several marquee matchups, including four-time winner Iga Swiatek, second-ranked Elena Rybakina, and recent Italian Open victor Elina Svitolina among the featured competitors.
Additionally, past winner Stan Wawrinka and French favorite Gael Monfils are set to make their final appearances at Roland Garros before hanging up their rackets.
FEATURED MEN’S SHOWDOWN: GASTON VERSUS MONFILS
The evening session on Court Philippe-Chatrier will showcase an intriguing battle between two French competitors – one seeking to establish himself while the other enjoys his final moments on this grand stage.
Hugo Gaston, positioned beyond the top 100 in rankings, will deploy his signature arsenal of unconventional tactics against one of France’s most captivating performers of recent decades, the 39-year-old Monfils.
While the 25-year-old Gaston may not possess elite ranking status, his inventive style, clever drop shots, and tactical diversity have consistently challenged superior opponents, especially on clay surfaces where he excels.
Standing opposite him is Monfils, who may have lost some of his spectacular athletic abilities from earlier years but retains sufficient determination during his farewell campaign to pose a legitimate threat.
The seasoned player, who has accepted his retirement choice with tranquility, is savoring each moment of his concluding season while maintaining his fierce competitive spirit.
“Since I have been able to voice my desire to retire from tennis, and it was important to me, I have been feeling well,” Monfils said.
“I feel immensely lucky to be able to say goodbye, to hit the balls with all the players, and to be able to compete on a few games with all those young players.
“I’m a competitor, which is why I try to push myself in some of the games. But I’m really enjoying myself and I feel lucky that I’m able to be on tour one last season with great players.”
PREMIER WOMEN’S ENCOUNTER: JONES AGAINST SWIATEK
Previous Roland Garros winner Swiatek enters her preferred venue in an unusual position – sitting third in world rankings and without a clay championship since her previous victory here in 2024.
The Polish player, who has never been eliminated prior to the fourth round at Roland Garros, achieved only one semifinal showing on clay this season in Rome and acknowledges adopting a “humble” mindset.
Known for emphasizing the psychological elements of competition, Swiatek’s clay season difficulties have subjected her to heightened examination – a sharp difference from her commanding 2024 run when she felt freed from outside pressures.
“Last year I felt like I needed to really work more in a tennis way than mental (aspects) on these tournaments, but I felt a lot of pressure, a lot. Everybody was just looking at my claycourt results and judging,” she said.
“But in 2024, every day I just enjoyed. I really didn’t feel any kind of pressure from the outside. Maybe I was really focused just on myself and I was really in the zone, in my own bubble, and went for it.”
Currently Swiatek understands she must remain “willing to fight for every match” while confronting what she recognizes as constantly evolving difficulties.
“Honestly, every year is different, no matter if you’re dominating the court or not, there are different obstacles to face,” she said.
“So it’s more I need to adjust to that and not really the results or tennis itself.”
Her opponent will be Australian wildcard recipient Emerson Jones, who is participating in her first main draw at Roland Garros.
MONDAY’S FRENCH OPEN SCHEDULE (seeding indicated by prefix number):
COURT PHILIPPE-CHATRIER (starting at 1000 GMT)
Emerson Jones (Australia) v 3-Iga Swiatek (Poland)
Veronika Erjavec (Slovenia) v 2-Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
32-Ugo Humbert (France) v Adrian Mannarino (France)
Hugo Gaston (France) v Gael Monfils (France)
COURT SUZANNE LENGLEN (starting at 0900 GMT)
22-Arthur Rinderknech (France) v Jurij Rodionov (Austria)
7-Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) v Anna Bondar (Hungary)
Tessah Rajaonah (France) v 6-Amanda Anisimova (U.S.)
Daniel Merida (Spain) v 5-Ben Shelton (U.S.)
COURT SIMONNE MATHIEU (starting at 0900 GMT)
13-Jasmine Paolini (Italy) v Dayana Yastremska (Ukraine)
Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) v Jesper De Jong (Netherlands)
15-Casper Ruud (Norway) v Roman Safiullin (Russia)
Anastasia Zakharova (Russia) v 10-Karolina Muchova (Czech Republic)
Transportation officials have shut down a stretch of Sandbox Road following a vehicle accident in the area.
The roadway closure affects traffic between Deer Valley Road and McCauley Pond Road as emergency responders work at the crash scene.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while the road remains blocked. No timeline has been provided for when the thoroughfare will reopen to normal traffic flow.
The New York Knicks stand just one victory from the NBA Finals, riding a historic 10-game playoff winning streak that has rewritten the record books.
This remarkable run has broken both franchise and league records for dominance.
After falling behind Atlanta 2-1 in the opening round, the Knicks have been unstoppable, capturing 10 straight wins. They rallied to take the final three contests against the Hawks, then dominated Philadelphia with a complete sweep in Round 2, and currently hold a commanding 3-0 advantage over Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.
While the victories appear effortless, Knicks coach Mike Brown emphasized that “there’s nothing easy about this” and acknowledged that having “a little bit of luck” helps as well.
“They’re doing the things I always talk about: they’re holding each other accountable, they’re believing in the process, they’re playing with a competitive spirit that is unmatched,” Brown said. “If you do those things while focusing on the detail and communicating and bringing energy and effort you have a chance to string some games together.”
Here’s an examination of the statistics behind this month-long dominance by the Knicks:
During these 10 straight playoff victories, the Knicks have outscored their opponents by a total of 225 points. No team in NBA history has ever achieved such a dominant margin during any 10-game stretch in either regular season or postseason play.
Prior to this playoff campaign, the Knicks’ most dominant 10-game winning streak occurred from Oct. 24 through Nov. 11, 1969, when they outscored opponents by 168 points. That team captured the NBA championship.
The previous record for the most dominant 10-game playoff winning streak belonged to the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, who outscored their opponents by 171 points during their championship run. Mike Brown, currently the Knicks’ head coach, served as an assistant coach on that Warriors team.
Before this streak, the NBA record for point differential across any 10-game span was held by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1973-74 season with a 214-point margin. However, the Bucks went 9-1 in those contests. The previous record for the most dominant 10-game winning streak also belonged to Milwaukee, who outscored opponents by 212 points from Feb. 11 through Feb. 24, 1971.
New York’s current 10-game winning streak ranks as the fifth-longest in a single postseason.
Golden State opened the 2017 playoffs with 15 consecutive wins. San Antonio captured 12 straight in the 1999 playoffs, while the Los Angeles Lakers achieved 11-game playoff winning streaks twice — in 1989, when Detroit swept them in the NBA Finals, and in 2001 when they defeated Philadelphia for the championship.
The Knicks now join Boston (2024), Cleveland (2016 and 2017), San Antonio (2012) and New Jersey (2003) as teams with 10-game winning streaks within the same postseason.
Before this year, the Knicks’ longest playoff winning streak within a single season was six games in 1999.
New York has tallied 1,222 points during their winning streak. The Knicks become the eighth team to score that many points across a 10-game postseason span.
Among the previous seven teams, five claimed NBA championships — Golden State in 2017, the Lakers in 1987, the Lakers in 1985, Philadelphia in 1967 and Boston in 1959.
The two that fell short were Denver in 1985 and San Antonio in 1983.
The Knicks are converting 53.8% of their shots during this 10-game run, the highest percentage in the NBA since this streak started on April 25.
Oklahoma City ranks second at 50.1% since that date. No other team in the league has shot above 50% during these past four weeks.
New York has captured five straight playoff road games — matching the longest such streak in franchise history. Last season’s Knicks also achieved a five-game road winning streak.
However, all five victories in this current Knicks’ streak have been decided by double digits — tying the longest such streak in NBA playoff history.
Miami won five consecutive road games by double digits in 2013, and Golden State accomplished the same feat in 2017. Both teams won NBA titles in those respective seasons.
Breta Meria Conole spent over twenty years confined in a state mental health facility. Yet the circumstances behind her lengthy stay remain an unsolved puzzle for her family.
Debby Hannigan, Conole’s great grandniece, spent years attempting to obtain her ancestor’s medical files, believing they could provide insight into hereditary mental health conditions affecting her family, including her eldest daughter’s struggle with depression.
Hannigan made two separate requests to New York state for the documents. During her second attempt, she provided a letter from her daughter’s therapist stating the information would assist them “to know their family medical history better.” Both requests were denied.
This situation reflects a widespread problem.
Family members across the country have been advocating for legislative changes in New York and elsewhere that would permit access to mental health documentation of ancestors who died long ago. These efforts have led to policy modifications in certain states, including Massachusetts and Washington, though progress remains sluggish or nonexistent in other areas.
“It really does piss me off that we couldn’t just say, ‘Hey, we’re the descendants, here’s the proof, now tell us what you know!’” expressed Doug Clarke of Alfred, New York, who was unsuccessful in obtaining his great-grandfather’s records. These documents could potentially explain the depression and bipolar syndrome present in his family’s current generation, he noted.
The following examines this issue and current efforts to address it.
During the 1800s, America experienced significant growth in state facilities designed to house individuals with mental illness; by 1890, every state operated at least one such institution. These were termed lunatic or insane asylums, though admission criteria varied widely from “brain fever” and “grief and anxiety” to “laziness,” “religious excitement” and “desertion by husband,” based on historical documentation.
While conditions differed between facilities, certain asylums developed reputations as harsh, overcrowded storage facilities where patients faced neglect and physical restraints. These asylums eventually evolved into psychiatric hospitals, though treatment methods didn’t always improve: during the 1900s, they became locations for now-debunked procedures including lobotomies and induced comas.
However, hospital personnel frequently maintained detailed documentation, including comprehensive patient descriptions and symptom records. They also captured photographs and gathered additional materials, according to Dr. Laurence Guttmacher, who previously served as clinical director at Rochester Psychiatric Center, one of New York’s state hospitals.
Documentation at various facilities may have suffered damage, destruction or loss over time. Additionally, remaining records might lack proper organization or cataloging. Nevertheless, substantial information still remains available, Guttmacher explained.
“We had this incredibly rich trove of records” at the Rochester hospital, he stated.
These documents have attracted attention from individuals whose families face ongoing challenges with depression, suicide or related conditions.
“Would you want to know if your grandfather died of a heart attack?” asked Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “It’s information that you can use to understand how vigilant to be.”
Countless patients died within state hospitals, with some buried in graves lacking identification markers. Certain families have been unable to determine when a relative passed away, much less the cause, said Alexandra Lord, a historian currently writing about suicide within her own family. She encountered difficulties accessing New York state documentation regarding her great-grandmother.
Guttmacher noted: “About twice a month I would get a request from a family member to get access to records, to try to learn the story of their families.” State authorities informed him he was prohibited from sharing such information.
Federal legislation passed in 1996 safeguards individual patient health information privacy, including diagnostic details and treatment received. This law, called HIPAA, maintains health information protection for five decades following death.
Various states maintain comparable regulations. Ohio legislation permits the nearest living family member of a deceased patient to request state mental health facility records, and anyone may request them fifty years after patient death. Maine similarly provides relatively straightforward access to records from that time period.
However, numerous other states maintain stricter policies. New York permits such records to remain sealed “in perpetuity,” according to a statement from New York’s Office of Mental Health. Documents may be released to patients and immediate family members, though typically not to more distant relatives. They have also been shared with medical professionals “with a justification,” and with historians who commit to not identifying individual patients, state officials indicate.
Massachusetts maintained similar restrictions, but advocacy efforts resulted in new legislation last year making state hospital records public after seventy-five years, plus records for individuals deceased at least fifty years.
This modification followed a commission report discussing state institutions’ history of mistreatment and neglect, including patient sterilizations at a Monson state hospital. Commission member Alex Green characterized the state’s record nondisclosure as a “cover-up” of decades of abuse endured by disabled individuals.
Currently, some are working toward changing New York’s legislation. This year, state Sen. Pat Fahy proposed a bill classifying records and information about patients deceased fifty years or longer as historical documents — removing them from privacy protection requirements.
Fahy highlighted New York’s psychiatric facilities’ own troubled past. She referenced the Willowbrook State School, a Staten Island facility where developmentally disabled children previously lived under terrible conditions.
“If the person is deceased, there should be an availability of these records to help give the family closure,” stated Fahy, a Democrat from the Albany area. “Learning from our history is one of the best ways to give us insight into how we do better in the future.”
Families do possess alternative pathways to information regarding ancestors’ mental health backgrounds, historians note.
Online platforms such as Ancestry.com offer — for a fee — access to historical records, including census data that can reveal whether someone resided in a state institution during census periods.
Veterans’ military pension files have included mental health information.
Historical newspapers contained numerous items about local residents, including when individuals were committed to state institutions.
There may be significantly more people interested in family mental health history than commonly understood, said Ryan Thibodeau, a St. John Fisher University researcher involved in efforts to modify New York’s law. During the 1950s, at America’s institutionalization peak, over 500,000 people resided in state hospitals.
Thousands of demonstrators filled Madrid’s city center Sunday, voicing their frustration over escalating housing prices that have pushed homeownership and rental costs beyond reach for many Spanish citizens, despite the nation’s recent economic growth. The problem is particularly acute in major urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona.
The housing affordability crisis poses a significant political challenge for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as he approaches the 2027 elections.
Spain has historically emphasized homeownership with limited public rental housing available. According to analysts, rental prices have climbed due to heightened demand from tourism growth and population increases tied to immigration.
Demonstrators carried signs and voiced chants emphasizing housing as a basic right. One sign displayed the message: “We want neighbors, not tourists.”
Among those marching was Estrella Baudu, a 28-year-old teacher currently residing with her grandmother. “The situation for many young people like me is quite complicated, and it is very difficult to find a rental home due to the prices and low salaries,” she said.
The housing demonstration occurred one day following a separate large-scale protest in Madrid targeting Sanchez, amid growing political tensions surrounding corruption accusations and general government dissatisfaction.
Home purchases have become financially impossible for many Spanish residents, with market forces and speculation inflating costs, particularly in major metropolitan areas and coastal regions.
In recent weeks, Spain’s government approved an extensive 7 billion euro ($8.23 billion) initiative aimed at constructing additional public housing over four years while providing assistance to young renters and prospective homebuyers who face the greatest burden from elevated housing expenses.
“The government may say it is taking measures, but the reality for those of us who rent is that we are receiving notices from our landlords who want to evict us,” said protester Fernando de los Santos, a 36-year-old university professor. “The only thing they offer us are abusive price increases.”
A related legislative measure that would have continued temporary rent controls failed to gain parliamentary approval, leaving the Sánchez administration vulnerable to additional housing-related criticism in the near term.
Spanish citizens have organized multiple street demonstrations nationwide in recent years to oppose high rental and purchase costs. A primary demand involves stricter regulation of tourist rental properties that have expanded throughout Spanish city centers, as the country welcomed a record 97 million international visitors last year.
Housing expenses increased nearly 13% compared to the previous year by late 2025, based on data from Eurostat, the EU statistics agency.
Spain’s central bank calculates that the Southern European country of 50 million residents faces a shortage of 700,000 homes when comparing housing demand to new construction rates.
KATHMANDU, Nepal — A veteran British mountaineering guide shows no signs of slowing down after achieving a remarkable milestone on the world’s tallest peak.
Kenton Cool, a climber from southwest England, reached Mount Everest’s summit for the 20th time this week, establishing a new record for most successful climbs by a non-Sherpa guide on the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) mountain.
“Maybe another two or three more times,” Cool said when speaking with reporters following his flight from the mountain region to Kathmandu on Sunday.
The 52-year-old mountaineer had previously indicated last year that he planned to attempt Everest perhaps just once more before turning his attention to other, smaller peaks.
Cool joined hundreds of other climbers and their Sherpa guides who successfully reached the summit in recent days, despite delays created by a dangerous serac threatening the climbing route. The hazardous conditions forced mountaineers to attempt their climbs during a brief window of favorable weather, creating significant crowding at the top.
Wednesday saw 274 climbers reach the summit in a single day, establishing a new daily record for the popular southern route located in Nepal.
“We had no issues. We had no crowds, we had a great summit,” Cool explained, noting that his successful climb occurred on Friday.
While climbers can approach the summit from Nepal’s southern side or from the northern face in China’s Tibet region, Chinese officials have blocked access to their route this season. Nepal’s authorities granted climbing permits to 494 mountaineers, each accompanied by an equal number of Sherpa guides.
Veteran guide Kami Rita Sherpa, who holds climbing records of his own, has recommended limiting climber numbers due to excessive crowding this season.
Cool disagreed with restricting climber quantities, instead advocating for greater focus on the expertise and knowledge of permit holders attempting the mountain.
“It is the various companies being little more diligent on who they take, so they are making sure there is the experience of the climbers and then just being little more careful with when they want to climb,” he explained.
Nepal’s mountaineering officials are working to implement new rules that would require climbers to demonstrate previous experience, though current regulations only mandate payment of $15,000 permit fees.
Benin’s newly inaugurated president, Romuald Wadagni, promised during Sunday’s ceremony to tackle increasing security concerns and make sure economic progress reaches ordinary citizens in meaningful ways.
The Constitutional Court confirmed Sunday that Wadagni secured his victory on April 12, capturing more than 94% of votes cast against opponent Paul Hounkpe.
The incoming leader replaces Patrice Talon, who governed the West African country from 2016 and departed after completing two terms as required by the constitution.
At 49 years old, the former finance minister brings a decade of experience in that position and is anticipated to build upon Talon’s reform policies that produced consistent economic expansion and enhanced the nation’s business environment.
“Our economy has progressed. That’s a fact. But we all know that national growth only makes sense when it becomes visible in people’s everyday lives,” Wadagni stated during his swearing-in speech.
His administration plans to emphasize employment opportunities, availability of essential services, and social safety nets.
“The development of Benin must be experienced in every component of society and in every territory of the Republic,” he declared.
The new president also recognized growing security concerns, as extremist organizations spreading from the Sahel region have increased attacks in Benin’s northern areas over recent years.
“Benin will not yield to fear or complacency,” he stated, promising enhanced collaboration with neighboring nations confronting similar threats.
Representatives from Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, the Sahel nations most affected by these security issues, attended the inauguration ceremony along with several other countries.
In an area where certain leaders have attempted to prolong their time in office, Wadagni emphasized his dedication to democratic principles.
“I will serve with the constant awareness that power is never a personal privilege,” he remarked.
The previous administration barely weathered an attempted coup in December, highlighting the unstable political and security conditions Wadagni inherits as he begins his presidency.
PARIS, May 24 – Action from the opening day of the French Open tennis tournament on Sunday (all times in GMT):
1205 KHACHANOV DEFEATS GEA
Russian player Karen Khachanov, seeded 13th, eliminated French wildcard Arthur Gea with scores of 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-0.
1142 BENCIC ADVANCES PAST KRAUS
Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, the 11th seed, dominated Austria’s Sinja Kraus with a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo 2020 hopes to make a strong showing this year, as she has never advanced past the third round at Roland Garros.
0909 TOURNAMENT BEGINS
Competition commenced under bright sunshine, with temperatures at Roland Garros around 28 degrees Celsius and France’s national weather service predicting highs of 34 degrees later in the day.
Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, seeded 11th, faced Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier.
SUNDAY’S FRENCH OPEN MATCH SCHEDULE (numbers indicate tournament seeding):
COURT PHILIPPE CHATRIER (matches start at 1000 GMT)
Sinja Kraus (Austria) v 11-Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)
Benjamin Bonzi (France) v 2-Alexander Zverev (Germany)
8-Mirra Andreeva (Russia) v Fiona Ferro (France)
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (France) v 3-Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
COURT SUZANNE LENGLEN (matches start at 0900 GMT)
13-Karen Khachanov (Russia) v Arthur Gea (France)
26-Hailey Baptiste (United States) v Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic)
7-Taylor Fritz (U.S.) v Nishesh Basavareddy (U.S.)
Ksenia Efremova (France) v 18-Sorana Cirstea (Romania)
COURT SIMONNE MATHIEU (matches start at 0900 GMT)
15-Marta Kostyuk (Ukraine) v Oksana Selekhmeteva (Russia)
Katie Volynets (U.S.) v Clara Burel (France)
Titouan Droguet (France) v 26-Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic)
Retailers nationwide are experiencing a sudden surge in demand for hacky sacks, the iconic 1990s toy that involves keeping a small bean bag aloft using feet and other body parts, following a wave of viral social media content that has sparked widespread interest.
Multiple vendors are documenting an unexpected boom in sales of the nostalgic toy after videos showcasing hacky sack tricks and gameplay began circulating widely on social platforms, creating supply chain challenges as demand outpaces availability.
New research demonstrates that providing summer employment opportunities for teenagers produces significant reductions in criminal activity rates. According to the findings, these youth employment initiatives create substantial positive impacts on community safety.
Economist Sara Heller discussed the research data, which indicates these seasonal work programs for young people deliver meaningful results in crime prevention. The study highlights how structured summer employment can serve as an effective tool for reducing problematic behavior among teenagers during the months when school is not in session.
HASSAKEH, Syria (AP) — Parliamentary voting took place Sunday across Syria’s Kurdish-populated northeastern Hassakeh province and the community of Kobani, territories that returned to government authority following military action in January.
The remainder of Syria participated in People’s Assembly elections last October, nearly twelve months following the collapse of the Assad dynasty during a rebel campaign. At that time, however, extensive portions of the nation’s northeastern territory remained under Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces authority, particularly Hassakeh and Kobani.
The nation continues to struggle with the catastrophic effects of its civil conflict that lasted from 2011 through 2024, with doubt persisting among significant portions of minority populations now governed by Islamist leadership, while countless Syrians face economic hardship.
During January, government military operations against Kurdish forces brought those areas back under Damascus control, now governed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Islamist-led administration.
Sunday’s balloting determined the final 11 positions in Syria’s inaugural parliament following former President Bashar Assad’s removal from power. Hassakeh accounts for nine positions while Kobani in Aleppo province represents two additional seats.
Although legislative contests during Assad’s rule lacked genuine competition and essentially involved internal Baath Party member selection, the current system under al-Sharaa also falls short of complete democratic representation. Electoral colleges within Syria’s districts select most parliamentary positions, while al-Sharaa personally selects the remaining third of lawmakers.
Nevertheless, participants expressed contentment with the procedure as progress in Syria’s post-conflict and post-authoritarian transition.
“We want representatives who will amplify the voices of people the Hassakeh,” Mukhalaf al-Hatthal, one of the voters in Qamishli, told The Associated Press. He said the biggest concerns are related to infrastructure, agriculture and maintaining peace. “There is a great democratic atmosphere here.”
However, Masoud al-Majeed, another member of the electoral college, said he hoped that the voting process will change, adding the current one does not represent everyone.
HONG KONG (AP) — Thousands of festival-goers flocked to Cheung Chau, an outer island of Hong Kong’s bustling metropolis, to participate in the famous bun celebration that honors a hundred-year-old custom based on seeking peace and divine favor.
Visitors and locals endured sweltering temperatures to observe youngsters in elaborate outfits participating in the “Piu Sik” procession, meaning “floating colors.” Young participants, portraying mythical gods, historical figures, or community leaders, were elevated on platforms above the spectators as they traveled through the island’s tight pathways.
The main attraction occurs at midnight with the “bun-scrambling” contest, where competitors scale a structure laden with plastic buns. Contestants must gather buns within a designated timeframe, with each bun worth varying points based on its position. Victory goes to whoever accumulates the most points, while a separate “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns” prize recognizes the person collecting the most buns overall.
The climbing event was halted for many years following a 1978 incident when bun structures fell down, causing injuries to numerous participants. Officials brought back the custom in 2005.
Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Office explains that local folklore tells of Cheung Chau suffering from a deadly epidemic, prompting villagers to bring in religious leaders to establish a prayer altar beside a temple for divine intervention. Residents also carried religious statues through community streets. Following these ceremonies, the disease ended, leading Cheung Chau inhabitants to continue hosting this event, also called the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, to ward off calamity and seek divine protection and tranquility, according to the office.
This celebration has emerged as among Hong Kong’s most sought-after tourist experiences in recent times. Visitors frequently purchase steamed buns marked with Chinese symbols meaning “peace” and “safety” along with festival-themed keepsakes.
CENTERVILLE, Mass. — At 106 years old, Freeman Johnson holds the distinction of being America’s oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor, though he witnessed none of the December 7, 1941 attack that changed history.
During the Japanese assault, Johnson was deep within the USS St. Louis working on boiler repairs, completely unaware of the chaos unfolding above deck. The Massachusetts resident, who celebrated his 106th birthday in March, missed seeing his fellow sailors manning antiaircraft weapons and downing an enemy torpedo aircraft.
“While all the rigamarole was going on topside, I was inside a steam drum. Couldn’t see anything, absolutely nothing,” said Johnson, a Centerville, Massachusetts, resident whose living room is filled with mementos and photos of his Navy service, including photos of the St. Louis and him as a young sailor, along with a collection of Navy challenge coins and ribbons representing the places he visited. He still has his military identification tag — popularly known as dog tag.
By the time Johnson reached the surface, the light cruiser had already maneuvered past enemy midget submarines and escaped to open waters. As a fireman aboard the vessel, Johnson remained largely uninformed about the attack’s details even as they sailed into the Pacific.
“We were way out to sea, way out. You couldn’t see any land at all. All you saw was ocean,” he said. “I was just a sailor, just a swabbie, I was not an officer. They don’t tell you anything if you don’t need to know. And I didn’t need know it. So they tell you nothing.”
During school visits, students frequently questioned Johnson about feeling frightened during the attack. “You’re not scared. You’re too busy to be scared,” he said, his gravelly voice rising. “Besides, you don’t know what you’re scared of. You can’t see anything. What are you afraid of?”
Johnson assumed the title of oldest survivor following the December death of World War II Navy veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, who was 105. Schab’s death leaves just 11 survivors remaining from the surprise assault that claimed more than 2,400 military lives and drew America into the global conflict. Memorial Day on Monday honors the nation’s fallen service members.
Annual commemoration ceremonies occur at the military installation’s waterfront for Pearl Harbor veterans. Approximately 2,000 survivors participated in the 50th anniversary gathering in 1991. Recent decades have seen only dozens attend, with just two making the journey in 2024 from an estimated 87,000 troops stationed on Oahu that fateful day. No survivors traveled to Hawaii last year.
Throughout most of his life, Johnson shunned public attention and rarely discussed surviving the attack. After all, he was among tens of thousands of sailors present during that devastating day. He remembered his late wife Ruth “thought that was something special” so she contacted the Navy and “the girl laughed at her.”
Now as the oldest survivor, he’s gained local fame and reluctantly represents one of World War II’s most pivotal moments. Johnson arrived at his 106th birthday celebration in a limousine, surrounded by television cameras. He receives correspondence from around the globe and people regularly call him a hero during public outings.
Despite being hard of hearing, requiring a walker for mobility, and battling congestive heart failure, Johnson can recount his wartime experiences with remarkable precision. The 19-year-old was jobless and living with family in Waltham when he feared being drafted, prompting him to enlist in the Navy because he believed it would be less demanding physically than Army service.
“As a kid, I walked. If I wanted to go somewhere, I walked or took my bicycle. But I didn’t want to walk from France to Germany,” he said, sitting in a recliner, dressed in an oversized flannel shirt and waving his hands like an orchestra conductor.
“It’s a long way carrying a knapsack with you … Water for a day, food for a day, a 9-pound Springfield rifle all on your back and walking through the mud,” he said. “No thanks. That’s why I joined the Navy.”
Johnson’s recollections focus less on combat aboard the St. Louis and later the USS Iowa, and more on their historical importance. He participated in commissioning the Iowa and remembered the battleship’s preparations in November 1943 before carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
The vessel was fitted with two elevators and a bathtub. Most ammunition and oil were removed to reduce weight as it navigated the Potomac River to collect Roosevelt, then reloaded before heading to sea.
“It was a big meeting,” Johnson said, recalling how the crew were photographed with Roosevelt. “I don’t know what they talked about, but I didn’t need to know. We picked him back up, brought him home.”
Johnson also observed the war’s conclusion from the Iowa. He was positioned on the Iowa’s mast observing surrender ceremonies approximately one mile away in Tokyo Bay aboard the USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945.
“I could see the boats coming up with the Marines escorting the Japanese onto ship and sitting around a table,” he said. “It was all over. That was the end of the war. A bunch of us got together — the war is over. Let’s go home.”
Currently, his daughter Diane Johnson frequently accompanies him. They share a home and annually travel on Dec. 7, often participating in Pearl Harbor memorial events, including the 65th and 80th anniversary ceremonies in Hawaii. She regularly prompts conversations and insists he has “a responsibility” to tell Pearl Harbor’s story, particularly to young people unfamiliar with the bombing.
“It’s kind of overwhelming when you think of it. Well, the 106 is what gets me,” she said. “When I think about his history, he’s at the beginning, he’s at middle, he is at the end when he witnessed the surrender. It’s something.”
Johnson gained increased recognition several years ago when Diane Johnson heard local television reporting that the state’s last survivor had passed away. She contacted them to set the record straight, raising his visibility. Johnson also began regular appearances in the Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Parade, frequently leading from the front.
“I wish more people were like him today. He just gets on and doesn’t complain about anything,” said Desmond Keogh, the chairman of the parade who has accompanied Johnson. “It’s what this country was all about. They were just a different generation. They did what was best for their country.”
Despite all the Pearl Harbor attention, the straightforward Johnson, recognized for his distinctive laugh and playful grin, doesn’t consider it his life’s defining experience.
That honor belongs to marrying his late wife after the war and raising three daughters. He also spent years working in a machine shop, then a convenience store, and finally delivering meals to elderly residents — retiring from all positions, the final one at age 90.
“Pearl Harbor just happened. I can’t put it any other way,” he said.
Democratic Party leaders are expected to trail Republicans by multiple seats in 2026 as both parties compete to redraw congressional district boundaries nationwide. While Democrats could close this gap by 2028, they must navigate complex legal obstacles that Republican officials don’t encounter.
The challenge stems from Democrats needing to work around restrictions — many they previously supported — that limit their ability to respond in kind to Republican redistricting efforts.
In states like Colorado, New Jersey, New York and Washington, independent redistricting commissions create district maps designed to avoid favoring either political party. Democratic officials would need voter approval to dismantle these widely supported commissions and replace their neutral maps with heavily partisan ones, matching Republican actions following President Donald Trump’s call last year for extensive redistricting in GOP-controlled states to help maintain his party’s House control.
Any procedural mistakes by Democrats could lead courts to overturn new maps. This occurred recently in Virginia when the state Supreme Court struck down voter-approved maps that would have created four additional competitive seats for Democrats. The court determined the Democratic-controlled legislature failed to follow proper procedures when placing the measure before voters.
“It’s going to be expensive, it’s going to be unpopular, and it’s going to be a challenge for them to do what they want,” said Adam Kincaid, executive director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust.
Despite recent redistricting setbacks, Democrats remain positioned to capture House control this year. The most significant blow came when the conservative U.S. Supreme Court majority weakened a crucial Voting Rights Act provision, enabling Republicans to quickly eliminate at least three majority-Black House districts in the South currently held by Democrats.
Political strategists from both parties anticipate Democratic victories in November consistent with historical patterns when the incumbent president’s party faces voter dissatisfaction during midterm elections. During Trump’s initial midterm in 2018, Democrats secured 40 additional House seats.
However, achieving a House majority in 2028 appears significantly more challenging for Democrats.
Presidential election cycles typically produce closer results than midterm contests. Following the recent Supreme Court ruling, Republicans could easily eliminate five or more majority-minority Democratic districts next year in states where maps were already finalized for 2026. They could potentially gain four additional seats through redistricting in Indiana, where some state legislators who resisted last year were defeated in Republican primaries, and in Kentucky and Kansas, where Democratic governors who blocked Republican maps will reach term limits.
The mapping pressure intensifies for Democrats seeking to improve their 2028 House prospects, as the party also aims to reclaim the Senate and White House that year. Only with unified control could they attempt to pass federal legislation banning partisan gerrymandering that might eliminate what could become a lasting Republican advantage.
Following the 2030 census, House seats will shift to states experiencing rapid population growth, primarily those under Republican control. These states could gain up to 10 seats, largely from Democratic strongholds like California and New York.
“Looking at the next census makes me all the more stressed to ban partisan gerrymandering at the federal level,” said John Bisogano, executive director of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
Republicans encounter some legal challenges in the redistricting battle.
In Florida, their redrawn congressional map depends on the conservative-majority state Supreme Court overturning the state’s constitutional prohibition on partisan gerrymandering.
However, Democrats face significantly more barriers and must execute multiple complicated political strategies.
Only Illinois and Oregon offer Democrats opportunities to create additional competitive seats without major impediments.
Across Colorado, New York and New Jersey, Democrats could achieve nearly double-digit House seat gains, but only by successfully navigating constitutional changes.
In Maryland, Democrats who declined to redraw their map this year are working to place a constitutional amendment on November’s ballot that would authorize eliminating the state’s only Republican House seat in 2028.
Democrats point out that their voters have supported abandoning the reform approach they once preferred, allowing their party to match redistricting efforts by Trump and fellow Republicans. The biggest victory occurred in California, where a ballot measure adopting a new map to gain up to five seats passed decisively last year. Virginia’s map passed more narrowly, but Democrats there remain committed to implementing the 10-1 map in 2028.
In Washington state, Democrats’ only opportunity to revise the constitution and redraw maps requires winning a two-thirds legislative majority in November, a difficult task. Because Democrats expect strong November performance, they’re also hoping to capture state legislative seats that would give them mapping control in states like Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker has proposed new maps allowing Democrats to win up to six seats in a state where Republicans currently hold six of eight House districts. Such aggressive action is necessary, he argued, given Republican activities elsewhere.
“If we’ve learned anything, we’ve learned that when you know a knife fight is coming — bring a bazooka,” he said.
In other states, Democrats express confidence in voter support.
“People in New York are pretty fired up given what they’ve seen around the country,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle, a New York Democrat who maintains close ties with the top House Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries, also from New York.
However, New York voters cannot join the redistricting battle until next year because the state constitution requires amendment through statewide voting to permit it. This can only occur after the Democratic-controlled Legislature votes twice across two years to place the question on the ballot.
Similarly, Colorado Democrats previously supported creating an independent commission to redraw district lines in their state. While many have reconsidered, they cannot act until voters remove the commission’s map this fall and authorize Democratic redistricting for 2028.
Their proposed initiative faces a state Supreme Court challenge. Even with ballot approval, it could encounter a competing Republican measure to redraw the map favoring conservative candidates.
“Republicans are stealing votes of Americans all across the country, and Colorado voters will say: ‘Hey, you can’t do that,’” said Curtis Hubbard, a spokesman for Democrats promoting Colorado redistricting.
Colorado represents the most prominent example of Democrats’ redistricting position reversal.
Republicans gained control of numerous state legislatures in the 2010 midterm election and used that power to redraw maps nationwide, providing them a U.S. House advantage. Democrats responded by supporting nonpartisan redistricting, a movement that peaked in 2018 when Colorado Democrats backed a measure establishing such a commission in their state.
Currently, both candidates seeking the party’s gubernatorial nomination support overriding the commission. Former Democratic President Barack Obama, who made redistricting reform a central platform element, has also changed his position, advocating for aggressive nationwide map redrawing.
Nicholas Stephanopolous, a Harvard law professor, said Democrats clearly view Trump’s redistricting push as an existential threat.
“I think they’re going to move heaven and earth to respond,” he said.
PARIS, May 24 – The opening day action from the French Open tennis tournament got underway Sunday with favorable weather conditions (all times listed in GMT):
1142 BENCIC ADVANCES WITH DOMINANT WIN
Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, seeded 11th in the tournament, dominated her opening match against Sinja Kraus from Austria, winning decisively 6-2, 6-3 on the main Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo 2020 hopes to make a stronger showing this year, as she has yet to advance past the third round at Roland Garros in previous attempts.
0909 TOURNAMENT BEGINS
Competition commenced with clear, sunny conditions as temperatures at Roland Garros reached approximately 28 degrees Celsius, with France’s public weather service Meteo France predicting highs of 34 degrees later in the day.
The day’s first featured match on Court Philippe Chatrier showcased former Olympic winner Belinda Bencic, ranked 11th, against Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus.
SUNDAY’S COMPLETE MATCH SCHEDULE (seeding numbers shown as prefixes):
COURT PHILIPPE CHATRIER (competition starts at 1000 GMT)
Sinja Kraus (Austria) versus 11-Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)
Benjamin Bonzi (France) versus 2-Alexander Zverev (Germany)
8-Mirra Andreeva (Russia) versus Fiona Ferro (France)
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (France) versus 3-Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
COURT SUZANNE LENGLEN (competition starts at 0900 GMT)
13-Karen Khachanov (Russia) versus Arthur Gea (France)
26-Hailey Baptiste (United States) versus Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic)
7-Taylor Fritz (U.S.) versus Nishesh Basavareddy (U.S.)
Ksenia Efremova (France) versus 18-Sorana Cirstea (Romania)
COURT SIMONNE MATHIEU (competition starts at 0900 GMT)
15-Marta Kostyuk (Ukraine) versus Oksana Selekhmeteva (Russia)
Katie Volynets (U.S.) versus Clara Burel (France)
Titouan Droguet (France) versus 26-Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic)
28-Joao Fonseca (Brazil) versus Luka Pavlovic (France)
ANKARA, May 24 – Law enforcement officers deployed tear gas and forced their way past the entrance barriers of Turkey’s primary opposition party building on Sunday to remove leadership that had been ordered out by the courts, according to an eyewitness account.
A higher court ruled Thursday to remove Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel from his position, invalidating the outcome of the CHP leadership vote that brought him to power in 2023 due to alleged procedural violations.
The judicial decision restored former CHP chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu to the leadership role, who had been defeated by President Tayyip Erdogan in the country’s national election during that same year.
Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Oksana Selekhmeteva during Sunday’s opening round at the French Open, demonstrating remarkable composure after learning of a devastating missile attack that occurred near her family’s residence earlier that day.
The 23-year-old athlete, who has claimed titles at Rouen and Madrid, continued her impressive clay court performance this season, now boasting 12 consecutive victories. However, she revealed that the triumph was clouded by troubling news from her homeland regarding a missile impact close to her parents’ dwelling in Ukraine on Sunday morning.
“I’m incredibly proud of myself today,” an emotional Kostyuk said during her on-court interview.
“I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career. This morning, 100 metres away from my parents’ house, a missile destroyed a building. It was a very difficult morning for me.”
“I didn’t know how this match would turn out. I didn’t know how I’d handle it.”
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine began, Kostyuk has emerged as one of tennis’s most outspoken critics of the ongoing conflict.
Her first-round adversary Selekhmeteva, who holds the tournament’s 15th seed, was originally from Russia but changed her national representation to Spain prior to competing at Roland Garros.
A court in Bahrain has imposed life sentences on nine people and sentenced two additional defendants to three years behind bars for working with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in activities the court characterized as “hostile and terrorist acts” targeting Bahrain, according to the state news agency’s Sunday report.
According to the court statement, those convicted participated in collecting intelligence about sensitive locations and enabling related financial transactions.
On May 9, Bahrain’s interior ministry announced the detention of 41 individuals allegedly connected to the IRGC. Security officials discovered a network with ties to the IRGC, while prosecutor investigations also examined cases involving support for Iranian attacks, the ministry stated.
Following a war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, Iran conducted strikes against targets in Bahrain and other Gulf Arab nations that host American military installations.
President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran concerning Middle East warfare have been “largely negotiated,” following weekend discussions with Israel and regional partners about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
However, other administration figures urged restraint on Sunday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that “significant progress, although not final progress has been made” during the talks.
During his four-day trip to India for conferences with Indian, Australian and Japanese representatives, Rubio expressed optimism for positive developments in the near future.
According to Rubio, the discussions have achieved one of Trump’s primary objectives, “that is a world that no longer has to be in fear or worry about an Iranian nuclear weapon.”
Trump revealed on Saturday that he had conducted conversations with officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, plus a separate discussion with Israel.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump posted on social media without providing specifics.
This development followed a week during which the U.S. considered launching additional strikes against the Islamic Republic that could have shattered the delicate ceasefire.
According to two regional sources, the prospective agreement would involve Iran’s pledge to abandon nuclear weapons development and Tehran’s consent to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
One source with firsthand knowledge of the discussions explained that the method for Iran’s uranium surrender remains under negotiation throughout a 60-day timeline.
The source indicated that portions of the material would likely be diluted, while remaining quantities could be sent to another nation, possibly Russia.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which represents a brief technical leap from the 90% weapons-grade threshold.
The official stated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen progressively alongside the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.
The second briefed official revealed that America would permit Iran to market oil through sanctions exemptions. Relief from sanctions and release of Iran’s frozen assets would be negotiated within the 60-day period, the source added.
Both sources confirmed the proposed deal encompasses ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, plus a pledge against meddling in regional nations’ internal matters. The officials requested anonymity to discuss private negotiations.
Three months have elapsed since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Feb. 28, eliminating senior Iranian leadership including its supreme leader and disrupting nuclear discussions between America and Iran for the second time in under a year. Iran retaliated against Israel and neighbors housing U.S. military presence, alarming Gulf states that had viewed themselves as secure zones in a volatile region.
A ceasefire has remained intact since April 7. However, Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels transporting regional petroleum, natural gas and other essential materials has become a center of worldwide anxiety and economic hardship.
Israeli leadership worries that Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organization aligned with Iran, continues posing a major threat to Israel and that Lebanon lacks capability to disarm the group.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned Trump that Israel “maintains freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon,” according to a source familiar with their conversation. The source requested anonymity due to lack of media authorization.
The source reported that Trump clearly informed Netanyahu he would not approve any final arrangement without requirements that Iran dismantle its complete nuclear program and eliminate all enriched uranium from Iranian territory.
Israel’s Minister of Science and Technology Gila Gamliel, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party and part of his national security cabinet, told Israel’s Army Radio on Sunday morning that Israel is taking a “wait-and-see” approach.
A fragile, U.S.-mediated ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon has existed since April 17, a war that commenced two days following the Iran conflict’s start.
Regardless of the ceasefire, combat persists on both sides. Hezbollah fires daily drones and missiles at Israeli forces and northern Israel, while Israel attacks Lebanese targets as its military maintains presence across extensive areas of southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 3,000 deaths in the recent fighting round. Furthermore, 22 Israeli soldiers and one defense contractor have died in or around southern Lebanon, and two civilians have perished in northern Israel, primarily from Hezbollah drones, Netanyahu’s office confirmed.
ARACHOVA, Greece (AP) — Giannis Stathas recalls childhood winters when heavy snowfall would trap him and other children indoors for days in Arachova, a mountain village renowned for its ski slopes and winter recreation.
“We couldn’t go to school because of the snow,” recalled Stathas, who now serves as mayor of Arachova and its surrounding region. “We might have been stuck at home for two days without being able to go out because of the snow.”
“Now we don’t see that here anymore.”
According to Stathas, the amount of snow that previously accumulated at 300 meters (984 feet) elevation now only occurs at 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) up Mount Parnassos.
Recent research from the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute supports what the mayor has witnessed firsthand.
“What we found across 10 mountains of Greece, across the mainland, is that snow cover is rapidly declining,” explained Konstantis Alexopoulos, a snow hydrologist at the University of Cambridge and the National Observatory of Athens, and co-founder of the Hellenic Mountain Observatory. “We’ve lost more than half of the snow cover … since the mid-1980s.”
The research team analyzed four decades of satellite data from NASA and the European Space Agency, employing machine learning techniques to fill in information gaps caused by cloud interference and irregular satellite coverage.
According to Alexopoulos, this reduction is significant because snow functions as nature’s water storage system.
“Snowpack is really like a savings account,” he explained. “You can deposit an amount today and the longer you keep it in this savings account without spending it, the interest value is going to increase. And snow works in the exact same way.”
While rainfall quickly flows away through rivers to the ocean, snow stays trapped in mountainous areas “ultimately melting at the time that we need it the most,” Alexopoulos noted.
This natural storage system helps maintain water availability during dry periods, which proves particularly crucial in Mediterranean regions where summer precipitation remains scarce.
Alexopoulos emphasized that warming temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver behind snow loss, reducing both the amount of snowfall and how long it remains on the ground.
“The snow cover decline that we’re observing on the Greek mountains is not connected to the natural climate variability that does exist,” he stated. “The current rate of climate change globally and specifically in hotspots like the Mediterranean is much faster than what the earth has experienced previously.”
While researchers anticipated some decline, Alexopoulos said the severity caught them off guard. “Other mountainous regions of the world, such as the Andes or the Himalayas, … have all experienced a steep decline in snow cover but not at the rate that we saw in the Greek mountains.”
This research represents among the first comprehensive long-term examinations of Greek mountain conditions.
“Studying mountainous environments is inherently difficult due to remote access,” Alexopoulos explained, noting the challenges of installing and maintaining weather monitoring equipment in these locations.
“In Greece we haven’t focused so much on it because we never really understood the importance of snow’s contribution to our water resources,” he said. “But as this shifts and as this starts to decline, we are seeing those droughts, and we are trying to explain them.”
Though Mount Parnassos wasn’t included in the research, Alexopoulos said it reflects conditions found throughout Greece.
In Arachova, situated below Mount Parnassos, residents are already experiencing the effects.
“One hundred percent of Arachova’s water is supplied by snowmelt,” explained local restaurant owner Aktida Koritou.
She noted that community members have grown increasingly mindful of water conservation, taking extra precautions to avoid waste, particularly during summer months when shortages become most acute.
The mayor expressed serious worry as local springs are running dry and water reservoirs aren’t being replenished.
“The biggest problem begins in late August and early September and lasts until late September or early October,” Stathas explained.
While an unusual April snowfall surprised and pleased locals, it “will hardly help the reservoirs fill up,” according to Stathas.
Local officials are working on solutions. The municipal government is investigating small dam construction to prevent water loss, while the ski facility is implementing measures to help preserve snow for longer periods.
Reduced snowfall also creates drier plant life and heightened fire danger. Stathas said wildfires weren’t previously a concern in northern Greece, but conditions have changed.
“You could set fire among the fir trees 30 years, 40 years ago and there was never a chance that the mountain would burn,” he said. “But now there is a great danger because of the severe drought.”
Arachova’s ski-dependent economy is adapting to these changes.
Koritou, who was employed at the ski facility when it launched in the early 1980s, said skiing season now begins in January rather than December.
“No one will come to the mountain for Christmas. They will go to Switzerland. They will go wherever they find snow,” she said. “So they leave and (business) decreases. This Christmas, there was a 30% reduction, for me at least.”
To address this challenge, municipal leaders are working to expand beyond winter tourism, marketing Arachova as a summer retreat.
“Someone can swim and in 20 minutes come to stay here where it’s cool,” Stathas said. “But to be able to hold on to tourism in the summer, we have to have water.”
Residents still hold memories of previous winters. Koritou remembers farmers hurrying to collect grapes in late October ahead of the season’s first snow. People stored shovels by their entrances, and community members worked together to clear roadways. She also recalls mountain areas where snow remained year-round.
“There are some years when despair grips you,” Koritou said. “For those of us who know winter well, it’s disappointing not to see snow. You want it in the winter. The change is enormous.”
ANKARA (AP) — A tense confrontation unfolded Sunday at Turkey’s primary opposition party offices, where members have barricaded themselves inside to prevent a court-mandated leadership change from taking place.
The crisis at the Republican People’s Party, known as CHP, began Thursday after an appeals court overturned the party’s November 2023 leadership election that brought Ozgur Ozel to power, replacing former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The court decision removes Ozel and the current executive committee from their positions, mandating that Kilicdaroglu and his previous leadership team be reinstated. Party officials argue this judicial intervention represents a politically motivated attack designed to undermine their organization amid numerous ongoing legal battles targeting party members and elected representatives.
The 77-year-old Kilicdaroglu had stepped down after leading the party for 13 years without securing victory in any nationwide contests. In contrast, Ozel achieved a significant triumph against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party during his first major test in the 2024 local elections.
Turkey’s next presidential contest is scheduled for 2028, though Erdogan retains the authority to schedule an earlier vote. His primary political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu from the CHP, has been behind bars since March of last year while facing corruption-related charges in court.
Political analysts widely believe the numerous legal proceedings against the CHP, primarily involving corruption accusations, represent an effort to weaken the opposition before upcoming elections. Government officials maintain that Turkey’s judicial system operates without political interference and makes independent decisions.
The overwhelming majority of party members have shown support for Ozel. He and most party officials have remained inside the CHP’s Ankara headquarters since Thursday’s court ruling, preventing the court-appointed leadership from accessing the building. Both factions planned to hold discussions Sunday afternoon seeking a resolution to the crisis.
Media outlets reported that a group appeared outside the building whom Ozel characterized as non-party members sent to create intimidation. Police numbers increased throughout the morning, and Kilicdaroglu’s attorney, Celal Celik, formally requested Ankara law enforcement assistance in clearing the building. The Ankara Governor’s office issued a statement granting approval for this request.
Erdogan has maintained control over Turkey as either prime minister or president since 2003. His winning streak faced a significant challenge in 2019 when the CHP captured control of multiple major cities during local elections. Imamoglu gained prominence in Istanbul as a compelling political figure whom many believed capable of defeating Erdogan in future contests.
Speaking from the White House ballroom construction area, the president asked Americans dealing with high gas prices to remain patient while defending a project that opponents describe as self-serving.
“This is peanuts,” he stated on Tuesday, apparently referring to the economic harm caused by the Iran war. “I appreciate everybody putting up with it for a little while. It won’t be much longer.”
The remarks highlighted worries within his Republican Party that the wealthy president’s emphasis on the ballroom seems out of touch while Americans face challenges filling their gas tanks before November’s midterm elections.
A Reuters analysis of the president’s public statements reveals he has referenced the ballroom – through speeches, social media, or reporter interactions – no fewer than 40 times this year, with nine mentions in this month alone. In contrast, he brought it up 35 times throughout all of 2025.
He frequently begins promoting the ballroom unexpectedly, whether speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, addressing Oval Office visitors, or posting on his Truth Social platform.
A White House official dismissed Democratic claims that the ballroom represents a self-serving project.
“This is about legacy, not vanity,” the official stated. “The president is deeply passionate about this and wants to get it done.”
While difficult to measure his economic discussions precisely, as fuel costs have climbed, he has consistently minimized the war’s economic consequences, urging patience while showing little recognition of Americans’ financial difficulties.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,” he remarked earlier this month in an impromptu comment about the war’s economic effects that Democrats quickly highlighted. “The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
SOME REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SAY BALLROOM IS A DISTRACTION
The Reuters analysis indicates that the ballroom, Washington Reflecting Pool reconstruction, and plans for a 250-foot Independence Arch in the capital occupy the thoughts of a president whose second term has focused heavily on legacy-building initiatives.
Even during crises and diplomatic meetings, the president has maintained the ballroom’s prominence. Hours after an apparent assassination attempt at a Washington hotel, he used the event to advocate for constructing one. Following his important meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he posted on Truth Social that the visit strengthened his argument.
“China has a Ballroom, and so should the U.S.A.!” he wrote next to a photograph of himself and Xi outside Beijing’s massive Great Hall of the People.
In Republican-led focus groups, though, voters are voicing worries about the ballroom and the arch, a senior Republican campaign operative informed Reuters, asking for anonymity to discuss the topic.
“For voters, the message that is coming from the White House is Trump is focused on vanity projects and foreign policy, and those are things that voters don’t care about,” the operative stated.
Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming said during an interview that the attention directed toward the White House ballroom is “absolutely” consuming more time than appropriate.
“It would sure be nice if the public understood that the ballroom itself was private money,” Lummis commented.
The president claims he has collected $400 million from wealthy contributors and his personal funds for the ballroom. The Secret Service, though, has sought $1 billion in taxpayer funding for security improvements to the ballroom and White House complex, a proposal that lawmakers, including Republicans, have rejected.
Worried Republican legislators and senior White House staff have spent months encouraging the president to concentrate more on the economy as voters prepare for November, when Republicans anticipate a challenging battle to maintain Congressional control.
“Trump continues to talk about things that no one cares about,” stated a Republican strategist working to help Republicans keep Congressional control. The strategist requested anonymity to discuss the issue openly.
The president’s response to economic concerns involves repeatedly claiming victory over inflation, despite official statistics indicating otherwise. He has redirected economic uncertainty questions by highlighting stock market gains and billions in foreign investment.
A January White House prediction that the president would take weekly trips promoting Republican candidates and addressing economic issues has not materialized.
Following initial frequent weekly travel early this year promoting his economic achievements, he has mostly remained at the White House or his Florida weekend residence since beginning the Iran war on February 28. He has taken only a few domestic trips since then.
CHINA TRIP, ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
As the president confronts multiple political and policy challenges – including Iran conflict, increasing fuel prices, and declining approval ratings – he has increasingly visited construction sites connected to his initiatives, using them to highlight progress and regain agenda control.
On Tuesday, he guided reporters through the ballroom construction area and enthusiastically outlined some planned security elements. A week prior, he traveled in his armored vehicle to examine Washington’s Reflecting Pool renovations – which he has discussed seven times this month alone.
Democrats attempting to challenge Republican Congressional dominance in November say the president’s legacy project focus provides optimism.
“I can’t imagine that at a time when people are trying to figure out how to pay for their groceries that are exorbitantly high thanks to Trump’s tariffs that they’re (Republicans) focused on a ballroom,” Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia told Reuters.
“Tone deaf is an understatement.”
With polling showing most Americans opposing the ballroom, the message seems to have reached Republicans. The $1 billion proposal was removed last week – temporarily at least – from a Senate spending bill in a significant defeat for the president.
The French Open tennis tournament launched Sunday in Paris amid sweltering heat as spectators wearing panama hats filled Roland Garros stadium, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of a resort than a grueling tennis competition, with walkways featuring violin performances of Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” and similar soft-rock favorites.
Tournament organizers scheduled matches to begin at 0900 GMT (1100 local time) as thermometers were forecast to climb above 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
The opening day featured Russian Karen Khachanov, seeded 13, facing French hope Arthur Gea on Court Suzanne Lenglen one hour before 11th-seeded Swiss Belinda Bencic started action on Court Philippe Chatrier against Austria’s Sinja Kraus.
The premier clay court tournament faced significant player losses when two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrew last month due to a wrist injury, followed by highly anticipated local favorite Arthur Fils pulling out Saturday with an injury.
World number one Jannik Sinner of Italy enters as the top men’s contender, while the women’s competition appears highly competitive with no clear frontrunner.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, pursuing a milestone 25th Grand Slam championship, was scheduled to begin his tournament run later Sunday against powerful French server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
In women’s action, Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva represented the top-ranked player competing when she faced French wildcard recipient Fiona Ferro.
Health officials in Gaza report that three family members, including an infant, were killed when Israeli forces struck an apartment building at a refugee camp in the central part of the territory on Sunday.
According to medical personnel, the attack at the Nuseirat refugee camp claimed the lives of Mohammad Abu Mallouh, his wife Alaa Zaqlan, and their six-month-old son Osama.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response regarding the deadly incident.
The violence continues despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October through mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump. The truce has not succeeded in ending Israeli military operations in Gaza, as Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse during indirect negotiations concerning the militant organization’s disarmament.
Under the current ceasefire arrangement, Israel maintains authority over more than half of Gaza’s territory, while Hamas retains control of a narrow coastal strip.
Gaza health authorities report that 880 Palestinians have died in Israeli military operations since the ceasefire took effect. These statistics do not separate militant fighters from non-combatants.
Israeli military sources indicate that four of their soldiers have been killed by militants during this same timeframe.
Hamas has not released casualty figures for its own forces. Israeli officials state that their military actions following the ceasefire are designed to thwart potential attacks and prevent individuals from approaching the armistice boundary established with Hamas.
PARIS, May 24 – Action commenced on the opening day of the French Open tennis tournament on Sunday with detailed scheduling across multiple courts.
Competition started at 0909 GMT under clear skies at Roland Garros, with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius and France’s national weather service predicting highs of 34 degrees later in the day.
The tournament’s opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier featured 11th-seeded former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic competing against Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus.
Court Philippe Chatrier’s schedule included additional marquee matchups with Benjamin Bonzi of France facing 2nd-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany, 8th-seeded Mirra Andreeva of Russia taking on France’s Fiona Ferro, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France challenging 3rd-seeded Novak Djokovic of Serbia.
Court Suzanne Lenglen featured matches beginning at 0900 GMT, including 13th-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia versus Arthur Gea of France, 26th-seeded Hailey Baptiste of the United States against Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic, 7th-seeded Taylor Fritz facing fellow American Nishesh Basavareddy, and Ksenia Efremova of France competing against 18th-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania.
Court Simonne Mathieu also began play at 0900 GMT with 15th-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine facing Oksana Selekhmeteva of Russia, Katie Volynets of the United States taking on Clara Burel of France, Titouan Droguet of France challenging 26th-seeded Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic, and 28th-seeded Joao Fonseca of Brazil competing against Luka Pavlovic of France.
Turkish government officials directed law enforcement to forcibly remove the current leadership of the nation’s primary opposition party from their headquarters on Sunday, following through on a court decision that has triggered a significant political upheaval.
Law enforcement officers in riot gear and large crowds assembled outside the Republican People’s Party (CHP) headquarters in Turkey’s capital after the Ankara governor’s office issued directives to remove party members who support the current leader Ozgur Ozel.
An appeals court in Turkey ruled on Thursday to invalidate the outcome of a party convention where Ozel won leadership in 2023, referencing unspecified procedural violations. The judicial decision restored former CHP Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu to power, who had previously been defeated by President Tayyip Erdogan in that year’s presidential race.
On Saturday, Ozel urged that a new party convention should take place immediately, while Kilicdaroglu stated that such a gathering would occur at a suitable moment.
The current CHP leadership supporting Ozel has denounced the judicial decision as a “judicial coup” and Ozel vowed to challenge it through the legal system while remaining “day and night” at the party’s headquarters in Ankara.
Party legislators on Saturday chose Ozel to lead the CHP’s legislative caucus.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re starting this Sunday with patchy fog and a guaranteed chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Don’t let the cloudy skies fool you – it’s actually quite pleasant with temperatures reaching a comfortable 70 degrees. Those east winds at 5 to 10 mph will help keep things from feeling too muggy.
We’re looking at steady rainfall today, so definitely keep that umbrella handy! Expect between a tenth and quarter inch of new rainfall, which our gardens will appreciate. The fog may make for some tricky driving conditions this morning, so take it slow out there.
Tonight, we’ll see a chance of lingering showers with patchy fog developing again as temperatures drop to a mild 63 degrees.
Looking ahead to Memorial Day Monday, rain showers are likely to continue with a warmer high of 77 degrees. Monday night brings more showers and thunderstorms, so if you’re planning any outdoor Memorial Day activities, you might want to have a backup indoor plan.
Stay dry and have a wonderful weekend, Delmarva!
A traffic accident has resulted in the closure of the right lane on southbound US-13 at Federal School Lane, according to transportation officials.
The crash has created a lane restriction that is impacting traffic flow in the area. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and allow extra travel time when passing through this section of the highway.
No additional details about the collision have been released at this time.
Traffic is being rerouted on Bixler Road after a utility pole came down, forcing authorities to close the roadway between DE-17 and DE-20.
The fallen pole is blocking the road, making it impassable for vehicles in both directions. Crews are working to clear the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while the closure remains in effect. The timeline for reopening the road has not been announced.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Authorities in Australia report a deadly shark encounter at the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday, marking the country’s second fatal attack in just over a week.
A 39-year-old man lost his life while spearfishing with three companions at Kennedy Shoal, located off the Queensland state coastline south of Cairns, according to Police Inspector Elaine Burns.
“The man had been spearfishing when he was attacked and died from a critical head injury,” Burns told reporters.
The Cairns resident was transported by boat around midday to Hull Heads, a tourist destination, where emergency medical personnel were standing by. According to an ambulance service statement, he had “sustained injuries not compatible with life.”
Kennedy Shoal serves as a shallow coral reef destination favored by recreational anglers. The location also draws diving enthusiasts to explore the Lady Bowen, a shipwreck from the 19th century.
Before the attack occurred, anglers had reported bull shark sightings in the vicinity.
Just over a week earlier, on May 16, another spearfisher, Steve Mattabonni, was fatally attacked at a coral reef near Rottnest Island off Western Australia state’s southwest coastline.
The 38-year-old Perth man was transported by boat to the vacation island, where medical responders could not save his life.
Officials suspect a five-meter (16-foot) white shark was responsible for that incident.
In recent decades, Australia has recorded an average of more than three deadly shark encounters annually. This latest fatality represents Australia’s third shark-related death for 2026.
Earlier this year, 12-year-old Nico Antic passed away in a hospital following an attack by a suspected bull shark near a Sydney beach on Jan. 18.
While prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians appear bleak, business entrepreneurs from both communities are forging partnerships that demonstrate cooperation remains possible despite deep divisions.
The 50:50 Startups program continues to bring together Arab and Jewish business founders who collaborate on ventures that span the conflict lines. However, this year’s group of participants is notably smaller than in previous years due to travel limitations caused by the ongoing war.
Program co-founder Amir Grinsteen established the initiative seven years ago with the belief that joint business ventures could create enduring connections between the two communities, potentially advancing peace efforts through economic collaboration.
The entrepreneurs’ willingness to work together offers a glimpse of what cooperation might look like, even as broader political reconciliation efforts have stalled.
Citizens of Cyprus headed to voting stations Sunday for a parliamentary election anticipated to strengthen anti-corruption advocates and far-right movements while diminishing centrist political parties that support President Nikos Christodoulides.
The election, being monitored closely as an indicator of public opinion before the 2028 presidential race, saw more than half a million eligible voters choosing 56 legislators from an unprecedented pool of 753 candidates.
While Cyprus operates under a presidential government structure, Sunday’s election serves as a measure of support for Christodoulides, who lacks his own political party and depends on other parties’ support to advance legislative initiatives.
Voting concluded at 1500 GMT, with definitive results anticipated approximately two hours afterward.
Political newcomers appeared positioned to make advances as three centrist parties – Diko, Dipa and EDEK – that currently back the president faced weakening voter support for at least two of them, according to recent polling data.
The nation’s established political organizations, including right-wing DISY and Communist AKEL parties, have similarly been ceding influence to emerging political movements.
Polling data indicated advances for far-right ELAM party, along with political newcomers ALMA and Volt, which have focused their campaigns on improved transparency and eliminating corruption – a concern ranking high among voter priorities.
Sunday’s election results may compel Christodoulides to pursue backing from different sources, according to political observers, with some indicating that ELAM and DISY might be potential partners. Neither Christodoulides nor the two parties have made statements regarding potential post-election partnerships.
The election occurred amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges, housing affordability issues and migration concerns – topics that have shaped political discussion in the European Union member nation during recent months.
MOSCOW, May 24 – Russian military forces launched overnight strikes against Ukrainian targets using four different missile systems – Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon weapons – according to reports from Russian state media outlets on Sunday.
Moscow characterized the attacks as a response to Ukrainian strikes against civilian areas within Russian territory, state news agencies reported.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, as quoted by the Interfax news agency, the missile strikes successfully targeted Ukrainian military command centers, air bases and facilities connected to Ukraine’s defense manufacturing sector.
Reuters was unable to independently confirm the military claims from the battlefield.
BEIJING, May 24 – Fatal flooding in China’s Chongqing municipality has claimed three lives while 17 individuals remain unaccounted for, according to reports from China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.
The casualty count was updated as of 2:30 pm (0630 GMT) on Sunday, following intense rainfall that struck Chongqing’s Yongchuan district beginning Saturday evening and continuing into the early morning hours of Sunday, Xinhua reported.
Emergency rescue operations are currently in progress.
China’s national planning agency has designated 20 million yuan ($2.94 million) from central government funds to support disaster recovery efforts and rebuild damaged infrastructure and public services in Chongqing, according to an announcement made Sunday on the National Development and Reform Commission’s official WeChat platform.
A deadly blast along railway tracks in Quetta, Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals, according to reports from Al Arabiya news outlet on Sunday, which cited official sources.
The explosion also left more than 50 people wounded and caused a cargo train to derail, with gunshots heard following the initial blast, Al Jazeera reported.
A vehicle collision has resulted in lane restrictions on a major highway route, creating potential delays for commuters and travelers.
The left lane of southbound Interstate 95 at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is currently blocked following a traffic crash. Authorities are working to clear the incident and restore normal traffic flow.
Drivers traveling through this area should anticipate slower speeds and possible backups while emergency responders and cleanup crews handle the situation. Motorists may want to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion.
Maritime tensions escalated for a second consecutive day as Taiwanese and Chinese coast guard vessels maintained a tense face-off near the Pratas islands in the South China Sea, Taiwan’s Coast Guard reported on Sunday.
Beijing considers democratically ruled Taiwan part of its territory, a claim that the government in Taipei disputes. Over the last five years, China has intensified military activities around the island as part of its pressure campaign against Taiwan.
The Pratas islands, positioned between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong under Taiwanese control, are considered by security analysts to be particularly susceptible to Chinese assault given their remote location more than 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan’s main island.
According to Taiwan’s Coast Guard, they detected a Chinese Coast Guard vessel approaching the Pratas on Saturday and quickly deployed their own ship, which issued warnings. The two vessels then “engaged in an intense verbal confrontation over sovereignty via radio.”
The Chinese vessel announced it was conducting routine operations and declared that China possessed sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Pratas, Taiwan’s Coast Guard reported.
“Please do not destroy peace. You should return and strive for democracy. That is the correct way to serve your country,” the Taiwanese ship responded, according to footage released by Taiwan’s coast guard.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not provide a response when contacted for comment.
A Taiwan Coast Guard official informed Reuters that the Chinese vessel remained positioned 21 nautical miles northeast of the Pratas, with the standoff ongoing as of Sunday afternoon.
The official, who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of the situation, noted that China’s language regarding jurisdiction and sovereignty was uncommon, as was the extended duration of its presence in waters so near the Pratas.
The Pratas, which form an atoll that also serves as a Taiwanese national park, receive minimal defense coverage from Taiwan, with coast guard units rather than military forces responsible for protection.
Earlier this year in January, Taiwan reported that a Chinese surveillance drone momentarily flew over the Pratas, which Taiwan’s defense ministry characterized as a “provocative and irresponsible” action.
Polish authorities are investigating a fraudulent emergency call that led firefighters to break into a Gdansk apartment belonging to a relative of President Karol Nawrocki on Saturday, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The prime minister convened an emergency meeting of the Government Security Center on Sunday following the bogus report, which he described as part of an escalating pattern of fake emergency calls targeting the country.
According to the interior ministry, emergency dispatchers received a report claiming there was a fire at the apartment. First responders were deployed to the scene, where firefighters forced entry into the residence of Nawrocki’s family member.
“The apartment was inspected and found no fire hazard or injured persons, as the premises were empty. Due to the situation, the police are conducting an investigation to identify the perpetrators,” a spokesperson for the interior ministry stated.
Prime Minister Tusk characterized the event as “another telephone provocation” and acknowledged that while emergency responders acted appropriately, officials must examine current protocols for detecting such hoax calls and work swiftly to catch those responsible.
“The provocateurs’ actions are aimed at national security. At all of us. We will use all available methods to identify and apprehend the saboteurs, regardless of where they come from or who directs them,” Tusk posted on the social media platform X.
A traffic collision has resulted in lane closures on westbound DE-2 at Farrand Drive, according to transportation officials.
Two right lanes are currently blocked due to the crash, creating potential delays for commuters in the area. Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the vicinity and may want to consider alternative routes until the roadway is fully reopened.
Authorities have not yet provided details about the extent of the incident or an estimated timeline for when normal traffic flow will resume.
Weather officials have issued a high surf advisory for coastal Delaware areas, warning residents and beachgoers of dangerous conditions along the shoreline.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly office issued the advisory at 3:16 AM on May 24th, with conditions expected to persist until 8:00 AM the same morning.
Residents are advised to exercise caution near coastal areas during the advisory period as elevated surf conditions may create hazardous situations for swimmers and those walking along the beach.
QUETTA, Pakistan — An explosive device detonated alongside railroad tracks in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday as a passenger train traveled through the area, injuring more than 30 people, according to local authorities.
Video footage posted online showed the blast’s impact caused two train cars to flip over and ignite, creating dense black smoke that billowed into the sky.
The bombing occurred in a location where security personnel are typically positioned, severely damaging multiple nearby structures and destroying over a dozen parked cars along the street, witnesses and social media images revealed.
Medical staff at area hospitals reported treating more than 30 injured victims, with several patients in critical condition.
Balochistan government official Babar Yousafzai confirmed that authorities were continuing their investigation into the explosion but declined to provide additional information.
Quetta serves as the provincial capital of Balochistan, a region plagued by ongoing insurgent activity.
The province, rich in oil and mineral resources, has experienced a prolonged low-intensity insurgency led by separatist organizations like the banned Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, which seeks independence from Pakistan’s federal government. These militant groups regularly attack security personnel, government facilities and civilians throughout the province and other parts of the nation.
While no organization has yet taken credit for Sunday’s bombing, investigators will likely examine the BLA’s involvement, as the group has accepted responsibility for comparable incidents previously.
Despite Pakistani officials’ claims of successfully suppressing the insurgency, attacks in Balochistan continue to occur.
Earlier in 2024, a suicide bombing at a Balochistan railway station claimed at least 26 lives, including military personnel.
Emergency teams in northern China continued their search for survivors Sunday following a catastrophic gas explosion that claimed at least 82 lives at a coal mining facility, marking the nation’s most devastating mining disaster in recent years.
The deadly incident occurred Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine situated in Qinyuan county within Changzhi city. An Associated Press journalist observed law enforcement and security personnel stationed at the mining site’s entrance while emergency response vehicles remained positioned throughout the area.
State media outlets reported that hundreds of emergency responders and medical staff were deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue operations.
Following the tragic gas explosion in Shanxi province, Chinese President Xi Jinping demanded a complete investigation and called for holding accountable all parties responsible for the disaster.
During a Saturday evening press briefing, local authorities confirmed that two individuals remain unaccounted for while numerous miners received hospital treatment. Officials revised the fatality count downward from an initial report of 90 deaths, citing confusion at the scene and incorrect information supplied by the mining company as reasons for the earlier discrepancy.
According to state media accounts, some hospitalized miners remembered observing smoke during the incident before losing consciousness.
Local authorities stated the coal mining operation had committed “serious” legal violations, though they declined to specify the exact nature of these infractions. China’s state broadcaster CCTV previously reported that facility blueprints submitted by the Liushenyu coal mine failed to accurately represent the actual underground structure, creating obstacles for rescue teams.
The official Xinhua News Agency reported that individuals responsible for the company operating the mine had been “placed under control.”
In response to the tragedy, local government officials announced plans for a “comprehensive, blanket” examination of the coal mining industry, including evaluations of gas drainage systems, ventilation equipment, safety monitoring technology, and underground facility layouts.
Shanxi province, an inland region situated southwest of Beijing with approximately 34 million residents, serves as China’s primary coal-producing area where hundreds of thousands of workers are employed in mining operations.
An extensive review of coal mining operations could impact the province’s capacity to maintain its yearly output of roughly 1.3 billion tons of coal, representing nearly one-third of China’s total production.
Despite the country’s push toward renewable energy sources, coal continues to play a significant role in China’s energy portfolio due to its abundant supply and affordability. While mining incidents have historically been frequent, government officials have introduced various safety improvement measures in recent years.
An explosive device detonated close to railway tracks in Pakistan’s Quetta as a passenger train traveled through the area, injuring more than 30 people, according to a report from the Associated Press on Sunday that cited local officials.
Medical personnel reported that area hospitals treated over 30 injured individuals, with multiple victims in serious condition, according to the report.
Authorities in Australia report that a 39-year-old man lost his life following a shark encounter at the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday, marking the nation’s second deadly shark incident within the past month.
According to a Queensland Police Service spokesperson, the victim suffered bite injuries near Kennedy Shoal, a reef area located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Queensland’s coastline in northeastern Australia. Emergency responders transported the man to shore where medical personnel were waiting.
Despite immediate medical attention upon reaching land, the man succumbed to his injuries, officials confirmed. Authorities have not released the victim’s identity.
This tragedy comes just over a week after another fatal shark encounter that claimed the life of a 38-year-old individual near Perth in Western Australia on May 16.
While Australia experiences approximately 20 shark encounters annually, conservation data shows most incidents do not result in death. Beach drownings claim significantly more lives than shark attacks across the continent.
Earlier this year in January, authorities temporarily shut down numerous beaches along Australia’s eastern coastline, including those in Sydney, following four shark encounters within a 48-hour period. Officials attributed those incidents to heavy rainfall that created cloudy water conditions, which tend to draw sharks closer to shore while limiting their ability to see clearly.
Stephen Kolek delivered a masterful complete-game shutout performance, guiding the Kansas City Royals to a convincing 5-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners at home on Saturday.
The right-hander improved to 3-0 on the season, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out two batters. This marked Kolek’s second career complete-game shutout, with his previous one coming last May while playing for the San Diego Padres. The achievement represented Kansas City’s first complete-game shutout since September 13, 2020, and became the fourth such performance across all of baseball this 2026 season.
Offensively, Bobby Witt Jr. paced the Royals with two hits and scored twice, while Michael Massey also collected two hits. Carter Jensen contributed significantly despite going 1-for-2, crossing the plate once and driving in two runs. The victory marked Kansas City’s first win during their current nine-game homestand, which had begun with four consecutive defeats.
Seattle’s Luke Raley provided the lone bright spot for the visitors, going 3-for-3 and recording a double. Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby took the loss, falling to 5-4 after surrendering five runs (three earned) on nine hits across six innings of work.
In other MLB action, the Los Angeles Dodgers dominated the Milwaukee Brewers 11-3, with Teoscar Hernandez driving in six runs to match his career high. The Dodgers’ bullpen extended their franchise-record scoreless streak to 36 innings, surpassing the previous team record of 33 innings set in 1998.
St. Louis and Cincinnati split their doubleheader, with the Cardinals taking the opener 8-1 behind Bryan Torres’ two-run homer in his major league debut. The Reds bounced back to win the nightcap 7-6 in 11 innings on Blake Dunn’s game-winning infield grounder.
Philadelphia ended Cleveland’s seven-game winning streak with a 3-0 shutout victory, as Zack Wheeler pitched six strong innings and Bryson Stott knocked in two runs for the Phillies.
Houston defeated Chicago 3-0 as Christian Walker homered twice and Kai-Wai Teng threw six innings to send the Cubs to their seventh straight loss.
Other notable results included San Diego’s 2-0 victory over Oakland, Toronto’s 5-2 win against Pittsburgh, San Francisco’s 10-3 rout of the White Sox, Minnesota’s 4-2 triumph over Boston, Washington’s 2-0 shutout of Atlanta featuring a combined one-hitter, Miami’s 4-1 victory over the Mets, Arizona’s 5-4 win against Colorado, and Los Angeles Angels’ 5-2 defeat of Texas behind Mike Trout’s 417th career home run.
NEW DELHI (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted diplomatic discussions with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Sunday as both nations work to stabilize relations that have deteriorated to their worst state in more than twenty years.
The diplomatic mission occurs amid significant economic and political tensions between Washington and New Delhi, primarily caused by tariff measures implemented by President Donald Trump that increased import duties on numerous Indian products.
Rubio landed in India on Saturday for his inaugural official diplomatic visit to the country, scheduled ahead of Tuesday’s gathering with officials from India, Australia and Japan – the four nations comprising the Indo-Pacific coalition called the Quad.
“India is at the cornerstone of how the United States approaches the Indo-Pacific, and not just through the Quad, but bilaterally,” Rubio said in New Delhi.
The Secretary of State’s four-day diplomatic mission includes visits to multiple cities and attendance at a formal celebration in New Delhi commemorating America’s 250th independence anniversary.
“In the past one year, statements and rhetoric coming from Washington on some of India’s most sensitive security concerns and trade matters have not been helpful and have created a trust deficit,” said Ashok Malik, a former policy adviser in India’s Foreign Ministry.
“Certain misgivings will remain,” Malik added, noting Rubio’s visit will be considered an achievement if the talks somewhat stabilize the relationship and check further deterioration.
Policy analysts note tensions between America’s worldwide strategic objectives and India’s goals as a developing regional power. With historical connections to Russia, India has consistently displayed reluctance as it develops closer American ties, demonstrating India’s persistent skepticism of U.S. motives based on cultural distinctions and Cold War-period attitudes.
Nevertheless, Indian-American relations gradually strengthened over twenty years into an extensive strategic alliance, increasingly influenced recently by mutual concerns regarding China’s expanding aggression in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed diplomatically through Quad discussions.
The Quad alliance has consistently criticized China for demonstrating military strength in the South China Sea and forcefully advancing its ocean territory demands. Beijing argues its military operations are entirely defensive to safeguard what it describes as China’s legitimate territorial rights and characterizes the Quad as efforts to limit its economic development and regional power.
Following the presidential inauguration in January 2025, Rubio’s initial formal overseas diplomatic activity involved conferences with Quad nation foreign ministers in group and individual meetings.
Nevertheless, multiple incidents since the previous year have pushed diplomatic relations to their current low point.
Despite strong connections and frequent perception as political partners, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi minimized Trump’s contribution in negotiating a ceasefire following brief India-Pakistan military hostilities sparked by the April 2025 attack on predominantly Hindu visitors in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Meanwhile, Pakistan actively pursued Trump’s support and even promoted him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Economic disputes emerged subsequently, with the Trump administration implementing tariffs against India regarding its reduced-price Russian oil purchases that further damaged relations between both countries.
“In India, there is some skepticism about U.S. policy and predictability,” said Malik, who heads the India chapter of The Asia Group advisory firm in the U.S. He said what has happened in the past year between India and the U.S. “can’t be forgotten or erased easily.”
When conflict erupted in Iran during February, America increased cooperation with Pakistan, which presented itself as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, heightening concerns in New Delhi. Trump’s recent prominent diplomatic visit to China has further increased India’s uneasiness.
Indian-American relations face challenges “due to a few structural tensions and Trump only brought them to the fore,” said Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group.
“New Delhi’s foreign policy, increasingly colored by its domestic politics, has become more black-and-white in the last decade, as evidenced by its deep discomfort with the U.S.’s ties with Pakistan and its moves toward detente with China,” Donthi said.
Policy experts suggest these developments demonstrate the increasing complexity of Indian-American relations founded on mutual strategic objectives, yet progressively influenced by conflicting priorities and an evolving global political environment.
“New Delhi is likely to exercise strategic patience and wait for Trump to leave office,” Donthi said. “India would hope that the bipartisan consensus on India in the U.S. survives his term and that it can start building on that again.”
A subsidiary of Nissan Motor has abandoned its investment plans for electric vehicle powertrain manufacturing in Britain due to weak European demand for the company’s electric vehicles, according to a report from the Nikkei business daily on Sunday.
JATCO had announced in January 2025 its intention to invest 48.7 million pounds ($65.39 million) in a Sunderland facility that would produce up to 340,000 electric vehicle powertrain units annually. These powertrains would combine the motor, inverter and reducer components for Nissan vehicles.
The cancellation follows Nissan’s announcement later in 2025 that the automaker would reduce its global manufacturing footprint from 17 production facilities to 10, while also reviewing its powertrain manufacturing operations. The company has been struggling with declining sales performance in both the United States and China markets.
Representatives from Nissan were not available to provide comment outside of normal business hours, and inquiries sent through JATCO’s official website have not yet received responses.
Iranian officials carried out the execution of an individual accused of espionage activities involving the United States and Israel, according to reports from the country’s judicial authorities on Sunday.
The executed person, named as Mojtaba Kian, had been convicted of transmitting sensitive information about Iran’s military defense capabilities to what officials described as “the enemy,” the judiciary’s Mizan news agency stated.
The charges were connected to alleged intelligence sharing that occurred during wartime operations, Iranian judicial sources reported.
Officials in Southern California continue preparing for a potential disaster as a malfunctioning chemical tank threatens to explode or leak, forcing 40,000 residents from their homes with no clear timeline for their return during Memorial Day weekend.
The pressurized container overheated Thursday and started releasing vapors at a business facility in Garden Grove, located roughly 40 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, the Orange County Fire Authority reported. No injuries have occurred so far.
However, emergency responders face a critical problem: the tank’s valves are either damaged or “gummed up,” making it impossible for crews to extract the chemical or reduce pressure buildup, explained Craig Covey, Orange County Fire Authority division chief.
Emergency teams are primarily focused on finding methods to lower the temperature of the chemical contents to prevent a leak or explosion. Should cooling efforts fail, Purdue University engineering professor Andrew Whelton noted that a controlled leak would be preferable to contain most of the substance. The most dangerous outcome would be an explosion spreading the chemical across a wide area while sending debris flying.
Should internal temperatures keep rising, pressure will continue mounting as the methyl methacrylate transforms from liquid to gas, since the pressure relief mechanisms have stopped functioning. Whelton explained that firefighters would likely avoid puncturing the tank due to concerns about creating sparks that could ignite the volatile, flammable gas.
Temperature monitoring through drones occurs every 10 minutes to detect any increases, while teams prepare containment measures to prevent potential leaks from reaching waterways or the ocean, Covey reported on social media platform X during an evening update.
“Sitting back and allowing these tanks to fail is unacceptable,” Covey stated, while acknowledging no guarantees exist that tanks won’t rupture and leak. “Our goal is to protect your homes — no damage to them — and protect the environment.”
Tank cooling efforts seemed successful Friday, though Covey later corrected his assessment the next day, revealing that drone readings measured external rather than internal temperatures.
“Unfortunately I do have to report that the temperature was 90 degrees,” Covey announced, representing an increase from 77 Fahrenheit recorded the previous morning.
Temperature control remains crucial since the liquid chemical’s flashpoint reaches 50 Fahrenheit, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Garden Grove residents received initial evacuation orders, which later expanded to portions of five additional Orange County communities: Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park and Westminster. Some evacuees with pets prepared to spend nights in vehicles.
Multiple shelters continued operating Saturday, including facilities at three high schools.
Marco Solano, 32, stayed Friday night at his parents’ residence, expressing frustration while monitoring news for updates about returning home.
“I don’t think that they should have dangerous chemicals in a neighborhood area, especially that dangerous that they have to evacuate people,” Solano commented. “But again, it’s not up to me. I don’t make the laws. I don’t make the rules. We just have to do what is best I guess.”
Solano, who works multiple jobs, described feeling extremely tired and weak, believing the chemical leak stress was worsening his anemia and ulcerative colitis.
“This has been affecting me quite a bit,” he said.
After work Friday, Solano visited his apartment to collect belongings and observed other residents who hadn’t evacuated, causing him concern for their safety.
The compromised tank sits at GKN Aerospace, a manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft components. It contains 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a substance used in plastic parts production.
Methyl methacrylate exposure can trigger severe breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness. The chemical may also cause neurological issues and irritation to skin, eyes and throat, according to safety documentation. Orange County health authorities noted the chemical produces a distinct odor that residents might detect across large areas without experiencing harm.
Whelton compared the tank’s chemical volume to the catastrophic 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which he investigated when more than 115,000 gallons of vinyl chloride was released after officials deliberately opened five tank cars and burned the chemical. This incident involves significantly less material.
“Many of these are acute, fast-acting effects. But the longer somebody stays in contact with it, the more potential for significant damage that occurs,” Whelton explained.
In case of explosion, officials anticipate “severe structural damage and significant harm” within the blast zone nearest the tank.
Should an explosion release chemicals into the atmosphere, Whelton emphasized the importance of conducting detailed air monitoring specifically for methyl methacrylate rather than generic volatile organic compound testing used in East Palestine. Standard tests, typically performed with portable detectors, may fail to identify this particular chemical. Indoor testing of buildings and residences might be necessary before residents return.
Weather conditions will significantly influence the direction of any chemical plume following an explosion. Officials are creating maps to predict various scenarios identifying the most affected areas.
Containment barriers have been installed to block chemicals from entering storm drainage systems or reaching nearby creeks and ocean in case of spillage, Covey reported.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state emergency declaration for Orange County, providing state resources to local agencies and allowing state properties and fairgrounds to serve as emergency shelters if needed.
Garden Grove borders Anaheim, which houses Disneyland’s two theme parks that remain outside evacuation zones. Park representatives said they’re monitoring the situation and assisting affected employees.
GKN accepted a payment of more than $900,000 to state regulators in 2025 to resolve violations related to recordkeeping, permitting problems and nitrogen oxide emissions, based on South Coast Air Quality Management District website information.
A federal courtroom battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman revealed one area where both tech billionaires found common ground: developing artificial intelligence technology demands massive financial resources and billions in funding.
While this reality appears evident today, with AI-driven stock markets fueling worldwide construction of semiconductor plants and power-intensive data facilities for chatbot operations, courtroom testimony and documents demonstrated how industry leaders with substantial influence were privately discussing these expenses almost ten years ago.
In a 2018 message to Altman and other company co-founders, Musk wrote about what he viewed as a hopeless effort to rival Google, stating: “Even raising several hundred million won’t be enough. This needs billions per year immediately or forget it.”
These escalating expenses influenced OpenAI’s path from its 2015 launch as a nonprofit organization focused on developing AI technology for public benefit to its current status as a commercial company worth $852 billion. With the San Francisco company and other AI firms preparing for potentially record-breaking Wall Street launches, the legal proceedings highlighted questions about whether non-commercial forces can guide AI’s development.
According to Karan Girotra, who teaches operations, technology, and innovation at Cornell Tech, constructing major projects using only nonprofit funding remains possible, though OpenAI’s early period coincided with AI investment uncertainty that created risk. Currently, he noted, AI investment has moved beyond speculation.
“Now it’s traditional investment in something we know works,” Girotra explained. “People want your car, you need to build the factory ahead of demand.”
Musk’s legal action claimed OpenAI abandoned its charitable purpose for AI development, alleging Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman acted secretly and improperly enriched themselves. OpenAI responded that Musk had supported for-profit company plans and filed his 2024 case to damage the ChatGPT creator’s success while developing his competing AI venture, xAI.
The Oakland, California federal jury never reached a decision on the case’s substance, finding Musk’s legal challenge exceeded statutory time limits and dismissing it Monday following three weeks of proceedings.
However, the trial documented internal conflicts that foreshadowed current social and political discussions about AI’s effects and expenses.
Microsoft’s chief technology officer Kevin Scott explained to jurors his company’s decision to invest billions supporting OpenAI’s technology development after founding supporter Musk left OpenAI’s board in 2018, testifying: “It’s sort of hard to imagine at this point, given where AI has gotten.”
Scott continued: “It was before ChatGPT. It was before these remarkable things that are happening right now and so most of the people at Microsoft were very skeptical about whether or not all of these claims were going to materialize into reality.”
Microsoft, named as a defendant in the lawsuit, sought methods to compete with Google in AI research at that time. OpenAI informed Microsoft their requirements included additional data and computing capacity, promising significantly more powerful AI systems with these resources.
Scott testified: “The things that they wanted and ultimately that we helped them do were very capital-intensive projects like building giant data centers, full of very expensive computers and networks.”
Disagreement persists regarding profit’s role as the primary driver behind OpenAI’s transformation into a capitalistic enterprise, which remains unprofitable but appears headed toward a public stock offering possibly this year.
However, the constraining effect of these costs on company choices remains undisputed.
More than five years before ChatGPT’s introduction, OpenAI achieved success training an AI system to defeat professional competitors in Dota 2, a team-based video game featuring ogres, centaurs and mythical beings.
Altman testified about the achievement: “Honestly, the world reacted to it somewhat less than I thought they should have, but to us internally, it really felt like a moment where we had shown that our technology, using something called reinforcement learning, could take on an enormously complex task.”
OpenAI’s broadcast triumph over an elite Dota 2 competitor at a 2017 Seattle event elevated the small nonprofit into serious competition with Google, then considered the AI research frontrunner. This success also prompted internal reflection about nonprofit competition strategies while depending primarily on Musk and other contributors.
Describing Musk’s reaction, Altman testified: “He was impressed. And then immediately after the Dota win, Mr. Musk said he thought we really need to get more serious and figure out how to get way more capital.”
For co-founder and former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, the Dota success initiated conversations about establishing a for-profit entity to facilitate fundraising.
Sutskever told jurors: “The realization is that to make progress in AI, you need a big computer. And you need the big computer because the brain is a big computer. You have a hundred billion neurons and a hundred trillion synapses in the brain.”
This led to a leadership struggle between Altman and Musk over OpenAI’s direction, with Musk later attempting to merge the AI laboratory with his automotive company Tesla. Other OpenAI executives opposed this plan, ultimately leading to Musk’s departure.
The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing completion of an agreement that would extend a ceasefire for two months while reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Saturday report from Axios citing a U.S. official.
The news outlet reports that under the proposed 60-day arrangement, the Strait of Hormuz would operate without tolls, and Iran would commit to removing mines it has placed in the waterway to ensure safe passage for vessels.
As part of the arrangement, the United States would end its blockade of Iranian ports and provide certain sanctions exemptions to permit Iran’s unrestricted oil sales, according to the report.
The potential agreement would also require Iran to pledge never to develop nuclear weapons and to enter discussions about halting its uranium enrichment activities while eliminating its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Axios reported.
Two sources informed Axios that Iran has provided verbal assurances through intermediaries regarding the extent of concessions it would make concerning enrichment suspension and surrendering nuclear materials.
The United States would also commit to discussions about removing sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian assets during the two-month timeframe, according to the Axios report.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters regarding the report.
Chinese authorities have revised downward the number of fatalities from a catastrophic coal mine explosion, announcing Saturday evening that 82 people died in what officials are calling the country’s most devastating mining incident in nearly two decades.
The deadly gas explosion occurred Friday night at the Liushenyu coal mine located in China’s northern Shanxi province. Early reports from government media outlets had indicated that at least 90 workers lost their lives in the blast.
Despite the reduced casualty count, this tragedy still stands as China’s most fatal mining incident since 2009, when 108 workers perished in a gas explosion at the Xinxing Mine in Heilongjiang province.
Authorities explained during Saturday’s press briefing that confusion following the disaster resulted in the original incorrect fatality count.
“After the incident the scene was chaotic, the company’s count of the number of workers was not clear, which led to the initial inaccurate number,” said Guo Xiaofang, the head of Shanxi’s Qinyuan county, where the mine is located.
At the time the explosion occurred, 247 workers were performing their duties below ground.
According to Guo, two individuals remain missing, while 128 workers sustained injuries requiring hospitalization and 35 escaped without harm.
The mining facility operates under the ownership of Shanxi Tongzhou Coal Coking Group, and authorities have shuttered all four of the company’s mining operations while detaining corporate leadership, officials announced during the news briefing.
A front-page editorial appeared Sunday morning in the state-controlled People’s Daily newspaper, demanding increased focus on workplace safety and urging officials to “completely reverse the tendency to prioritise development over safety.”
According to Xinhua news agency, President Xi Jinping issued orders Saturday for authorities to “spare no effort” in providing medical care to survivors and continuing search and rescue efforts. The president also mandated a full investigation into the disaster.
Officials revealed during the press conference that the mining operation has an annual coal production capacity of 1.2 million tons. China extracted 4.83 billion tons of coal last year, which serves as the foundation of the nation’s electrical power generation.
President Donald Trump came to the defense of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping at their summit earlier this month, according to a report from Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper published Sunday. The report cites unnamed government sources.
Relations between Japan and China have grown tense since Takaichi made comments last November suggesting that if China were to hypothetically attack Taiwan – the democratically ruled island that China considers its territory – Japan might respond militarily.
During the summit meeting in Beijing, Xi told Trump that both Takaichi and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te represent dangers to peace in the region and asked Trump not to back them, according to the Yomiuri’s reporting.
Trump reportedly replied that he believes Takaichi is not the type of leader who should face such criticism.
Representatives from the Japanese prime minister’s office, Japan’s foreign ministry, and the U.S. embassy in Tokyo were not available to provide comment outside of normal business hours.
Following his two-day China visit, Trump spoke by telephone with Takaichi. During that conversation, both leaders confirmed their “ironclad” partnership between their nations, according to Takaichi’s previous statements.
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces faced a relentless overnight bombardment as Russian missiles and drones targeted the capital in a severe assault that rattled structures throughout the downtown area, striking near government facilities, homes, and educational institutions.
Local officials reported at least 10 wounded individuals based on initial counts. Warning sirens wailed throughout the evening hours while smoke clouds drifted over the city following the strikes. News correspondents on the ground documented thunderous blasts occurring close to the downtown core and government facilities.
The bombardment continued into Sunday morning, with additional missiles and drones anticipated to strike the capital.
Destruction was documented throughout no fewer than nine districts of the capital, including residential structures, according to Kyiv military administration head Tymur Tkachenko in a Telegram post.
Within Kyiv’s Shevchenko district, an educational facility sustained damage during the assault while civilians took shelter inside, Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said. City officials confirmed that grocery stores and storage facilities throughout the area also suffered damage.
Numerous neighborhoods experienced destruction across the broader Kyiv region, regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported.
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that Russia intended to deploy the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile, based on intelligence from the U.S. and Western partners. Ukraine’s Air Force subsequently issued warnings about a potential Oreshnik launch.
Officials could not immediately confirm whether this missile system was deployed during the nighttime assault.
Russian forces initially deployed the multiple-warhead Oreshnik against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November 2024. The weapon was employed for a second time in January targeting the western Lviv region.
President Vladimir Putin described the Oreshnik, which translates to “hazelnut tree” in Russian, as traveling at 10 times sound speed, or Mach 10, with the capability to demolish underground bunkers “three, four or more floors down.”
The weapon moves “like a meteorite” and cannot be stopped by any missile defense system, Putin claimed, stating that multiple such missiles, even equipped with conventional warheads, could match the destruction of a nuclear attack.
ANGELES CITY, Philippines — A construction project spanning nine floors crumbled in the early morning hours of Sunday in Angeles City, located in Pampanga province north of the Philippine capital. Twenty-two workers successfully escaped the collapse while others remain unaccounted for, according to police reports.
The structure came down before sunrise amid a severe thunderstorm. More than 100 police officers and government officials are working frantically to locate and rescue individuals believed to be buried beneath the debris, stated police Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez.
Speaking from the collapse site, Mendez reported no confirmed fatalities at this time, though he noted that several of the 22 workers who managed to flee the building sustained injuries.
The exact number of trapped workers remains unclear. However, Jay Pelayo, who heads Angeles City’s information office, estimated that approximately 30 workers could still be buried in the wreckage, based on information from a construction foreman who escaped as the building fell.
Angeles City previously housed one of the most significant U.S. Air Force installations outside American territory before its closure in the early 1990s. This military presence helped transform Angeles and surrounding communities into major entertainment and business centers within Luzon, the Philippines’ primary northern region.
The former military installation, now known as the Clark Freeport Zone, sits approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Metro Manila.
Emergency crews are working to locate survivors after a nine-story construction project collapsed in Angeles City, located north of Manila in the Philippines, according to a local government official who spoke Sunday.
Jay Pelayo, the Angeles City information officer, reported to DZBB radio that eight individuals in the surrounding area have been pulled to safety, while 11 others successfully escaped on their own, including the site foreman.
The site foreman provided information indicating that approximately 30 to 40 individuals remain unaccounted for, Pelayo told DZBB.
Rescue teams continue their efforts to locate survivors, Pelayo confirmed. The cause of the structural failure remains unknown at this time, though the city engineer is examining the project’s construction records, he noted.
The concrete construction of the collapsed structure presents significant challenges for rescue workers attempting to clear away debris, Pelayo explained.
Photos released by DZBB revealed the building had been reduced to rubble consisting of concrete chunks and bent steel, with green safety mesh visible throughout the wreckage.
“The assessment is not yet finished. The unified command system is still working on it, and it is too early to determine the cause of the collapse, which is still being evaluated,” Pelayo said.
“Power lines were hit and were now being secured. We are calling on residents in the area to cooperate with authorities so rescue operations for those trapped are not delayed, and no one else is put at risk,” he said.
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that a peace agreement with Iran has been mostly finalized, stating the deal would restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, though Iranian media sources are challenging his assertions.
The president shared on social media that the developing agreement would restore operations at the critical shipping corridor, whose blockade has disrupted worldwide energy markets since hostilities began in February following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Trump did not elaborate on other components of the potential agreement.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
However, Fars reported early Sunday that the agreement would permit Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz and described Trump’s statements about the strait as “inconsistent with reality.”
Iran announced Saturday it was pursuing a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict following meetings between its senior officials and Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief.
Pakistan’s military described the negotiations as yielding “encouraging” developments. Two Pakistani officials familiar with the discussions characterized the potential deal as “fairly comprehensive to terminate the war.”
A message posted on Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s X account commended Trump for his “extraordinary efforts to pursue peace.”
Reuters sources indicate the proposed framework would proceed through three phases: officially concluding the war, addressing the Strait of Hormuz situation, and establishing a 30-day negotiation period for a more extensive agreement, with possible extensions.
One Pakistani official noted that if the U.S. endorses the memorandum, additional discussions could occur following the conclusion of the Eid holiday on Friday.
The president, whose public support has suffered due to the war’s effect on domestic energy costs, said Friday he would skip his son’s wedding this weekend, citing Iran among his reasons for remaining in Washington.
Trump posted on Truth Social about Saturday phone conversations with officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan. Axios reported these leaders urged Trump to accept the developing framework.
A separate conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proceeded “very well,” Trump noted.
Pakistan has worked to bridge the gap between Iran and the U.S. following weeks of warfare that have kept the essential Hormuz passage closed to most maritime traffic despite an uneasy ceasefire.
Trump has consistently stated that U.S. military action against Iran aimed to prevent nuclear weapons development. Iran has rejected claims it seeks nuclear weapons and maintains its right to uranium enrichment for peaceful uses.
“The trend this week has been towards a reduction in disputes, but there are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators. We will have to wait and see where the situation ends in the next three or four days,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.
Iran has insisted on strait oversight, termination of the U.S. port blockade, and removal of sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
Baghaei indicated that while the U.S. shipping blockade issue matters, Iran’s main concerns are stopping potential new U.S. attacks and resolving the ongoing Lebanese conflict, where Iran-supported Hezbollah fighters are battling Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon.
Pakistan’s army chief Munir departed Tehran Saturday after discussions with Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Qalibaf stated Iran’s military had restored its strength during the ceasefire and warned that if the U.S. “foolishly restarts the war,” the results would be “more forceful and bitter” than when the conflict began.
Throughout weeks of fighting, Iran has maintained its stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium along with its missile, drone and proxy force capabilities.
A fallen utility pole has forced authorities to shut down a portion of Smith Bridge Road, blocking traffic in both directions.
The road closure spans the area between Brandywine Creek Road and Montchanin Road while crews work to address the downed pole.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while the situation is being resolved. No timeline has been provided for when the roadway will reopen to traffic.
Oklahoma City Thunder officials have declared that guard Ajay Mitchell will be unable to play in Sunday’s Game 4 of the Western Conference finals because of a strained right calf muscle.
The sophomore player, who has filled in as a starter for All-Star Jalen Williams on seven occasions during the first three playoff rounds, initially hurt his calf during the final moments of Game 2 in Oklahoma City. While he did take the court for Game 3’s opening tip, his performance was subpar. The injury flared up again with 8:19 remaining in the third quarter.
During that moment, Mitchell received a Flagrant 1 penalty for his contact with San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, exited the game, and remained on the sideline for the remainder of Oklahoma City’s 123-108 victory.
Williams, who put up 26 points in the series opener but managed just four points in seven minutes during Game 2, sat out Game 3 with a strained left hamstring. His status for Sunday’s contest in San Antonio is listed as questionable.
Following their opening game defeat, the defending champions now hold a 2-1 advantage in the series.
During the regular season, Mitchell significantly improved his offensive production from his first year, posting 13.6 points per contest. His free-throw accuracy ranked 23rd league-wide at 87%, and he earned fifth place in Sixth Man of the Year consideration.
Mitchell’s postseason performance has been even more impressive, contributing 15.1 points and 4.3 assists per game across 11 playoff appearances.
Cason Wallace, a third-year guard who contributed 8.6 points per game in the regular season and 8.1 points through 11 playoff contests, is anticipated to get the starting nod for Game 4.
Delaware State Police have released the identity of the teenage victim killed in Thursday’s Seaford shooting as 17-year-old Jacob Rinier Jr. from Laurel, Delaware.
Authorities have taken 19-year-old Omar Vidro-Pacheco into custody and issued an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Darrin West, both Seaford residents, on murder charges and additional offenses.
Officers responded to a reported vehicle accident in the 24000 block of German Road in Seaford around 8:45 p.m. on May 21, 2026. Upon arrival, they discovered the driver, Rinier, suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot injury and immediately began emergency medical treatment. Emergency responders transported the teenager to a local medical facility, where he succumbed to his wounds. A juvenile male riding as a passenger was also hospitalized for evaluation before being discharged.
Investigators determined that Rinier had scheduled a meeting with West and Vidro-Pacheco at the Concord Pond boat ramp for a narcotics deal. According to the investigation, West brandished a firearm during the encounter, aimed it at the vehicle, and fired at Rinier as the victim attempted to drive away. Rinier became unconscious while driving on German Road and subsequently crashed his vehicle.
Police officers discovered a Hyundai Sonata belonging to Vidro-Pacheco parked at the Concord Pond boat ramp, the location where the shooting took place. Officers encountered a man standing nearby, later identified as Vidro-Pacheco, and arrested him without resistance.
Following his transport to Troop 5, Vidro-Pacheco faced formal charges and appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 11. He was ordered held at the Delaware Department of Correction with bail set at $1,126,000 cash. His booking photograph is currently unavailable.
The charges against Vidro-Pacheco include:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Attempt to Commit Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Conspiracy First Degree (Felony)
Police have secured an arrest warrant for West, who has not been apprehended and faces identical charges:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Attempt to Commit Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Conspiracy First Degree (Felony)
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit remains actively engaged in this investigation. Investigators urge anyone with information regarding this case or West’s location to reach out to Detective B. McDerby at (302) 741-2821. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Crime victims, witnesses, or families affected by sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides round-the-clock assistance via their toll-free helpline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). The Victim Services Unit can also be reached by email at [email protected].
Dover Police have activated a Gold Alert as they search for a 33-year-old Clayton man who vanished from a local hospital Saturday night.
Joushua Maria was last observed at Bayhealth Kent Campus on South State Street in Dover around 8:05 p.m. on May 23rd, where he had been receiving medical care for an unspecified medical issue.
Authorities describe Maria as a Black male standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 198 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. When last spotted, he was dressed in a green and black plaid hoodie, a black hat, and light tan khaki pants.
The Dover Police Department is requesting anyone with information about Maria’s location to call them immediately at 302-736-7111. The case has been assigned incident number 50-26-17321.
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman serves as the Public Information Officer for this case and can be reached at [email protected] for additional inquiries.
CLEVELAND — It appears Taylor Swift has developed an interest in basketball as well.
The internationally renowned pop star was spotted sitting courtside during Saturday night’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, accompanied by her fiancé and Cleveland native Travis Kelce, as the Cavaliers faced off against the New York Knicks in a crucial matchup for the home team.
The duo, with Kelce having recently inked a 3-year, $54 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, arrived at their Rocket Arena seats just before game time. Their presence generated considerable excitement among attendees who noticed the celebrity couple in attendance.
It didn’t take long for Kelce to get into the game spirit, showing enthusiastic support for the Cavs throughout the contest.
Swift has become a regular fixture at Chiefs home games since beginning her relationship with Kelce several years ago. She also joined him for Game 1 of the AL Championship Series at Yankee Stadium in 2024.
Kelce has previously attended Cavs games, and both he and his brother, Jason, were honored with a bobblehead promotion by Cleveland in 2024.
The pair revealed their engagement last year, with wedding plans reportedly set for sometime during the upcoming summer months.
New York currently holds a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven playoff series following victories in both games at Madison Square Garden.
George Russell claimed pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix in dramatic fashion Saturday, delivering a clutch final qualifying lap that edged out his Mercedes teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli in Montreal.
The British driver, who had already won Saturday’s sprint race from the front row, managed to outpace the Italian by a razor-thin margin of 0.068 seconds in the closing moments of the qualifying session, just after the 19-year-old had posted what appeared to be the fastest time.
“That is the most exhilarating feeling in the world when it comes last minute out of nowhere,” Russell exclaimed over team radio following an excited celebration. “We made that a bit tricky…”
McLaren’s reigning champion Lando Norris secured third position for Sunday’s race, with Australian teammate Oscar Piastri starting fourth. Race officials have issued a ‘Rain Hazard’ warning from race director Rui Marques, suggesting wet conditions could impact the race.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton earned fifth place on the grid but faces a potential investigation for allegedly blocking other drivers. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start sixth and expressed frustration with his car’s performance on the straights.
“I have no idea what is going on. I don’t really have a lot of words,” the four-time world champion from the Netherlands stated. “Everything is so confusing. I also didn’t like the set-up change we made. I think (Sunday) will be chaos regardless of the weather.”
This marks Russell’s third consecutive pole position at the Canadian venue, where he converted a similar starting position into victory at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve last season. Mercedes brought significant car improvements to Montreal for this weekend’s competition.
The outcome seemed uncertain just minutes before the session ended, as Russell had abandoned his initial fast lap attempt and returned to the garage with six minutes remaining without posting a competitive time. He then completed two quick laps, with the second securing his pole position.
Russell had not appeared among the top three drivers in the earlier qualifying segments, while Antonelli topped the Q1 session and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar led Q2 times. Antonelli currently holds an 18-point championship advantage over Russell after winning the previous three races.
“That last lap came from nowhere,” Russell explained afterward. “It was such a great feeling when it was such a challenging session and you pull it all together on that last lap to throw yourselves up the leaderboard is epic. Kimi was more competitive than I and we weren’t as clear ahead of everyone else as yesterday, so it was a challenge but I redialled my driving and put it together.”
Hadjar will occupy seventh position on Sunday’s starting grid alongside Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Racing Bulls newcomer Arvid Lindblad qualified ninth, while Alpine’s Franco Colapinto earned tenth place after showing improved speed following his strong Miami performance.
Antonelli, who had criticized Russell after the sprint race and suggested penalties were warranted, appeared more composed following qualifying.
“I am pretty happy. There was still a little bit left on the table but George did a great lap and all eyes on tomorrow,” he commented. “We will see what the weather is like but we will try and be ready for anything.”
Norris, who finished second in the sprint race between the two Mercedes drivers, acknowledged the difficulty of maximizing performance but praised his team’s efforts.
“It’s clear these guys (Mercedes) are a little bit quicker. It’s nice to be closer than we were yesterday,” he noted. “The weather will be different tomorrow. We are in a good place and the place we need to be.”
Multiple media outlets, including mlb.com, are reporting that the Los Angeles Angels have inked right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker to a minor league contract.
Philadelphia released Walker during the current season.
The one-time All-Star pitcher experienced difficulties during his tenure in Philadelphia. Following his signing of a four-year contract worth $72 million with the Phillies in 2023, Walker posted a 5.12 ERA over more than three seasons with the club.
During 2026, he appeared in five games and compiled a 9.13 ERA over 22 2/3 innings pitched.
The 33-year-old pitcher holds a career ERA of 4.27 across 256 games with 234 starts, having played for multiple organizations including the Seattle Mariners (2013-16, 2020), Arizona Diamondbacks (2017-19), Toronto Blue Jays (2020), New York Mets (2021-22), and Phillies.
Iran’s national soccer team will establish their World Cup preparation base in Tijuana, Mexico, after receiving FIFA approval to relocate from their originally planned Arizona training facility, according to an announcement made Saturday by the country’s soccer federation leadership.
“We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific Ocean and on the border between Mexico and the United States,” stated Iran’s soccer federation President Mehdi Taj in a video message shared on the organization’s Telegram social media channel.
The federation president explained that this relocation will help eliminate visa-related issues and enable the team to fly directly to Mexico using Iran Air transportation.
FIFA has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding this approved venue change.
The Iranian squad is scheduled to compete in three Group G matches: facing New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, meeting Belgium in the same city on June 21, and concluding group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
“The total distance between us and the venue of our games in Los Angeles is 55 minutes by flight,” Taj explained, noting that the Tijuana location actually places them closer to their competition sites compared to the original Arizona training facility.
For several months, Iran has encountered challenges regarding travel logistics and security preparations for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place across venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Earlier this month, Iranian federation representatives revealed that team members and support staff had not yet obtained necessary U.S. visas, despite the tournament beginning in less than four weeks.
According to Taj, the federation has requested FIFA provide assurances regarding visa processing, security measures and overall treatment of the Iranian delegation throughout the competition.
The World Cup tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19.
MONTREAL, May 23 – In a stunning upset at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, Norway defeated Sweden 3-2 on Saturday, capitalizing on special-teams play to secure their first win against their Nordic neighbors in a decade and a half.
The victory significantly improves Norway’s chances of advancing to the tournament’s playoff stage. Norway’s success came from converting short-handed opportunities into goals, netting twice while playing with a man disadvantage.
Noah Steen led Norway’s offensive effort with two goals, while Eirik Salsten provided the game-winning score during the middle portion of the final period. Goaltender Henrik Haukeland was instrumental in preserving the victory, stopping 32 shots and withstanding Sweden’s late-game offensive surge.
Sweden managed to find the net through Ivar Stenberg and Lucas Raymond, but squandered scoring opportunities and committed crucial mistakes that proved costly in the defeat.
The historical significance of the victory cannot be understated – prior to Saturday’s contest, Norway had managed just one win against Sweden in 19 world championship encounters, achieving that lone victory in a shootout 15 years earlier in Bratislava.
WISCONSIN – A Salisbury University track and field athlete made history at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, capturing two national titles in the same day.
Kai Smith dominated the sprint events on the final day of competition at Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The championships were hosted by The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Smith secured victories in both the 100-meter and 200-meter races, completing his double championship performance within a span of 70 minutes. His achievements earned him recognition as the fastest man in Division III track and field for 2026.
The Salisbury University Track & Field program celebrated Smith’s outstanding performance as he brought home two National Championships from the prestigious competition.
Federal protective agents fired their weapons in the area surrounding the White House, resulting in gunshot wounds to one person and injuries to a bystander, according to law enforcement officials.
The FBI Director Kash Patel took to social media to confirm that agents were responding to reports of gunfire in the area. “Update the public as we’re able,” Patel stated in his online message.
The President was reportedly present inside the executive mansion when the shooting occurred.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the circumstances that led to the use of firearms or the condition of those who were injured.
WASHINGTON — An individual who opened fire at Secret Service officers near a White House security checkpoint has died following a shootout with federal agents, authorities confirmed.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, initial findings show the individual came to a checkpoint around 6 p.m. ET Saturday, “pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers.”
Federal agents fired back, striking the gunman, who was rushed to a local medical facility where he was later pronounced dead, the Secret Service reported.
An innocent bystander sustained injuries during the incident, though law enforcement officials remain uncertain whether the wounds came from the initial gunfire by the suspect or from rounds fired by responding officers.
The Secret Service confirmed none of their personnel were harmed in the exchange, and President Donald Trump — who was present at the White House during the shooting — remained “unaffected.”
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Earlier reporting follows below.
WASHINGTON — Federal agents shot an individual in the vicinity of the White House on Saturday, with a bystander also sustaining gunshot wounds, according to a law enforcement source.
Both victims were reported in critical condition, the source revealed while requesting anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak about the ongoing investigation.
White House press corps members on duty Saturday heard multiple gunshots and received instructions to take cover in the press briefing room.
The Secret Service posted on X that they were “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW” — located one block from the White House — and were “working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground.” They promised an update would follow.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on social media that officers were responding to reports of gunfire and promised to “update the public as we’re able.”
President Donald Trump remained inside the White House throughout the incident.
Physical evidence of the shooting remained visible on sidewalks adjacent to the White House grounds, with yellow police tape stretching across walkways and Secret Service personnel marking dozens of spots with orange evidence markers. Emergency medical supplies, including what looked like purple medical gloves and standard paramedic equipment, were scattered at the scene.
ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang captured dramatic footage on X showing the moment she heard what “sounded like dozens of gunshots” and took cover. Wang had been recording a routine social media update about Trump’s earlier Saturday comments regarding a potential Iran deal when the gunfire erupted.
The video shows Wang speaking briefly before the sound of gunshots causes her to widen her eyes and duck down in the media tent positioned along the White House driveway where news crews conduct their broadcasts. Wang’s footage had been shared thousands of times and viewed over 3 million times by Saturday evening.
The Metropolitan Police Department advised on X that the Secret Service was handling the scene and urged the public to stay away from the area. The location is close to where a shooter attacked two West Virginia National Guard members last November.
U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries in that attack. Andrew Wolfe, then 24, suffered critical wounds. Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces charges in connection with that shooting.
Saturday’s gunfire occurred roughly one month following what authorities described as an assassination attempt against the president on April 25 during his appearance at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at a Washington hotel. Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, recently entered a not guilty plea to charges of attempting to kill Trump and remains in federal detention.
After that incident, Secret Service agents shot a suspect who they said had opened fire on officers near the Washington Monument, also in the White House vicinity. Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas, was charged in federal court in connection with the May 4 shooting. A teenage bystander suffered wounds in that incident.
British naval personnel aboard the RFA Lyme Bay, currently stationed near Gibraltar, are standing by for a potential mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz, though the mission remains uncertain pending ongoing peace negotiations.
Following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump that allies haven’t contributed enough to America’s military efforts against Iran, which has effectively blocked the crucial shipping route and caused energy costs to spike globally, Trump challenged NATO partners in March to “go get your own oil” and secure the waterway independently.
From Gibraltar, a British territory at the southern edge of the Iberian Peninsula, the Royal Navy is making preparations for exactly that mission — though deployment will only occur after a peace settlement is finalized. Trump announced Saturday that negotiations with Iran have been “largely negotiated” following discussions with Israel and regional partners, though final details remain outstanding.
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns brought a select group of journalists to tour the RFA Lyme Bay while it prepares for a potential multinational operation, spearheaded by Britain and France, to restore security to the strait. During Carns’ briefing, crews were loading the amphibious vessel with munitions and sonar-equipped underwater drones designed for mine detection.
The RFA Lyme Bay, carrying several hundred crew members, will eventually leave Gibraltar to rendezvous with the destroyer HMS Dragon and partner vessels for aerial support before transiting the Suez Canal toward the Persian Gulf.
“Which other country can pull together 40 nations and come up with a solution to deal with a complex problem that we couldn’t predict because we weren’t involved?” Carns responded when The Associated Press questioned what Trump expects from Britain as an ally.
Following the U.S.-Israeli military action that commenced February 28, Iran responded by essentially sealing off the strait, a vital passage for regional oil, natural gas and fertilizer exports, creating worldwide economic disruption. Britain has particularly faced Trump’s criticism, with the president calling the British fleet “toys” and comparing Prime Minister Keir Starmer unfavorably to “Winston Churchill.”
According to Carns, no fewer than 6,000 vessels have been prevented from transiting the strait since hostilities started.
Cmdr. Gemma Britton, who leads the Royal Navy’s Mine and Threat Exploitation Group, explained that Iran might have deployed a “huge” array of explosive devices throughout the waterway. These weapons could include rocket-powered mines, tethered explosives, or seabed devices activated by acoustic signals, motion, or illumination.
Journalists were shown unmanned systems capable of mapping the ocean floor and water column using sonar technology in roughly half the time required for manned vessels to survey and chart potential hazards. These robotic craft generate detailed images of underwater objects, from commercial fishing equipment to infrastructure pipelines. These visuals help identify explosive devices that can then be investigated using sophisticated sound-based detection and camera systems, Britton explained.
Several systems aboard the RFA Lyme Bay can be deployed on smaller craft that launch and operate independently from the main vessel, which serves as a command platform positioned safely away from suspected minefields, according to Britton. This approach minimizes personnel exposure to danger.
Traditional mine disposal involves divers manually attaching explosive charges to detected mines before retreating to trigger detonation. However, the RFA Lyme Bay is testing remote-controlled submersibles that can descend and position charges near mines before activating them from a safe distance, Britton noted.
The immediate objective will focus on establishing a clear transit corridor through the strait to enable approximately 700 stranded ships to depart. Subsequently, crews will open a reverse-direction lane for incoming vessels, though Britton cautioned that completely clearing the entire waterway could require months or even years.
Whether mines actually exist in the strait — or whether Britain and its partners will ultimately deploy to remove them — remains unclear.
When AP asked if the British preparations were primarily theatrical, intended to improve relations with America, Carns acknowledged that some mines may have already exploded or drifted away, but noted that such uncertainty fails to satisfy commercial insurance providers. These companies require “absolute certainty” before authorizing vessel passage through the strait again.
“That’s what this capability will provide,” he stated.
The multinational strait security mission would only proceed after fighting concludes.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump posted Saturday on social media, without specifying a timeline.
Recent weeks have seen multiple claims that an agreement was near completion.
“We don’t know when the Americans, Iranians and Israelis are going to come up with a suitable solution,” Carns acknowledged.
Until then, the RFA Lyme Bay and its personnel will remain on standby and will be “really, really ready,” Carns assured.
Ukraine’s capital city faced a large-scale assault involving missiles and drones during the early morning hours of Sunday, following warnings from Ukrainian air forces about a potential hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile launch by Russia.
The city experienced multiple explosions just after 1 a.m. local time, occurring shortly after military officials announced the possibility of an Oreshnik missile strike through their Telegram communications channel. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, reported via Telegram that no fewer than three individuals sustained injuries and multiple residential structures suffered damage throughout the capital. He also noted that burning debris was discovered on the grounds of a centrally-located school.
On Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had issued a warning that Russia was planning to use the Oreshnik missile system against Ukraine, based on intelligence gathered from Ukrainian, American, and European sources. Ukrainian air force officials have not yet provided confirmation regarding whether an Oreshnik missile successfully struck any targets during the attack.
This marks the third time Russia has deployed the Oreshnik weapon system against Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has previously claimed this missile cannot be intercepted due to its reported speed exceeding ten times the velocity of sound.
The president’s earlier warning followed Putin’s directive to his armed forces to develop retaliatory options against Ukraine in response to a drone attack on student housing facilities in the Russian-occupied Luhansk area of eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian military officials stated their forces had aimed at a Russian drone operations center during that strike.
GIZA, Egypt, May 23 – Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk came dangerously close to suffering one of boxing’s greatest upsets before delivering a dramatic knockout of Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with merely one second remaining in the 11th round of their WBC championship bout.
The Saturday night spectacle dubbed ‘Glory in Giza’ at Egypt’s Pyramids was widely anticipated to be a one-sided affair, but Verhoeven completely defied expectations from the first bell, with some judges’ scorecards showing him leading despite having only one professional boxing match 12 years prior.
The 39-year-old Ukrainian appeared unusually sluggish and came into the fight at his heaviest weight ever, forcing him to enter the 11th round desperately needing a decisive moment to secure what most observers had assumed would be a routine victory.
That crucial moment arrived in the final seconds of the penultimate round when Usyk connected with a devastating right uppercut that sent Verhoeven to the canvas. Although the Dutchman managed to beat the referee’s count, the official intervened to halt the contest.
“I thought it was an early stoppage but in the end it’s not up to me,” the 37-year-old Verhoeven said to DAZN. “I was already super thankful for this opportunity for Usyk to take this fight.”
The bout put only the WBC championship on the line for Verhoeven, while Usyk’s WBA and IBF titles would have been declared vacant had he suffered defeat.
The Ukrainian champion ultimately maintained his perfect professional record at 25 victories without a loss.
“This fight was hard. It was a good fight. I was just boxing, my right uppercut, bang. Thank you god,” Usyk commented after the fight.
“Right now, in Ukraine, my people and my country — there is bombing. My people are sitting in bomb shelters. My family. My daughter sent me a message: ‘Papa, I love you, I’m afraid.’ I said, ‘oh my God’.”
A Verhoeven victory would have ranked among boxing’s most stunning upsets, potentially exceeding the shock of Mike Tyson’s 1990 loss to underdog James ‘Buster’ Douglas.
Many boxing analysts predicted Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist from 2012 and seasoned professional, would finish the contest by the midway point or even sooner.
The theatrical pre-fight entrances featured Verhoeven dressed as a pharaoh, accompanied by torch-bearing attendants against the backdrop of the illuminated Pyramids.
Usyk chose a Roman gladiator theme, donning centurion armor and helmet while fireworks exploded overhead. However, the actual fight proved to be among his most challenging, as he struggled against an opponent who refused to fold under pressure.
Northbound traffic on Philadelphia Pike has been completely shut down near Interstate 495 following a vehicle accident, according to transportation officials.
The roadway closure is affecting the area around the I-495 interchange, with no immediate timeline provided for when normal traffic flow will resume.
Drivers traveling in the area are advised to find alternative routes and allow extra time for their commutes while emergency responders and cleanup crews address the situation.
WASHINGTON — Federal agents opened fire on an individual in the vicinity of the White House on Saturday, with an innocent bystander also wounded during the incident, according to a law enforcement source.
Both victims remain hospitalized in critical condition, the official confirmed while requesting anonymity since they lacked authorization to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation.
News reporters stationed at the White House during Saturday’s incident described hearing multiple rounds of gunfire and received instructions to take cover within the press briefing area.
The Secret Service acknowledged on X that they were “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW” — located one block from the White House — and were “working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground.” The agency promised additional details would follow.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on social media that law enforcement was responding to gunfire reports and stated he would “update the public as we’re able.”
President Donald Trump remained inside the White House during the shooting.
ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang captured dramatic footage on X of the moment she heard what “sounded like dozens of gunshots” and took cover. Wang had been recording a routine social media video about Trump’s earlier Saturday comments regarding a potential Iran deal when the gunfire erupted. Her video shows her speaking briefly before her expression changes and she ducks down in the media tent positioned along the White House driveway where broadcasters conduct their reports. Wang’s footage had been shared thousands of times and viewed over 3 million times by Saturday evening.
The Metropolitan Police Department posted on X that the Secret Service was handling the scene and advised people to stay away from the area. This location is close to where a gunman attacked two West Virginia National Guard members last November.
U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries from that attack. Andrew Wolfe, then 24, sustained critical wounds. Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces charges in connection with that incident.
Saturday’s shooting occurred nearly a month following what authorities described as an assassination attempt against the president on April 25 during his attendance at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at a Washington hotel. Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, recently pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he attempted to kill Trump and remains in federal detention.
After that incident, Secret Service agents shot a suspect who allegedly fired at officers near the Washington Monument, also in proximity to the White House. Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas, was charged in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court related to the May 4 shooting. A teenage bystander sustained injuries during that encounter.
A serious traffic accident has resulted in the complete closure of all northbound lanes on Interstate 95 just before the Delaware Route 1 exit.
The crash has blocked all traffic heading north on the major highway, forcing authorities to shut down the roadway at that location. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while emergency crews work to clear the scene.
No additional details about the nature of the accident or potential injuries have been released at this time.
Traffic is being diverted on a major Delaware highway following a vehicle collision that has blocked all southbound lanes.
Route 1 southbound has been completely shut down in the area of Wrangle Hill Road due to the crash, according to transportation officials.
Drivers traveling in the area should anticipate significant delays and consider using alternative routes while emergency crews and cleanup operations are underway.
No additional details about the severity of the accident or potential injuries have been released at this time.
PANAMA CITY, Panama (AP) — Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado declared Saturday her intention to seek the presidency once more and expects to return to Venezuela by the close of 2026.
Speaking during a gathering with other Venezuelan opposition figures in Panama, Machado’s announcement comes over four months following the White House’s surprising choice to distance itself from her and instead collaborate with a loyalist from Venezuela’s ruling party after the U.S. military detained former President Nicolás Maduro.
Machado has remained in exile since December, after surfacing from nearly a year of hiding within Venezuela and departing for Norway to receive the Nobel prize.
During her remarks to journalists in Panama City, she stated that she and fellow opposition leaders present continue their dedication to achieving a democratic transition “through free and fair presidential elections, where all Venezuelans inside and outside the country vote.”
However, the timing of Venezuela’s next presidential election remains uncertain.
U.S. President Donald Trump and top administration figures have commended acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who succeeded Maduro and has opened Venezuela’s petroleum sector to American investment during a period of rising oil costs linked to conflict in Iran.
The Trump administration has also reduced discussion of elections, despite Venezuela’s constitutional requirement for such contests within 30 days when a president becomes “permanently unavailable.”
According to Machado, organizing an election under democratic standards would require seven to nine months of preparation. Essential reforms include selecting impartial electoral officials, updating voter registration systems, and ensuring opposition candidates can campaign without government obstruction.
Machado emerged as Maduro’s most formidable challenger in recent years, though his administration prevented her candidacy in the 2024 presidential race, prompting her to select former ambassador Edmundo González Urrutia as her ballot representative.
Ruling party officials proclaimed Maduro victorious just hours after voting ended, yet Machado’s organized campaign gathered documentation demonstrating González had won against Maduro by more than a 2-to-1 ratio.
On Saturday, she informed reporters of her readiness to face any presidential contender in “an impeccable election.”
“I will be a candidate, but there may be others, of course,” she said. “I would love to compete with everyone, with anyone who wants to be a candidate.”
WASHINGTON — Federal authorities are investigating reports of gunfire that occurred close to the White House grounds on Saturday.
Media personnel present at the location on Saturday heard multiple gunshots and received instructions to take cover in the press briefing room. Secret Service agents prevented them from exiting the area.
No injuries were reported immediately, and details about what led to the incident remain unclear.
The Secret Service posted on X that they were “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW” — located one block away from the White House — and were “working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground.”
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on social media that law enforcement was responding to the gunfire and stated he would “update the public as we’re able.”
President Donald Trump was at the White House when the shooting occurred.
The Metropolitan Police Department had not responded to information requests immediately.
This Saturday incident follows approximately one month after what authorities described as an assassination attempt against the president on April 25 during his attendance at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at a Washington hotel. Cole Tomas Allen, from Torrance, California, entered a not guilty plea recently to charges alleging he tried to kill Trump and is being held in federal detention.
After that incident, Secret Service agents shot a individual they claimed had opened fire on officers close to the Washington Monument, which is also in the White House vicinity. Michael Marx, 45, from Midland, Texas, faces charges in a complaint submitted to U.S. District Court regarding the May 4 shooting incident. A teenage bystander sustained injuries during that event.
China plans to launch three astronauts to its space station this Sunday, with one crew member remaining aboard for an unprecedented year-long stay as the nation advances toward its goal of landing humans on the moon by 2030.
The Shenzhou-23 spacecraft will blast off at 11:08 p.m. local time (1508 GMT) aboard a Long March-2F Y23 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, carrying three Chinese space travelers.
Among the crew is payload specialist Li Jiaying, formerly a Hong Kong police inspector, who will become the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a Chinese space mission. The mission commander is Zhu Yangzhu, while Zhang Yuanzhi serves as pilot – both are members of the People’s Liberation Army’s astronaut corps.
Officials from the China Manned Space Agency announced Saturday that which of the three astronauts will remain on the Tiangong space station for the full year will be determined based on mission developments. The yearlong duration would represent one of the longest space missions in history, though it falls short of the 14-1/2 month record established by a Russian cosmonaut in 1995.
This launch occurs as competition intensifies between China and the United States in the race to return humans to the lunar surface. The U.S. has raised concerns about what it claims are China’s intentions to colonize and extract resources from the moon, allegations that Beijing has firmly denied.
NASA targets a crewed lunar landing by 2028, two years before China’s deadline. The American space agency seeks to create a sustained lunar presence as preparation for future human missions to Mars.
Recent developments include NASA’s April achievement when four astronauts completed a historic lunar flyby as part of the Artemis II mission, traveling farther from Earth than any previous crew in the first human lunar mission in fifty years.
Additionally, Elon Musk’s SpaceX conducted a mostly successful uncrewed test of its next-generation Starship rocket on Friday, designed to support increased Starlink satellite deployments and transport future NASA lunar missions.
China faces significant challenges in meeting its 2030 target, requiring development of completely new equipment and systems for lunar operations. The nation must demonstrate mission readiness to ensure its astronauts, accustomed to the relatively secure environment of Tiangong in low-Earth orbit, can safely navigate the more dangerous journey to the moon’s surface.
Since 2021, China’s Shenzhou missions have regularly transported three-person crews to the station for six-month assignments. The Chinese space program is currently preparing two Pakistani astronauts, with one potentially joining an anticipated Tiangong mission later this year for a brief stay.
The preceding mission, Shenzhou-22, launched earlier than planned in November to retrieve three Chinese astronauts whose Shenzhou-20 spacecraft sustained damage from orbital debris.
While China has only deployed robotic missions to the moon thus far, its continuing Shenzhou operations demonstrate the country’s advancing space technology. In June 2024, China achieved a world first by collecting lunar samples from the moon’s far side using robotic systems.
Successfully completing a crewed lunar landing before 2030 would support China’s objective to build a permanent lunar base by 2035 in partnership with Russia.
Wu Weiren, the chief scientist of China’s lunar program, has indicated that Beijing’s public schedule is deliberately cautious.
Throughout the past year, Beijing has conducted safety evaluations of equipment designed for the 2030 mission, including heavy-lift Long March-10 rockets, the Mengzhou spacecraft, and the Lanyue lunar lander.
The Shenzhou-23 mission will perform the first autonomous rapid approach and docking with Tiangong’s core module, preparing for the 2030 mission that depends on automated lunar-orbit connection between the Mengzhou capsule and Lanyue lander.
Researchers will examine the physical impacts of radiation exposure, bone density reduction, and psychological strain during the extended Shenzhou-23 mission.
Beijing is conducting the world’s first human “artificial embryo” study in space, having delivered human stem cell samples to the Shenzhou-22 crew aboard Tiangong this month, according to state media reports. The research aims to investigate long-term human habitation, survival, and reproduction capabilities in space environments.
Federal authorities launched an investigation Saturday after receiving reports of gunfire in the nation’s capital near the White House.
The Secret Service announced Saturday that agents were aware of reports indicating shots had been fired in Washington, D.C., specifically at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, located close to the White House. Officials stated they were actively working to verify these reports through coordination with officers stationed in the area.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that FBI agents were present at the location, providing assistance to Secret Service personnel.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent diplomatic tour across five nations from May 15 to 20 included stops in the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, but his visit to Rome delivered the most significant strategic outcomes. The Italian leg of the journey demonstrated how New Delhi is expanding its global partnerships by integrating commerce, technology, defense, connectivity, and corridor development into a unified diplomatic strategy.
During the Rome meetings, India and Italy upgraded their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership and signed a comprehensive joint declaration covering commerce, investment, supply chains, critical minerals, clean technologies, semiconductors, ports, maritime security, defense industrial cooperation, innovation, space, migration, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Both nations also confirmed their goal of increasing bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029.
This enhancement positions Italy as more than just a ceremonial diplomatic partner in India’s European strategy. Italy represents a major EU economy, a Mediterranean nation, a NATO ally, and one of the Western governments demonstrating significant political commitment to IMEC. For India, Rome serves as a valuable European bridge and potential Mediterranean gateway that New Delhi seeks to develop as a strategic advantage.
The official India-Italy declaration contained remarkably detailed practical commitments. Both governments expressed their intention to establish resilient supply chains, expand industrial and technology partnerships, and enhance cooperation across multiple sectors including textiles, clean technologies, semiconductors, automotive, energy, tourism, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, digital technologies, steel, ports, and infrastructure. They also advocated for stronger connections between stock exchanges, investment funds, banks, insurers, and other financial institutions.
The partnership is being institutionalized beyond mere public announcements. The leaders committed to annual meetings, including during multilateral events, and agreed to utilize the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 as their primary operational framework. This plan was initially adopted in 2024, but the Rome declaration provided renewed political momentum and positioned it as the centerpiece of bilateral follow-up efforts.
IMEC occupied a central position in the discussions. Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reconfirmed their dedication to the corridor, described its transformational possibilities, and urged the first IMEC ministerial meeting to take concrete actions in 2026. The declaration characterizes the project as a pathway not only for goods, but for broader commercial, digital, and strategic connections linking India, the Gulf, and Europe.
The maritime component proved equally significant. India and Italy endorsed a memorandum of understanding on maritime transport and ports and instructed their ministries to establish a joint working group for implementation. They also agreed to initiate a Maritime Security dialogue to enhance cooperation, coordination, information sharing, and best practices. The message was unmistakable: connectivity is being approached not as a separate technical matter, but as an integral part of a security framework.
The technology agenda followed similar patterns. The leaders announced the establishment of INNOVIT India, an innovation hub in India designed to strengthen both countries’ innovation ecosystems, support startup acceleration, improve market access and business matching, and deepen university collaboration and talent mobility. The declaration identifies fintech, healthcare, semiconductors, logistics and supply chains, agritech, energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence as priority areas.
They also emphasized cooperation in supercomputing, renewable energy, green hydrogen, the sustainable blue economy, and space. This breadth explains why the meeting held significance: it represented more than symbolic diplomacy. It constituted a practical effort to integrate industrial policy, advanced technology, and strategic geography into a unified relationship.
According to Rajat Ganguly, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, the Rome visit reflects a broader transformation in Indian foreign policy. “I see this as India’s growing confidence in what I call a polyalignment foreign policy,” he told The Media Line. “What this effectively means is that India does not want to get pushed into one particular corner or another. A lot of people are saying that India should be more strongly in favor of BRICS against the US. This is not India’s approach to foreign policy right now. India wants to be a good partner with multiple actors.”
BRICS represents a coalition of major emerging economies pursuing greater economic and diplomatic influence in an increasingly multipolar global system. It began with Brazil, Russia, India, and China holding their first formal leaders’ summit in 2009; South Africa joined in 2010, and the bloc expanded again in 2024 and 2025 to include countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Ganguly explained the logic is apparent in India’s capacity to maintain separate relationships, even when they point in conflicting directions. “You could have India-US on one side, India-Russia on one side. … India is very close to Israel, but India is also very close to Iran,” he said. “From India’s point of view, that is probably the most useful thing: to have multiple partners, multiple friends, and not allow the difficulties between friends, let’s say, to affect their relationship with India. Iran and Israel are a classic example. India wants to have beneficial relations with both.”
This reasoning helps clarify why Italy holds importance for New Delhi. Ganguly characterized Italy as a significant trade partner and a pro-India advocate within the European Union. “Italy is a very important trade partner, and you may remember this new trade route from India to the Gulf, then on to Israel, then Greece and Italy into Europe,” he said. “If you look at it from that point of view, then obviously Italy is very, very important for India. Italy is also a voice within the European Union that is very pro-India.”
The personal rapport between Modi and Meloni also contributes, in Ganguly’s assessment. “I think Meloni’s position on many different things probably aligns quite well with Modi and his ideas,” he said. “As two prime ministers, they are probably quite aligned in terms of their political ideology, in terms of their outlook for the world, for Europe, and for India. From Modi’s point of view, Europe is very important as an alternative power center.”
He also contended that Meloni has attempted to demonstrate independence even from leaders she previously strongly supported. “Meloni used to be a very big Trump supporter,” Ganguly said. “But what she is also asserting is that she is autonomous. She supports Trump when it is good for Italy. But if she is required to criticize Trump because Trump is doing things that are not good for Italy, she will do that,” adding, “What it shows is that she has got a spine, that she is not going to bend backward for anybody.”
Leo Goretti, associate dean at Rome Business School, positions India in a somewhat different but complementary framework. He characterized the country as a “swing country” in the global system, positioned between the democratic West and a broader coalition of states seeking to reshape the international order from outside its traditional center.
He described India as “halfway between the link with the democratic and Western world and the positioning within a front of countries that somehow claim a reform of the multilateral system, of the international liberal order, starting from the outside, like the BRICS.” In his perspective, India represents a key nation, and maintaining dialogue, partnership relationships, if not friendship or even alliance with India, remains crucial for Western countries.
For Goretti, the India connection also provides Meloni an opportunity to position Italy as more than a reactive European middle power. “All this means that at this moment India can actually represent an interlocutor through which Meloni can try to relaunch the country’s foreign policy, which in recent months has seen Italy in a rather difficult situation, more reactive than proactive,” he told The Media Line.
He was cautious not to characterize this as a departure from the West. “In my opinion, this Italian government also contains different positions on this issue,” Goretti said. “I believe that the perspective of Prime Minister Meloni is a perspective that she has coherently carried out over time: the search for a united Western front. I consider it an extremely complicated perspective, if not impossible, with Trump actually translating it into concrete politics.”
Goretti added that Meloni’s approach remains connected to a Western framework even if Washington no longer appears fully committed to the same concept. “My impression is that Meloni’s position tends to be continuous in this effort to keep the Western front united,” he said, “while emphasizing the fact—and this is the paradox—that the main exponent of that front, the United States, does not seem at this moment to be interested in this type of politics, and hence all the frustrations and failures of the case.”
He also identified pressure points within the Italian right, where some smaller factions favor a more openly multipolar interpretation of world politics. “There are minority components, let’s say, in the area of the radical right, both inside and outside the government, that probably have a perspective much more linked to this ideal of a multipolar world, in which … one tries to navigate between the Russian power policy, the American one, potentially also the Chinese one, etc.,” he said. “But I believe that this is a component that, at this moment, is quite a minority, which, however, is destined to become more and more noisy before the next elections.”
The Rome meeting occurred during the same week that BRICS foreign ministers convened in New Delhi and failed to produce a joint statement due to disagreements over the Middle East. Reuters reported that rivals Iran and the UAE were among the countries unable to reach consensus on a common text, and India issued only a chair statement that referenced “differing views among some members” on West Asia and the Middle East.
This incident highlighted the limitations of viewing BRICS as a unified anti-Western alliance. “India, as one of the founding members, is the classical balancer,” Ganguly said, adding that “India is basically saying that BRICS should not be like a Cold War institution, where it is almost zero-sum politics: that BRICS is anti-America, anti-West, and therefore BRICS is in conflict with the West and with the US. We do not want that.”
He observed that the bloc’s internal disagreements are becoming more difficult to manage as membership expands. “Right now, there are 10 members, and it was not possible to get all 10 members to agree on a joint communique at the end of the meeting, particularly because the UAE and Iran did not see eye to eye,” he said. “Therein lies the problem: India’s perception of BRICS is very different from Russia’s and China’s. It is also very different from Iran’s and the UAE’s, for example.”
For Goretti, this broader uncertainty is encouraging both India and Europe to diversify their partnerships. He argued that the transatlantic relationship no longer appears as stable or automatic as it once did, which explains why countries such as Italy are examining India and other middle powers more closely. The solution, in his view, is not to abandon the West but to avoid overdependence on a single power axis.
This is where the India-EU relationship becomes relevant to the Italy narrative. The European Commission states that negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded on January 27, 2026, and that the agreement would eliminate or reduce tariffs on over 96% of EU goods exports while saving approximately €4 billion annually in duties. The commission also indicates the EU and India relaunched negotiations in 2022 for a separate Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications.
The Rome declaration incorporated this broader European track into the bilateral relationship by welcoming the conclusion of the FTA negotiations and the India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. It also supported the India-EU Trade and Technology Council as a platform for cooperation in trade, critical technologies, and economic security.
Despite all this ambition, IMEC remains the most challenging component of the arrangement. India and Italy both characterized the corridor as transformational, but the project relies on stability across the Gulf and the eastern Mediterranean, where conflict and disruption remain active threats. The declaration expressed deep concern over the situation in West Asia and the Middle East, welcomed the ceasefire announced on April 8, 2026, and called for de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy, freedom of navigation, and the resumption of global flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Goretti stated that if instability persists across Yemen, Hormuz, and Iran, the corridor will remain challenging to implement. “It is certain that if there is an arc of instability and war that involves Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran, this represents a huge problem for such an ambitious project,” he said. He also noted that current disruptions already impact routes between India and Europe.
This represents the fundamental tension at the core of the Modi-Meloni meeting. The strategic direction is evident. The relationship is more comprehensive than previously. The institutional framework is more substantial than in earlier phases. However, the route on which much of the broader vision depends still passes through one of the most volatile regions globally. Italy can help provide political support for the project, but it cannot independently supply the stability necessary to make it function at full capacity.
Ganguly argued that India’s westward expansion will continue through a network of relationships rather than a single corridor. “India’s presence in the Middle East is going to grow through the UAE, through Israel, and through very, very good ties with Saudi Arabia now,” he said. “From the Middle East, there will be Cyprus and Greece, and then into Italy and into Europe.”
He stated the common element is that India does not view these relationships as mutually exclusive. “India would say, no, no, no, each relationship is completely independent,” he said. “What we use to judge each relationship is whether it is good for India. And only India will decide what is good for India.”
This explains why the Rome visit was notable. It was not simply a cordial meeting between two leaders with some political chemistry. It represented a practical step in a larger strategy of diversification, corridor-building, and strategic autonomy. India and Italy are attempting to connect trade, technology, defense, mobility, and maritime security within a single framework, while also fitting that framework into broader India-EU and Indo-Mediterranean politics.
What remains unclear is how much of this ambition can be realized in a geopolitically strained environment. The declaration is comprehensive. The objectives are specific. The cooperation is extensive. However, the stability required to support IMEC, facilitate smooth trade flows, and ensure sustained maritime access still depends on a region where conflict can rapidly spread across borders and disrupt plans.
For Europe, this represents part of a larger transformation. Goretti said the past year and a half has served as a wake-up call for those who believed the transatlantic relationship would remain the unquestioned foundation of foreign and security policy. He argued that Europe now needs to expand its portfolio of partners, including India, the Gulf states, Brazil, and other middle powers, to avoid being forced into a pure US-China rivalry.
This broader logic provides the real context for Modi’s tour. The Gulf remains important for energy and connectivity. The Netherlands remains significant for trade and technology. Sweden and Norway remain valuable for innovation and green transition. Italy matters because it connects all of these themes to the Mediterranean and to the question of how Europe and Asia will link in the coming years.
The meeting in Rome, therefore, was less about one friendship than about an emerging pattern. India and Italy are both attempting to hedge against uncertainty by deepening ties, expanding options, and building practical cooperation around supply chains, advanced technology, and connectivity. Whether this framework becomes a functioning alternative to older routes and older assumptions will depend less on diplomatic declarations than on the ability of the wider region to avoid another round of disruption.
The Israel Defense Forces announced that Staff Sgt. Noam Hamburger, a 23-year-old soldier from Atlit, died Friday when a drone operated by Hezbollah from Lebanon hit Israeli forces positioned near the northern border within Israeli territory.
The fallen soldier worked as a combat specialist focusing on technology and maintenance within the 9th Battalion of the 401st Brigade.
Military officials reported that the attack left one soldier with serious injuries and a noncommissioned officer with minor wounds. Medical teams transported both injured personnel for treatment while their families received notification.
The IDF stated that approximately 25 minutes following the initial strike, another explosive drone touched down in the identical location. This second incident resulted in no casualties.
In an interview with Ynet, Liat Hamburger, the victim’s mother, shared memories of her son: “Noam was pleasant and kind, he was simply a great gift to any mother. He always had a big smile, was an excellent student and loved to learn.”
The family had maintained contact with him just before the fatal incident occurred. “He managed to speak with us the day before the tragedy, he wished us a happy Shavuot holiday. We planned to come to him the next day with treats he loved, but then he didn’t answer us and it was very strange, we had a feeling that something happened,” she explained.
Liat Hamburger revealed that her son was looking forward to completing his military service and returning to civilian life. “He was about to be discharged soon with many plans. It’s simply incomprehensible that our Noam with his big heart, his heart of gold, won’t return anymore,” she stated.
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that a peace agreement between the United States, Iran, and multiple Middle Eastern nations is mostly complete, though prominent Republican senators are expressing serious reservations about the potential deal.
Through a Truth Social message, President Trump revealed he held discussions from the Oval Office with officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain about “all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE.”
“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed,” President Trump posted. He mentioned having a separate discussion with Netanyahu that “went very well.”
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” he stated, noting that “the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”
Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham both voiced skepticism about the potential arrangement. “This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel,” Graham posted on X Saturday.
Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, indicated these negotiations could define President Trump’s presidential legacy and called on him to “finish what we started.”
In an earlier Saturday interview with Axios reporter Barak Ravid, President Trump estimated there was a “solid 50/50” probability that America would either restart military action against Iran or achieve what he characterized as a beneficial deal.
“I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good,” he stated.
The president emphasized that any final agreement must tackle uranium enrichment and Iran’s existing stockpile of enriched uranium, though Axios indicated these nuclear concerns would likely not be immediately addressed in the current memorandum under consideration.
Israeli broadcaster N12 disclosed that Netanyahu called together his security cabinet due to worries that the proposed agreement could harm Israel’s interests.
According to reports, the arrangement would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in return for economic incentives, while future discussions would address Tehran’s nuclear activities and uranium reserves. Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities were reportedly excluded from these negotiations.
LIMA, Peru — Peru’s top Catholic officials conducted a ceremonial apology Saturday to Indigenous communities affected by land seizures connected to a Catholic organization that has since been disbanded.
The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, which operated in Peru, was shut down in 2025 by the late Pope Francis following a Vatican probe that revealed sexual misconduct by its founder, financial wrongdoing by leadership, and spiritual mistreatment by senior members. The dissolution came after years of failed reform efforts.
Saturday’s apology ceremony took place in Catacaos, a northern community, before members of the Tallán Indigenous group.
“We are here to ask for your forgiveness in the name of the Church,” Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, apostolic commissioner who was in charge of the dissolution process of the Sodalitium, said before a packed church. “We are late. We should have come 20 years ago, and we are truly sorry.”
Established in 1971, the Sodalitium emerged as one of several Catholic organizations created as a conservative response to the liberation theology movement that gained momentum across Latin America during the 1960s. The group reached approximately 20,000 members throughout South America and the United States at its peak, wielding significant influence in Peru.
Abuse allegations against founder Luis Figari were brought to Lima’s archdiocese in 2011 by former members. However, neither local church officials nor the Holy See acted decisively until a victim and journalist published a book about the allegations in 2015.
Following unsuccessful reform attempts, Francis dispatched his most trusted investigators, Bertomeu and Archbishop Charles Scicluna, to examine the Sodalitium abuse claims. Their investigation revealed “sadistic” cult-like abuse of authority and spirituality, financial misconduct in handling church resources, and harassment of critics.
During Saturday’s ceremony, Bertomeu referenced a 2024 message from Francis to the community, telling them: “Fight for your lands, I am with you.”
The land conflicts stretch back at least ten years, when companies connected to the Sodalitium initiated legal proceedings to remove people from thousands of hectares in Catacaos after property transfers that farmers do not acknowledge as legitimate. Numerous farmers faced prosecution for alleged “usurpation,” and two community leaders died in violent confrontations related to the eviction attempts.
The religious ceremony occurred months after Peru’s Episcopal Conference announced a potential visit by Pope Leo XIV to the South American nation later this year.
“Forgive us, offer us your forgiveness, because we too need it,” said Bertomeu, who characterized Catacaos as a community “fearful and broken.”
Tania Pariona, secretary of Peru’s National Human Rights Commission, called the ceremony a “historic gesture” in which the church “is taking the lead over the state, which has failed to protect rural communities.”
Emergency responders battling a dangerous chemical tank situation in Southern California discovered Saturday that internal temperatures are climbing despite round-the-clock cooling operations, according to the incident commander.
Tens of thousands of residents in Garden Grove, a Los Angeles suburb, remain under mandatory evacuation orders as crews work to prevent a potential explosion.
The governor of California issued a state of emergency declaration for Orange County, with his office urging residents to comply with evacuation directives.
Craig Covey, division chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, reported that emergency teams re-entered the hazardous area overnight after drone surveillance on Friday indicated that water spray operations were helping control the situation.
However, Covey explained in a Saturday morning social media video that drone measurements only captured exterior vessel temperatures, not the chemical contents within. When crews accessed the tank’s internal gauge, they discovered temperatures had risen to 90 degrees Fahrenheit from the previous reading of 77 degrees when responders had withdrawn.
The internal temperature was climbing approximately one degree per hour, according to Covey. “That’s the bad news,” he stated.
Since Friday, authorities have cautioned that the container holding methyl methacrylate – a combustible chemical utilized in plastics and manufacturing – could burst and release as much as 7,000 gallons of toxic substances or detonate and threaten surrounding tanks.
Covey said Saturday that fire crews were investigating whether increased cooling water flow could slow the chemical curing reaction inside the vessel sufficiently to reduce pressure and avoid an explosion.
“Letting this thing just fail and blow up is unacceptable to us,” Covey declared. “Our goal is to find something and not allow that to happen.”
The emergency situation started Thursday at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, a community of approximately 172,000 residents located roughly 30 miles south of Los Angeles. According to the company’s website, the facility focuses on manufacturing and testing aircraft windows and canopies for both commercial and military use.
GKN stated it is collaborating with “all relevant experts” to resolve the crisis.
“We sincerely apologize for the significant disruption to the many local residents and businesses who have had to be evacuated,” a company spokesperson said in a Saturday statement.
Authorities broadened evacuation zones Friday as explosion risks intensified. Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra told the Orange County Register that roughly 15% of people within the evacuation area are declining to leave.
Covey reported that crews transitioned from a “defensive” approach to an “offensive” strategy overnight with assistance from chemists on the manufacturer’s emergency response team. The objective was to neutralize a nearby 15,000-gallon tank and minimize its explosive danger if the smaller vessel fails.
“We did put people in harm’s way last night,” Covey acknowledged.
Emergency shelters have been established in Garden Grove and neighboring Anaheim and Cypress.
Health authorities expressed concern that chemical vapors could trigger serious breathing issues with extended exposure. Air quality monitoring systems had not detected vapor as of the most recent health assessment referenced by officials.
“You are safe as long as you are out of the zone that was determined to be an evacuation zone,” Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong of the Orange County Health Care Agency said Friday.
Covey added that teams were also preparing for potential spillage by identifying methods to contain and redirect the liquid into a holding area at the industrial site, preventing it from reaching storm systems, waterways or the ocean.
According to various media outlets, midfielder Tanner Tessmann has been excluded from the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Many observers had viewed Tessmann as a likely starter after he took part in six training camps under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The 24-year-old player, known for his versatility, appeared in five of nine Europa League matches and started 22 of 29 Ligue 1 contests for Lyon during the current season. His campaign ended on May 8 due to a muscle injury that wasn’t anticipated to affect his World Cup participation, according to The Athletic.
Diego Luna also failed to secure a spot on the 26-player squad despite recording four goals and four assists across 18 matches since joining under Pochettino in 2024. Luna, who has been managing a muscle injury, gained recognition for his tough playing style, exemplified when he continued playing in a friendly match against Costa Rica last year after suffering a broken nose.
Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas earned selection despite his last USMNT appearance being in October. He was included in four of Pochettino’s squads during 2024 and 2025 and has tallied 12 goals plus 7 assists in 28 Liga MX games this season, starting 23 of those contests.
Gio Reyna will reportedly join the American squad for the tournament beginning June 11.
The 23-year-old possesses strong playmaking abilities, though his selection by Pochettino has sparked debate due to his injury-prone career, poor club form, and previous behavioral concerns with the national team. This season, Reyna started only four games and participated in 19 total matches for Borussia Monchengladbach, scoring once with zero assists.
Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan reportedly earned a roster spot, alongside three players who were absent from the 2022 World Cup team: center backs Miles Robinson and Chris Richards, who were injured four years ago, and forward Ricardo Pepi, who was reportedly among the final players cut from the previous World Cup squad.
Fifty percent of the current U.S. squad competed in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
Pochettino plans to formally reveal the roster during a Tuesday event in New York City.
The United States, co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico, will compete in Group D against Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Their opening match is scheduled for June 12 versus Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER
Goalkeepers: Matt Freese, Chris Brady, Matt Turner
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty, Joe Scally
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas
American military forces carried out a training exercise above Venezuela’s capital city on Saturday, marking the first such operation in the South American country since U.S. forces launched an assault on Caracas and detained President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife Cilia Flores on January 3.
According to Venezuelan officials, that January assault resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 100 individuals.
Saturday’s training operation, which Venezuelan leadership said they had approved as preparation for potential medical crises or natural disasters, featured a pair of MV-22B Osprey aircraft that touched down close to the American embassy, along with naval vessels that moved into Venezuelan Caribbean waters.
Venezuela’s information ministry has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
In an official statement, the U.S. embassy expressed its continued dedication to “ensuring the implementation” of President Donald Trump’s three-part strategy, “particularly the stabilization of Venezuela.”
Embassy officials confirmed that Francis Donovan, who leads the U.S. Southern Command responsible for American military activities throughout the Americas, was present in Caracas during the exercise.
“This keeps us on guard,” said Evelyn Rebolledo, 57, an administrator living in the capital.
“A foreign country flying over the city itself, this is new to us and more so coming from the United States, given the current situation and all the turmoil in the country. It leaves us in a state of uncertainty.”
The Trump administration has endorsed the leadership of Delcy Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, and her government has enacted legislation allowing American companies access to Venezuela’s extensive petroleum and mineral resources.
Milwaukee renters have launched an organized campaign aimed at removing one of the city’s biggest corporate property owners, according to a new investigative series by WUWM.
The radio station’s reporters Sam Woods and Jimmy Gutierrez are documenting this tenant organizing effort in their series titled “How to Evict Your Landlord,” which chronicles how residents are banding together to challenge a major landlord in their community.
The series explores the tactics and strategies being used by tenants as they work collectively to push back against corporate ownership of their housing.
An expert from a nonpartisan policy organization weighed in on the uncertain situation surrounding modifications to American military positioning across Europe, as Secretary Rubio engaged in discussions with NATO partners.
Kristine Berzina, who serves as a Senior Fellow at The German Marshall Fund think tank, addressed the unclear circumstances involving evolving strategies for U.S. military presence in European nations.
The discussions come at a time when questions have emerged about potential changes to how American forces are positioned throughout the region, creating uncertainty among alliance members about future military arrangements.
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that a memorandum of understanding for a peace agreement with Iran has been mostly completed and would result in opening the Strait of Hormuz, with final details expected to be revealed in the near future.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Trump Social.
The president made his announcement following individual phone conversations with leaders from Muslim majority countries and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The defending champion at the Team TaylorMade Invitational is facing an uphill battle to repeat his victory from a year ago. Charlie Woods, Tiger Woods’ teenage son, finds himself in a tie for 23rd place following a second-round score of 73, three strokes over par, during Saturday’s play in Belleair, Florida.
The 17-year-old high school senior from The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Florida, started his round at the 10th hole. During his first nine holes of play, Woods managed an even-par performance by balancing two bogeys with two birdies.
Woods encountered significant difficulty early in his back nine, recording a triple bogey at the first hole and adding another bogey at the second. However, he managed to recover somewhat with a birdie on the seventh hole.
Last year’s tournament saw Woods capture the championship at Streamsong Resort’s Black course with an impressive 15-under-par performance, defeating several of the country’s premier junior golfers, including Miles Russell.
Following his victory in the previous year’s competition, Woods experienced a significant improvement in his standing within the AJGA rankings, currently holding the No. 13 position overall.
New Castle County Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man who vanished from a local neighborhood nearly two years ago.
Mark Lynn disappeared on the morning of May 23, 2023, when he was last spotted around 6:00 a.m. in the Wilmington Manor section of New Castle. Specifically, he was seen in the 100 block of West Franklin Avenue before losing all contact with family and friends.
Investigators now suspect Lynn may have relocated to Delaware County, Pennsylvania, though efforts to reach him there have been unsuccessful. The case has been classified as a long-term missing person investigation under cold case review.
Anyone with information about Mark Lynn’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact New Castle County Police.
Delaware transportation officials report that Stanton Christiana Road, also known as Delaware Route 7, has been shut down at Exit 165B leading to Interstate 95 following a vehicle accident.
The roadway closure is currently active as emergency responders work at the scene of the crash. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews address the situation.
No additional details about the incident have been released at this time.
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he believes there’s an equal likelihood the United States will either negotiate a diplomatic solution with Iran or launch renewed military operations, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened security meetings over concerns about proposed agreement terms.
Speaking with Axios reporter Barak Ravid, President Trump described the odds as a “solid 50/50” chance of either achieving what he called a “good” deal or to “blow them to kingdom come.” Trump indicated the proposed deal should tackle uranium enrichment and Iran’s current stockpile, though Axios noted these matters likely wouldn’t be immediately resolved under the current memorandum being considered.
The president announced plans to meet with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Vice President JD Vance.
“I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good,” he said.
Trump also noted that some administration officials favor diplomatic solutions while others support renewed military operations. He rejected suggestions that Netanyahu was “worried,” but acknowledged the Israeli leader was “torn” about the proposed deal.
On Saturday, President Trump conducted a phone conference with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey to discuss the revised memorandum of understanding. Pakistan also joined the conversation, according to Reuters, while Israel did not participate.
Israeli broadcaster N12 reported that Netanyahu called together his security cabinet regarding what he considered a proposal that would disadvantage Israel.
An Israeli official quoted in the report stated that Witkoff was heavily promoting the agreement and “wants a deal at almost any price, and is placing immense pressure on Trump not to resume the war.”
The report indicated the proposed conditions would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in return for economic incentives, while talks about Iran’s nuclear program and enriched uranium reserves would occur at a later time. Iran’s ballistic missile program was reportedly excluded from the negotiations.
DENVER (AP) — Things look challenging for the Colorado Avalanche: Trailing 2-0 following a pair of defeats at home. Without Cale Makar. Just three goals scored in the series despite being the league’s top-scoring squad. Now traveling to Vegas. Historical precedent not in their favor.
“We dug a hole,” forward Logan O’Connor said as the Avalanche prepared for Game 3 at Vegas on Sunday night in the Western Conference Final. “It’s on us (to get out).”
The statistics, however, work against them. Since 1982, visiting teams that have taken a 2-0 lead in the conference finals maintain a perfect 13-0 series record, according to NHL Stats.
However, the Avalanche have climbed back from a comparable challenging position previously in playoff competition.
Admittedly, it occurred 27 years ago when they dropped two consecutive games at home to begin the 1999 Western Conference semifinals against Detroit before mounting a comeback to win.
“Uphill climb,” Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood said. “We have to flip the script on them, in their rink.”
Maybe a different environment can ignite something. Colorado posted a 2-0 record at Vegas during the regular season, including a 6-5 shootout victory.
“Any building you go into, you can kind of use the crowd noise and advantage in your favor,” forward Parker Kelly said. “Teams come out hard in their home building, so we’ve got to be able to weather the storm, push back and get to our game quick.”
It wasn’t so long ago when Vegas overcame some challenging circumstances. The Golden Knights trailed Colorado 2-0 in a second-round series in 2021, only to win four straight. Avalanche forward Nicolas Roy recalls it well — he was with the Golden Knights back then.
“We’ve just got to put on our work boots,” Roy said. “If you have a great effort next game and you win it, then obviously shift the momentum. We believe in this group.”
Colorado very well could have back Makar, who is up for the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman. He has been sidelined all series by an upper-body injury.
“He will tell us when he’s ready to play,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “No one can go into Cale’s body and feel what he’s feeling, so when he feels like he can do all the things he needs to be able to do on the ice to play, then he’s going to make the decision to play.”
The atmosphere in the locker room combines anger with frustration, Bednar said.
“Which I think is normal. It’s all fine,” said Bednar, whose team is outshooting the Golden Knights by a 68-53 margin. “We’ve got to be better than we were in Game 1 and 2. It’s not like we didn’t go and compete hard or play harder, but again, with it being such a fine line, a mistake or two can cost you the hockey game. We need to do a little bit better job of forcing them into a few more mistakes, and we have to clean up some of our own.”
Several of Colorado’s leading scorers have had difficulty against the Golden Knights’ tight defense. Only captain Gabriel Landeskog, Ross Colton and Valeri Nichushkin have goals on Carter Hart in the series. Nathan MacKinnon, who had a league-leading 53 goals in the regular season, has been neutralized, along with 100-point scorer Martin Necas. Another dependable offensive contributor, Brock Nelson, is a minus-5 in the series.
“If I felt like we played our best game in Game 1 and our best game in Game 2 and we lost, I’d be a little bit more like, ‘Oh, I’m really worried about this,’” Bednar said. “They still haven’t seen our best, and maybe we haven’t seen their best, either. We have a number of areas in our game that we can improve for Game 3 to give us a better chance of winning.”
CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Eighteen Senegalese soccer supporters imprisoned following violent incidents during a tumultuous Africa Cup of Nations championship match received official pardons Saturday from Morocco’s king, according to the Royal Cabinet.
The Senegalese supporters received prison sentences in February lasting up to one year for charges that included damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during a sporting event. Several of the fans have already served their complete sentences.
“Given the long-standing fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of (Muslim holiday) Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI has graciously granted, for humanitarian reasons, his royal pardon to Senegalese supporters convicted of offenses committed during Africa Cup of Nations competitions,” the Royal Cabinet said in a statement.
The championship match in January saw Senegalese supporters trying to rush onto the playing field, while Senegalese players left the game in protest after officials awarded a controversial late penalty to host nation Morocco.
While Senegal ultimately secured a 1-0 victory and claimed the trophy, the Confederation of African Football later took the unprecedented step of removing Senegal’s title and naming Morocco as champions. Senegal subsequently announced plans to challenge this ruling.
The controversial final and its consequences led high-ranking officials from both nations to urge restraint amid rising tensions that human rights organizations in Morocco characterized as “hate speech targeting sub-Saharan residents.” Leadership from both Morocco and Senegal committed to preserving diplomatic relationships and executed numerous agreements designed to enhance trade and investment between the countries.
