American forces have launched attacks against numerous Iranian positions for the second consecutive day, marking a significant escalation in military tensions between the two nations.
The renewed military action raises concerns about the potential impact on diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the ongoing conflict to an end. President Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating the country would “pay the price” for negotiations that have reached an impasse.
The series of strikes represents a continuation of military operations that began the previous day, with American forces targeting what officials describe as multiple strategic positions within Iran.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City’s star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has reached agreement on a contract restructure that extends his tenure with the franchise by two years and elevates his total pay package beyond half a billion dollars, according to a source with knowledge of the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The source provided details to the AP under the condition of anonymity since Kansas City does not make contract financial details public.
In 2020, Mahomes inked a decade-long $450 million agreement that established new standards not just for signal-callers but across all of professional football. This newest extension keeps the two-time MVP with Kansas City until the 2033 campaign, at which point Mahomes will reach age 38, with the contract valued at $504.75 million including incentives and performance escalators that may drive the total beyond $520 million.
Kansas City and Mahomes routinely adjust his contract during the offseason, providing the franchise with salary cap flexibility needed to build a championship-caliber roster around him. This most recent agreement, however, features a substantial salary boost following recent quarterback contracts — including those for Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen — that have elevated the position’s market value.
Prescott’s four-year contract featured a league-high $60 million annual average. Mahomes will now earn $63.1 million per season on average.
Mahomes had season-ending surgery this past December following torn ligaments in his left knee sustained in the closing moments of a defeat to the Chargers. He has dedicated his entire offseason to injury rehabilitation in Kansas City and has participated fully in the team’s offseason activities, which wrap up Thursday with the final session of their required three-day minicamp.
President Donald Trump has selected Brian Johnson to serve as the permanent director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, choosing a former agency insider who previously worked in the administration during Trump’s first presidency.
Johnson previously served as deputy director at the agency when Kathy Kraninger led the CFPB during Trump’s initial term. During that time, Johnson was recognized as an influential aide to Kraninger who wielded considerable authority in determining the bureau’s priorities and focus areas.
Should the Senate approve his nomination, Johnson would take control of an agency that has largely ceased normal operations since Trump returned to the White House and placed budget director Russell Vought in temporary charge. The bureau’s recent efforts have primarily focused on reversing its prior initiatives.
Florida’s highest court has declined to block newly drawn congressional districts created by the Republican party, delivering another win for GOP redistricting efforts across the country as the party works to maintain its narrow control of the House of Representatives.
On Wednesday, the state’s Supreme Court rejected a petition for an emergency order that would have prevented the use of these new electoral boundaries. Legal representatives for citizens who filed the lawsuit contended that these congressional districts breach a state constitutional rule that forbids redistricting for partisan advantage, requesting the court mandate continued use of the prior election’s district lines.
The GOP currently controls 20 out of Florida’s 28 congressional seats. These new electoral boundaries, which became law through Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis following a rapid two-day special legislative session, may boost the party’s opportunity to secure four more seats in the upcoming election.
Those opposing the maps referenced a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2010 that bars congressional districts designed to benefit or harm any political party or sitting lawmakers.
Florida joins other Republican-controlled states conducting redistricting in the middle of the decade as part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to maintain a narrow House majority in November by redrawing electoral boundaries to benefit the GOP.
The state legislature gave final approval to the new House map on April 29 — coinciding with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that reduced federal Voting Rights Act safeguards for minorities by overturning a predominantly Black congressional district in Louisiana. Following this ruling, multiple Southern states have moved to try eliminating minority districts that typically elect Democrats.
DeSantis had convened lawmakers for a special session prior to the high court’s decision, though he had expected this result. The governor’s office maintained that racial demographics were not considered in creating the map he submitted to the Legislature. The revised map includes changes to a southeastern Florida district that DeSantis’ office claimed was originally designed to help elect a Black representative to meet federal Voting Rights Act requirements.
Beyond prohibiting partisan gerrymandering, Florida’s constitution also forbids districts from being designed to deny or reduce the voting power of racial or language minorities to choose their preferred representatives. The constitution additionally mandates that districts be geographically compact and, when possible, follow existing political and geographic borders.
In correspondence to legislators, DeSantis’ General Counsel David Axelman claimed that the racial redistricting section of Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. Axelman argued that if any part is unconstitutional, then the complete 2010 amendment becomes invalid, including sections preventing partisan gerrymandering.
Legal counsel for state officials presented comparable arguments to the Florida Supreme Court, following a lower court judge’s refusal last month to grant a preliminary order blocking the new map. They also contended that changing back to previous maps would be too disruptive this close to the election.
In documents submitted to the Florida Supreme Court, attorneys for state officials described the new map as “cause for celebration” during America’s 250th anniversary. “Perhaps for the first time in Florida’s history, the State has a truly colorblind map; a map that refuses to assault the dignity of men and women by color-coding them,” their court filing said.
Legal representatives for the voters who filed suit claimed the new districts were designed with political bias in mind. They contended in Supreme Court documents that the new congressional districts represent “among the most extreme partisan gerrymanders enacted in any state over the past half-century.”
According to the new House map, 82% of voters in districts represented by Republicans stay in the same districts as the previous map, stated attorney Chris Shenton, who represented Common Cause and other organizations challenging the map. Only 41% of voters in districts represented by Democrats remain in their current districts, he noted.
A Heat Advisory is now in effect for parts of the Delmarva Peninsula as dangerously hot weather moves into our region. The National Weather Service has issued the advisory for New Castle County in Delaware, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 104 degrees.
The advisory runs from 11 AM Thursday through 8 PM Friday, affecting not only northern Delaware but also portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, including the Philadelphia metro area.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions during this potentially dangerous heat wave. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing if you must go outside.
Check on elderly relatives and neighbors, as they face higher risks during extreme heat events. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, call 211 for information about cooling centers in your area.
There is some good news ahead – scattered thunderstorms Thursday and Friday afternoons may provide temporary relief, and a cold front will bring less humid conditions this weekend. The current heat advisory expires Friday evening at 8 PM.
Saudi Arabia declared Wednesday it would terminate its comprehensive trade embargo against Lebanon that has been in place for five years, representing a significant development in efforts to restore diplomatic relationships between Lebanon and Gulf nations.
The Saudi government initially prohibited Lebanese fruit and vegetable imports in 2021, citing their use as vehicles for illegal drug trafficking. In a prominent incident, Saudi authorities reported confiscating more than 5 million Captagon amphetamine tablets concealed within a pomegranate shipment from Lebanon.
Several months afterward, the oil-rich Gulf nation expanded the prohibition to encompass all Lebanese goods following public statements by Lebanon’s then-Information Minister George Kordahi condemning Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against Iran-supported rebels in Yemen.
The underlying cause of the diplomatic breakdown stemmed from Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical competition with Iran and concerns over the Iran-allied militant organization Hezbollah’s power within Lebanon. The trade restrictions arrived during Lebanon’s severe economic downturn and currency devaluation.
The Saudi foreign ministry announced Wednesday that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the ban’s removal following “positive steps taken by the Lebanese state.”
While the ministry didn’t detail these measures, Lebanon’s government has recently outlined initiatives to disarm non-governmental armed organizations, including Hezbollah. Prior to the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Lebanese military forces had advanced in executing this strategy in the country’s southern region.
In his official response, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed gratitude to bin Salman for the move, stating it “will contribute tangibly to reviving the national economy and providing support to broad segments of Lebanese producers and exporters.”
Lebanon’s current administration, which assumed office last year pledging reforms, has worked to restore connections with Gulf states. Before the latest military conflict began, Lebanese authorities were encouraging Gulf visitors to return, hoping to stimulate economic recovery, while several Gulf nations had already removed travel restrictions on their citizens visiting Lebanon.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump launched harsh verbal attacks against Graham Platner on Wednesday, branding the Maine Senate hopeful a “thug” and a “pig” while accusing Democrats of double standards for supporting a candidate facing questions about his past behavior toward women.
The criticism appeared ironic given Trump’s own history of alleged misconduct with women, including recorded comments about grabbing women by the genitals and a New York jury’s finding that he committed sexual abuse.
Trump has also backed numerous Republican candidates despite their personal controversies, yet criticized Democrats for similar support.
“He’s a thug, and they’re trying to make excuses for him,” Trump stated regarding top Democrats. “I mean, he’s worse than any human being that’s ever run for office, probably.”
Platner secured the Democratic nomination Tuesday night amid controversy over several issues, including previous inflammatory social media posts, a covered-up tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, and sexually explicit messages sent to women after his marriage. He will challenge five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.
When asked about Trump’s remarks, Platner’s campaign responded that the candidate was concentrating on Maine’s challenges.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee responded by targeting Collins, viewed as among the most vulnerable senators seeking reelection this cycle.
“Susan Collins is facing backlash in Maine after voting with Trump 96 percent of the time, being the decisive vote for the justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, and selling out to the special interests that fund her campaigns after three decades in the Senate, and that’s why Trump praised her today in the Oval Office,” spokesperson Josh Marcus-Blank said in a statement.
The White House backed Trump’s statements by highlighting Platner’s social media history.
“Graham Platner proudly referred to himself as a ‘communist,’ called all police ‘bastards,’ and said rural White Americans ‘actually are’ racist and stupid. President Trump is absolutely correct that Platner is both a thug and a pig. Attempting to compare President Trump to Graham Platner is exactly why trust in legacy media outlets like the failing Associated Press is at an all-time low,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement.
During White House remarks while signing immigration and deportation funding legislation, Trump told reporters, “Nobody’s ever had a record like that.”
“He’s like a pig,” the president declared, joking that perhaps “pigs would be very upset” to be linked with Platner, prompting laughter from Republican lawmakers present in the Oval Office.
Trump also referenced his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, attempting to portray Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer as hypocritical by saying he “goes crazy over this or that or Epstein, Epstein, Epstein” but should focus on Platner instead.
Trump later asked, “Can you imagine if the Republicans had him?”
Beyond the allegations Trump has confronted over time, Republicans have fielded candidates accused of serious misconduct who still received Trump’s endorsement.
This year, the president endorsed Republican Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton over incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn, despite Paxton facing state and federal corruption probes and a 2023 state impeachment trial where he was cleared but his extramarital affair became public. Paxton has called wrongdoing allegations politically motivated.
Trump also maintained his endorsement of 2017 Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who faced accusations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls from decades past. Trump cited Moore’s denials and said his vote was essential for Republican goals. Moore’s defeat resulted in Alabama’s first Democratic senator in 25 years.
He supported 2024 North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson and refused to withdraw backing after CNN revealed the candidate made lewd and racist remarks on a pornography website — though he attempted to create distance. Robinson, who later admitted to making the posts, lost decisively in the swing state.
He similarly maintained support for Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales this year after the congressman admitted to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. Gonzales ended his reelection campaign, and Trump subsequently endorsed another candidate.
Trump also selected officials for his second-term Cabinet and other important positions who faced accusations of sexual misconduct.
This includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faced sexual assault allegations and denied them, and Trump’s original attorney general pick, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was subject to a Justice Department sex trafficking investigation and a House Ethics Committee probe into sexual misconduct.
Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and removed his name from consideration. The DOJ investigation concluded without federal charges against him.
Federal authorities announced Wednesday they will forgo pursuing capital punishment in a plea arrangement with the suspect charged in the fatal shooting of Minnesota’s leading House Democrat and her spouse, while also injuring another state legislator and his wife.
Vance Boelter, the accused, has a plea modification hearing set for Thursday morning at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis.
The victims include former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse Mark, along with state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman. All four were shot by an individual who approached their residences during the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, while impersonating a law enforcement officer and operating a counterfeit police vehicle.
NEW YORK (AP) — A candidate for Congress received his requested court hearing Wednesday to contest misdemeanor charges filed against him following his arrest last summer during a demonstration with fellow elected officials at a New York City immigration detention facility.
The Democratic candidate took the witness stand in Manhattan federal court, defending himself against allegations that he blocked an elevator while sitting nearby during the demonstration on the 10th floor of a federal building in lower Manhattan housing 40 federal agencies, including the FBI.
The magistrate judge presiding over the bench trial announced he will deliver his decision Thursday morning.
Government attorneys argued Lander violated the law because he positioned himself in front of elevator doors that remained closed throughout the 20 to 25 minutes he sat on the floor in a circle with fellow politicians. If convicted, prosecutors indicated they would not pursue imprisonment.
Lander, who previously served as the city’s comptroller and maintains an alliance with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, testified that no one instructed him to move away from the elevator or informed him he was blocking access before his detention.
“We were chanting: ‘We shall not be moved,’” he said. “The idea is to say: ‘We’re here for our immigrant neighbors and we’re not going to stop showing up and defending their rights.’”
Lander is mounting a challenge against U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman in a liberal district encompassing lower Manhattan and sections of brownstone Brooklyn.
The candidate, who sought the mayor’s office last year, was detained alongside 10 other legislators on Sept. 18 following their attempt to examine detention facilities at 26 Federal Plaza, which also contains an immigration court.
Several weeks later, he declined a plea agreement that would have dismissed the misdemeanor obstruction charges after six months.
Following his detention, Lander faced criticism from then-Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who issued a statement characterizing him as “another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.”
WASHINGTON — A federal court declined Wednesday to grant a government oversight organization’s emergency request to immediately halt the Trump administration’s controversial $1.776 billion compensation program designed to pay individuals who say they were targeted by weaponized federal agencies.
However, the presiding judge concluded the court session by delivering a stern warning to President Donald Trump’s legal team: “Don’t play possum with this court,” U.S. District Judge Richard Leon cautioned a Justice Department lawyer.
Leon delivered his decision from the bench, siding with the administration’s position that the oversight group’s legal challenge has become irrelevant since acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed lawmakers last month that the government is abandoning its plans for the compensation program. Leon, who received his judicial appointment from Republican President George W. Bush, stated he is accepting Blanche’s assurance at this time.
The judge’s decision to deny the temporary restraining order doesn’t represent the final resolution of the government’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” Leon indicated he will review a separate petition from the plaintiffs — Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington — seeking a preliminary injunction that would halt fund distributions on a longer-term basis.
Another federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, has already issued a temporary halt to the fund’s activities. However, that directive from U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema will lapse Friday unless she chooses to extend it following a hearing scheduled for the same date.
The administration established the compensation program last month to settle Trump’s legal action against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the unauthorized disclosure of his tax documents. The Justice Department has not yet assembled the five-person panel that will establish payout guidelines, meaning no funds have been distributed and no applications have been processed.
The compensation program has sparked intense opposition across party lines. Even numerous supporters of the Republican president oppose providing payments to individuals who participated in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. During his appearance before Congress, Blanche declined to eliminate the possibility that rioters who attacked Capitol police officers could qualify for compensation.
“We are not moving forward with the fund, period,” Blanche stated during the House committee hearing.
“Not moving forward ever?” inquired Rep. Grace Meng, a New York Democrat.
“Correct,” Blanche responded.
Leon questioned Justice Department attorney Andrew Block about why Blanche hasn’t officially withdrawn his May 18 directive creating the fund.
“I don’t know the reason for that,” Block replied.
Block contended that Blanche’s congressional testimony is adequate to render the watchdog organization’s legal arguments moot. He further maintained that the group lacks proper legal standing to pursue their claims.
The plaintiffs’ legal representative Nikhel Sus pointed out that Trump himself provided conflicting statements to Blanche’s testimony. In a June 3 interview, occurring one day following Blanche’s congressional appearance, Trump voiced his backing for proceeding with the fund despite the Virginia judge’s adverse ruling.
“On paper, the fund is still a legally operating entity,” Sus argued. “Nothing has changed.”
A federal judge in Florida overseeing Trump’s case against the IRS has directed Trump’s legal team to address “grievous allegations” from settlement opponents who claim the president dropped his lawsuit to evade judicial review of an unlawful agreement. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams has given them until Friday to provide written responses to accusations of collusion and whether the case should be reopened because the court was the “victim of a fraud.”
In Virginia, lawyers from the legal advocacy organization Democracy Forward are pursuing a court directive to stop the fund’s launch and block the Trump administration from making any payments from it. The Virginia case plaintiffs include a terminated prosecutor and a college instructor who was cleared of charges related to assaulting federal officers during a demonstration.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for northern Delaware and surrounding areas, warning of dangerous heat index values reaching up to 104 degrees from Thursday morning through Friday evening.
New Castle County and neighboring regions in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey will experience the most intense heat from 11 AM Thursday until 8 PM Friday. The combination of high temperatures and humidity creates potentially dangerous conditions that could lead to heat-related illnesses.
“This is serious heat that residents need to take precautions against,” said meteorologists, who are forecasting some relief in the form of afternoon thunderstorms both Thursday and Friday, though humidity levels will remain high.
Health officials urge residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. When venturing outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Pay special attention to elderly neighbors and relatives during this heat wave. If you don’t have air conditioning, call 211 or contact your local health department for information on cooling centers.
Relief is expected this weekend when a cold front moves through, bringing much lower humidity levels to the region.
Drivers on northbound Route 1 are facing delays this evening as heavy traffic congestion slows movement between Rehoboth Avenue Extension and Route 20.
According to traffic reports, the backup is adding between 5 and 10 minutes to typical travel times through the corridor.
Motorists are advised to plan for extra time when traveling through the area or consider alternate routes if possible.
Congressional leaders from both political parties came together with religious figures on Capitol Hill Wednesday, June 10, 2026, for an annual Jerusalem Day commemoration organized by the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus.
The gathering drew lawmakers, Jewish and Christian religious leaders, and advocates supporting American-Israeli relations to honor Jerusalem’s reunification and reinforce backing for the city as Israel’s capital.
Four representatives serve as co-chairs for the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus that organized the ceremony: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL).
The attendee list included Congressional members, faith community representatives, and US-Israel alliance supporters. Among those scheduled to speak were Senator Ted Cruz, White House Faith Office Head Paula White, Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Leo Terrell, Pastor Larry Huch, and a senior Israeli official.
Event coordinators emphasized that the ceremony demonstrated cross-party American backing for Jerusalem and US-Israeli ties. The program also spotlighted faith-centered diplomacy and collaboration between Jewish and Christian groups.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) stated: “On Jerusalem Day, we join Israel in celebrating the 1967 restoration of its ancient capital city to Israeli sovereignty. This was a great day for the Jewish people and for everyone who believes in the right of every nation to exercise its sovereignty within secure borders.”
“As Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, I am honored to join the Jerusalem Day Reception celebrating Jerusalem as Israel’s unified capital city,” Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) commented.
Schneider continued: “For more than 3,000 years, Jerusalem has been the eternal capital of the Jewish people, the holy city to the three Abrahamic faiths and today is unique for its faith and history woven into the very fabric of the city. It is a place where people of diverse backgrounds and religions prosper together. I am proud to celebrate its enduring significance and the unbreakable bond between the people of the United States and Israel.”
Jordanna McMillan, Israel Allies Foundation US Director, stated that acknowledging Jerusalem and moving the US Embassy there demonstrates “our shared Judeo-Christian values, commitment to religious freedom, and a strategic partnership that advances America’s interests in a more stable Middle East.”
According to the Israel Allies Foundation, the organization works with over 1600 legislators across 64 parliamentary caucuses globally to promote faith-based diplomacy and support for Israel.
Scientists at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and collaborating institutions announced Wednesday that reducing deep belly fat through lifestyle changes can offer long-lasting protection against type 2 diabetes, even when people put weight back on years later.
The research, which appeared in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, drew from extended follow-up data spanning two clinical studies that tracked how dietary changes and exercise influence fat distribution and metabolic wellness. Study participants were monitored for five and 10 years following 18-month intervention programs, providing scientists with an unusual extended perspective on outcomes after structured weight management efforts conclude.
The investigation centered on visceral adipose tissue, which represents fat deposits located deep within the abdominal cavity surrounding vital organs. This type of fat differs from subcutaneous fat found beneath the skin, and earlier research has established strong connections between visceral fat and insulin resistance, inflammation, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes development.
Scientists discovered that decreasing visceral fat showed stronger connections to lasting metabolic improvements compared to general weight reduction. According to the research, a 10% decrease in visceral fat corresponded with a 28% reduction in type 2 diabetes development risk throughout the follow-up period. Study participants who achieved visceral fat reduction also demonstrated enhanced blood glucose control, better insulin function, and additional positive cardiovascular and metabolic indicators.
Researchers noted that similar long-term protective benefits were not observed for reductions in liver fat, pancreatic fat, or subcutaneous fat deposits.
These results contribute to expanding research evidence indicating that body composition and fat placement can be equally important as, or more significant than, scale weight. Medical professionals have traditionally relied on body weight and body mass index as general health risk indicators, but these metrics cannot reveal fat storage locations or metabolic activity levels.
The research indicates that lifestyle modification programs focusing on enhanced nutrition and increased physical activity could deliver enduring health benefits even when weight reduction is not permanently sustained.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football program received significant recognition Wednesday when Phil Steele’s publication released its Preseason All-Conference USA teams, featuring 14 Blue Hens players across all four team levels.
Leading the way with first-team selections were offensive lineman Steven Demboski, linebacker Gavin Moul, safety KT Seay, running back Jo Silver, and wide receiver Sean Wilson.
Three additional Blue Hens players claimed spots on the second team: offensive lineman Anthony Caccese, quarterback Nick Minicucci, and long snapper Maddox Sills.
The third team featured cornerback Jamarion Kolagbodi, defensive end Noah Matthews, and tight end Elijah Sessoms.
Completing Delaware’s impressive showing were four fourth-team selections: punter Josh Cupitt, linebacker Colin Gallagher, and linebacker Blake Matthews.
Drivers heading north on Route 1 are facing traffic delays this morning due to heavy congestion in the Rehoboth Beach area.
The backup is occurring on the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway between the John J. Williams Highway intersection and Rehoboth Avenue Extension, according to DelDOT traffic reports.
Motorists should expect an additional 5 to 10 minutes added to their commute time while traveling through this section of roadway.
Drivers are advised to plan accordingly and consider alternate routes if possible to avoid the congested area.
FIFA’s leader Gianni Infantino is standing firm on World Cup ticket pricing, stating the costs are in line with North American sporting events. The 48-team tournament’s tickets begin around $140, while final game seats can cost as much as $32,970. After facing backlash, FIFA made some $60 tickets available through national federations. Infantino maintains the average ticket cost stays below $500 and matches pricing for U.S. sports events. He expressed no worry about ongoing investigations by state attorneys general. The FIFA president also commended the organization for permitting Iran’s participation despite U.S. tensions. He described the tournament as “the biggest event probably in the history of mankind.”
The Kansas City Chiefs have secured quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a restructured agreement extending his contract by two years and pushing total compensation beyond half a billion dollars. A source familiar with the contract terms confirmed the details to The Associated Press on Wednesday, speaking anonymously since the Chiefs keep financial details private. Mahomes originally signed a 10-year, $450 million deal in 2020 that established new standards for quarterback contracts and NFL players overall. The new extension keeps the two-time MVP with Kansas City through the 2033 season, when he’ll turn 38, with total value reaching $504.75 million. Additional incentives and escalators could drive the contract value past $520 million.
UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit is preparing for his bold fighting approach as the organization makes its White House debut. He’s set to compete Sunday on the South Lawn in a mixed martial arts event honoring President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the event will continue regardless of weather concerns. The fight lineup includes two title matches, featuring Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane and Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje.
The NBA Finals between New York and San Antonio continues its pattern of road team victories as Game 4 approaches. The Knicks have an opportunity Wednesday night to claim a commanding 3-1 series advantage over the Spurs, who are counting on 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama to shift momentum. Wembanyama dominated Game 3 on Monday with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks, leading the Spurs to victory. This marked the third consecutive road team win in the series, just the second time this unusual pattern has occurred in NBA Finals history.
Texas Tech’s coaching staff is defending their decision to play quarterback Brendan Sorsby next season while he addresses his gambling addiction. Coach Joey McGuire acknowledged Wednesday the criticism they’ve received, including from the NCAA president. McGuire argued that society accepts other problems but rallies against gambling issues. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt emphasized their responsibility is supporting Sorsby’s recovery rather than manipulating eligibility rules. A court ruling suspended Sorsby for two games, though the NCAA plans to challenge the broader decision.
The NHL Players’ Association has requested the league investigate Mike Babcock’s tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets before any team brings him on as head coach. This comes as reports suggest the Edmonton Oilers have interest in Babcock. The NHL had ended its previous investigation when Babcock stepped down in September 2023 following criticism about privacy violations involving players. Babcock, formerly considered an elite coach, has faced bullying accusations. The Oilers are searching for new leadership after dismissing Kris Knoblauch. They also requested to speak with Bruce Cassidy, but Vegas refused since Cassidy remains under contract.
Omar Artan, the Somali soccer referee who was refused U.S. entry for the World Cup tournament, has received a hero’s reception upon returning home from supporters and officials. Artan was poised to become Somalia’s first World Cup referee after earning a spot on FIFA’s final tournament list. He received recognition as Africa’s top male referee in 2025. The U.S. decision to block a FIFA-selected match official from entering a World Cup host nation sparked international criticism and questions about America’s hosting capabilities. Artan ranks among Africa’s premier referees and earned the continent’s best official designation in 2025.
College athletics faces significant questions following the gambling controversy surrounding Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s legal victory. While college athletes betting on their own teams draws universal condemnation, finding solutions proves complicated. This week, Nebraska and Georgia advised their coaches against scheduling Texas Tech games. The Big 12 conference is weighing its response options. The situation exposes the difficulties in governing college sports, particularly with legal sports betting now widespread and profitable sponsorship deals in place. Without legal backing, the NCAA finds enforcement challenging, creating uncertainty about college sports’ regulatory future.
New York Police Department restrictions are preventing fans from congregating outside Madison Square Garden before Game Four of the NBA Finals. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the city will instead allow fewer than 1,000 fans at a watch party near the venue. Bars and restaurants within the security area can operate with capacity limits, and security checks will extend several blocks from the arena. The policies have frustrated fans, local businesses and Knicks owner James Dolan, who criticized the mayor for creating what he termed a “police state” around the facility. Police cite public safety risks from unruly crowds as justification for the security measures.
The Stanley Cup Final between Vegas and Carolina has delivered exceptional entertainment each game, with the defining characteristic being that no advantage feels secure. This marks the first NHL Finals where teams have recovered from multi-goal deficits to tie games in each of the opening four contests. Carolina’s comeback from a four-goal deficit in Game 3 at Vegas before falling in double overtime exemplified this trend. The Golden Knights and Hurricanes have totaled 33 goals, the highest four-game output since 1981. Television viewership through three games reached the highest levels since the Chicago-Tampa Bay finals in 2015.
Tensions flared Wednesday in a bitter war of words between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with both leaders trading harsh accusations in an escalating diplomatic confrontation.
The clash began when Erdogan declared Wednesday that Israeli military actions in Syria and Lebanon have escalated to levels where they “also threaten Turkey.” The Turkish president condemned what he called Israel’s “aggression,” stating it poses dangers to the entire globe and must be halted.
During his Wednesday remarks, Erdogan expressed alarm about Israeli operations in the region and raised concerns about what he characterized as Israeli activities in the Mediterranean Sea.
“We see malicious initiatives led by Israel in the Mediterranean as well, and nobody should pursue adventures there,” Erdogan said.
Netanyahu fired back with a scathing response, alleging that Erdogan backs Hamas while crushing political dissent within Turkey.
“The antisemitic dictator Erdogan, who supports the Hamas terrorist organization, oppresses his own people and imprisons political rivals, is the last person who can preach morality to the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli prime minister further alleged that Erdogan is conducting “genocide against the Kurds.”
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry quickly fired back, dismissing Netanyahu’s statements and claiming he was spreading lies. The ministry declared that Turkey will persist in pursuing legal action against Israeli officials through international courts.
Later Wednesday, President Donald Trump attempted to calm worries about potential conflict between Israel and Turkey, referencing his personal ties with Erdogan.
Following a domestic security signing ceremony in the Oval Office, President Trump expressed admiration for the Turkish leader and spoke favorably about their personal relationship.
“He is a very good friend of mine, and we have worked together very well. I love him. He is a great leader and a very strong person,” the president said.
When questioned by an Israeli reporter about whether Israeli-Turkish tensions might escalate into armed conflict, Trump rejected the possibility.
“I have not heard of anything like that. If I did, I would call him and make sure everything was fine. I don’t think anything like that will happen with Turkey,” he said, adding, “He respects me, and I respect him. Beyond that, we have a good friendship.”
The Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies reports that relations between the two nations have severely declined since October 7, 2023. The center noted that commercial exchanges have stopped, official diplomatic ties have been cut, and statements from Ankara have grown more aggressive.
The head of FIFA is standing firm on World Cup ticket costs, arguing they match pricing standards for North American sporting events. General admission for the 48-team tournament begins at $140, while seats for the championship match can cost as much as $32,970. Following public backlash, FIFA made some $60 tickets available through national federations. Infantino maintains the average ticket cost stays below $500 and mirrors pricing in U.S. sports. He expressed no worry about ongoing investigations by state attorneys general. The FIFA president also commended the organization for permitting Iran’s participation despite U.S. tensions, describing the tournament as “the biggest event probably in the history of mankind.”
In other sports news, the Kansas City Chiefs have secured quarterback Patrick Mahomes through 2033 with a restructured agreement worth $504.75 million. A source familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the deal adds two years and pushes total compensation beyond half a billion dollars. Mahomes originally signed a 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020 that established new standards for quarterback compensation. The extension keeps the two-time MVP with Kansas City until the 2033 season, when he’ll be 38, with incentives potentially raising the value above $520 million.
UFC fighters are expressing their excitement about competing at the White House this Sunday. Heavyweight Josh Hokit is preparing for the mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn celebrating President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary. UFC CEO Dana White says the show will continue regardless of weather conditions. The card includes two title fights featuring Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane and Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje.
The NBA Finals between New York and San Antonio continues its unusual pattern of road team victories. The Knicks can take a commanding 3-1 series lead Wednesday night at home against the Spurs. San Antonio won Game 3 behind Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance of 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks. This marks the third consecutive road team victory, only the second time this pattern has occurred in Finals history.
Texas Tech is defending its decision to play quarterback Brendan Sorsby next season while he addresses his gambling addiction. Coach Joey McGuire acknowledged criticism, including from the NCAA president, arguing that society accepts other issues but rallies against gambling. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt said their responsibility is supporting Sorsby’s recovery rather than manipulating eligibility rules. A court ruling suspended Sorsby for two games, but the NCAA plans to challenge the overall decision.
The NHL Players’ Association has requested a league investigation into Mike Babcock’s tenure with Columbus before any team hires him as head coach. This comes as Edmonton reportedly shows interest in Babcock. The NHL had ended its previous investigation when Babcock stepped down in September 2023 following criticism about player privacy violations. The former top coach has faced bullying allegations. Edmonton is searching for a new coach after dismissing Kris Knoblauch and was denied permission to speak with Vegas’s Bruce Cassidy.
Somali referee Omar Artan received a hero’s welcome returning home after being refused U.S. entry for the World Cup. Artan was set to become Somalia’s first World Cup referee after making FIFA’s final tournament list. Named Africa’s top male referee in 2025, his denial by the U.S. sparked international criticism and questions about America’s hosting capabilities.
College sports faces growing gambling controversies highlighted by Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s court victory. While players betting on their own teams draws universal condemnation, solutions remain complicated. Nebraska and Georgia have urged their coaches to avoid scheduling Texas Tech games, while the Big 12 debates its response. The situation underscores challenges in regulating college athletics amid widespread legal sports betting and lucrative sponsorship deals.
New York police are restricting fan gatherings outside Madison Square Garden before Game Four. Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the city will allow fewer than 1,000 fans at an organized watch party outside the arena. Security measures include capacity limits for nearby businesses and screening checkpoints within several blocks. The restrictions have angered fans, local businesses and Knicks owner James Dolan, who accused the mayor of creating a “police state” around the venue.
The Stanley Cup Final between Vegas and Carolina has produced historic entertainment with no lead proving safe. This marks the first time in NHL history that teams have rallied from multi-goal deficits to tie in each of the first four Final games. Carolina’s comeback from four goals down in Game 3 before losing in double overtime exemplified the drama. The teams have combined for 33 goals through four games, the most since 1981, making this the most-watched Final through three games since 2015.
Wall Street experienced a sharp decline Wednesday as artificial intelligence stocks continued their recent tumble, erasing gains from the past five weeks. The S&P 500 fell 1.6%, marking its first consecutive days of losses in three weeks and returning to early May levels. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 953 points, while the Nasdaq composite suffered the steepest decline at 2%. Markets have remained volatile since AI stocks shifted from record-breaking highs to sudden downturns last week. Concerns are mounting that these stock prices climbed too rapidly. Energy prices increased following President Donald Trump’s threats of additional strikes against Iran.
AI company Anthropic announced a $200 million commitment to study artificial intelligence’s economic effects, as its chief executive outlined potential solutions for job displacement. CEO Dario Amodei released an essay Wednesday proposing government assistance for individuals financially impacted by AI technology. He cautioned that AI might trigger substantial and prolonged workforce disruptions. Amodei recommended data gathering, employment-focused policies, and potentially universal basic income. The company plans to support research initiatives and fellowship programs to broaden AI’s benefits. This move follows comparable commitments from OpenAI and conversations with political figures regarding public compensation programs.
Increased gasoline costs drove inflation to a three-year peak last month, creating complications for the Federal Reserve and potential political difficulties for the Trump administration ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Wednesday’s data revealed consumer prices climbed 4.2% in May compared to the previous year, representing the third consecutive monthly rise. Price increases have outpaced wage growth for multiple months. Households are using savings to maintain spending levels, while more consumers are struggling with credit card payments. Major retail chains report observing shifts in customer habits, including purchasing smaller quantities of gasoline during station visits.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., commonly known as SpaceX, plans to target individual retail investors for its upcoming stock market debut, which could become the largest initial public offering in history. Elon Musk’s aerospace company is directing portions of its stock offering toward everyday investors who trade through mobile brokerage accounts, rather than focusing solely on large institutional investors like pension funds that use professional trading desks. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the associated risks before making investment decisions.
A comprehensive guide explaining initial public offering terminology has been provided to help investors understand the various steps and elements involved in SpaceX’s planned public stock sale.
Brazil’s soccer enthusiasts will need to rely on a digital influencer’s streaming service to watch all 104 World Cup matches, as FIFA embraces new ways to attract younger audiences. Traditional broadcast exclusivity is being replaced by digital platforms and streaming services. YouTube and TikTok users will have access to live match segments for the first time. This shift represents FIFA’s strategy to engage the next generation of soccer fans through increased digital access to the sport’s premier tournament.
President Donald Trump offered an unexpected response to new inflation data showing the highest rate in three years, telling Oval Office reporters Wednesday that “I love the inflation.” With November midterm elections approaching, voters have identified the economy as a primary concern and given Trump poor ratings on economic issues. The situation has worsened as the Iran conflict has elevated oil prices. Democrats immediately shared Trump’s televised remarks across social media platforms. During Capitol Hill proceedings, Representative Emilia Sykes, a Democrat from Ohio, questioned Energy Secretary Chris Wright about whether he also supported inflation. Wright expressed preference for lower inflation while commending Trump’s efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
Visa has integrated its payment system with ChatGPT, enabling the AI chatbot to conduct shopping and complete purchases on behalf of users. This partnership allows ChatGPT to buy items from any Visa-accepting merchant, expanding beyond previous arrangements limited to specific retailers. OpenAI will supply the decision-making and purchasing technology, while Visa will ensure transaction security. The companies have not revealed financial arrangements or fee structures. Potential issues include excessive spending and unauthorized transactions, though Visa intends to establish protective measures such as spending caps. This development could affect businesses by allowing AI agents to handle procurement and billing processes. Mastercard is similarly working on AI-powered shopping capabilities.
Hollywood directors have secured a tentative four-year contract with studios and streaming platforms following negotiations. The Directors Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached the agreement Tuesday after four weeks of discussions. This marks the first negotiation led by new DGA President Christopher Nolan. Similar four-year contracts have recently been approved by unions representing writers and actors. The agreement increases prospects for extended labor stability in Hollywood despite industry changes. The contract requires approval from the guild’s national board and membership ratification.
Court administrators overseeing the NFL’s billion-dollar-plus concussion settlement have prohibited five law firms from processing additional claims after discovering fraudulent practices. The firms allegedly directed clients to doctors who would provide Parkinson’s disease diagnoses regardless of whether patients showed symptoms. A federal court report filed in Philadelphia this week indicates the five firms represented or worked with 98 former players seeking Parkinson’s disease payments from the settlement in recent years. Dozens of these claims received approval totaling $95 million, with attorneys collecting approximately $20 million in fees.
Federal authorities have shut down more than a dozen fraudulent websites that were allegedly being used by Chinese operatives to recruit American workers with access to classified government materials, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
According to officials, the 13 seized websites presented themselves as legitimate consulting firms posting job opportunities specifically targeting individuals who currently hold or previously held security clearances. However, investigators determined these companies were completely fabricated and the employment opportunities were fraudulent.
This domain seizure represents part of a larger campaign by Western intelligence and law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about suspected Chinese government schemes aimed at recruiting workers who could be manipulated into revealing classified materials.
Just last week, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance — consisting of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. — released an advisory cautioning that China has been targeting personnel from member nations through employment websites to gain access to restricted information.
The advisory revealed that Chinese military intelligence operatives have been impersonating employees of legitimate private companies or research organizations, posting fake positions such as foreign policy or defense analyst roles while pressuring job seekers to share “non-public” materials.
Court documents filed by the FBI in connection with the website seizure indicate that the fraudulent sites used stolen identities and artificially generated photos to appear credible, while posting vague “consulting” positions aimed at current and former government workers.
“These websites are often linked or referenced within the entities’ job postings on LinkedIn and other hiring platforms,” the affidavit said.
The Justice Department stated that job seekers and recruits received monetary compensation for work-related reports and sensitive materials. Officials allege the scheme’s operators, believed to have connections to Chinese intelligence agencies, utilized digital currency and online payment platforms to conceal their true identities.
Authorities discovered these websites through information provided by targets who reported suspicious contact attempts to law enforcement.
“A lot of this information came from doing interviews, interviews with people who came forward that something didn’t seem right,” Dan Wierzbicki, the special agent in charge of the counterintelligence and cyber division of the FBI’s Washington field office, said in an interview.
“They provided information and said, ‘Hey, this is kind of weird, we’re kind of getting paid by a cryptocurrency or an online payment system that’s not typical,” he added.
Wierzbicki indicated the FBI suspects additional websites are operating with similar purposes and has requested public assistance in locating them.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington called allegations of Chinese espionage “entirely fabricated” and “malicious slander.”
Conservation organizations filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday seeking to block a controversial land exchange that would grant SpaceX access to more than 700 acres of protected wildlife habitat in Texas. The environmental groups contend the deal would increase ecological damage to a Gulf Coast area already affected by rocket operations from billionaire Elon Musk’s space company.
The Fish and Wildlife Service gave approval this month for the proposed agreement with SpaceX, under which the company would give up 683 acres it currently owns in return for federal property within the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The protected area covers 103,000 acres across four counties along the Texas border and contains critical animal habitats and historical sites.
According to mapping data, the federal property SpaceX seeks to obtain sits closer to the company’s rocket launch facility near the border between the United States and Mexico.
This proposed swap would mark the first instance of the federal government exchanging refuge land with SpaceX, according to Laiken Jordahl, a spokesperson with the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the organizations behind the legal challenge.
The federal court filing in Washington seeks to prevent the land transfer, which has drawn opposition from local critics who have previously raised concerns about the company’s growing presence affecting beach access and creating safety risks from rocket explosions.
“Rather than exercising its enforcement authority to protect the Refuge from SpaceX’s activities and to require mitigation to address the harm SpaceX has caused, the Service seeks to give SpaceX over 700 acres within the Refuge,” states the lawsuit, which was filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and other groups.
A spokesperson for the Fish and Wildlife Service declined to provide comment regarding the pending legal action.
The agency released a final environmental review earlier this month concluding the land exchange would not create significant environmental harm to the region. According to the assessment, federal officials believe the transaction would deliver a “net conservation benefit” and offer “substantial long-term conservation value and improving landscape-scale habitat connectivity across refuges in South Texas.”
SpaceX representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
The legal challenge comes as the company prepares for a public stock offering, which could position Musk to become the world’s first trillionaire.
The aerospace company began construction in Texas over ten years ago and has grown substantially since then, with SpaceX workers voting last year to establish their own municipal government named Starbase.
Artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced Wednesday a $200 million commitment to study how AI technology affects jobs and economic conditions, adding its voice to industry discussions about protecting workers from technological disruption.
The company, which developed the Claude chatbot, paired the funding announcement with policy recommendations from CEO and co-founder Dario Amodei, who published detailed thoughts on his personal website about government assistance for people economically affected by AI. According to Amodei, artificial intelligence may cause more significant and longer-lasting workplace disruptions than earlier technological changes.
“The key challenge in such a world won’t be incentivizing growth, but finding a way for everyone to share in the benefits,” Amodei wrote.
This development follows competitor OpenAI’s Monday announcement of objectives including making sure technological benefits are “widely shared.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently held discussions with Sen. Bernie Sanders about allowing public ownership stakes in AI companies like OpenAI, potentially using company shares to establish a public wealth fund distributing profits from major AI corporations.
During Wednesday’s Oval Office session, President Donald Trump informed reporters he plans upcoming meetings with top AI company executives to explore “giving back” to citizens.
“We’re talking about giving back something to the public, and if we do that, the public will become very rich,” Trump said. “I think they’ll do that, and I think it’ll make it very popular.”
Amodei explained in his essay that he discusses job displacement not because he wants to be a “prophet of doom” but to give “both policymakers and the private sector to have the best chance to adapt and respond.” His suggestions include improved data gathering to monitor AI-related job losses, employment-focused policy incentives to minimize displacement, and “mechanisms such as universal basic income” if job losses permanently reduce labor demand.
Such universal basic income programs could receive funding through taxes on “relevant companies” or increased capital gains taxes, according to Amodei’s writing.
Limited information was released Wednesday regarding Anthropic’s $200 million pledge, though the company indicated the money will support an Economic Futures Research Fund backing research studies and “program evaluation” of promising public policies. Additionally, the company plans a $150 million national fellowship initiative designed to help early-career workers “extend the benefits of AI to communities across America.”
Both Anthropic and OpenAI recently revealed plans for initial public stock offerings, joining Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which markets itself as an AI-centered space enterprise while preparing for public trading.
Anthropic’s Wednesday economic policy framework provided guidance for potential U.S. government responses to three levels of AI-caused economic disruption: scenarios where national unemployment hits 5%, 10%, and an undefined “unprecedented” level. Last week’s unemployment data showed a 4.3% rate.
For the “unprecedented” situation, the company suggested more lasting support measures would be required, listing various methods to generate and distribute revenue broadly, such as basic income, sovereign wealth approaches, and equity-sharing systems. This would represent “novel economic territory,” according to the company.
The company’s recommendations also included multiple suggestions for addressing safety and security concerns. Anthropic has built its reputation on safety emphasis and developing dependable, “steerable” AI systems, with Amodei and fellow co-founders leaving OpenAI to establish the new company in 2021.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered an unexpected response Wednesday when confronted with rising costs affecting American families, declaring his affection for current economic conditions.
When questioned about fresh data showing consumer prices rose 4.2% in May compared to the previous year, the president adopted an unusually positive stance toward the troubling economic news. Trump avoided his typical approach of labeling affordability concerns as a Democratic “hoax” or asserting he was reducing living costs.
Following the government’s announcement that price increases reached their peak since April 2023, Trump offered praise for the figures.
“You know what I really love?” Trump said. “I love the inflation.”
The comment caught observers off guard, particularly since economic concerns rank among voters’ primary worries heading into November’s midterm elections — an area where Trump has received poor ratings. Democratic officials immediately began circulating his remarks across social platforms within moments of the televised statement.
While Trump’s 2024 campaign promised swift action against inflation, he now attributes elevated prices entirely to the Iran conflict driving up energy expenses. Wednesday’s remarks included claims that relief approaches through covert military activities that allegedly moved 100 million oil barrels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage handling 20% of global oil transport that has remained largely blocked since the war’s start in late February.
“Trump really said, ‘I love the inflation.’ On camera. For all of America to hear,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer quickly posted on X. “His contempt for you knows no bounds.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that with Trump’s stated love of inflation, “We finally found something that Donald Trump loves as much as he loves himself.”
Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, quickly pressed Energy Secretary Chris Wright at a hearing about whether he, too, loved inflation.
“Do you love inflation?” Sykes asked.
“I love ending Iran’s ability to have a nuclear weapon,” Wright answered. He only conceded after being pressed: “No, I would prefer lower inflation.”
When asked about Trump’s specific comments, Wright said, “He’s an entertaining, hyperbolic guy who’s done tremendous leadership.”
Trump attributed the covert transport operations to oil prices dropping under $90 per barrel after exceeding $110 in early April.
“I’m just announcing today for the first time, but we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil, millions of barrels every night,” Trump said.
Through social media, the president indicated the operation started last month and had “resulted in more than 100 MILLION Barrels of Oil making its way through the Strait, and into the Open Market. More than 200 Commercial Ships have safely traveled through the Strait.” No immediate verification existed for these numbers, and the U.S. military’s involvement remained unclear.
For perspective, approximately 20 million oil barrels passed through the strait daily before hostilities began, suggesting Trump’s described mission equals roughly five days of typical oil movement.
Addressing the latest inflation data, the White House highlighted certain May price decreases from the prior month: new vehicle costs, prescription medications, and auto insurance rates. However, combining overall inflation with wage changes reveals concerning evidence that consumer purchasing power compared to earnings has weakened.
“President Trump has consistently maintained that oil and gas prices — and thus overall inflation — will plummet once the Iran situation is resolved, and the administration will continue pushing our affordability agenda to enable Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in an email.
Financial markets remained skeptical of Trump’s assertions about reducing prices through strait oil transport — statements made as the United States conducted airstrikes against Iran while Tehran retaliated against regional targets.
U.S. crude oil futures rose approximately 4% Wednesday afternoon, reaching nearly $92 per barrel.
NEW YORK (AP) — During the New York Knicks’ championship pursuit, thousands of ecstatic supporters have packed the sidewalks surrounding Madison Square Garden, frequently chanting their signature phrase: “We outside.”
However, for Wednesday’s crucial fourth game of the NBA Finals, impromptu street celebrations will be prohibited in front of the iconic venue.
The New York Police Department announced a security strategy that will prevent supporters from congregating near the Manhattan venue unless they possess game tickets or have “business specific to that area.”
City officials said they would permit 1,000 supporters to attend an organized viewing event outside the Garden — a reduced version of earlier watch parties that the NYPD had initially tried to cancel due to unruly behavior before changing their position.
Beyond that, supporters needed to demonstrate they had an “authorized reason” to enter a restricted area spanning multiple blocks around the venue. Local establishments and eateries could remain operational but faced “strict capacity limits,” according to police.
The restrictions angered devoted supporters and area establishments, as well as Knicks owner James Dolan — whose game-three invitation to President Donald Trump created another restricted area and prevented an outdoor viewing event from proceeding.
In a Wednesday statement, the Madison Square Garden Company criticized the mayor for turning the surrounding streets into a “police state” designed to “freeze out fans from celebrating.”
Due to these limitations, Dolan announced Wednesday afternoon that he would not provide television screens for Wednesday’s viewing event. He also challenged the city’s assertion that MSG had only requested authorization for up to 999 attendees.
To many New Yorkers, the security measures seemed to contradict Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s broader platform, which emphasized expanding public space access and reducing NYPD oversight of large gatherings. The dispute has renewed focus on the unstable relationship between the mayor and his police commissioner, Jessica Tisch.
“The NYPD is historically extremely risk-averse to disorderly behavior by crowds, whether they be celebratory or protesting,” said Jeffrey Fagan, a law professor at Columbia University who studies policing. “The mayor now faces a difficult calculus between the strong emotions of Knicks fans and the political risks if crowd control isn’t airtight.”
Recently, Mamdani administration officials have urged Tisch to permit some form of outdoor viewing events at Madison Square Garden, according to two sources familiar with the conversations, who spoke with The Associated Press anonymously because they weren’t authorized to discuss the meetings.
In return, Tisch has pushed for the security boundary, emphasizing the need to manage disruptive crowds that have occasionally turned violent and chaotic. Some recent supporter gatherings in Manhattan have resulted in dozens of arrests and multiple injuries to officers.
After Monday’s Knicks defeat, at least 21 individuals were arrested. The NYPD reported they are currently seeking members of a group that forcibly removed a San Antonio Spurs jersey from a man while attacking him.
Shaun Geddes, a Knicks supporter who hosts a popular team podcast, said he had participated in multiple series-winning celebrations outside the venue and observed that most supporters behaved appropriately.
“Then there’s a small group of people out there cosplaying as Knicks fans and doing performative things to go viral on TikTok,” Geddes added. “But being passionate as a Knicks fan doesn’t mean assaulting anyone.”
The restrictions have also concerned businesses near the venue that they could experience a significant decline in customer traffic on what would have been one of their busiest days annually.
“It’s ruining my business,” said Angela Reilly, the owner of Molly Wee, an Irish pub near the arena. “I haven’t seen anything like this level of security in 46 years.”
Responding to criticism about the closure, city officials have pointed out there isn’t recent precedent for their current situation. The Knicks haven’t reached an NBA Finals since 1999. Most other major city sports teams compete in less densely populated outer boroughs or New Jersey.
However, when the New York Rangers — who also compete at the Garden — last captured the Stanley Cup in 1994, the NYPD used a different strategy for managing celebrating supporters.
Before the game, police announced they would remove potential projectiles like metal trash containers or debris from around the venue but would permit supporters to move freely.
“We expect the fans to be extremely vocal,” Allen Hoehl, former NYPD chief, said at a news conference. “If they want to go from here to there, we’ll escort them in any direction.”
Canadian officials unveiled comprehensive digital safety legislation Wednesday aimed at restricting social media access for minors under 16, following Australia’s lead in establishing the world’s first such prohibition.
The proposed measure would create exceptions for platforms that demonstrate compliance with specific safety requirements. Additionally, the legislation seeks to enhance AI chatbot security through the establishment of a digital oversight agency responsible for developing safety protocols, according to a government official.
Parliament received the bill just weeks following legal action by families impacted by one of Canada’s deadliest mass violence incidents. The lawsuit targets OpenAI, claiming the company was aware through ChatGPT interactions that the suspected perpetrator was planning the attack but failed to alert authorities.
Australia made history in December by implementing the first national social media restriction for children under 16. Within one month of enforcement, social media platforms had closed approximately 5 million teenage accounts.
Several European nations are exploring similar protective measures for young users, including France, Denmark and Poland. Greece has already announced plans to implement access restrictions for those under 15, effective January 2027.
During a technical briefing, government representatives indicated the legislative process could require up to one year for passage, with an additional 18 months needed to establish the digital regulatory body.
Prime Minister Mark Carney maintains a narrow parliamentary majority as the legislative body prepares for its upcoming summer break.
FIFA has implemented multiple rule modifications for the World Cup just weeks before the tournament begins, with changes specifically targeting time-wasting behaviors and broadening VAR technology use.
“These amendments are aimed at combating discrimination, reducing time-wasting, improving the tempo of matches and enhancing the experience of players and fans,” FIFA explained.
Key changes include:
*Referees will conduct a visible five-second countdown with their hand when they determine a player or goalkeeper is delaying a goal kick. Should the ball remain out of play when the countdown concludes, the opposing team receives a corner kick. This same process applies to throw-ins.
*Substituted players have 10 seconds to exit the field. Players who exceed this timeframe force their replacement to wait until the next stoppage in play occurring at least one minute later. This rule extends to injured players, who must leave the pitch after receiving treatment and cannot return for at least one minute after play resumes.
*Players cannot cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents, and deliberate violations may result in ejection. This modification stems from controversies like the incident between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior.
In February, the Real Madrid forward accused his Benfica opponent of making racist remarks, but because the player’s mouth was covered, no offence of racism could be proven.
*VAR technology can now examine clearly unjustified second yellow cards, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corners and attacking fouls before free-kicks or corners that directly affect goals, penalties or disciplinary outcomes.
*Players who exit the field to protest a referee’s call may face red card ejection, and team officials who encourage such protests may also receive dismissal.
This follows the controversy at January’s Africa Cup of Nations final where Senegal walked off in protest at a penalty awarded against them in the last minute against hosts Morocco.
Senegal returned after 14 minutes, saw Morocco miss the spot kick and went on to win the match in extra time, only to be subsequently stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary appeal board.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on June 10 that the United States plans to launch military strikes against Iranian targets this Wednesday, targeting what he described as important installations within the country.
Speaking from Los Angeles, Hegseth indicated that American forces will conduct a significant assault on Iranian infrastructure, specifically mentioning plans to attack “key facilities.”
Major U.S. stock markets closed Wednesday with losses exceeding 1%, driven down by continued weakness in semiconductor stocks and growing concerns over escalating tensions with Iran.
President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would launch another attack on Iran if no peace agreement is reached. This statement came after one of the most serious exchanges of hostilities in the Middle East conflict over the past two months.
Semiconductor stocks took a particularly hard hit, with their sector index dropping 3.6%. Companies like Nvidia and Broadcom were among the heaviest weights dragging down the S&P 500, as investors continue to worry about inflated valuations in the chip sector.
The technology sector of the S&P 500 has now fallen 11% from its record closing high on June 2, officially entering correction territory.
Wall Street’s fear gauge, the Cboe Volatility Index, continued its recent upward trend.
Tom Hainlin, an investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis, noted that investors continue to take profits from technology investments.
He explained that market participants are now “pricing in maybe a higher interest rate” following recent economic reports and are also concerned about the ongoing conflict.
“Perhaps that conflict continues on into the mid to late summer,” he stated.
The market decline was worsened by drops in trucking company shares, including XPO, J.B. Hunt and Old Dominion, after Amazon revealed plans to expand its less-than-truckload freight operations across the U.S. The industrial sector led all declining sectors with a 3.4% drop.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 953.33 points, or 1.87%, closing at 49,918.78. The S&P 500 decreased 119.66 points, or 1.62%, to finish at 7,266.99. The Nasdaq Composite fell 509.32 points, or 1.98%, ending at 25,169.50.
The Federal Reserve is anticipated to keep interest rates unchanged at its June policy meeting. However, investors are factoring in at least one quarter-point rate increase before the year ends.
Last Friday’s employment report exceeded expectations. Wednesday brought news that U.S. consumer prices rose 4.2% over the 12 months ending in May, marking the biggest increase since April 2023. The Middle East conflict has pushed up gasoline and other energy costs.
The inflation rate matched economist predictions in a recent poll.
Oracle stock declined approximately 1% in after-hours trading following its earnings announcement.
During regular trading, Super Micro Computer plummeted 28% after revealing plans to raise $7 billion through various equity and equity-related financing deals to fund component purchases for its expanding AI server business.
The shift away from high-performing technology stocks has benefited other market sectors that have underperformed this year, including healthcare, real estate and consumer staples.
The highly anticipated $1.75 trillion SpaceX public offering scheduled for Friday, aiming for a record $75 billion fundraising goal, could add additional pressure to U.S. markets as worries grow about excessive enthusiasm in the technology sector.
On the New York Stock Exchange, declining stocks outnumbered advancing ones by a ratio of 1.87-to-1. The exchange saw 179 new highs and 138 new lows.
On the Nasdaq, 1,772 stocks gained while 3,129 declined, with falling issues outnumbering rising ones by 1.77-to-1. The S&P 500 recorded 22 new 52-week highs and 8 new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite saw 139 new highs and 141 new lows.
Trading volume on U.S. exchanges reached 20.7 billion shares, slightly above the 20.6 billion average over the previous 20 trading sessions.
The United States men’s soccer team kicks off their World Cup campaign Friday night against Paraguay, carrying the weight of expectations as tournament co-hosts looking to start strong in what should be a winnable opener.
Ranked 17th globally, the Americans enter as clear favorites in Group D, facing a Paraguay squad sitting at 41st in the world rankings – the lowest among all 48 tournament participants. The group also features Australia and Turkey.
Recent history favors the US, who have defeated the South Americans in their last three encounters, most recently winning 2-1 in a November friendly. The nations first met during the inaugural World Cup in 1930, with the United States claiming victory.
Friday’s match at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood promises an electric atmosphere as the home crowd rallies behind a potent American attack led by Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, who will aim to find the net early and settle any opening-match jitters.
However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern for the Americans. Inexperienced goalkeeper Matt Freese may face significant pressure, as the team has managed just one shutout across their previous 13 matches while surrendering 11 goals over their last four games.
Paraguay presents a contrasting style, built around a rugged defensive foundation designed to neutralize the American offensive threat. “La Albirroja” return to the World Cup stage for the first time since their 2010 quarter-final defeat to eventual champion Spain.
While the Americans received automatic qualification as co-hosts, Paraguay earned their spot through the grueling CONMEBOL qualifying process, finishing sixth among South American automatic qualifiers.
The visitors’ attacking struggles were evident during qualification, managing only 14 goals across 18 matches. Their offensive challenges have been compounded by the loss of primary striker Julio Enciso, who will miss the opener due to a thigh injury.
Paraguay will rely heavily on midfielder Diego Gomez to generate scoring opportunities and provide long-range shooting threats. The 23-year-old’s fitness remains a question mark following a knee injury sustained in April.
Former US international Cobi Jones, a three-time World Cup veteran, emphasized the psychological importance of securing an opening victory, even within the expanded tournament format where only 16 of 48 teams face group-stage elimination.
“That’s how you want to start off,” Jones told Reuters in LA on Tuesday.
“It’s not the be all and end all, but getting three points at the beginning really helps your chances and establishes you as the leaders of the group.”
A traffic accident has resulted in the closure of the left lane on northbound US 13, also known as DuPont Parkway, according to state transportation officials.
The lane blockage extends from American Legion Drive to Bayview Road as emergency crews respond to the crash scene.
Motorists traveling northbound on this stretch of highway should expect delays and are advised to use caution while navigating around the incident area.
A group of three Vietnam War veterans has filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s proposal to construct an arch in close proximity to Arlington National Cemetery, according to court documents.
The legal action seeks to prevent the construction of what has been described as a “Triumphal Arch” that would be built within walking distance of the cemetery grounds, where approximately 400,000 military personnel, veterans, and their family members have been laid to rest.
Among the plaintiffs is Shaun Byrnes, an 83-year-old Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam conflict. Public Citizen, a legal advocacy organization, is representing Byrnes and the other veterans in their challenge against the Trump administration’s construction plans.
The proposed arch would be situated in Memorial Circle, placing it in immediate proximity to one of the nation’s most sacred military burial grounds.
A newly released investigation has found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement squandered millions of taxpayer dollars while putting detainees in danger at the nation’s largest immigration detention center.
The findings focus on Camp East Montana, located in Texas, which has been the subject of mounting criticism since it began operating last year.
Immigration attorneys and civil rights advocates have been raising red flags about the conditions inside the facility since it opened its doors.
The report highlights significant financial mismanagement and safety concerns at the detention center, which operates as the largest immigration facility of its kind in the United States.
Wealthy technology executives are promoting a controversial theory that suggests China is secretly orchestrating local community opposition to data center developments throughout the United States.
These tech millionaires are making allegations about foreign interference in grassroots resistance movements, but they are providing minimal concrete evidence to back up their assertions.
The claims come as communities across the nation have been organizing against proposed data center projects, with protesters recently gathering at the Utah State Capitol building to voice opposition to the planned Stratos data center in Box Elder County during a May 23, 2026 demonstration in Salt Lake City.
Despite the serious nature of the accusations involving foreign influence operations, the technology industry leaders pushing this theory have yet to present substantial proof supporting their claims about Chinese involvement in local opposition efforts.
Wall Street experienced steep declines Wednesday as artificial intelligence stocks continued their recent retreat, pulling major market indexes significantly lower.
The S&P 500 index declined 1.6% on Wednesday following a brief morning uptick. This marked the first consecutive daily losses for the benchmark index in three weeks. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1.9%, while the Nasdaq composite dropped 2%.
Market volatility has persisted since the previous week when AI-related stocks shifted from hitting record highs to experiencing sudden reversals. Investors are increasingly concerned that valuations in this sector may have climbed too rapidly. Additionally, oil markets gained ground after President Donald Trump issued threats of additional military action against Iran.
Wednesday’s closing numbers:
The S&P 500 declined 119.66 points, finishing at 7,266.99, representing a 1.6% decrease.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 953.33 points to close at 49,918.78, marking a 1.9% decline.
The Nasdaq composite decreased 509.32 points to end at 25,169.50, down 2%.
The Russell 2000 index tracking smaller companies fell 31.56 points to 2,835.46, a 1.1% drop.
Weekly performance:
The S&P 500 has declined 116.75 points, down 1.6% for the week.
The Dow has fallen 948 points, representing a 1.9% weekly decrease.
The Nasdaq has dropped 539.93 points, down 2.1% for the week.
The Russell 2000 has gained 1.96 points, up 0.1% for the week.
Year-to-date performance:
The S&P 500 remains up 421.49 points, showing a 6.2% annual gain.
The Dow has risen 1,855.49 points, reflecting a 3.9% yearly increase.
The Nasdaq has climbed 1,927.51 points, up 8.3% for the year.
The Russell 2000 has advanced 353.56 points, posting a 14.2% annual gain.
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill have urged President Donald Trump to quickly appoint a permanent intelligence director to help Congress extend crucial surveillance powers before they expire. However, Trump has refused to change course.
Instead, Trump has reinforced his support for his interim choice to oversee intelligence operations, federal housing finance regulator Bill Pulte, despite his limited background in the field. Democrats are blocking votes on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, commonly called FISA, which expires June 12. Trump requested Wednesday a brief extension of the legislation to “provide time for the selection and confirmation of a permanent Head of the Agency.”
This standoff may soon restrict the U.S. government’s foreign intelligence gathering capabilities as World Cup matches start across the nation and before festivities marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated Wednesday that GOP leadership has “made our views known” to the White House regarding the simplest path to pass the legislation, and “we’re just doing what we can here to ensure that the White House understands what will be necessary in order to make that happen.”
Trump announced Friday he is interviewing five potential candidates for the permanent agency leadership role, all with national security credentials.
“It’s an important position and one that I think will be filled by a highly qualified person,” stated House Speaker Mike Johnson, who met with Trump recently about the FISA deadlock.
However, securing FISA votes requires swift action — and Trump’s selection must appeal to lawmakers from both parties.
Among potential successors is Pete Hoekstra, Trump’s ambassador to Canada and former House Intelligence Committee chairman. The White House has contacted Hoekstra regarding the position and discussions continue, according to someone familiar with the outreach who requested anonymity to discuss private talks.
FISA’s Section 702 permits agencies like the CIA, National Security Agency and FBI to gather communications from foreign subjects abroad without warrants.
Although lawmakers from both parties citing privacy concerns have long sought to restrict this authority, broad bipartisan backing exists for its renewal, particularly after recent compromise legislation. Yet Democrats now withhold support due to Pulte concerns.
Mark Warner of Virginia, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, helped craft the compromise bill with Republicans. But he labeled Pulte’s selection to succeed outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard “a live hand grenade” for passage efforts. GOP leaders attempted to begin the process last week, but seven Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in preventing a long-term extension.
Warner declared Wednesday his only condition for backing a temporary surveillance law extension is having principal deputy director of national intelligence Aaron Lukas serve as acting leader throughout that period.
Sen. Tom Cotton, the Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, have cautioned the administration that the surveillance tool will likely expire.
The administration should prepare “for a potential significant gap in foreign intelligence collection,” they stated in correspondence.
Following bipartisan resistance to Pulte’s interim appointment, Trump said last week he would not permanently nominate him. But Democrats and some Republicans want his appointment withdrawn immediately and Trump to nominate a Senate-confirmable replacement.
Tuesday, however, Trump declared Pulte would not only become acting director — he’d begin sooner than planned, on June 19. Trump maintained support for Pulte Wednesday, posting he needed additional time to locate a permanent successor and requesting a brief extension.
“FISA 702 is very important to our Military, and keeping the American People safe, especially during the World Cup and America250 Celebrations,” Trump wrote.
Trump said Pulte would reduce the agency’s size and blamed Democrats for delaying surveillance authority renewal.
Senators from both parties questioning Pulte cite his intelligence experience deficit and Federal Housing Finance Agency record. In that role, he’s been connected to criminal referrals regarding mortgage fraud allegations against public officials Trump wanted to target, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat; Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve board member.
Whether sufficient votes exist for temporary surveillance powers extension remained uncertain as Trump disregarded bipartisan pressure to withdraw Pulte’s appointment.
After a White House ceremony Wednesday, Johnson told reporters the president is “working very hard” to select a permanent ODNI leader — possibly before Pulte assumes the role.
Johnson described it as a “good faith gesture” from Trump that Democrats should accept for a short-term FISA extension agreement.
Trump made clear, Johnson said, that Pulte will serve a “very short term – a sort of renovation role” to help the Office of the Director of National Intelligence be “renovated and downsized.”
WASHINGTON, June 10 – Administration officials are preparing to host leaders from major defense companies at the White House as early as next week to address the need for faster weapons manufacturing, according to sources familiar with the plans.
This upcoming gathering represents the second time the administration has brought together top executives from the nation’s premier defense contractors to address production acceleration. The previous March session featured chief executives and senior leadership from BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participating.
Ongoing military conflicts with Iran along with weapons shipments to Ukraine over recent years have significantly reduced America’s weapons inventory.
The planned session occurs while Pentagon officials continue urging contractors to substantially increase their production speed. These efforts center around manufacturing agreements established earlier this year.
The completed arrangements include a multi-year contract to increase PAC-3 production threefold and expand THAAD interceptor manufacturing fourfold through Lockheed, plus additional multi-year contracts with RTX to enhance Tomahawk and AMRAAM air-to-air missile production. These arrangements, labeled as “framework agreements,” remain unconverted to actual contracts.
The White House, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing and L3Harris have not yet provided responses to comment requests.
The newly appointed leader of CBS’s “60 Minutes” has brought in outside help to manage his entry into a newsroom experiencing significant upheaval, according to internal sources.
Nick Bilton attended his inaugural staff meeting last week alongside Kelly Funke, a television production consultant he enlisted to assist with his newsroom transition, three “60 Minutes” employees revealed on condition of anonymity due to job security concerns.
Staff members characterized Funke’s mission as rebuilding trust within the team, with one describing her function as Bilton’s “chief of staff.” The consultant, who brings more than ten years of television production experience, has not been publicly acknowledged in this role before. She is reportedly working under a 90-day agreement with possible extension.
Bilton’s appointment reflects wider changes at CBS News that started when David Ellison — son of Larry Ellison, a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump — took control of Paramount in August. He placed Bari Weiss, founder of a successful media startup without broadcast journalism background, in charge of CBS News. David Ellison may soon oversee CNN as well, pending regulatory approval of his bid for Warner Bros Discovery.
Representatives for Bilton, Weiss, Funke and CBS News all refused to provide statements.
The decision to engage Funke indicates Bilton expected challenges in leading a newsroom that has struggled under Weiss’s direction.
“I just think Nick vastly underestimated just how bad it was,” one staff member commented.
Conflict erupted during the June 1 gathering when correspondent Scott Pelley challenged Bilton directly. “I find it impossible to imagine that you would take this job knowing that you would never be welcome here,” Pelley stated, according to a meeting attendee.
CBS terminated Pelley following the staff meeting where he also criticized leadership and accused Weiss of “murdering” the program.
Funke has organized meetings between Bilton and “60 Minutes” staff while working with assistants and producers to understand the newsroom’s organization, sources indicated.
Some employees have raised concerns about Funke’s qualifications, pointing to her absence of journalism background, though one current staffer noted her efforts to understand the newsroom environment.
Bilton has also hired Nick De Lucca, 24, who has introduced himself to staff as “Nick 2.0,” according to a fourth source. De Lucca received the title “operations manager,” a substantial position typically handling logistics. His LinkedIn profile shows he has served as an associate producer at Bilton’s production company since 2024.
De Lucca did not respond to comment requests.
Funke is accompanying Bilton — a former Vanity Fair contributor and documentary filmmaker who represents the first outsider from traditional television news to head “60 Minutes” — during a turbulent period for the show’s team. On May 28, CBS removed executive producer Tanya Simon, longtime producer Draggan Mihailovich, and correspondent Cecilia Vega. The previous day, the network chose not to renew correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi’s contract following her dispute with Weiss over a December report about a Salvadoran prison.
Network executives offered no explanation for the dismissals. A CBS spokesperson stated the network cannot discuss personnel issues for legal and other considerations. “60 Minutes” concluded last season as the highest-rated news program, increasing its television viewership by 9% compared to the previous year, Nielsen data shows.
Bilton informed employees he made “repeated attempts” to engage in direct discussions with Pelley before his termination and to “find common ground,” but Pelley declined, according to an email obtained by Reuters.
Speaking with The New York Times after his exit, Pelley claimed Weiss was placing a “thumb on the scale” favoring Republican President Donald Trump’s interpretation of news events. He alleged Weiss attempted to modify his reporting on ICE’s activities in Minnesota and sought to portray protesters as more violent.
The CBS spokesperson responded that Weiss’ input on the piece Pelley mentioned to the Times “had no political motivation” and was “proposed solely to make the piece as strong, fair, and accurate as possible.”
In a staff email, Bilton emphasized the show’s “journalistic independence” — a message Ellison also delivered during a private conversation with correspondent Lesley Stahl, the Times reported. This personal discussion highlights “60 Minutes’” significance in Ellison’s plans for Paramount and the management difficulties facing the network.
Stahl shared details about the call with staff during a Monday social gathering aimed at improving morale, one current employee told Reuters. The source said reactions to Ellison’s promises were mixed, with several people noting that Ellison had visited “60 Minutes” after acquiring Paramount and had previously made identical commitments.
Before Skydance Media’s acquisition, Paramount paid $16 million to resolve a 2024 lawsuit Trump brought against “60 Minutes” regarding an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, which he claimed presented a distorted perspective of his White House opponent.
The FCC has stated the settlement and the deal’s regulatory review were separate matters.
Australia’s Alex de Minaur, seeded second in the tournament, advanced to the next round of the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, after defeating Martin Damm in straight sets 7-6 (8), 7-5 during second-round play.
The Australian player dominated with his serve, recording 27 winners while making only 17 unforced errors. De Minaur also held a 7-6 advantage in aces and committed just one double fault compared to four by Damm. His opponent struggled with consistency, making 44 unforced errors alongside 28 winners, though Damm managed to save 11 of 14 break point opportunities to keep the match competitive.
In other tournament action, sixth-seeded Tallon Griekspoor defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4 in a match featuring two Dutch players that began Tuesday but concluded Wednesday due to suspension. Australian qualifier James McCabe upset eighth-seeded Zizou Bergs from Belgium with a 6-7 (2), 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory.
Additional players advancing included Marton Fucsovics from Hungary, Kamil Majchrzak from Poland, and the Netherlands’ Thijs Boogaard.
At the BOSS Open in Stuttgart, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, seeded third, overcame Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 in second-round action. Bublik served 22 aces compared to 17 for Struff and recorded 38 winners against 22 unforced errors. This match was a rematch of their French Open first-round encounter where Struff had previously won in four sets. In the Stuttgart rematch, Struff posted 37 winners and 29 unforced errors.
Additional Stuttgart results included Italy’s Mattia Bellucci defeating Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-2, and France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard beating Belgium’s Gauthier Onclin 7-6 (1), 6-2.
Major U.S. stock markets experienced significant losses Wednesday afternoon, with all three primary indexes dropping more than 1% as technology stocks continued their downward trend and escalating Middle East tensions heightened investor concerns.
President Donald Trump stated the U.S. would strike Iran again “very hard” after one of the most substantial overnight exchanges of gunfire since an April ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.
Semiconductor stocks were particularly battered, with their index declining 2.6%. Companies like Nvidia and Broadcom were among the heaviest weights pulling down the S&P 500, while the technology sector index for the S&P 500 dropped 1.1%. Market participants have grown increasingly concerned about inflated stock prices in the technology space.
Market volatility continued building on Tuesday’s gains, with the Cboe Volatility Index showing increased uncertainty in recent trading sessions.
Tom Hainlin, an investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis, noted that investors continue taking profits from technology investments.
Additionally, market participants are now “pricing in maybe a higher interest rate” following recent economic reports while also expressing concern about the ongoing conflict, he explained.
“Perhaps that conflict continues on into the mid to late summer,” he stated.
The Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain current interest rates at its June policy meeting. Market participants are factoring in at least one 25-basis-point rate increase before year-end.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 721.32 points, or 1.42%, closing at 50,150.79. The S&P 500 declined 87.78 points, or 1.19%, finishing at 7,298.87. The Nasdaq Composite fell 382.36 points, or 1.49%, ending at 25,296.35.
Friday’s employment report exceeded expectations. Wednesday’s data revealed U.S. consumer prices rose 4.2% over the 12 months ending in May, marking the steepest increase since April 2023, as Middle East hostilities drove up gasoline and energy costs.
However, this inflation rate matched economist predictions according to a Reuters survey.
Super Micro Computer shares plummeted 20.9% after revealing plans to generate $7 billion through various equity and equity-related financing deals to purchase components for expanding AI server demand.
The shift away from heavily favored technology stocks has benefited other market sectors that have underperformed this year, including healthcare, real estate and consumer staples.
The highly anticipated $1.75 trillion SpaceX public offering scheduled for Friday, seeking a record $75 billion in funding, could further pressure U.S. markets as worries grow about excessive technology sector enthusiasm.
Transportation company stocks including XPO, J.B. Hunt and Old Dominion also declined after Amazon revealed plans to expand its less-than-truckload shipping services across the U.S. Industrial stocks led sector declines.
Falling stocks outnumbered rising ones by a 1.41-to-1 margin on the NYSE. The exchange recorded 168 new highs and 103 new lows. On the Nasdaq, 2,038 stocks gained while 2,729 declined, with falling issues leading advancing ones by a 1.34-to-1 ratio.
WASHINGTON – The White House has formally submitted Brian Johnson’s nomination to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to the U.S. Senate for confirmation, according to an official announcement made Wednesday.
Johnson’s nomination for the director position was transmitted to senators as part of the formal nomination process, based on information released in a public notice.
Drivers heading south on Route 1 near Rehoboth Beach should expect additional travel time this evening due to traffic congestion.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the southbound lanes between U.S. Route 9 and Delaware Route 1A are experiencing heavy traffic, resulting in delays of 5 to 10 minutes for motorists.
The backup appears to be caused by congestion rather than any specific incident or accident. Drivers are advised to plan accordingly and allow extra time for their commute through this area.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for New Castle County and surrounding areas as dangerous heat index values are expected to reach 104 degrees through Friday evening.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory for New Castle County in Delaware, along with portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, beginning Thursday at 11 AM and lasting until 8 PM Friday.
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity poses a serious risk for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those spending extended time outdoors.
Residents should take immediate precautions: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you must be outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Check on elderly relatives and neighbors during this heat event, as they are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health issues.
Some relief may come from scattered showers and thunderstorms expected Thursday and Friday afternoons, though humidity will remain high. Conditions will improve significantly this weekend as a cold front moves through the region, bringing much less humid air.
If you don’t have air conditioning, call 211 for assistance finding cooling centers in your area.
Motorists traveling northbound on Old Orchard Road are dealing with lane restrictions today due to ongoing construction activities.
The right lane has been shut down between Oyster Cove Drive and East Edgemoor Street, creating potential delays for drivers in the area.
According to traffic officials, the lane closure is expected to remain in place until 5 PM today. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time when passing through this construction zone.
Dramatic comebacks, record-setting performances, and nail-biting finishes have defined the Stanley Cup Final matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes. The question now is whether this series ranks among the finest championship rounds in hockey history.
“Everyone that texts me is saying it’s the best hockey they’ve ever watched,” Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin said. “It’s been fun to play. There’s a lot of momentum swings in the games, and I feel like it’s one of those series where you don’t know what’s going to happen.”
The series’ unpredictable nature has created compelling television each evening since it started, resulting in the highest viewership numbers for a final in more than ten years. With the teams deadlocked at 2-2 heading into Thursday night’s Game 5 in Raleigh, a sixth game is assured, guaranteeing the Cup will be present Saturday evening in Las Vegas.
Here’s what has elevated this series to legendary status:
The opening game saw Carolina jump ahead 2-0 just over 12 minutes into the contest, then trail 3-2 before equalizing late in the game, ultimately falling when Tomas Hertl scored the decisive goal with 3:24 remaining in the final period.
Game 2 featured Vegas holding a 2-0 advantage with under 10 minutes left in regulation, followed by a wild sequence of four goals — plus one that was disallowed — culminating with Mark Stone’s equalizer with 81 seconds on the clock. With Hertl serving a penalty, Seth Jarvis netted the overtime winner for the Hurricanes.
The third contest saw the Golden Knights build a commanding 4-0 lead in the final period following Mitch Marner’s hat trick, which prompted Carolina to change goaltenders. The Hurricanes mounted a complete comeback with four consecutive goals, only to lose when Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore’s shot caromed off the boards and deflected off goaltender Brandon Bussi 5:38 into the second overtime.
Game 4 witnessed Carolina establishing leads of 2-0 and 3-1, with Vegas responding both times to level the score. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal netted the winning goal with 13:28 remaining to square the series.
This marks the first championship series in NHL history where each of the opening four games featured a team overcoming a multi-goal deficit to tie the contest. The first two games both ended with comeback victories, just one short of the record of three such games established in both 1950 and 1987.
Defense has been largely absent from this series. Both clubs entered having surrendered the fewest and third-fewest goals during the first three playoff rounds. Instead, they’ve combined for 33 goals through four games, the most since the New York Islanders and Minnesota North Stars totaled 36 in 1981.
— At least four goals were recorded in each period spanning from the second period of Game 3 through the opening period of Game 4. This represents only the second occurrence of such scoring in three consecutive regulation periods, and the first since the Islanders and Flyers achieved this feat during Games 5 and 6 in 1980.
— Vegas forward Brett Howden tops all playoff goal scorers this year with 14, surpassing the franchise mark established by Jonathan Marchessault during his Conn Smythe Trophy-winning performance as playoff MVP in the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup championship.
— Marner’s natural hat trick — three consecutive goals — occurred within 6 minutes and 10 seconds. This easily eclipses the previous championship series record of 11 minutes and 27 seconds set by Ted Lindsay for Detroit in 1955.
— The Hurricanes became the third franchise to net four or more goals in each opening game of the final, joining Montreal in 1973 and Boston in 1970. Their Game 3 rally featured the three fastest goals in championship series history, scored within a 39-second span.
— Staal’s gap between championship series goals — from June 9, 2009, with Pittsburgh, until Game 1 on June 2, spanning 6,202 days — exceeded brother Eric’s record of 6,198 days from 2006 to 2023, according to Sportradar. Jordan became the first player since Mario Lemieux in 1992 to score five goals in the opening four championship games and the first since Mike Bossy in 1982 to find the net in each of the first four contests.
Only twice before has a Cup final seen the score tied at some point during the third period in each of the first four games. The last occurrence was between Chicago and Tampa Bay in 2015, with the previous instance being St. Louis and Montreal in 1968.
The opening three games were each decided by a single goal for only the tenth time in history. An empty-net goal by Nikolaj Ehlers in Game 4, a long-distance clear that was itself a spectacular play, prevented a fourth consecutive one-goal decision.
Despite featuring teams from smaller, non-traditional hockey markets, television audiences nationwide are watching. The first three games have drawn the largest viewership for a final since the Blackhawks faced the Lightning 11 years ago, averaging 4.9 million viewers on ABC. ESPN/ABC reported Game 3 attracted the most viewers for a championship game since Carolina-Detroit in 2002, reaching 5 million.
Goaltending has not been the series’ strongest element, although Vegas’ Carter Hart and Carolina’s Frederik Andersen and Bussi have delivered several crucial saves.
Hart, Andersen and Bussi have posted a collective save percentage of .855, which would represent the lowest mark in a final since .850 in 1973 during the Montreal-Chicago series. This figure falls well below the regular season league average of .896, which was already the lowest since 1993-94.
Bussi became the third goaltender to make his inaugural NHL playoff appearance in the final and earn a victory, joining Hank Bassen in 1961 and Alfie Moore in 1938.
With Andersen capturing the Game 2 win, the Hurricanes are the first team since Edmonton in 1984 to have two different goaltenders each record a victory in the final. Only the 1984 Oilers and 1972 Bruins have won the Cup with multiple goaltenders starting and winning games in the championship series.
LAS VEGAS — Vegas finds itself in familiar territory from earlier playoff rounds, but this time the circumstances are far more challenging for the Golden Knights.
While Vegas previously enjoyed home-ice advantage against Utah and Anaheim, claiming both series in six games after being tied 2-2, the team now faces a tougher road. The Golden Knights must capture two victories in their final three Stanley Cup Final matchups, with potentially two games taking place in Carolina, including a possible decisive Game 7.
Thursday night brings Game 5 in Carolina.
However, Vegas confronts multiple challenges beyond simply securing a victory in one of the league’s most intimidating venues. How well the Golden Knights tackle these problems will largely decide whether they claim their second championship in four years or reflect on what might have been.
Jack Eichel leads the team with 20 playoff points, trailing only teammate Mitch Marner’s 29 for the NHL lead.
Yet Eichel has managed only two goals throughout the postseason and hasn’t scored in his last six contests dating to the Western Conference Final against Colorado. While he’s traditionally favored passing over shooting, Eichel has contributed just two assists in the series against Carolina.
With star players expected to elevate their performance during playoff runs, Vegas desperately needs Eichel to return to the scoresheet. He nearly broke through during Tuesday’s 5-3 defeat, sending the puck just above the crossbar on what could have been a game-tying goal late in the final period. Had that shot found the net, Vegas might be traveling to Carolina with a chance to clinch the series.
“I know Jack doesn’t have the goals,” Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said after the game. “He was close tonight. He had the game on his stick on the faceoff there, just missed, hit the crossbar, one-timer. I think they’re developing chances, but we do need to finish when we have some opportunities.”
Goaltender Carter Hart, who excelled through the first three rounds, cannot shoulder all the blame. He’s faced numerous defensive lapses in front of the net.
Nevertheless, the statistics tell a concerning story.
Hart posted a 12-4 record with a .924 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average entering the final series. He was considered a candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy awarded to the playoffs’ top performer before surrendering four goals in each of the opening four final games.
In the Carolina series, his save percentage has dropped to .861 with a 3.60 goals-against average.
Hart has delivered clutch moments, particularly his double-overtime performance in Game 3 when he stopped several dangerous scoring chances to help Vegas secure the victory. However, he’s also allowed goals in clusters during moments when his team needed a crucial save to limit damage.
Defensive support would prove valuable as well. Vegas managed only 12 blocked shots Tuesday, matching their postseason low.
“Just trust our system, trust each other to step up, block shots, make plays and win our battles,” center Colton Sissons said. “Hartsy will be there when we need him.”
Vegas entered the final series with a 23.9% power-play conversion rate, anchored by special teams that were instrumental in capturing the Western Conference. Against Carolina, that percentage has plummeted to 8.3%.
During one Tuesday power play, the Golden Knights spent ninety seconds in the attacking zone cycling the puck while searching for an ideal scoring opportunity that never materialized. This approach essentially aided Carolina’s defensive efforts.
The penalty kill presents similar struggles. Carolina began this series converting 12.5% of its power-play opportunities, but has succeeded on 36.4% against Vegas.
This decline appears especially surprising given the Golden Knights’ penalty kill was operating effectively before facing Carolina, succeeding at an 87.5% rate while scoring a league-leading four short-handed goals.
Carolina officially recorded one power-play goal in Game 4, though another came immediately after time had expired.
New research released Wednesday reveals that climate change caused by human activities has dramatically increased the occurrence of severe coastal flooding worldwide.
Scientists emphasize these results are vital for developing coastal infrastructure and flood management strategies as global temperatures continue rising.
Severe flooding incidents result from a mix of storm surges, elevated tides, and abnormal sea level increases combined with natural climate variations and human impacts. Hurricane Ian in 2022, which brought devastating flooding, represents an example of a storm that researchers determined was intensified by climate change. Coastal flooding poses threats to hundreds of millions of residents in low-elevation coastal regions globally each year, generates billions in damages, and can prove fatal.
Severe sea level incidents that were historically uncommon — those with a 1% probability of occurring in any given year — now happen approximately 12 times more frequently on average, according to new research published Wednesday in the journal Nature Climate Change. These incidents have become roughly four times more probable due to climate change driven by human activities, the study demonstrates.
Scientists analyzed the occurrence of extreme sea level incidents — which trigger coastal flooding — by examining long-term data from tide monitoring stations at over 100 locations combined with climate modeling. The research examined increases from 1900 through 2005. The timeframe ended at 2005 because of limitations in available models that connect events to human-caused climate change. The study authors noted their findings were cautious, considering that human contributions to coastal extreme changes have only grown since that time.
The researchers distinguished between human activity impacts, natural influences, and local ground movement. While sea level variations early in the 20th century could mostly be linked to natural causes, beginning in the 1960s, human-caused warming became the main driver of rising sea levels, according to scientists.
Additional research published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances also reinforces the idea that human-caused climate change drives extreme water levels. It determined climate change was responsible for 58% of days with extreme water levels during 2000 to 2018. Climate change has also roughly tripled the average number of days surpassing extreme water level thresholds since the 1970s, that study found.
“Essentially every coastal flood today has human fingerprints on it through climate change,” said Ben Strauss, chief scientist at Climate Central and a co-author of the Science Advances study. “Without the extra bit of sea level rise caused by global heating, most of these events would not have reached the status of flood.”
The Nature Climate Change research didn’t completely analyze individual human factors, said Sönke Dangendorf, the lead author, but he pointed out greenhouse gases — produced by burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal — represent the most important factor.
“In particular since the 1970s, it’s by far the dominating factor, and this is of course not good news at the moment,” said Dangendorf, also an associate professor at Tulane University. “The risk is evolving and with the evolving risk we need to do more for adaptation.”
Jeff Williams, a retired United States Geological Survey oceanographer who wasn’t involved in either study, said the research demonstrates that planners must account for heightened risks. They should also evaluate costs for enhancing coastal protection and decide who bears those expenses, he said.
Current protections for New Orleans, for example, “will likely not be adequate beyond the next couple decades,” Williams said.
Countries worldwide are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Last year, clean energy production surpassed total global electricity demand growth, and renewable energy’s portion reached more than one-third of global electricity generation for the first time. Even in the United States, where the Trump administration has promoted fossil fuels, solar energy is expanding while coal power decreases. Consequently, scientists recently indicated the world is no longer heading toward the worst-case warming scenario — but it’s also not moving toward the best-case outcome.
Dangendorf, the Tulane author, said: “The impacts, even of a relatively little sea level rise, can be pretty impactful on our coasts.”
“There is a silver lining because we have control about how much we emit, right?” he said. “So we can stop that development, at least to some degree.”
A major obstetrics and gynecology organization issued its own vaccination guidelines Wednesday, creating recommendations that contradict current federal health guidance.
The vaccination schedule targets pregnant women, new mothers, and those who are breastfeeding. These recommendations mirror previous guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prior to modifications implemented during the Trump administration under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists left a CDC vaccine advisory panel earlier this year following these policy shifts, which have resulted in court challenges.
“So now for the first time, ACOG has made the decision to formally release its own immunization schedule to provide and communicate clear evidence-based guidance and to address the growing vaccine misinformation that is circulating,” said Dr. Christopher Zahn, the OB-GYN group’s chief of clinical practice.
Thirteen additional professional and medical organizations have backed the new guidelines. Other groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also issued vaccination schedules this year that diverge from CDC recommendations.
The organization recommends four vaccinations during pregnancy:
— Influenza vaccination, available during any trimester throughout the year, though early fall timing is preferred.
— COVID-19 vaccination, which can be administered during any trimester year-round, with earliest possible timing during pregnancy being optimal.
— Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination, ideally given as early as possible within the 27 to 36-week window.
— Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination, administered between 32 and 36 weeks during first pregnancies, typically from September through January across most U.S. regions. Women who received RSV vaccination in previous pregnancies don’t need repeat doses, though their newborns should receive antibody shots after delivery. Babies can receive this shot as an alternative to maternal vaccination.
Additional vaccines for pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B may be necessary for women with specific risk factors. The organization advises discussing these options with healthcare providers.
Three additional vaccines are suggested either before conception or following delivery, providing protection against human papillomavirus; measles, mumps and rubella; and chickenpox.
The most significant departure from federal guidance concerns COVID-19 vaccination.
Kennedy declared last May that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy pregnant women and children — a decision that drew immediate criticism from multiple public health professionals.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not provide immediate responses to requests for comment.
Healthcare professionals addressed vaccination concerns during the guideline announcement event.
“Vaccine hesitancy is huge in this country right now,” said Carol Hayes of the American College of Nurse Midwives. “Patients come in all the time saying I’ve done my own research, and sadly, they’re doing research and they’re getting information that is not scientifically based.”
Sarah Vaillancourt of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health reported similar experiences among her organization’s membership. Social media platforms are contributing to the confusion, she noted.
Given this environment, she described the OB-GYN group’s effort to deliver reliable information to patients as “really useful.”
A veteran correspondent for The Associated Press who documented the fall of an authoritarian government and the rise of democratic rule during a turbulent era in the Philippines has passed away, according to his family. He was 82 years old.
The journalist died Sunday at a care facility in Kapolei, Hawaii, according to his wife, Leonor Briscoe. He had been battling amyloidosis since an April diagnosis, a condition where protein accumulation can cause damage to organs.
Throughout a distinguished career that took him across multiple decades and countries, the reporter applied his investigative instincts from his home state of Utah to the nation’s capital and eventually Hawaii. However, it was his position in Manila that placed him at the heart of his most significant assignment.
When he assumed leadership of the bureau in 1980, the correspondent documented the final years of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorial rule and the chaos that followed the murder of opposition figure Benigno Aquino Jr. Along with his team, he traveled throughout the nation using chartered aircraft, rental vehicles and on one occasion, a cart pulled by horses. Their work encompassed an intensive period of probes, official proceedings and an election campaign so unlikely it appeared fictional, featuring a hesitant widow propelled by circumstances to lead a democracy movement.
The dramatic finale, which saw Corazon Aquino rise to power while Marcos fled the country, left a lasting impression on the reporter. He remembered vivid scenes “of nuns kneeling in front of military tanks” and “soldiers and civilians crying in each other’s arms.”
“I expect to witness or cover no greater event in my life,” he wrote in AP World, an in-house magazine, in 1986, recounting his coverage of the upheaval.
Born July 30, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was the son of a labor organizer and a stay-at-home mother who brought up her two boys in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His passion for reporting developed at the University of Utah, where he contributed to the campus publication before landing a position at the Deseret News, handling death notices and profiles of exceptional local students.
Following a two-year stint at the paper, he enlisted in the Peace Corps and was stationed in Paracale, then Naga City, in the Philippines, teaching English. For someone who had barely ventured beyond Utah during his early years, each new experience felt like a discovery, from water buffalo emerging from mud pools to youngsters racing along unpaved streets.
He fell in love with his adopted country. When his Peace Corps service concluded, the idea of departing troubled him deeply. He secured employment with a regional publication, and while covering an event where Marcos was scheduled to appear, he encountered the former Leonor Aureus, who edited a competing newspaper. The couple soon married in a ceremony where they decorated the aisle with editions of The Naga Times and the Bicol Mail.
The AP brought him aboard in Manila in 1970, where he reported on a devastating earthquake that struck the capital, an attack on Pope Paul VI and an aircraft hijacking. However, by the following year, AP required him to work stateside. He relocated to Salt Lake, hoping circumstances might eventually return him to the Philippines.
Back in his birthplace, his relationship with his religious community began to deteriorate. His spouse recalls he faced church discipline after addressing the organization’s prohibition against Black men serving in its priesthood during a class he led. He opposed this policy. The church subsequently removed the restriction.
He also clashed with the church regarding a three-part investigation he co-authored with colleague Bill Beecham, exploring the organization’s complex business operations and member donations that the reporters calculated exceeded $1 billion annually. No Utah publication would publish their findings, according to the writing team.
After nine years in Salt Lake, his supervisors offered him the opportunity to return to Manila as bureau chief. He immediately called his wife with the announcement.
“Noree, are you sitting down?” she recalled him asking.
Following his six-year tenure leading the AP’s Philippines operation, he transferred to Washington in 1986, concentrating on global affairs. He served as bureau chief in Honolulu from 2001 until his 2009 retirement.
In Hawaii, wearing tropical shirts under the island sun, he could once again call a Pacific island his home. He described feeling “halfway back.”
Until his final moments, he treasured his Philippine years. As death approached, his loved ones surrounded him in prayer. He clasped his wife’s hand, expressed his love, and asked her to release him.
The family intends to charter a vessel and spread his ashes in Pacific waters, hoping ocean currents will carry his remains to his chosen homeland.
“The land that David learned to love,” his wife said, “and where he met the love of his life.”
A major conference addressing brownfield development across Delaware is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, in Wilmington, with DNREC serving as the host organization.
The event is designed for a diverse audience including environmental professionals, developers, municipal leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders who are encouraged to sign up now.
Those interested in attending can take advantage of reduced early bird registration rates, though this discounted pricing will expire on June 30.
General Motors is reconsidering its strategy to incorporate a cost-effective, iron-based battery technology that numerous car manufacturers have adopted to make electric vehicles more affordable, according to the company’s battery technology leader.
The Detroit-based manufacturer had previously announced intentions to create lithium-iron phosphate, known as LFP, batteries for upcoming electric vehicle models, with production scheduled to begin in late 2027 at a facility jointly operated in Tennessee.
However, GM’s battery chief Kurt Kelty informed Reuters that the company is now concentrating on advancing an alternative battery chemistry called lithium manganese-rich, or LMR. This technology reportedly costs approximately the same as LFP to produce domestically while offering superior energy storage capacity within identical weight and size parameters.
Kelty indicated that GM might abandon LFP technology for electric vehicle applications entirely. He noted that while the Tennessee facility will commence LFP cell production this month, those batteries are designated for energy storage systems rather than vehicles.
“There is a possibility where LFP does not earn its way into our portfolio,” Kelty stated after a GM event in San Francisco on Tuesday, describing LMR as the “workhorse” for the company. “That’s where we’re going to be using the big volume,” he added.
General Motors has invested over ten years developing LMR technology. Ford Motor, GM’s crosstown competitor, announced last year that it was working to scale LMR chemistry for future electric vehicles.
Despite LMR’s benefits, including reduced dependence on critical minerals, technical obstacles such as battery degradation during use mean widespread implementation isn’t anticipated in the near future, according to S&P Global’s assessment last year.
Avoiding LFP technology would represent a notable shift from the battery approaches employed by many of GM’s rivals.
Chinese automotive manufacturers led the adoption of the more affordable LFP chemistry, which offers lower energy density—resulting in reduced driving ranges—but provides cost savings and is considered safer and more long-lasting than the nickel-rich batteries favored by many American and European car makers.
Numerous international automakers, including Tesla, Rivian and Ford Motor, have incorporated LFP-based electric vehicles to reduce expenses and provide more budget-friendly electric alternatives as consumer interest in battery-powered vehicles has declined in the United States.
GM has launched more than twelve electric vehicles in the U.S. market over recent years, all utilizing more potent nickel-rich chemistry. However, its recently introduced Chevrolet Bolt, which serves as its most affordable electric vehicle for American consumers, employs LFP cells manufactured by Chinese battery company CATL, as reported by Reuters and other news organizations.
Last year, GM announced its objective to begin commercial LMR cell production at a domestic facility in 2028. While Kelty didn’t verify whether this timeline remains unchanged, he confirmed that LMR development “is on schedule.”
Federal prosecutors have sent legal demands to several major financial institutions as part of an investigation into whether banks inappropriately terminated customer accounts based on political motivations, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Wednesday.
The legal requests for information, with some issued as far back as last year, originated from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Jeanine Pirro.
The subpoenas asked financial institutions to supply lists of customers who were allegedly “debanked,” as well as documentation explaining the reasoning behind account terminations, according to the report.
The investigation includes JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, while Pirro’s office is also pursuing information from Wells Fargo, the report stated, referencing sources with knowledge of the matter.
When contacted for comment, JPMorgan Chase did not provide an immediate response to Reuters. Both Bank of America and Wells Fargo chose not to comment on the matter.
These subpoenas represent an escalation of President Donald Trump’s efforts to scrutinize major banks and their oversight agencies. In the previous year, he issued an executive order mandating that the banking sector verify it was not refusing financial services to certain controversial industries through what is commonly called “debanking.”
A previous examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency revealed that the nation’s nine largest banking institutions had historically implemented limitations on financial service provision.
WASHINGTON, June 10 – The technology company Oracle has been selected to deliver a human resources platform for federal agencies throughout the United States government, federal officials announced.
The company will supply a cloud-based human resources system designed to replace the separate systems currently operated by individual agencies, according to Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. The Office of Personnel Management serves as the federal government’s human resources department.
Oracle has not yet provided a response to media inquiries regarding the contract.
A Houston-based manufacturer of gas generators experienced a disappointing first day on Wall Street Wednesday as ERock’s stock price dropped 6.5% during its New York Stock Exchange debut.
The Texas company’s shares began trading at $20.10 each, falling short of the $21.50 offering price and giving the business a total valuation of $5.49 billion when fully diluted shares are included.
ERock successfully completed its initial public offering Tuesday, bringing in $600 million from investors.
The company’s market entrance occurs during a period of renewed activity in the U.S. IPO market following previous challenges from market instability and global political tensions.
While investors have shown strong enthusiasm for businesses positioned to capitalize on increasing energy needs from data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, ERock’s performance stood in contrast to the positive market response received by competitor Innio during its Nasdaq launch the previous week.
According to IPO documentation, the company’s contracted power system sales backlog experienced dramatic growth, jumping nearly nine times compared to the previous year to reach $1.28 billion as of March 31.
Chief Executive Officer John Carrington informed Reuters that approximately $1.1 billion of this backlog stems from AI data center projects, demonstrating the company’s increasing involvement in this expanding sector.
“We decided that it was the right time (to go public) because our projects were getting bigger and bigger,” Carrington said.
The filing also reveals that ERock is collaborating with El Paso Electric to supply 366 megawatts of onsite power generation for Meta’s $10 billion AI data center project in El Paso.
Carrington explained that updating a large language model at a data center can create substantial increases in power requirements, and ERock’s systems are designed to quickly adapt to these fluctuations while keeping power output consistent.
Fishing enthusiasts across Maryland have abundant opportunities this week, spanning from the Ocean City coastline to the cooler mountain waters in the western part of the state.
This Saturday, June 13, marks the second complimentary fishing day of 2026, allowing anglers over 16 to fish legally in all Maryland waters without requiring a license. The third and final free fishing day will occur on July 4 for those without licenses who want to try the sport. Licensed anglers are encouraged to bring friends along.
With rising temperatures, the Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast serves as an awareness initiative designed to minimize striped bass deaths from catch-and-release fishing during hot conditions. The Department of Natural Resources monitors temperature predictions and provides daily recommendations for the upcoming week.
Weekly Forecast Summary: June 3-9
According to NOAA buoy data, main Bay surface and river mouth water temperatures have increased slightly to the mid-70s and are expected to continue climbing throughout the week. Smaller rivers and streams have also warmed to the upper 70s. With these warmer waters, bottom oxygen levels are beginning to decline. Currently, most Bay bottom waters maintain adequate oxygen except near Colonial Beach in the Potomac River and from Swan Point down to the Bay Bridge area.
Most Maryland rivers and streams are experiencing below-average flows. Water clarity remains average for most Maryland portions of the Bay and rivers. Above-average tidal currents are expected Thursday through Tuesday due to Monday’s new moon on June 15. This month brings “king tides” with higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides. Horseshoe crabs should begin appearing on local beaches with salinities above 6ppt for their spring spawning migration.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
Fishermen are targeting striped bass, Chesapeake Channa, and blue catfish at the Conowingo Dam pool and lower Susquehanna River this week. Heavy spinning tackle with topwater lures, paddletails, and cut bait work best when cast into the turbine wash. Early morning and evening hours provide optimal times for topwater fishing at the dam pool and Susquehanna Flats edges.
Blue catfish fishing remains strong in the upper Bay’s tidal rivers, despite larger females actively spawning. Smaller blue catfish are plentiful, while those targeting larger specimens should focus on deep submerged structure. The Susquehanna River mouth and Chester River contain some of the highest blue catfish populations.
Striped bass fishing in shallower upper Bay waters is productive this week. Good water clarity, temperatures slightly above 70 degrees, and predicted overcast conditions create favorable circumstances. Waters around Pooles Island, Swan Point, Love Point, the Patapsco mouth/Key Bridge area, and Baltimore Harbor offer excellent jigging with soft plastics or live-lining spot opportunities.
Small spot perfect for live-lining striped bass can be found in the Chester River near Hail Point, near the Magothy River mouth, and the Bay Bridge’s west side and Sandy Point area. White perch sometimes mix in, with bloodworm pieces serving as the preferred bait.
Middle Bay
The Bay Bridge Piers continue delivering excellent striped bass fishing this week. Anglers anchor up-current and drift live spot, cut bait, or soft crab baits back to pier foundations. The first set of eight-legged bridge piers on the eastern side typically marks the 30-foot drop-off sweet spot for drifting baits. Rock piles shouldn’t be overlooked, while other anglers find success casting soft plastic jigs, bucktails, and paddletails to pier bases in shallower bridge areas.
Kent Narrows has provided good striped bass fishing recently. Boats drift in the current while jigging with soft plastics. White perch fishing has also been productive in Kent Narrows, Eastern Bay, the Poplar Island breakwater, and shallower waters of the lower Choptank and Little Choptank rivers. These locations are ideal for casting poppers and similar topwater lures plus paddletails during morning and evening hours.
Live-lining for striped bass is gaining popularity as spot become more available. Many hard-bottom areas hold small spot, croaker, and some white perch. Bottom rigs with bloodworm pieces are essential for catching spot. The channel edge near Buoy 83 south to the False Channel provides good live-lining opportunities. On the Bay’s western side, Thomas Point offers live-lining and jigging success for striped bass.
Lower Bay
Lower Bay anglers have multiple fish species and diverse fishing locations available. Striped bass inhabit shallow Bay waters and tidal rivers. Grass beds along Tangier Sound marshes, the Hoopers Island area, and western Bay locations like the St. Marys River are excellent areas for casting topwater lures and paddletails. Most anglers target striped bass, but speckled trout and bluefish may also be caught.
Jigging and live-lining remain popular along channel edges of the lower Potomac between St. Georges and Piney Point and St. Clements Island, plus various channel edges and 30-foot edges off Cedar and Cove points. Anywhere striped bass appear suspended along deep edges provides action opportunities. The lack of rainfall in the Chesapeake watershed has created very clear water conditions, prompting many to switch to fluorocarbon leaders.
Large red drum provide exciting catch-and-release action throughout many lower Bay areas. During morning and evening hours, they can be encountered in shallow waters of Tangier Sound, near Point Lookout, and Hoopers Island. Deeper Tangier Sound waters near the Target Ship and Middle Grounds are good red drum locations.
Blue Crabs
Recreational crabbers are beginning to see improved catches as more crabs shed into legal sizes. Middle and lower Bay regions typically provide the best results. Crabbers report finding crabs in 8 to 12 feet of water, with smaller crabs in shallower areas.
Freshwater Fishing
Spring trout stocking season has concluded, with stocking resuming in October. Group 1 Delayed Harvest Areas have been open for anglers to keep five trout daily since June 1. Group II Delayed Harvest Areas open next Tuesday, June 16, including sections of the Casselman, North Branch of the Potomac, and Youghiogheny rivers.
Largemouth bass fishing continues being excellent this month. Water temperatures remain cool enough for largemouth bass to feed throughout most of the day. Topwater frogs, buzzbaits, and chatterbaits work well in or near grass beds. Spinnerbaits, paddletails, jerkbaits, and crankbaits can be good choices in transition areas.
Anglers find good Chesapeake Channa fishing in many of the Chesapeake’s tidal rivers this month, despite spawning activity. The Conowingo Dam pool remains an excellent location since it’s a dead end for their travels. Bush and Gunpowder rivers are upper Bay favorites, while Dorchester back waters and the Nanticoke River are Eastern Shore preferences.
Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays
Surf fishing at Assateague Island is settling into typical summer patterns. Kingfish are reported in the surf with clearnose skates ever-present. Anglers using large baits catch and release striped bass, red drum, and some inshore sharks. Bluefish tend to be the most commonly caught fish this week.
At Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area, bluefish and striped bass are being caught by casting soft plastic jigs or drifting cut bait. Sheepshead are becoming more common around structure, caught on sand fleas. Flounder consistently move through the inlet, with channels leading away from the inlet providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Offshore fishing at the canyons for yellowfin tuna and dolphin has been inconsistent, with not all anglers returning with impressive catches. Many captains are taking time from trolling for deep drop fishing for golden and blueline tilefish to ensure something to take home.
NEWARK, Del. – A University of Delaware field hockey player recently achieved a milestone that places her among the sport’s top competitors after representing the United States on the international stage.
Sarah Rigual, an upcoming senior with the Blue Hens field hockey program, earned the honor of wearing Team USA colors during the Junior Pan American Cup competition that took place in April. The student-athlete competed as part of the USA U-21 Women’s National Team during the tournament.
The experience marks a significant achievement for Rigual, who joined an exclusive group of athletes selected to represent their country in international field hockey competition at the under-21 level.
The latest federal agricultural data shows positive growth trends in the nation’s poultry industry, with broiler production indicators rising across the board.
According to new statistics, the number of broiler-type eggs set throughout the United States has increased by 2 percent. Similarly, the placement of broiler-type chicks nationwide also climbed by 2 percent during the same period.
These figures suggest steady expansion in the country’s chicken meat production sector, which supplies a significant portion of protein consumed by American families.
New Castle County police have taken a suspect into custody on charges of forgery and theft following an investigation into fraudulent activity at a Claymont apartment community.
Starting in March 2026, law enforcement officers from the New Castle County Division of Police received numerous fraud complaints from residents at The Edge at Greentree apartment complex located in the 19703 area. Multiple tenants contacted authorities after being informed by management that their monthly rent payments had not been received, even though the residents had already made their payments.
Police continued their investigation into the suspicious pattern of missing rent payments at the apartment community.
As soccer enthusiasts across the globe celebrate and commiserate over World Cup games throughout North America, public health authorities are maintaining vigilant watch for potential disease outbreaks.
While extreme heat presents the most apparent health risk, contagious illnesses can rapidly transmit through large crowds. Health experts are closely monitoring sewage systems, emergency room data, and social media platforms to detect early indicators of possible disease transmission.
The highly transmissible measles virus tops the list of health concerns, prompting an alert this week from the Pan American Health Organization. With nearly six weeks of crowded stadiums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions across 16 cities, authorities are tracking numerous potential infections, including norovirus and mosquito-transmitted dengue fever.
“This is truly a marathon,” said Palak Raval-Nelson, Philadelphia’s health commissioner.
These large-scale events occur during a challenging period for financially constrained health agencies nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, significantly impacted by staffing reductions during the Trump administration, is simultaneously managing an expanding Ebola outbreak in central Africa and a cruise ship hantavirus situation. Although CDC officials have provided guidance to state and local health departments, their anticipated World Cup disease monitoring dashboard remained “in final development” just days before competition started, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Our public health professionals are pretty stretched,” said global health specialist Rebecca Katz of Georgetown University, who is leading an unusual new hub to help.
The Health Security Operations Center, a collaborative initiative between Georgetown and MedStar Health, is examining information from nationwide sources to notify health officials and emergency departments about potential warning signs. This facility distributes daily situation updates regarding disease patterns near World Cup venues and team training facilities to hundreds of local and federal health organizations, emergency coordinators, hospital administrators, and other registered recipients.
“It’s important that we don’t become alarmist,” said MedStar emergency medicine specialist Dr. Shane Kappler. “We’re trying to be the insurance policy.”
More than 2,000 Americans have contracted measles this year, approaching the total count from the previous year, CDC data shows. Infected individuals can transmit measles before developing the characteristic rash and recognizing their illness. Previously, the United States rarely encountered measles cases except through international travel by unvaccinated individuals.
Currently, with regular domestic outbreaks occurring, “actually a lot of our international partners are worried about measles being exported to them after the games,” said Georgetown’s Katz.
Canada is also experiencing measles transmission, while Mexico has recorded over 11,000 cases, according to PAHO. The organization encourages soccer fans to verify their vaccination status through a health initiative warning that one measles patient can infect up to 18 vulnerable individuals.
Brown University’s Dr. Craig Spencer, who recovered from Ebola during his work in the West Africa outbreak more than a decade ago, noted frequent inquiries about Ebola risks during the World Cup — but “for me, Ebola is not the No. 1 or No. 2 or even No. 3 threat.”
“I am concerned about importation of measles, I am much more concerned about the importation of other infectious threats that may not seem as scary to us as Ebola,” Spencer said.
Most health professionals concur that Ebola transmission risk in the United States remains minimal. This assessment stems partly from government travel screening procedures and restrictions on individuals recently present in outbreak zones. Additionally, Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids from symptomatic patients, rather than airborne transmission like measles or respiratory infections.
“One fortunate thing about this virus is you’re most contagious when you’re really quite ill. It’s not like COVID, where you could be sitting next to someone who doesn’t even know they’re infected and perhaps contract the virus,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of Brown’s Pandemic Center.
Individuals carrying certain viral or bacterial infections release genetic traces detectable through advanced sewage testing, creating an early alert system. For instance, measles evidence can emerge in wastewater several days before emergency departments encounter initial patients.
Current surveillance updates from Katz’s center indicate that recent wastewater analysis identified diarrhea-causing rotavirus, hepatitis A, and norovirus in various U.S. regions — developments worth monitoring as soccer audiences gather.
Dallas authorities have intensified wastewater monitoring, including at the international airport, employing broad screening rather than targeting specific diseases, explained Dr. Phil Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services.
His department is also expanding routine mosquito surveillance, testing not only for West Nile virus commonly found domestically but also for infections more prevalent in other nations like dengue and chikungunya.
Health officials have spent months preparing, Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson explained, conducting practice emergency exercises and establishing communication networks with colleagues nationwide.
“I don’t want to send a message that there’s one key thing,” she said. “We have the frameworks in place to carry out what we need to.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for parts of the Delmarva region, with heat index values reaching up to 104 degrees from Thursday morning through Friday evening.
The advisory affects New Castle County in Delaware, along with portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. The dangerous heat and humidity combination will be in effect from 11 AM Thursday until 8 PM Friday.
Health officials warn that these conditions may cause heat-related illnesses. Residents should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned areas, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. When going outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Some relief may come from scattered showers and thunderstorms expected Thursday and Friday afternoons, though humidity levels will remain high. Much more comfortable conditions are forecast for the weekend as a cold front moves through the area.
If you don’t have air conditioning or adequate shelter, call 211 for assistance locating cooling centers. Check on elderly relatives and neighbors during this heat event, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion including dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating.
The Heat Advisory expires Friday at 8 PM.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a heat advisory that went into effect Monday at 2:36 PM EDT and will remain in place until Wednesday at 8:00 PM EDT.
The weather service issued the advisory on June 10th, warning of dangerous heat conditions that will persist through the middle of the week.
Residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during this period of elevated temperatures and heat-related risks.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual gathering delivered a decisive vote Wednesday to move forward with a constitutional amendment that would formally exclude churches employing women pastors, reinforcing the denomination’s position that only men should lead congregations in America’s largest Protestant faith group.
The proposed constitutional change would strengthen current restrictions within the Southern Baptist Convention, which already maintains doctrinal statements rejecting female pastoral leadership.
Wednesday’s tally showed 6,028 delegates supporting the measure compared to 2,026 opposing it — achieving the necessary two-thirds majority with room to spare. The proposal must receive another two-thirds approval at next year’s annual gathering to officially join the denomination’s governing documents.
Albert Mohler, who championed the amendment, described it as tackling a fundamental denominational question.
“This is an opportunity for Southern Baptists to speak in truth, in unity, in conviction,” stated Mohler, who serves as president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. “There’s a great line that divides liberal and biblical evangelicalism, and you can see it on this very issue. The trajectory of liberal denominations is clear.”
Floor discussion remained limited, with no speakers defending women’s pastoral roles during the brief debate period.
The single voice of dissent came from South Carolina pastor Doug Mize, who argued the proposal was unnecessary since the denomination already possesses tools to remove churches with female senior pastors and has exercised this authority repeatedly.
“What we have already works,” he stated.
Convention leadership points to scriptural texts they interpret as restricting pastoral duties to men, while supporters of women’s ministry reference biblical verses emphasizing gender equality before God and examples of women called to share the gospel message.
Although the SBC cannot dictate policies to its autonomous member churches, the organization retains authority to remove congregations from convention membership by declaring them outside “friendly cooperation.”
Broad consensus already exists within the denomination that current doctrinal statements reject women serving as senior pastors who head congregations. Ongoing discussions have focused on establishing boundaries regarding churches where women hold assistant pastoral positions or preaching responsibilities.
“We need constitutional clarity on this issue,” Mohler explained. He played a key role in creating the original prohibition, which gained approval in 2000.
The amendment’s text mandates excluding any church that chooses “to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”
Wednesday’s decision concluded the convention’s two-day annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, which drew more than 11,000 delegates, called messengers.
During the past three annual meetings, delegate majorities supported amending the SBC constitution to prohibit churches with women in pastoral positions. However, only one of those attempts achieved the required two-thirds supermajority, leaving the issue unresolved.
The denomination has previously expelled churches with women in senior pastoral roles, including California’s large Saddleback Church, citing existing constitutional language that bars churches whose “faith and practice” conflicts with denominational standards.
The SBC’s position contrasts sharply with numerous established, more liberal Protestant denominations that ordain women and have elevated them to top leadership positions. Conservative evangelical denominations show varied approaches — especially within Pentecostal and charismatic movements, where notable women pastors include Paula White-Cain, who headed President Donald Trump’s White House Faith Office.
However, other conservative Protestant groups also refuse to ordain women as clergy. The Catholic and Orthodox churches — representing the world’s two largest Christian communities — limit priesthood ordination to men only.
Baptist Women in Ministry, an organization supporting female ministers across various Baptist denominations, released a statement condemning the vote.
“We express our solidarity with the women in ministry who have been harmed by this vote, the hateful rhetoric and propaganda leading up to the vote, and the damaging theology the vote represents,” the statement read. “Women in ministry deserve affirmation, respect, and the opportunity to follow God’s call. We are heartbroken that they have been denied those fundamental freedoms in the process of this vote.”
Later Wednesday, SBC messengers also considered a non-binding resolution containing similar language opposing women pastors, requiring only a simple majority for passage. Additional resolutions addressing topics from immigration to antisemitism were also scheduled for votes.
On Tuesday, delegates selected Florida pastor Willy Rice as their next president, capturing 58% of votes against South Carolina pastor Josh Powell.
Rice endorsed the amendment prohibiting churches with women pastors, as did Powell and the SBC’s outgoing president, Clint Pressley.
Rice, who leads Calvary Church in Clearwater as senior pastor, received backing from advocacy organizations like the Center for Baptist Leadership, which contend SBC leadership has embraced “woke” positions on topics including race, gender, and immigration.
The denomination already maintains strongly conservative stances, from opposing abortion to declaring pastoral offices limited to men through faith statements. Recent internal SBC debates have centered on how far to shift toward the religious and political right.
A commemorative blue plaque was installed Wednesday at the London residence where legendary British actor Laurence Olivier spent his childhood years, celebrating what many consider Britain’s finest stage performer of all time.
The ceremony took place at 22 Lupus Street in Pimlico, where Ian McKellen revealed the plaque honoring the location where Olivier first began his acting journey as a young boy.
“For those of us who were lucky enough to have seen him in the theater, it’s of course quite right that, because he was the leader of our profession for so many years, it’s appropriate that this should be put up,” McKellen told The Associated Press following the ceremony. “Actors go out of fashion very quickly, but I’ve a feeling that this man’s name will never be forgotten, and because of this plaque.”
The legendary performer resided at this address from ages 6 through 11. During his time there, he allegedly created his own theatrical space using a wooden box and blue curtains as an improvised stage, where he would spend countless hours singing, dancing, and performing.
The acclaimed actor gained recognition primarily for his Shakespearean performances, taking on legendary roles throughout London theaters including Hamlet, Henry V, Macbeth and, in a controversial casting choice, Othello. His portrayal of Hamlet earned him his sole Academy Award for best actor in 1949. His notable film appearances included “Rebecca,” “Wuthering Heights,” “Marathon Man” and “Sleuth.”
The city of London benefited greatly from Olivier’s advocacy, particularly his efforts to establish the National Theatre. The facility that currently houses the theater opened its doors officially in 1976, with its main auditorium bearing Olivier’s name.
“Laurence Olivier transformed British theater and film through the brilliance, range and intensity of his performances,” stated English Heritage senior historian Howard Spencer. “The plaque celebrates the formative home where one of Britain’s greatest cultural figures first found his voice as an actor.”
London’s prestigious theater awards, known as the Olivier Awards, bear his name in recognition of his contributions to the theatrical community.
The capital’s blue plaque initiative has operated for more than 150 years, honoring distinguished individuals who called London home during their lives. Over 900 official plaques currently exist throughout the city.
The initial plaque honored poet Lord Byron in 1867, though that building no longer stands. The most ancient remaining plaque recognizes Napoleon III, France’s last emperor.
Financial services company Visa announced Wednesday it has integrated its payment system with ChatGPT, enabling the artificial intelligence platform to shop for items and process payments for users automatically.
This development allows AI assistants to not just suggest products but actually complete purchases for customers at any business that accepts Visa cards. Earlier technological efforts by the payment network were restricted to individual retailers or small groups of participating stores.
This marks another venture into online shopping for OpenAI. The company previously launched Instant Checkout last year, which enabled ChatGPT to search the web for specific products like a virtual shopping assistant. However, that service experienced frequent mistakes and failed to gain traction among retailers because of OpenAI’s merchant fees. The company discontinued Instant Checkout in March.
The new Visa partnership differs from OpenAI’s earlier shopping initiatives, as it will enable customers to connect their Visa payment cards directly to ChatGPT for purchases and streamline transaction processing for businesses.
OpenAI will supply the technology enabling AI assistants to communicate, make choices and complete purchases through ChatGPT. Visa, which operates the largest payment network globally outside China, will handle payment processing and fraud detection required for widespread implementation.
“As AI agents become active participants in the economy, Visa’s focus is to ensure transactions are trusted, secure and seamless,” said Jack Forestell, chief product and strategy officer at Visa.
During a company presentation Wednesday in San Francisco, Forestell demonstrated how a user might ask ChatGPT to find wireless headphones priced below $150. The AI would locate suitable options meeting those criteria and purchase them for the customer.
Neither Visa nor OpenAI revealed the financial details of their partnership or specified what fees businesses or consumers would face.
The previous Instant Checkout service required merchants to pay 4% of each transaction’s total, which businesses considered excessive.
Enabling AI systems to make purchases for consumers creates potential issues for financial institutions and retailers. Users might exceed their budgets, the AI could select incorrect items, or customers might dispute transactions they claim they never authorized. Banks have expressed concerns about possible fraud complaints when AI agents use customers’ credit or debit cards.
Visa states the new feature will include protective measures such as spending caps, mandatory approval processes and pre-approved merchant lists to safeguard consumers and reduce fraudulent activity.
Retailers have deployed AI-powered shopping assistants that can suggest products and customize the shopping experience, with Amazon’s Alexa being among the earliest examples. However, Alexa was limited to Amazon purchases only, and OpenAI’s Instant Checkout worked with just selected retailers.
Mastercard, Visa’s primary rival, has also been developing AI shopping capabilities for its payment network on a more limited basis.
Mastercard revealed that AI agents will be able to purchase services for businesses. For instance, a coffee shop planning to launch an advertising campaign could authorize an AI agent to buy services from web and advertising companies to develop the promotional effort.
Federal authorities in Detroit announced charges Wednesday against eight pro-Palestinian activists accused of orchestrating an intimidation scheme targeting University of Michigan administrators in an effort to pressure the institution into severing financial connections with Israel.
The criminal charges also encompass acts of vandalism directed at Michigan-based businesses and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
“In America, we rule by law not by fear. These alleged threats and attempts to terrorize government officials, businesses, and the Jewish Federation are anti-American. We will counter intimidation with justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr.
The charging document outlines multiple high-profile incidents from recent years, including the placement of fake bloodied corpses on a university board member’s property and the spray-painting of anti-Israel slogans at the residence of then-university president Santa Ono.
“They marked their victims with threatening symbols used by Hamas, including red inverted triangles and red handprints,” the indictment states. “They used the internet and social media to broadcast their message to ensure their threats and commitment to continuing criminal activity were heard by their victims and others who support Israel.”
Six defendants were scheduled for initial federal court hearings Wednesday in Detroit. According to U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Gina Balaya, one individual was taken into custody in Wisconsin while another remained at large.
The Associated Press was unable to immediately contact the defendants or their legal representatives for statements.
Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, pro-Palestinian demonstrators have pressured the University of Michigan to divest its endowment from companies connected to Israel. However, university officials maintain they hold no direct investments and have less than $15 million in funds that potentially include Israeli companies, representing under 0.1% of their total endowment.
Police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus in 2024 after it remained for one month. University administrators cited public safety concerns as the reason for the removal.
Federal investigators executed a search warrant Wednesday at an aerospace manufacturing plant in Southern California where a dangerous chemical incident last month led to the evacuation of 50,000 area residents.
A federal judge authorized the warrant last week, allowing agents to collect documents and materials concerning how methyl methacrylate was “stored, used, or disposed of” at the facility, according to court papers.
The search authorization also covered “samples of the substance within any tank, tote, drum, vat, vessel, or container suspected of containing or having previously contained methyl methacrylate and/or any hazardous substance,” the warrant stated.
Additionally, investigators were directed to gather documentation about “any cooling equipment or other equipment used to control or regulate the temperature of methyl methacrylate.”
The FBI verified that agents conducted the search at the facility operated by GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, located in Garden Grove in Orange County.
The company produces aircraft cockpit windows, canopies and windshields. During the incident, a storage tank holding between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons (22,700 to 26,500 liters) of methyl methacrylate experienced overheating. This highly combustible liquid serves as a raw material for manufacturing plastics and protective coatings, including products like Plexiglas and dental prosthetics.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, contact with this chemical can result in severe breathing difficulties, nervous system complications, and irritation affecting skin, eyes and throat.
When asked about the federal probe, a company representative responded to the AP Wednesday morning: “We are cooperating with authorities at our Garden Grove facility and will continue to do so.”
During a community gathering Tuesday night, GKN’s Steve Carlin addressed local residents. He expressed gratitude toward emergency responders and community officials who handled the situation at the facility, which provides employment for over 500 workers, while offering an apology to neighbors.
“On behalf of GKN and the Garden Grove plant I want to say that I’m sorry that this event and this incident occurred. I understand and I realized sitting here tonight what a disruptive event it was and how unsettling it is to the greater community. Particularly unsettling to us at GKN because of the long history that we have with Garden Grove and how connected we are to this community.”
Carlin indicated the company’s willingness to organize a public forum for community questions. However, he noted Tuesday that investigators are still in early stages of determining what occurred, making it premature to decide what remedial steps the company might implement.
Meanwhile, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has launched its own criminal probe into the aerospace plant, confirmed DA spokesperson Kimberly Edds.
“We have sent a preservation letter to GKN directing them not to modify or destroy any evidence, which the company’s outside counsel confirmed receipt,” Edds stated in an email to The Associated Press.
Approximately twelve individuals and businesses affected by the mass evacuation during the chemical incident have initiated federal court cases against the manufacturer.
Local health authorities have provided assurance that no dangerous materials or vapors escaped into the environment, pledging continued air quality monitoring for several months along with testing of sewage and drainage systems.
Rehoboth Beach commissioners unanimously approved new legislation Monday, June 8, requiring safety inspections for aging multi-story structures within city limits. The measure modifies Chapter 208 of the municipal property maintenance code by implementing mandatory inspection protocols for qualifying older buildings and their external components.
The newly established Aged Building Safety Inspection Program targets multi-story structures, aging properties, and buildings exposed to coastal conditions throughout Rehoboth Beach. Licensed engineers and architects will conduct regular evaluations to detect structural problems, exterior wall issues, balcony dangers, and additional safety risks that may emerge as buildings age. Officials designed the initiative to prevent catastrophic incidents similar to the Surfside, Florida building collapse through mandatory professional assessments and prompt repair requirements.
Buildings measuring four stories or higher, exceeding 50 feet in height, or designated as high-risk by city officials must receive structural evaluations every decade and exterior inspections every five years, beginning when structures turn 30 years old.
Single-family detached residences remain exempt from these requirements.
Smaller structures showing signs of balcony deterioration or visible external problems may face additional limited inspection mandates.
Building owners must arrange for Delaware-licensed engineers or architects to conduct evaluations, file inspection reports, complete necessary repairs, and pay all related expenses.
City officials retain authority to enforce program compliance, mandate safety precautions when hazards emerge, and require disclosure of outstanding inspection or repair issues during property sales or transfers.
The comprehensive program seeks to safeguard community welfare by detecting and addressing hazardous building conditions before they pose serious threats.
The federal government’s budget shortfall for May decreased by $23 billion, dropping 7% to $293 billion, primarily because of timing differences in benefit payment schedules compared to the previous year, according to Wednesday’s announcement from the Treasury Department. Both government spending and revenue declined during the month, with income taking a substantial blow from tariff refund payments related to President Donald Trump’s emergency trade duties.
Treasury officials reported that tariff refund payments reached $21.97 billion in May, while incoming customs revenue totaled $21.93 billion, resulting in a net outflow of $42 million from customs operations during the month.
The refund process began after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency started returning approximately $166 billion in trade duties that were collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in February. Before these refunds began, customs revenue had represented a major income stream for the Treasury, with monthly collections reaching the low $30 billion range in late 2025.
Government revenue for May dropped $36 billion, a 10% decrease to $336 billion when compared to May 2025, while government expenditures fell $59 billion, representing a 9% decline to $628 billion.
However, when accounting for payment timing adjustments that moved some June 2025 disbursements into May of that year, Treasury officials noted that the adjusted May budget shortfall of $293 billion actually represents a $71 billion or 32% increase from the previous year.
For the initial eight months of fiscal year 2026, which began October 1, the cumulative budget deficit reached $1.246 trillion, representing a $118 billion or 9% decrease on an unadjusted basis.
BRUSSELS, June 10 (Reuters) — Belgium has given Tesla permission to deploy its Full Self-Driving supervised driver assistance technology, according to an announcement made Wednesday by Annick De Ridder, the transport minister of Flanders region.
“I just signed the approval,” De Ridder stated in a social media post on X, which included a photograph of the official signed authorization document.
The authorization comes after Tesla completed a successful testing program within the country, according to the minister. Under Belgian law, permits issued by any of the nation’s three regions apply across the entire country.
This makes Belgium the third nation within the European Union to grant such authorization, joining the Netherlands and Lithuania in approving the technology.
The chief executive of alternative asset manager Ares disclosed Wednesday that international investors were behind most withdrawal requests from the company’s private credit fund designed for wealthy clients.
Speaking at the Morgan Stanley U.S. Financials conference in New York, Michael Arougheti revealed specific details about the redemption activity.
“We had 11% redemption requests. It was from less than 5% of our investors. It was largely concentrated in small institutions and family offices, not in the U.S.,” Arougheti stated during his presentation.
The alternative asset manager had earlier described these withdrawal requests as originating from “select geographies” without providing additional specifics.
The disclosure comes as affluent investors withdrew more capital than they invested in private credit funds managed by various asset managers during the early months of this year. Market concerns centered on issues including transparency, lending practices, and questions about how technology firms that borrowed significantly from direct lenders would handle challenges posed by artificial intelligence developments.
Despite the withdrawal activity, Arougheti expressed optimism about the sector’s future prospects.
Arougheti indicated this situation provided him with “confidence that the markets will grow through this.”
The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it will contribute another $20 million toward combating the Ebola outbreak in Africa, raising America’s total direct assistance to more than $220 million.
According to a department statement, the funding will support emergency preparedness initiatives in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. The assistance will help establish national emergency operations centers and bolster surveillance capabilities, testing procedures, border screening measures, and infection prevention and control protocols.
The funding will also assist these nations in distributing essential supplies and caring for Ebola patients, according to the statement.
Olympic organizers for the 2028 Los Angeles Games are coordinating with federal agencies to prevent the type of visa problems and entry denials that have affected participants in the ongoing soccer World Cup, according to International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, who spoke Wednesday.
“I am confident that in two years we will be able to overcome a number of the challenges that the World Cup is facing right now. But I think that also takes collaboration and learning,” Coventry stated during a media briefing in Lausanne following an IOC executive board session.
IOC sports director Pierre Ducrey noted that specialized staff within the organizing committee are addressing these concerns.
“They have an office in Washington, there is a strong relationship they are building with the authorities, with the right agencies that will have to be involved in this process,” Ducrey explained.
“I think it’s also a lot about explaining who is going to be coming, the profile of the people, the role they have to play so that we can also spend a lot of time educating the agencies and make sure we are all on the same page regarding what is going to happen in 2028.”
Entry complications have already emerged during the World Cup, which started Thursday across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s national team relocated their preparation camp from Arizona to Mexico and will only be permitted U.S. entry one day prior to each of their three games, while a referee from Somalia was refused American entry just days before competition began.
During the Lausanne gathering, IOC executive board members endorsed adding ski mountaineering, which premiered at February’s Milano Cortina Olympics, to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
“The French Alps organising committee proposed… to add ski mountaineering to the 2030 Winter Olympic programme edition. The (executive board) has decided to approve this and will put that forward to our session in two weeks,” Coventry announced.
Board members rejected including “crossover sports” like cyclocross for the 2030 Games while keeping future possibilities open.
“We decided, very clear, for the upcoming Winter Olympics that we would like to keep the identity of winter sports of snow and ice… no crossover at the moment. It could be in the future,” stated Karl Stoss, chair of the Olympic programme working group.
The IOC’s 146th session will convene June 24 and 25 in Lausanne.
WASHINGTON – Federal authorities announced Wednesday they are placing sanctions on 11 individuals and organizations accused of helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian military obtain weapons, with the majority of those targeted operating out of China and Hong Kong.
According to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, nine of the sanctioned parties were individuals and businesses based in China and Hong Kong who helped Iran’s military acquire weapons. The sanctions also target a Hong Kong-based company that operates within Iran’s secret banking network.
Treasury officials said the U.S. State Department simultaneously sanctioned two additional companies and individuals located in Iran and Belarus for their involvement in Iran’s conventional weapons activities.
The NHL Players’ Association has requested the league conduct an investigation into Mike Babcock’s troubled time with the Columbus Blue Jackets before Edmonton or any other team can bring him on as head coach, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke Wednesday.
The union’s request comes after reports emerged that the Oilers have shown interest in bringing Babcock aboard. Both sources provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions.
It remains unclear if the league has begun or resumed looking into the experienced coach, who has faced mounting criticism in recent years over his methods with players. The league must approve all coaching appointments.
Babcock stepped down from his position with the Blue Jackets in September 2023, just under three months after accepting the role. His departure followed backlash over his practice of requesting personal photographs from players as a way to build relationships, which many viewed as crossing privacy boundaries.
“Our players deserve to be treated with respect in the workplace,” NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh stated at that time. “Unfortunately, that was not the case in Columbus. The club’s decision to move forward with a new head coach is the appropriate course of action.”
While the union examined the circumstances, the NHL abandoned its planned probe into the matter after Babcock resigned.
The 63-year-old coach, who celebrated his birthday on April 29, hasn’t led a team in the league since Toronto dismissed him just 23 games into the 2019-20 campaign. His resume includes guiding Detroit to a Stanley Cup championship in 2008, leading the Red Wings to the finals in ’09 and Anaheim in ’03, plus coaching Canada to consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2010 and ’14.
Despite once being regarded as among the elite in his field, former players have criticized Babcock’s traditional methods that some characterize as harassment.
Following his dismissal from the Maple Leafs, reports emerged that he had instructed a player to rank teammates from most to least hardworking, then disclosed those rankings to the entire team. Former Red Wings player Johan Franzen told Swedish media that Babcock was the most unpleasant individual he had encountered and described feeling afraid to enter the arena.
Edmonton is searching for someone to replace Kris Knoblauch after dismissing him following their first-round playoff elimination, despite reaching the finals in the previous two seasons. The team sought Vegas’s approval to interview recently dismissed coach Bruce Cassidy, but the Golden Knights declined since he remains under contract through the upcoming season.
The NHL Coaches’ Association voiced displeasure regarding the situation. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated last week that Vegas violated no regulations by refusing permission.
“We don’t find it unreasonable because we’re allowing it to happen,” he explained. “I do think Vegas is clearly within their contractual rights to do what they’re doing.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for northern Delaware and surrounding areas, warning residents to prepare for dangerously hot conditions through Friday evening.
Heat index values could reach as high as 103 degrees from 11 AM Thursday through 8 PM Friday. The advisory affects New Castle County in Delaware, along with parts of southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” warns the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, which issued the advisory early Tuesday morning.
Health officials urge residents to take precautions during the extreme heat. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours. If you must be outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Pay special attention to elderly neighbors and relatives, who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
For those without air conditioning, call 211 or visit your county health department website to find cooling centers and shelters.
The Heat Advisory expires Friday at 8 PM. Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates.
Over 80 dairy industry board members and young farmers visited Capitol Hill today to lobby approximately 100 congressional offices during their yearly advocacy event, pushing for action on agricultural workforce issues and the recent reappearance of New World screwworm in America.
The Capitol Hill meetings followed the organization’s June board gathering on Tuesday, which featured presentations from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and Ambassador Julie Callahan discussing the agricultural economy and international trade environment.
“We know what we need to do,” stated NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud before the advocacy event began. “We will push in every way we can to make things happen.”
Additional priorities that organization members promoted during their congressional visits included:
Securing passage of a comprehensive farm bill through Congress by 2026
Preserving availability of all milk varieties in school nutrition programs
Advancing the DAIRY PRIDE Act to protect milk labeling standards
Encouraging legislators to pressure the administration to enhance dairy protections during USMCA trade agreement renewal.
The organization also announced the addition of Ted Vander Schaaf from Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold as a new board member and welcomed Illinois Farm Bureau as a new associate member.
The Young Cooperators program coordinated the congressional outreach effort. The group also conducted committee sessions and hosted an Artificial Intelligence workshop for cooperative leaders. Organization leadership will continue their meetings throughout the week, focusing on animal health and welfare alongside other critical industry matters.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Soccer fans in Brazil, known for their passionate support and five World Cup victories, will only be able to watch the complete tournament through a streaming service led by a social media personality.
Meanwhile, viewers around the world will witness portions of matches broadcast live on YouTube and TikTok for the very first time.
The traditional dominance of broadcast television is being challenged as the World Cup enters a new viewing era.
FIFA is working to connect with younger demographics, offering these audiences expanded access to soccer’s premier tournament through what the organization calls an unprecedented number of agreements with broadcasting partners featuring digital-exclusive platforms. Content creators will take center stage while viewer experiences globally will be improved through what FIFA terms “game-changing” partnerships.
The strategy aims to capture audience interest by providing a preview that will motivate them to return for full game coverage on conventional television.
This year’s tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, represents the largest World Cup ever with 48 participating teams. Competition starts Thursday and continues until July 19.
Brazil has consistently ranked among nations with the highest social media and digital platform participation.
FIFA recognized this trend and conducted a preliminary experiment four years ago with well-known streamer Casimiro Miguel, currently 32, who had demonstrated effectiveness in connecting with younger sports audiences through his Twitch channel. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, FIFA established an agreement with him and his partner LiveMode to stream 22 matches via the CazéTV YouTube channel.
Using a more relaxed and interactive broadcasting style, combined with increased fan participation and content creators serving as commentators, the experiment proved highly successful. This success resulted in an expanded agreement for this year’s tournament, making CazéTV the exclusive channel—whether digital or traditional—with rights to all 104 games in Brazil. The network Globo, Brazil’s longtime soccer broadcaster, will air 55 games.
“FIFA is always looking at innovative ways about how to enhance the broadcast coverage of our flagship competitions and the deal with CazéTV is an example of such, which will ensure football fans in Brazil will be able to watch all 104 games, while also helping to reach new audiences and demographics,” the governing body told The Associated Press in a statement.
LiveMode, the Brazilian company that operates CazéTV and produces matches with content creators, revealed last month it had established an international broadcasting division with Cristiano Ronaldo as one of its investors.
The company’s Portuguese channel will stream one daily match during the World Cup, including all Portugal games and the championship final. The 41-year-old Ronaldo, considered one of soccer’s greatest players, is participating in his sixth World Cup with his national team.
“There is an audience that connects with digital first, and digital allows us to bring this new audience to follow major sporting events,” LiveMode co-founder Sergio Lopes told the AP. “Generally, this audience is younger and doesn’t just want to watch a match. They want to participate in the conversation, interact in real time, and feel like they are part of a community.”
FIFA selected TikTok earlier this year as its inaugural “preferred platform” for video content on social media during the World Cup, providing creators with content access. Broadcasters holding World Cup rights can livestream segments of the 104 games through a specialized hub within the TikTok application. In March, FIFA also made an agreement with YouTube allowing rights-holding broadcasters to stream live game footage on the video platform. Rights holders may broadcast the opening 10 minutes of matches.
“YouTube is where global sports fans tune in before, during, and after the game. That is what makes our preferred partnership with FIFA for World Cup 2026 so unique,” said Angela Courtin, YouTube’s vice president of entertainment and sports marketing. “Between the incredible reach of our creator cohort and providing FIFA’s media partners with a pathway to upload more premium content to their YouTube channels, plus our live YouTube FIFA Creator Cup in New York City this July, we are ushering in the next generation of soccer fans for years to come.”
Through these new agreements, FIFA anticipates the 2026 World Cup will establish new records for digital and streaming viewership.
In 2022, FIFA documented 5 billion total interactions during the Qatar tournament, with 2.7 billion occurring through digital and streaming platforms, and 2.9 billion from traditional television. Nearly 1.5 billion people viewed the final won by Argentina, including 237 million digital-only viewers, according to FIFA.
In the U.S., Fox maintains rights for the 2026 World Cup, and FIFA made no exclusive agreements with digital platforms, although the network will offer every match through live streaming and on-demand access within its applications. Streaming service Netflix has obtained U.S. broadcasting rights for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031, representing FIFA’s most substantial agreement with a streaming platform for a major tournament.
“We are seeing that sport needs to occupy all screens, engage with all audiences to grow,” LiveModeTV co-founder Lopes said. “New audiences expect authenticity, interaction and different ways to follow an event. The World Cup continues to be the greatest sporting spectacle on the planet, but the way to experience it is also becoming more social, more participatory, more accessible, and more connected to the digital habits of each generation.”
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Motorcycle taxi drivers in eastern Congo organized a public awareness campaign Tuesday to educate communities about Ebola prevention as distrust and violence against medical personnel continue to obstruct efforts to control the deadly outbreak.
The drivers donned white shirts reading “Stop Ebola” and carried educational materials and visual guides about disease prevention while traveling through Bunia and Rwampara, communities located in Congo’s eastern Ituri province where the outbreak is concentrated.
Ituri province represents over 90% of all recorded cases. Additional cases have been documented in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, plus several instances reported across the border in Uganda.
Congolese officials reported late Tuesday that 115 people have died from confirmed cases of the disease among at least 598 total confirmed infections.
However, the outbreak response continues to face community doubt and false information, with some residents questioning the existence of the outbreak or strongly resisting strict burial protocols implemented by medical teams to limit disease transmission.
Ituri province residents have conducted no fewer than three assaults on medical facilities while demanding the return of deceased patients’ remains. In total, more than 520 incidents affecting healthcare workers have been documented, according to Marie Roseline Darnycka Belizaire, WHO’s emergency director for Africa.
Motorcycle taxi operators can help communicate that healthcare workers are simply working to prevent disease spread, explained Jacques Maliro, the World Health Organization’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officer, who helped organize the caravan.
“Response teams have been attacked in some areas, and that is one reason why we chose to involve motorcycle taxi drivers. They are an important group because they transport both sick and healthy people, so they too need to be informed and engaged,” Maliro said.
False information circulating throughout Ituri communities has prevented residents from following health guidance or getting medical treatment, according to health officials. When the outbreak began, certain churches informed their members that the outbreak was fabricated and that religious faith eliminated the need for medical intervention.
“Those who do not believe in it need to understand that it is real,” said Josue Mbabona, a motorcycle taxi driver from the caravan, adding that he has already lost three family members to Ebola.
Healthcare workers on the front lines, working with minimal compensation or rest periods, have also been prevented from accessing certain communities isolated by fighting with armed rebel groups.
Eastern Congo has experienced years of violence from numerous separate rebel and militant organizations, some connected to neighboring Rwanda or the extremist Islamic State group.
Supply shortages have also complicated response efforts. Bunia residents and local leaders cited Wednesday a lack of water necessary for the regular handwashing protocols recommended to reduce virus transmission.
This Ebola outbreak stems from the uncommon Bundibugyo virus, which lacks approved vaccines or treatments unlike the “Zaire virus,” which caused most of Congo’s previous 16 disease outbreaks.
“The vaccine needs to be available so that we can protect ourselves, move forward, and return to normal life,” David Kasimwa, a student participating in the caravan said. “This disease has disrupted many activities: We are no longer able to travel freely because we are afraid,” he added.
Three potential vaccines are currently under development. Africa’s leading public health organization announced last month it plans to make a vaccine and treatment for Bundibugyo virus available before year’s end.
At the same time, multiple nations have established travel limitations or increased screening protocols for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected regions, although WHO has not recommended widespread travel prohibitions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday urged European countries to tighten travel restrictions on people arriving from Ebola-affected countries in Africa, warning that failure to do so could lead to stricter U.S. travel measures for arrivals from Europe, including during the World Cup.
There are relatively few direct flights between Africa and the United State per day but more than 300 direct daily flights between Europe and the United States.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed Wednesday that a deadly confrontation occurred during demonstrations against the detention of women for supposed dress code infractions in the country’s western region.
According to witnesses, Taliban security forces discharged weapons during Tuesday’s demonstration, which drew between 100 and 150 participants protesting the weekend detentions of women in the western city of Herat.
The U.N. mission reported Wednesday it had “confirmed that at least one person, a boy, was killed by gunfire, while several others suffered injuries including from being beaten with sticks.” Officials indicated they were also investigating reports of a potential second death.
Such demonstrations are uncommon in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has maintained control since 2021 following the turbulent departure of U.S.-led military forces. The current administration has established regulations based on a rigid understanding of Islamic law, or Shariah. Opposition is prohibited, and demonstrations challenging government policies are banned.
These rules encompass severe limitations on women and girls, including prohibitions on schooling past elementary levels and restrictions on women’s attire.
The guidelines mandate that women may only appear publicly while wearing complete hijab — including a head covering and lengthy garment covering the full body — plus a facial covering that exposes only the eyes. These requirements are enforced by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
The U.N. mission, referred to by its abbreviation UNAMA, reported that no fewer than 30 women were detained in Herat on Saturday and Sunday. “Dozens more women reportedly received verbal warnings. While the women were released on 8 June, the impact of such arbitrary arrests and detentions on women and their families is profound,” the organization stated.
UNAMA urged officials to withdraw policies limiting women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan, emphasizing that law enforcement “must comply with international legal standards.”
“Individuals have the right to express dissent peacefully without fear of violence, intimidation or reprisals,” the statement read.
Herat police command spokesperson Sayed Masoud Hosseini declared Wednesday that police “takes a serious, Shariah, and principled approach to any action that disrupts public security.”
He stated “a number of rioters” had assembled Tuesday “under the pretext of protesting issues related to the observance of the hijab and opposition to the Islamic hijab, and acted to disrupt public order.” He indicated security forces’ intervention “brought the situation under control in the shortest possible time.”
“The Herat Provincial Security Command once again emphasizes that individual and social freedoms must be implemented within the framework of Shariah law and social values, and any behavior or action that disrupts public security, creates tension, and disrupts public order is unacceptable.”
On Monday, Afghanistan’s vice and virtue ministry rejected reports regarding arrests and detentions of women.
“The issues being spread about women being arrested in Herat are all rumors,” the ministry announced, noting that wearing the “hijab is a divine command, a law that we are obliged to implement.”
Georgette Gagnon, the U.N.’s Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and officer in charge of UNAMA, explained that detaining women in Afghanistan “carries enormous stigma, which can put women at risk of further violence and isolation in their families and communities even after they are released.”
She emphasized that authorities were “obliged under international law to uphold the rights of all Afghans to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, liberty and security of person, and freedom from arbitrary detention.”
A federal courtroom in Los Angeles became the scene Wednesday as attorneys delivered their initial arguments in the arson case against a man charged with igniting last year’s catastrophic Palisades Fire.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations he started what would become one of California’s most devastating wildfire disasters.
Federal prosecutors contend that Rinderknecht ignited a fire on January 1, 2025, which continued burning unnoticed in underground root systems before erupting again on January 7.
The massive blaze claimed 12 lives and leveled thousands of residences as flames swept through hillside communities in Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
If found guilty on charges including malicious destruction by fire, Rinderknecht could face a minimum five-year prison sentence.
Defense lawyer Steve Haney has maintained that Rinderknecht is serving as a scapegoat for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s inability to completely put out the initial fire.
The trial, which started with jury selection on Monday, is expected to continue for approximately two weeks.
In a pretrial ruling, Judge Anne Hwang determined that defense attorneys cannot present evidence or make arguments regarding alleged Los Angeles Fire Department negligence, stating such material was not relevant and might mislead jurors.
The defense had intended to call a firefighter to testify that the fire was still visibly burning when emergency crews departed before it reignited several days later.
Haney has indicated he will contend that prosecutors lack strong evidence or eyewitness accounts connecting Rinderknecht to the January 1 fire, and that emergency responders reported hearing fireworks near where the fire began.
Government attorneys plan to present phone location data showing Rinderknecht was present in the fire area as it spread, and point to a barbecue lighter authorities found in his vehicle that he acknowledged carrying on the trail.
Prosecutors also intend to argue he was emotionally distressed over a relationship that had ended and canceled New Year’s Eve plans, claiming he expressed anger toward the world while speaking to his Uber passengers that night.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that the debut of a new international bridge spanning the Detroit River could face delays, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous threats to prevent its opening.
“Look, everyone’s working hard to make sure the bridge is open as soon as possible. There is no big drama. If it takes a little longer it will take a little bit longer, but this will benefit Canadians, Americans, business, tourists, residents for decades and decades to come,” Carney stated while entering Parliament.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is jointly owned by Canada and the U.S. state of Michigan, will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday, though vehicle traffic may not begin flowing immediately afterward.
Earlier this week, Carney had indicated that the second crossing linking Windsor and Detroit would “be open at the end of the week.”
The upcoming Friday ceremony follows recent discussions between Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to an anonymous source familiar with the private conversations.
In February, Trump demanded that Canada transfer at least half of the bridge’s ownership to the U.S. federal government and meet other undisclosed conditions as part of his broader campaign addressing cross-border trade concerns.
The new crossing between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit represents a crucial economic link between the two nations. The structure bears the name of the legendary Canadian hockey player who played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Former Republican Michigan Governor Rick Snyder negotiated the construction agreement, with Canada funding the project to reduce traffic bottlenecks at the current Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel. Construction began in 2018.
Trump’s bridge threats coincide with this year’s scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, as the president adopts an aggressive stance ahead of negotiations, including new tariff warnings.
A major semiconductor equipment manufacturer has announced plans to reduce the scope of previously announced job eliminations following negotiations with labor organizations in the Netherlands, according to union representatives.
The layoffs at ASML are now scheduled to commence in May 2027, according to company spokesperson Monique Mols. She indicated that workers will receive notification about their employment status before the conclusion of this month. Mols noted that rather than termination, some employees may find their positions restructured within the organization.
“We want to see as few people as possible forced to leave,” Mols stated.
A former engineer who worked at Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI has filed a legal complaint alleging he was wrongfully terminated for speaking up about AI safety risks to humanity.
Devin Kim, who currently leads a think tank dedicated to AI safety, submitted the lawsuit in a California state court this past Tuesday. He claims his attempts to establish safety protocols for the chatbot Grok made him a target within company management.
The legal filing arrives as the company’s parent, a subsidiary under the umbrella of other Musk ventures, prepares for what’s anticipated to be the largest initial public offering ever, scheduled for this Friday.
According to the court documents, Kim “repeatedly complained that xAI’s failure to prioritize AI safety, particularly with respect to Grok, virtually guaranteed that the Company would commit unlawful acts, from fomenting discrimination to proliferating weapons of mass destruction.”
Neither xAI nor its parent company provided immediate responses when contacted about Kim’s legal action.
The Center for AI Safety, a nonprofit organization that studies potential AI risks, announced Kim’s appointment as president just last week.
The world’s wealthiest individual founded xAI in 2023, positioning it as a more secure option compared to OpenAI, an organization he had co-founded over ten years earlier. Last month, a jury dismissed Musk’s own legal challenge against OpenAI, where he alleged the company had abandoned its humanitarian mission.
Kim’s lawsuit states he joined xAI as one of its first employees in 2024 and received a promotion to a senior leadership role within months of starting.
While Kim indicates Musk wanted proper safety testing and procedures in place, the complaint alleges that Kim’s direct supervisor, xAI co-founder Jimmy Ba, ignored these instructions and dismissed Kim’s push for safety protocols.
The lawsuit claims Ba terminated Kim’s employment without warning last September, just before Kim was scheduled to deliver a presentation about AI safety to company executives.
Kim’s legal team is pursuing claims of retaliation and wrongful termination under California employment law, seeking monetary compensation that has not been specified.
Safety concerns have previously surrounded other Musk-led companies, including his space exploration venture and electric vehicle manufacturer, ranging from employee workplace hazards to questions about autonomous driving technology.
A 2023 investigation documented at least 600 previously undisclosed workplace injuries at the space company, including severe injuries such as crushed limbs, amputations, electrical injuries, and one fatality. Workers pointed to relaxed safety standards and Musk’s philosophy that the company faces urgent pressure to establish space-based alternatives due to Earth’s environmental decline.
While the space company declined to comment at that time, it has since defended its safety practices in legal documents and public statements, emphasizing its comprehensive safety training programs.
NBA superstar LeBron James declared himself the greatest basketball player in history during a recent interview with Time magazine.
In the profile piece released Monday, James was asked about the ongoing debate over who deserves the title of NBA’s greatest of all time, and he confidently backed himself for the honor.
“I’m not taking nobody over me,” James stated to Time. “There’s no question.”
The Lakers forward acknowledged that basketball history includes numerous legendary players, including Hall of Fame inductees Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Larry Bird and Shaquille O’Neal, along with others.
“But I think Mike will say the same thing,” James explained. “Rest his soul, Kobe will say the same thing. Magic will say the same thing. Bird will say the same thing. Shaq could say the same thing. The late great Wilt (Chamberlain), Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar). I don’t think none of us are going to take somebody else.
“If there’s a general manager and he’s eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it’s gonna be hard not to take me, champ.”
The 41-year-old athlete recently wrapped up his historic 23rd NBA campaign and now faces unrestricted free agency as the league’s all-time scoring leader.
Regarding his future in basketball, James explained his decision-making process to Time magazine.
“It’s up to the mind,” he said about potentially playing another season versus retiring. “Where the mind goes, the body will lay. When I’m not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation, if I’m out of love with getting to practice 2 1/2 hours beforehand, then I know I’ll be done. Because then I’m going to start cheating the game.”
During this past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James posted averages of 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. The veteran player has earned 22 All-Star selections, four league MVP awards and four NBA championships while setting all-time records for both games played (1,622) and total points scored (43,440).
New York City FC has confirmed that defender Strahinja Tanasijevic will be leaving the organization, according to a Wednesday announcement from the team.
The 28-year-old player became part of NYCFC’s roster in February 2024 and participated in 43 matches throughout various competitions during his tenure.
“We would like to thank Tana for the commitment and professionalism shown throughout his time with the Club,” sporting director Todd Dunivant said. “This move provides an opportunity for Tana to pursue the next step in his career while also giving the Club additional roster flexibility. We wish Tana and his family all the best moving forward.”
Before becoming part of New York City FC, Tanasijevic competed for multiple teams in Serbia, his home country.
NEW CASTLE – As the First State experiences multiple consecutive days with temperatures soaring beyond 90 degrees, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has opened cooling centers to help residents escape the dangerous heat.
State health facilities are now serving as cooling centers beginning today, available June 10, 11 and 12 starting at 8:30 a.m. for anyone seeking respite from the sweltering conditions.
A 43-year-old Smyrna resident is facing multiple felony charges after Delaware State Police officers discovered drugs and weapons during a Tuesday evening traffic stop.
Joseph Kleinen was taken into custody following an incident that began around 8:15 p.m. on June 9, 2026, when members of the Delaware State Police Special Investigations Unit observed a U-Haul box truck violate traffic laws while patrolling South Dupont Boulevard near Monrovia Avenue. When officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, it continued moving at a reduced speed on southbound South Dupont Boulevard for a considerable distance before making a U-turn and heading north. Officers witnessed the driver discard a clear plastic bag from the truck before finally stopping.
Officers approached the driver, who was identified as Kleinen, and placed him under arrest without resistance. The plastic bag that was thrown from the vehicle was retrieved by investigators, who found it contained roughly 7.33 grams of what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine. When officers searched the U-Haul, they discovered two hidden edged weapons.
A background check showed that Kleinen’s driving privileges had been suspended and that he was legally barred from possessing deadly weapons because of previous felony convictions. The investigation revealed that Kleinen planned to sell the methamphetamine.
After being transported to Troop 9, Kleinen faced charges including Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony), two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited (Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony), Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony), two counts of Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony), Resisting Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Related Traffic Offenses. He was processed by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on an unsecured bond of $10,002.
June brings a packed calendar of summer entertainment to The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, featuring everything from authentic street cuisine to skilled horseback riders.
The venue is presenting a diverse lineup of memorable events to launch the season, highlighted by what organizers call “the largest Asian food and cultural festival in the U.S.”
Those attending the Dream Asia Festival on June 12-14 will experience Asian culture through authentic street food, traditional sweets, boba tea, henna art, anime merchandise, handmade crochet pieces and additional cultural offerings.
Tickets are currently available for the Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Co. event returning June 19-20. The weekend will showcase professional bull riding, barrel racing competitions and ranch bronc riding demonstrations. Additional details are available by calling 540-521-3959.
The BLM Wild Horse & Burro Adoption event on June 12-13 offers opportunities to provide homes for approximately 140 wild animals available for adoption or purchase. Contact Travis Tolbert at 202-400-1532 for additional information.
Young riders will compete in the Silver Star Farm Open Horse Show Series on June 13-14, with 4-H participants taking part in hunter classes, western pleasure events, jumping competitions, in-hand presentations, trail courses and ranch activities.
Canine enthusiasts can attend the First Colony Cluster Dog Show from June 18-21. This four-day competition will include events hosted by the Gloucester Kennel Club Of Virginia, Dachshund Fanciers Of Central Virginia, Boston Terrier Club Of Virginia, Virginia Kennel Club Inc., and the Metropolitan Washington Dachshund Club.
Another dog competition, the Tidewater-Mattaponi Kennel Club Dog Show, runs June 25-28 and will feature the Mattaponi Kennel Club, Great Dane Club Of Metropolitan Washington, Potomac Basset Hound Club and the Tidewater Kennel Club Of Virginia Inc.
The month concludes with the National Barrel Horse Association Speed Horse Bonanza on June 26-28. More details are available by calling 410-693-2767.
Those wanting updates on upcoming events at The Meadow Event Park can sign up for monthly email notifications.
Canada enters their World Cup opening match carrying enormous expectations as they prepare to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, marking what could be the most significant moment in the nation’s soccer legacy. Both teams will be competing for their first-ever advancement to the knockout rounds.
The Canadian squad’s journey toward international recognition has been filled with challenges, having lost all six games they played in the 1986 and 2022 World Cup tournaments. This track record reflects a country still working to establish its place on soccer’s biggest stage.
However, coach Jesse Marsch has brought new energy to the program since taking charge in May 2024. Under his leadership, Canada reached the Copa America semi-finals in their tournament debut just weeks after his appointment, eventually falling to defending World Cup champions Argentina.
Marsch’s strategy for World Cup achievement faces significant obstacles due to multiple player injuries that could undermine Canada’s best chance to elevate soccer’s profile in the country’s sports culture.
Team captain Alphonso Davies, who made history by scoring Canada’s inaugural World Cup goal, will be absent from the Group B opener at Toronto Stadium due to a hamstring injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final last month.
The absence of Davies is made worse by losing Marcelo Flores, the midfielder who switched from representing Mexico to Canada in a move considered a major victory for the World Cup co-hosts. A knee injury from May has eliminated Flores from the entire tournament, while defender Moise Bombito’s comeback from a broken leg seems to have hit a setback after playing only 30 minutes in a preparation match against Uzbekistan.
With Davies anticipated to return for group matches against Qatar and Switzerland, Jonathan David becomes the focal point of Canadian expectations. As the country’s top scorer ever with 39 goals, David must lead an offense eager to break Canada’s World Cup struggles.
Maxime Crepeau, recently announced as Canada’s starting goalkeeper, will finally experience World Cup competition after missing the 2022 tournament due to a broken leg suffered during the MLS Cup Final just 15 days before that year’s event began in Qatar.
Canada’s immediate challenge comes from their inaugural encounter with Bosnia’s experienced Dragons, who return to the World Cup’s grandest stage after defeating four-time champions Italy in a penalty shootout to secure their second World Cup qualification.
Veteran forward Edin Dzeko, one of just two players remaining from Bosnia’s 2014 World Cup debut, serves as captain and mentor to a young roster expected to make a strong tournament impression.
Dzeko’s extensive experience as Bosnia’s all-time leading scorer and one of eight players aged 40 or older selected for this World Cup will be vital for the team’s hopes of advancing from group play.
Defender Sead Kolasinac is the only other player returning from the country’s previous World Cup participation.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Following ten years of creating waves in both South Carolina and national political circles, Representative Nancy Mace secured a distant fifth-place finish in her state’s Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, casting doubt on what lies ahead for one of the country’s most outspoken political figures.
Her gubernatorial bid reflected the unpredictable nature of her political journey. Mace sought President Donald Trump’s backing despite previously delivering sharp criticism of him regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. She highlighted her battles with fellow Republicans over releasing documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case.
During the campaign’s closing stretch before Tuesday’s voting, she proposed legislation that would bar anyone not born in America from holding political positions or serving as judges. She questioned the eligibility of fellow gubernatorial candidate Rom Reddy, arguing his status as a naturalized citizen with an Indian mother and Italian father disqualified him.
“I didn’t come out of a slum in India,” Mace stated during a Greenville County event this month. “I am born and made here in America.”
As her campaign wound down, Mace made only occasional public appearances. She faced fundraising challenges and lacked any television advertising presence. Her primary communication method became social media platforms — a strategy that has served her well since winning her initial South Carolina House seat in 2017.
Following her defeat, Mace issued an extensive statement detailing her congressional accomplishments, claiming she had “taken on the rich and powerful in both parties” and “voted to release the Epstein files and lost some support for that.”
Among the four House Republicans who initially pushed for a discharge petition to force the files’ release, both Mace and Representative Thomas Massie lost their respective races, while Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down in January.
During her Tuesday evening concession remarks, Mace offered no hints about her future plans. She announced her support for Alan Wilson in the gubernatorial runoff, despite accusing Wilson just last year of shielding defendants in child sex abuse cases.
“When children needed him to act, Wilson looked the other way,” she said.
The June 23 runoff will pit Wilson against Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Trump’s endorsement of Evette prompted an angry social media response from Mace.
“Pamela Evette is NOT ENDORSED by DONALD TRUMP,” Mace wrote, incorrectly. “Do not believe her LIES.” Mace shared an AI-created image showing herself alongside Trump.
Mace’s background includes leaving high school to work at Waffle House before earning her diploma. She subsequently attended The Citadel, becoming the first female graduate of the state’s military college. In recent years, she has advocated for sexual assault victims and spoken publicly about being raped as a teenager.
Her political journey started in the South Carolina House before earning widespread Republican acclaim in 2020 for reclaiming a Charleston-area U.S. House seat that had briefly turned Democratic.
“For those folks that are out there today that maybe weren’t with us yesterday, I’m asking for a chance — a chance to prove to you that I will be a compassionate leader, a good listener, an independent thinker,” Mace said then.
President Donald Trump enacted legislation Wednesday that allocates nearly $70 billion in additional funding for immigration and deportation operations during the remainder of his presidency.
The legislation allocates $38 billion to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $26 billion to the Border Patrol. The White House reports an extra $5 billion has been designated for unexpected expenses.
The president put his signature on the measure in the Oval Office one day following House Republicans’ successful passage of the bill by a narrow 214-212 margin, despite Democratic opposition. The signing concluded nearly six months of contentious debates over Department of Homeland Security funding that originated following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, during federal immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis in January.
Following those shootings, Democrats pressed for modifications to immigration enforcement procedures, leading to a standoff that resulted in the longest agency funding gap in history and eventually prompted Republicans to advance the funding independently.
The funding will support these agencies for the following three years. The new legislation front-loads standard yearly appropriations, guaranteeing a continuous funding stream as the Trump administration pursues its goal of deporting approximately 1 million individuals annually.
The bill had previously stalled due to disputes over $1 billion designated for White House security measures, including Trump’s new ballroom, along with a $1.8 billion compensation fund for his supporters claiming to be targets of political persecution. These provisions proved politically problematic and were ultimately removed.
The final version concentrated solely on immigration enforcement, an issue Republicans consider a key differentiator between the major political parties and one the GOP believes will benefit them in November’s midterm elections.
National team coaches frequently voice concerns about insufficient time to prepare their squads, but several newly hired managers heading to this World Cup face an even greater challenge — some have been in their positions for mere weeks and haven’t even led their teams through a single competitive match.
In today’s unsentimental soccer landscape, successfully guiding a country through the qualification process doesn’t ensure a coach will remain in charge for the actual tournament, a harsh reality that has disrupted multiple nations’ World Cup readiness.
Carlos Queiroz enters the competition with the fewest matches under his belt with his current squad, though he brings extensive tournament knowledge to his role with Ghana.
After taking over from Otto Addo on April 13, Queiroz is preparing for his fifth straight World Cup appearance. The 73-year-old was absent from Ghana’s friendly loss to Mexico in May for personal matters, leaving him with just one match as head coach — last week’s 1-1 tie against Wales.
Saudi Arabia’s manager Georgios Donis received his appointment 10 days following Queiroz’s hiring, taking over from Herve Renard, who had previously guided Saudi Arabia to the previous World Cup where they defeated eventual champions Argentina.
Donis has overseen three exhibition matches to learn his team’s capabilities, including a recent scoreless tie with Senegal.
In contrast to Queiroz, 74-year-old Miroslav Koubek had no international coaching background when his nation offered him the position. The Czech Republic named Koubek as manager in December after Ivan Hasek was fired following a loss to the Faroe Islands.
Koubek encountered an immediate trial by fire, with his initial matches coming during qualification playoffs where the Czechs advanced through penalty kicks against both Ireland and Denmark.
He remains undefeated as Czech manager, securing victories in recent exhibitions against Kosovo and Guatemala before their first World Cup appearance since 2006.
Another coach who successfully navigated his team through playoff competition is Sweden’s Graham Potter.
Potter assumed control in October and, despite failing to secure victories in their final two qualifying matches and placing last in their group, Sweden reached the playoffs through Nations League standings.
Sweden defeated Ukraine and Poland in Potter’s only two victories as manager, having dropped a match to Norway and tied with Greece in other recent contests.
Sweden will face Tunisia in their opener, whose coach Sabri Lamouchi was named in January. His four matches have all been friendlies, claiming victory in his debut against Haiti but suffering defeats in his last two outings versus Austria and Belgium.
Morocco’s Mohamed Ouahbi, hired in March, has experienced a more successful beginning, remaining unbeaten across five exhibition games while preparing a roster carrying elevated hopes after their semifinal run four years earlier.
Ouahbi previously guided Morocco’s Under-20 team to World Cup victory in Chile last year.
Fabio Cannavaro also understands championship success, having captained Italy’s victorious 2006 team as a player and now entering the tournament as a first-time manager.
Cannavaro, who has served as Uzbekistan’s coach since October, has completed eight matches in charge, including recent friendly losses to Canada and the Netherlands.
Thrust into challenging circumstances, these managers must establish their approach rapidly in a competition that provides minimal opportunity for adjustment.
Armed militants attacked a school in Nigeria’s Kogi state on Wednesday, resulting in three deaths before security forces drove off the assailants following an intense firefight, according to police reports.
The violent incident highlights ongoing security struggles across Nigeria, where militant groups repeatedly target educational institutions and local communities, sparking widespread fears about student safety and questioning whether officials can effectively combat the escalating violence.
According to Kogi State police, approximately 40 motorcycle-riding gunmen launched an assault on the Iluke Bunu community and its secondary school, triggering an immediate response from police officers, military personnel, and community vigilante groups.
Law enforcement engaged the militants in combat, ultimately driving them to retreat into the surrounding wilderness, police reported. During the gun battle, security forces killed one suspected attacker while launching pursuit operations to capture those who escaped.
Police verified that three civilians died in the attack: the school’s vice principal, a 70-year-old community member, and a 6-year-old child. The violence also left one security officer wounded.
Officials stated they found no definitive proof of mass kidnappings, though the investigation continues. A local resident suggested some students might have been taken, but this claim remains unconfirmed through independent sources.
Educational institution kidnappings typically occur in Nigeria’s northwestern regions, where criminal organizations conduct abductions seeking ransom payments. Students taken from Oyo state in the southwest last month remain missing.
A major Japanese securities company has announced ambitious plans to dramatically expand its retail wealth management business over the coming years.
Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities revealed its goal to boost assets under management for individual clients by 10 trillion yen, equivalent to approximately $62 billion, according to company president Hiroyuki Seki in a recent interview with Reuters.
The financial services firm, which operates as a partnership between Japan’s biggest banking organization Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Morgan Stanley, also intends to add several hundred employees to its sales team, Seki explained.
This aggressive expansion strategy comes as Japan’s wealth management industry anticipates significant growth driven by the country’s emergence from deflation and increasing interest rates, which are motivating savers to move their money from cash deposits into investments offering better returns.
Revenue generated from overseeing these investment portfolios has contributed to improved earnings throughout Japan’s financial services industry.
Company records show that as of March’s conclusion, MUMSS managed total assets worth 55.9 trillion yen.
The organization intends to strengthen relationships with workers and leadership at current business clients while expanding its service offerings, including providing loans secured by a broader variety of client holdings, according to Seki.
At present, the firm offers financing arrangements backed by stock investments.
With summer officially here and school letting out, families are looking for exciting vacation destinations to create lasting memories. Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers thrills and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Members of Virginia Farm Bureau can access special savings of $10 off both adult and child admission passes to the popular theme park by signing into their vafb.com member portal. The attraction features exciting rides, roller coasters, live shows, and authentic Southern cuisine options.
Those seeking relief from hot summer temperatures can also take advantage of discounted rates at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. VFB members receive savings of up to $5 on admission tickets through their online member account at vafb.com. The water park offers lazy river floating, high-speed slides, and poolside relaxation areas. Operations continue through Labor Day weekend, providing cooling entertainment throughout the summer season.
Additional details about the discount program are available through the Virginia Farm Bureau website.
June brings National Dairy Month, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy dairy products while recognizing the dedicated farmers who supply nutritious options to local communities.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia hosts 365 dairy operations where committed farmers tend to their cattle and generate fresh, top-quality milk daily. Each dairy cow typically yields approximately 8 gallons of milk per day.
Dairy items such as milk, yogurt and cheese contain vital nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamins A and D. Studies indicate that consuming dairy products may support bone strength, lower blood pressure and decrease the likelihood of specific chronic conditions, according to U.S. Dairy. The National Dairy Council has dubbed milk “Nature’s Sports Drink” due to its ability to help the body refuel, recover and rehydrate following physical activity.
This summer, savor nutritious dairy items by adding them to easy, tasty dishes like pizza bagels or a cooling tropical smoothie.
Want to know the source of your milk? Check whereismymilkfrom.com and input the code found on your dairy packaging.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels
½ cup cottage cheese ¼ cup pizza sauce milk, if needed for thinning 2 bagels, sliced in half 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese pinch Italian seasoning
Optional garnishes:
pepperoni chopped spinach diced bell peppers diced ham
Heat oven to 400°.
In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese and pizza sauce until smooth. Add a splash of milk for a thinner sauce.
Place the bagel halves with the cut sides up on a baking sheet.
Spread a spoonful of blended cottage cheese pizza sauce on each bagel. Top with mozzarella, desired toppings and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Bake 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Recipe courtesy of The Dairy Alliance
Tropical Smoothie
½ cup milk ½ cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 small banana, fresh or frozen ¼ cup diced fresh coconut 2 cups frozen mango chunks
Add milk, Greek yogurt, honey and lime juice to a blender. Top with banana and fresh coconut. Add the frozen mango and secure the lid.
Blend on high speed until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then blend for a few more seconds.
Pour into glasses, and garnish with a slice of lime and fresh mint, if desired. Serve immediately.
Catastrophic flooding and landslides that struck Indonesia’s Sumatra region last year eliminated at least 7% of the world’s critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan population, according to a new study released Wednesday.
The severe weather event, triggered by cyclonic conditions, claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people and destroyed approximately 300,000 homes. Environmental organizations have attributed the widespread devastation to aggressive deforestation across Sumatra island.
Research findings indicate that no fewer than 58 Tapanuli orangutans perished in the flooding, according to the study. These primates are found exclusively in the area surrounding the Batang Toru forest in northern Sumatra. The survey focused on the western section of the forest, which houses the majority of the species’ total population of 800 animals.
The research represents a collaborative effort between Borneo Futures based in Brunei, World Weather Attribution, and Liverpool John Moores University. Investigators did not examine other forest areas, suggesting the actual death count may be significantly higher.
Researchers reached their conclusions by examining satellite imagery showing damage to the West Block of Batang Toru and reviewing historical population data for the orangutans in that region.
The study determined that climate change caused by human activity has likely intensified both the severity and occurrence of extreme precipitation events near the Malacca Strait, creating greater threats to the Tapanuli orangutan’s natural environment.
Lead researcher Erik Meijaard from Borneo Futures explained that the intense rainfall saturated the ground to such an extent that massive portions of forested hillsides gave way in rapid landslides.
“If you get caught as an orangutan… if anything comes down at great speeds, survival chances are going to be very minimal, so it became a real concern,” he said.
“This level of loss is substantial for a species with such a small total population. When combined with ongoing pressures such as habitat degradation and human-wildlife conflict, it further increases the urgency of implementing and adequately resourcing a coordinated species action plan,” Meijaard added.
Fellow researcher Panut Hadisiswoyo called on Indonesia’s government to collaborate with non-governmental organizations and scientists to halt the continued decline of orangutan numbers.
“We can minimise the poaching or hunting and then the number probably can be stabilised,” he said, emphasizing that all stakeholders must address irresponsible land management practices that also contribute to the population decrease.
A Heat Advisory is now in effect for northern Delaware and surrounding areas, with dangerously hot conditions expected to persist through Friday evening. The National Weather Service issued the advisory early Monday morning, warning residents that heat index values could reach up to 103 degrees.
The advisory affects New Castle County in Delaware, along with parts of southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, including Philadelphia and surrounding counties. The dangerous heat will be most intense from 11 AM Thursday through 8 PM Friday.
Health officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions as the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
If you must go outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours. Check on elderly relatives and neighbors, and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
For those without air conditioning, help is available. Call 211 or visit your county health department website to locate cooling centers and other heat relief resources. The Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 PM Friday.
