Nigerian authorities announced Thursday that a federal court has imposed $6 million in fines against 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel following a cocaine trafficking conviction, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The Federal High Court in Lagos delivered guilty verdicts for the crew of the merchant ship MV Aruna Hulya after law enforcement officials uncovered 31.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden on the vessel at Apapa port during the early months of this year.
This conviction represents part of Nigeria’s expanded efforts to combat drug smuggling through major commercial ports like Lagos.
Nigerian officials have been strengthening their fight against international drug trafficking operations, which frequently utilize the nation as a pathway for moving illegal drugs to European destinations and other international markets.
The sailors, led by captain Sharma Shashi Bhushan along with 10 additional Indian citizens, were taken into custody on January 2 following the discovery of narcotics concealed within a ship storage area by drug enforcement operatives.
The court’s decision found all 12 defendants guilty under Nigerian drug laws, including the vessel itself as a defendant. A drug enforcement agency representative explained that the defendants had accepted the conviction terms, which were then submitted to the judge for official court approval.
Individual crew members received orders to pay 100,000 naira in fines, while the ship faces a $5.3 million restitution payment to Nigeria’s government. Ship owners bear responsibility for these penalties, with vessel auction as the consequence for non-payment.
Three senior ship officers also received $100,000 fines each, while other crew members must pay $50,000 individually, creating approximately $6 million in combined financial penalties.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa stated the court’s decision delivers a clear message to international drug smuggling operations.
Ukrainian forces launched attacks on Thursday targeting an oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region along with facilities connected to drone manufacturing, according to military officials.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s military reported that a blaze erupted following the overnight assault on the Afipsky oil refinery. Regional authorities in Krasnodar stated that a fire resulting from debris from downed drones had been put out at the facility.
Ukrainian military officials also reported conducting strikes against locations in Russian-occupied Crimea that are connected to manufacturing drones and naval vessels.
The Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) has unveiled a new program called “Healthy Meals, Local Fields: Teaching Families to Cook with Delaware Specialty Crops Campaign,” which aims to help consumers learn about crops grown in their area and ways to use them in healthy daily cooking.
The program will showcase recipe ideas using Delaware-grown specialty crops on the DEFB’s online platform, accompanied by how-to cooking demonstrations. These demonstrations will include DEFB members, area chefs, and local volunteers showing viewers step-by-step preparation methods, helping people easily use fresh, regional ingredients in their home cooking. These specialty crops encompass fruits, vegetables, and other valuable crops cultivated by area farmers. Additional recipes and demonstrations will roll out during the summer months.
“This campaign helps bridge the gap between our farmers and consumers by showing how easy and rewarding it is to cook with local products,” said DEFB Assistant Executive Director and Marketing Coordinator Mikayla Paul. “By showcasing simple, approachable recipes, we hope to inspire more families to choose fresh, locally grown foods.”
The organization’s goal with this program is to promote better nutrition choices while backing Delaware’s farming community and building stronger ties between growers and the public. With growing consumer interest in fresh, regionally sourced ingredients, this program offers hands-on resources to make nutritious eating more attainable.
“I am looking forward to building connections with the amazing farmers of Delaware and the wider community,” said DEFB Summer Intern Dillana Reed. “We are excited to promote and try to bring healthy produce from local fields into homes throughout Delaware.”
Funding for this program comes from the United States Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, which is managed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
Those with specialty crop recipe ideas can visit defb.org/recipes/ to share their recipes or register to take part in a cooking demonstration.
To explore new recipe ideas or view cooking tutorials, people can go to defb.org/recipes/ or check out the Delaware Farm Bureau YouTube channel.
Dangerous heat is gripping the Delmarva region, with a Heat Advisory remaining in effect until 8 PM Friday evening across New Castle County, Delaware, and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The National Weather Service warns heat index values could reach 103 degrees, creating potentially hazardous conditions for residents. The advisory covers Philadelphia, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, Lower Bucks, and Delaware Counties in Pennsylvania, plus Mercer, Camden, Gloucester, and Northwestern Burlington Counties in New Jersey.
Health officials urge residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses by drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. When venturing outdoors, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Relief may come Friday afternoon through scattered showers and thunderstorms, though humidity levels will remain high. Cooler, less humid conditions are expected this weekend following a cold front.
Residents without air conditioning can call 211 or visit county health department websites to locate cooling centers. Check on elderly neighbors and relatives during this heat event, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Motorists traveling on Peachtree Run Road should expect delays due to an ongoing shoulder closure affecting the southbound lanes.
The closure spans the stretch of roadway between Sunny Meadow Drive and Jericho Road, with traffic restrictions expected to continue through 6 PM today.
Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes when traveling through the affected area.
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — Slovenia’s recently installed conservative administration announced Thursday it was reversing an entry prohibition targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with two cabinet members, signaling a dramatic policy reversal from the previous center-left administration’s approach to Israel.
The administration led by populist Prime Minister Janez Jansa additionally removed restrictions on goods from Jewish settlements and terminated prohibitions on military weapons and equipment exports and transit to and from Israel, according to the official STA news agency.
Jansa’s administration assumed power this month after a March parliamentary election. Jansa has indicated his intention to enhance relations with Israel, contrasting sharply with the approach taken by his predecessor, Robert Golob.
During Golob’s tenure, Slovenia emerged as among the European Union’s harshest critics of Israel. The small Alpine country acknowledged a Palestinian state in 2024, subsequently implementing entry prohibitions in 2025 targeting National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Netanyahu.
Ben-Gvir was banned also by France last month. He has sparked global outrage after promoting a video of himself taunting the activists from a flotilla to Gaza who were detained by Israeli police.
The new Slovenian government said in its statement that it was scrapping the punitive measures to open political communication, the official STA news agency reported. The Defense Ministry said that weapons trading is already sufficiently regulated by existing national defense laws and the EU arms export criteria, the same report said.
Political dialogue and quiet diplomacy will help “strengthen the role of the Republic of Slovenia in the efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East,” the government said. It cited “active cooperation” over “actions that limit and close off channels for direct communication.”
Last year, Slovenia linked the entry ban for Netanyahu to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
Shortly after taking office, Jansa’s government removed a Palestinian flag from the government building, also symbolically marking the policy shift. Slovenia’s liberal president, Natasa Pirc Musar, then raised the flag on the presidency building.
Also this month, Israel announced that it would open an embassy in Slovenia. The country’s embassy in Austrian capital Vienna has previously covered Israel’s diplomatic interests in neighboring Slovenia.
Jansa is serving his fourth term in office. The political veteran is an admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump and was a close ally of former populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who was defeated in a landslide election in April.
The March 22 election was marred by allegations of foreign influence and corruption. The population of around 2 million in the Alpine nation are deeply divided between liberals and conservatives.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday his intention to select Jay Clayton, who currently serves as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and previously led the Securities and Exchange Commission, to head the nation’s intelligence operations.
The president revealed his choice through a social media post as lawmakers continue demanding a permanent successor to Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down from the role last month. Trump encountered significant opposition regarding his choice of Bill Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve in an interim capacity.
The circumstances have created tension on Capitol Hill, with Democrats threatening to block the renewal of foreign intelligence authorities until Trump withdraws Pulte’s appointment and selects a permanent candidate.
“Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay,” Trump posted online. “I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible.”
WASHINGTON — Federal authorities allocated $750,000 to hire a private yacht for evacuating one American citizen from a distant South Pacific island following her potential exposure to hantavirus aboard a cruise vessel, creating additional pressure on the State Department’s emergency response budget.
The citizen, who potentially contracted the virus during her time on the Dutch MV Hondius cruise vessel in April, had disembarked and flown to San Francisco before journeying to the isolated British territory of Pitcairn Island via Tahiti, according to two federal officials and internal government documentation acquired by The Associated Press.
The complete evacuation cost remains under evaluation as the operation continues. Both officials requested anonymity when discussing a medical situation protected by federal privacy regulations.
This expensive rescue mission has increased costs alongside rapid evacuations for diplomats and American civilians from Middle Eastern regions since Iran war tensions began, plus preparations for potential evacuations from Ebola-affected nations. These situations have depleted the State Department’s emergency response budget, called the “K Fund,” bringing it to its lowest point in seven years.
Additional internal documentation revealed the State Department is considering transferring up to $50 million into the emergency fund from other sources — $35 million from embassy security, construction and maintenance budgets, plus another $15 million from diplomatic programming accounts. No final decision regarding these transfers has been reached.
One official noted the State Department could alternatively request Congressional funding to restore the emergency account. However, the official indicated the department should manage payments for current and “emerging contingency needs.”
While declining to specify the potential budget shortfall, the official maintained the department remains “well positioned” to support diplomats, federal employees and American citizens forced to evacuate Middle Eastern areas due to Iran tensions, plus Americans requiring help from situations like the African Ebola outbreak.
State Department representatives refused to discuss details of the woman’s Pitcairn Island situation but stated that “when an American is at risk abroad and unable to access commercial transportation, the Department of State seeks to provide appropriate assistance to get them home to the United States or to another safe location.”
Following the woman’s departure from the cruise vessel where the hantavirus outbreak happened, the ship traveled to additional South Atlantic locations, with several passengers becoming sick and at least three deaths occurring. The unnamed American citizen became stranded on Pitcairn, an island housing approximately 50 residents, lacking an airport and having limited maritime departure options.
Pitcairn gained fame as the refuge location for Fletcher Christian and fellow British mutineers from HMS Bounty following the 1789 incident that overthrew Capt. William Bligh, events immortalized through “Mutiny on the Bounty” books and movies. Their offspring comprise most of the island’s present inhabitants.
British officials had requested urgent American help evacuating the woman from their territory, adding complexity to the situation, according to government cost documentation and the second federal official.
However, initial plans to transport her to Tahiti, a French territory located approximately 1,350 miles (2,160 kilometers) — roughly a 30-hour ocean voyage — from Pitcairn, faced rejection from French Polynesian officials. They refused entry because she hadn’t revealed her exposure during her previous transit through the island en route to Pitcairn.
The federal government is moving the asymptomatic woman from Pitcairn to Easter Island, another distant Pacific location roughly 1,400 miles (2,253 km) away, which belongs to Chile and offers direct Santiago flights, enabling her United States return for potential medical care.
These circumstances meant arranging her transport from Pitcairn to Easter Island required many weeks of planning, officials reported.
Government documentation, verified by both officials, indicated the woman’s Pitcairn departure was ultimately coordinated through the “Titaina Explorer” trimaran yacht belonging to a wealthy French owner who uses the vessel for South Pacific exploration. Pitcairn lacks airport facilities and has restricted ocean access.
Officials confirmed the woman possessed no political or celebrity ties and they remained uncertain about her exact United States return timing. Maritime tracking websites indicate the Titaina Explorer left Pitcairn Island on June 5. The Easter Island journey can require up to 10 days based on vessel speed and weather conditions.
Research examining more than 2,300 children between the ages of 9 and 10 has revealed that economic and social conditions have a profound impact on brain development during the preteen years.
The comprehensive study discovered that socioeconomic factors were responsible for the majority of variations observed in how these young participants’ brains developed.
According to the research findings, the economic circumstances surrounding a child’s neighborhood environment create measurable changes in brain structure and development patterns.
The study provides new evidence that environmental and economic conditions don’t just affect children’s daily lives, but actually alter the physical development of their brains during these crucial formative years.
Members of Belfast’s ethnic minority communities report they’re too frightened to venture outside after witnessing masked gangs attacking neighborhoods and targeting homes and businesses owned by immigrants.
“Women and kids are terrified and in shock,” said Twasul Mohammed, who arrived in Northern Ireland from Sudan as a refugee in 2016. “We are keeping our kids at home, I haven’t sent my kids to school since this has happened.”
The unrest began Tuesday in the wake of a stabbing incident that led to attempted murder charges against a Sudanese man. That same night, masked groups swept through Belfast neighborhoods, igniting homes and vehicles while focusing their attacks on ethnic minorities. Additional smaller incidents occurred Wednesday, with concerns that more violence may follow.
Britain’s minister for Northern Ireland condemned the anti-migrant violence as “racist thuggery.”
The chaos has reawakened painful memories for many who sought refuge in Belfast after fleeing conflict in their homelands.
“You have to remember we are talking about communities where people have fled war in their own country and people have experienced this kind of thing again and again,” Mohammed explained to Reuters.
“Immigrants are not the problem, we are not causing the housing crisis or the health service. Every one of us wants to be a part of this community and help build it.”
Northern Ireland experienced three decades of violence between primarily Catholic Irish nationalists and mainly Protestant pro-British loyalists. Community leaders note that in recent times, traditional sectarian divisions have increasingly given way to animosity toward ethnic minorities.
“This is a deeply divided society already,” explained Patricia McKeown, regional secretary for the public sector union Unison. “This is a society that is not yet post conflict, and…the most base instincts of ordinary people is being appealed to by some very dark and sinister forces.”
Union volunteers assisted in moving at least 15 families from their residences Tuesday and another 15 Wednesday due to safety concerns, McKeown reported.
Healthcare and other essential workers have also encountered vigilante groups conducting street patrols, particularly around medical facilities, she noted.
“We have workers being stopped by vigilante patrols in the streets of Belfast, particularly outside hospitals, … checking their ethnicity, videoing their registration numbers,” she explained.
“We have workers being followed to and from work. And last night we had a nurse chased by four masked men in one of the large hospitals in the east of the city … This is hatred that is putting lives at risk.”
Despite the targeting of ethnic minorities in a region that is 97% white according to 2021 census data, McKeown noted the crisis has also inspired community solidarity.
Ruchira Rangaprasad, who relocated to Northern Ireland from India three years ago, described being overwhelmed with assistance offers after announcing on social media her plan to prepare meals for affected families.
More than 30 volunteers, mostly people she’d never met, came forward to help deliver dozens of food packages Wednesday, she said.
“People are scared to step out of their home, and food is like a basic need, and especially like nutritious home-cooked food … so that’s why I thought, let me cook and help feed people,” she explained.
Kashif Akram, a member of the executive committee at the Belfast Islamic Centre, said the community response revealed another aspect of the city.
“It’s heartbreaking. At the same time Belfast is full of a lot of decent people,” said Akram, 44, who was born in Northern Ireland and has lived there his entire life. “The people who are spreading the hate at the moment, they are a minority, there are very few.”
Scientists have solved a biological puzzle that has mystified researchers for more than a century: exactly how does the Venus flytrap manage to snap its jaws shut so quickly when catching prey?
New research reveals that the carnivorous plant’s lightning-fast closure happens through a rapid weakening of cell walls in the trap’s outer surface. This discovery challenges the long-held theory that water movement within the plant drives the snapping mechanism.
The study shows that when an unsuspecting insect touches specialized trigger hairs inside the trap twice within a brief timeframe, the plant’s cell walls quickly become more flexible by approximately 30 to 40 percent. This softening releases built-up tension in the tissue, causing the modified leaf to bend and seal shut in as little as one-tenth of a second.
“One of the most iconic plants in the world can still surprise us. After more than a century of research, we are still discovering fundamentally new things about how the Venus flytrap works,” said physicist Yoël Forterre of the French research agency CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, senior author of the study published on Thursday in the journal Science.
The Venus flytrap grows naturally only in specific areas of North Carolina and South Carolina. Like other meat-eating plants, it thrives in environments with poor soil nutrients and supplements its diet by trapping and breaking down insects.
To conduct their investigation in Marseille, scientists employed high-speed cameras, mechanical testing of the plant’s surface layer, and computer modeling. They also tracked water movement within the plant tissue to eliminate that as the driving force.
“The plant uses specialized trigger hairs located on the inner surface of the trap. When an insect touches these hairs twice within a short period of time, the trap closes. Closure can occur in as little as one tenth of a second,” Forterre explained.
The researcher described the trap as being pre-loaded with mechanical tension, similar to a compressed spring waiting to be released.
“Our hypothesis is that the trap is already mechanically loaded before triggering, much like a spring. When the trap is stimulated, the cell walls of the outer epidermal layer rapidly soften by roughly 30 to 40%, meaning that the cell wall becomes more flexible. This releases internal stresses stored in the tissue and causes the trap to bend and close. The softening develops within about one second,” Forterre said.
Once trapped, the insect becomes sealed inside where digestive enzymes break it down over several days.
“By directly measuring the mechanics of the living trap as it responds, we pinned down the internal ‘motor’ that drives the leaf across its instability threshold and sets off the snap-buckling that closes it,” said physicist and study lead author Jeongeun Ryu, who worked on the study as a postdoctoral researcher at the CNRS and Aix-Marseille University.
Following digestion, the trap opens again, leaving behind only the insect’s hollow outer shell while the plant absorbs the nutrient-rich liquid.
The findings impressed researchers with how evolution adapts existing biological processes for new purposes.
“What I find remarkable is that evolution often does not invent entirely new mechanisms, but rather reuses and refines existing ones. Plants are known to modify the mechanical properties of their cell walls during growth, but the Venus flytrap appears to push this mechanism to an extreme, using it on a timescale of about one second,” Forterre said.
Scientists have identified approximately 800 different carnivorous plant species worldwide. These plants aren’t closely related to each other, suggesting that meat-eating behavior developed separately multiple times throughout plant evolutionary history.
The Venus flytrap’s snapping mechanism has fascinated scientists including Charles Darwin, the 19th century naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. The research team believes their findings could lead to practical applications.
“To our knowledge, this is the first time such a rapid change in the mechanical properties of cell walls has been seen in a plant,” Ryu said.
“It settles a question that goes back to Darwin – what drives one of the fastest movements in the plant kingdom – and points to a new way for a living thing to move: not by pumping fluid or simply collapsing, but by actively tuning the stiffness of its own material. That principle could eventually inspire soft robots or smart materials, though that remains a longer-term prospect,” Ryu said.
An artificial intelligence company is making significant moves to expand its computing infrastructure through a major data center initiative, according to a Thursday report from The Information.
Anthropic, the company responsible for developing the Claude Code AI assistant, has entered into more than a dozen preliminary lease agreements for data centers throughout the United States. These facilities would provide a combined capacity exceeding 1 gigawatt, sources familiar with the arrangements told The Information.
The AI startup’s leadership team has been exploring a financial arrangement with Google, which currently backs the company. Under the proposed deal, Google would offer financial guarantees for Anthropic’s lease payments. Google also collaborates on designing some of the server chips that Anthropic might deploy in these new facilities, the report indicated.
When contacted for comment, Google stated it does not provide responses to rumors or speculation. Anthropic has not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
The expansion plans come as Anthropic experiences significant interest in its Claude series of AI models, leading the company to pursue multiple major agreements aimed at boosting its computing capabilities. This infrastructure development coincides with the company’s preparation for a public stock offering.
The company announced earlier this month that it had submitted confidential paperwork for a U.S. initial public offering, though details about the offering’s size and terms were not disclosed.
In April, Anthropic revealed that Alphabet had committed to investing as much as $40 billion in the AI startup.
Most recently, Anthropic completed a funding round in late May, raising $65 billion and achieving a post-money valuation of $965 billion. This valuation positions the company ahead of competitor OpenAI in terms of market value.
NEW YORK (AP) — At Madison Square Garden, the introduction of OG Anunoby creates a massive chorus of 20,000 voices joining together.
The excitement grows as the announcer starts presenting the second starter, a forward standing 6-foot-7 who hails from Indiana. By the time he gets to the player’s name, supporters are yelling it alongside him.
“O! … G! … AN-UN-OBY!!!!”
In the early hours of Thursday, supporters once more shouted Anunoby’s name, this time at a tavern near the venue while commemorating one of the most unforgettable moments in New York Knicks franchise history.
Anunoby’s last-second basket with 1.2 seconds left in Game 4 brought the Knicks within striking distance of a championship and placed him among the candidates for NBA Finals MVP.
Anunoby isn’t typically the type of athlete who claims major honors, and he may be the most unrecognized among the Knicks’ starting five. However, his teammates recognize that Anunoby’s contribution goes well beyond his public profile.
“So regardless of what the outside world thinks of him, we know what we have in our locker room, and we have a superstar in that locker room,” guard Jalen Brunson said.
Anunoby stands as the sole player on the Knicks’ playoff squad who has earned a championship ring, though he was sidelined with an injury and didn’t participate for Toronto during the 2019 NBA Finals. However, New York wouldn’t have any opportunity at its first title since 1973 without his current central role.
Whether it’s offense or defense, Anunoby may face more responsibilities than any other Knicks player. He not only recorded 33 points in Game 4 but also executed the game’s most crucial defensive sequence when he pursued De’Aaron Fox to reject his attempt with 11 seconds remaining and the Spurs ahead 106-105.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns stated that’s exactly what he anticipates from a player who appears to elevate his performance during critical moments.
“Every time I talk to him, I say, I already know what OG Anunoby is going to do in the fourth quarter, and he did exactly what I thought he would do,” Towns said. “He gave us a chance to win, and that’s all you could ask for from the best two-way player in the NBA.”
The Knicks were shocked that Anunoby received only All-Defensive second team recognition, convinced there aren’t five superior defenders in the league. Those defensive abilities made him most appealing when the Knicks obtained him from the Raptors in 2023, trading away two of their most promising young talents in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
Anunoby had also established himself as a dependable corner three-point shooter, including one that he made at the buzzer to secure a Raptors win over Boston during the 2020 playoffs. He barely celebrated after that shot dropped, just as he remained one of the few individuals inside Madison Square Garden who seemed entirely composed following his Game 4 basket.
“Just, the game wasn’t over,” Anunoby explained. “I looked up to see the time. If it would have been 0:00, I would have been more excited, but it was just 1.2 left. So just knowing, get a stop now, just stay with it, staying present, not getting too happy because the game is not over yet.”
Anunoby is posting 23.8 points per game in the series, connecting on 58% of his field goals and 55.6% from beyond the arc. He went 10 for 15 in Game 4, making 7 of 9 three-point attempts.
When Anunoby hobbled off the court with a hamstring problem late in the Knicks’ win against Philadelphia during Game 2 of the second round, there were worries this playoff journey might be threatened just as momentum was building. When Anunoby suffered a similar injury during the 2024 playoffs, the Knicks surrendered a 2-0 advantage to Indiana and eventually fell in Game 7, when Anunoby courageously attempted a comeback after sitting out four contests but was obviously limited and was removed after just five minutes.
This particular injury proved less severe. Benefiting from additional rest when the Knicks completed a sweep of the 76ers, Anunoby managed to come back in time for the Eastern Conference semifinals opener.
Having him available now — and flying through the air during Game 4’s closing moments — might be the key ingredient needed to break a 53-year championship drought.
“OG, he’s been amazing since he’s got here,” fellow forward Josh Hart said. “This whole playoff run, he’s been amazing on both ends of the ball. He’s a winning player and he made a winning play.”
WASHINGTON — Wholesale prices across the United States accelerated at their sharpest rate since November 2022 last month, driven by dramatic increases in energy costs following the outbreak of conflict with Iran.
The Labor Department announced Thursday that its producer price index — a measure that tracks inflation before it impacts consumers — surged 6.5% compared to May 2025. Monthly increases hit 1.1% from April, matching the prior month’s rise. Wholesale gasoline costs exploded by more than 23% between April and May, climbing nearly 70% year-over-year.
Rising costs, amplified by energy market disruptions from the Iran conflict, are creating headaches for Americans just five months ahead of midterm elections that will decide whether President Donald Trump’s Republicans maintain complete congressional control.
While gasoline costs have declined recently, regular unleaded has stayed above $4 per gallon since March, motor club AAA reports. The peak U.S. driving season, which annually drives prices upward, is only beginning.
When removing unpredictable food and energy costs, core wholesale prices increased 0.4% monthly and 4.9% from May 2025.
These wholesale inflation figures followed Wednesday’s Labor Department data showing consumer prices climbed 4.2% annually in May, the steepest three-year increase. Gasoline costs jumped nearly 41% from May 2025, while airline tickets rose almost 27%.
Current inflation rates significantly exceed the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. The central bank is anticipated to maintain its benchmark interest rate at next week’s meeting. However, financial markets predict the Fed might increase rates before year’s end to combat rising prices.
Wholesale price data can provide early indicators of future consumer inflation trends. Economists monitor it closely because certain components, particularly health care and financial services, influence the Fed’s preferred inflation measurement — the personal consumption expenditures, or PCE, index.
Stephen Brown, chief North America economist at Capital Economics, noted that producer prices “that feed into the PCE price calculation rose by much more than we expected … It supports our view that the Fed will hike interest rates toward the end of the year.”
Following a February 28 attack by the United States and Israel, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, creating history’s most significant oil supply disruption. Energy prices skyrocketed. S&P Global Energy cautioned Thursday that U.S. crude oil reserves are depleting as summer driving season approaches.
“The bottom line is that U.S. inventory levels remain above estimated minimum operating thresholds,” said S&P Global Energy’s Aaron Brady. “However, with continued disruption to Middle East flows, draws are likely to extend into the third quarter, even in the event of a near-term diplomatic resolution.” Additional major, sustained inventory drops “would likely signal entry into a ‘danger zone’ for the U.S. refining system.”
A Heat Advisory is now in effect for northern Delaware and surrounding areas, with dangerous heat index values expected to reach 104 degrees through Friday evening.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory early this morning for New Castle County in Delaware, along with parts of southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. The advisory remains active from 11 AM today until 8 PM Friday.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” warns the weather service. The oppressive conditions pose the greatest risk during peak afternoon hours.
Residents should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. When venturing outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Check on elderly relatives and neighbors, who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Some relief may come from scattered showers and thunderstorms expected late this afternoon and again Friday afternoon, though humidity levels will remain high. Conditions will improve significantly this weekend as a cold front moves through the region.
For those without air conditioning, call 211 or visit your county health department website for cooling shelter locations.
A strategic Iranian island that serves as the nation’s primary oil export facility has become a central battleground in the conflict that began in late February between Iran and a coalition of the United States and Israel.
Any military action against the oil facilities on Kharg Island — whether through airstrikes or ground operations — would dramatically reduce Iran’s ability to export oil, cutting off a crucial revenue stream for the Islamic Republic. Such an attack would represent a significant escalation that might trigger more extensive retaliatory strikes against Gulf Arab energy infrastructure and push global oil costs even higher. Rising fuel expenses are already posing threats to the global economy.
U.S. President Donald Trump reported that mid-March strikes completely destroyed the island’s military facilities while leaving the oil infrastructure untouched. He cautioned that continued Iranian interference with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz might lead him to reconsider protecting the island’s energy facilities.
On Thursday, Trump announced through social media that America would take complete control of Iran’s petroleum and natural gas sectors, including the Kharg Island facility, in the near future.
The president’s statement came as intensifying hostilities between the nations brought the Middle East nearer to renewed full-scale warfare. His recent warnings surfaced while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict appear stalled.
Located across the Persian Gulf from American military installations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the island sits just 33 kilometers (21 miles) from Iran’s mainland. Any U.S. occupation would place American forces in a fixed location easily reached by Iranian missiles and drones, assuming the Islamic Republic would accept damaging its own land.
This small coral formation holds particular significance because Iran’s shoreline lacks the depth needed for large tanker vessels to approach. American naval forces have established a blockade of Iranian harbors, hampering the country’s oil shipments primarily destined for China through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian military actions have shut down the critical waterway to most maritime traffic.
Losing control of or destroying the island would eliminate a major government income source while simultaneously removing additional oil supplies from global markets during a period of rising prices. Destroying the terminal would further harm Iran’s already struggling economy and complicate any future reconstruction efforts.
Iran maintains its grip on the strait, previously handling one-fifth of global oil trade before the conflict began. The United States has deployed thousands of military personnel to the region in response.
The island features large storage facilities and accommodations for thousands of employees. Wildlife including gazelles wander near the industrial facilities and storage areas. Historical sites include a medieval Portuguese fort and remnants of an ancient Christian monastery among the Persian Gulf’s oldest.
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — A member of the Toronto police force was fatally shot Thursday while investigating the March shooting incident that caused damage to the U.S. Consulate building in the Canadian city, authorities announced.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed during a press briefing that one 19-year-old suspect remains hospitalized in critical condition, while law enforcement continues searching for a second suspect, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, who is believed to be armed and dangerous. “I urge you to turn yourself in,” Demkiw stated.
The fallen officer, Marc Pinizotto, age 43 with 18 years of service, succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility, according to Demkiw.
Authorities had reported in March that two people exited a white Honda RV SUV around 4:30 a.m. and discharged several rounds at the consulate structure before escaping. The March incident caused exterior damage to the building without harming anyone inside.
The consulate incident occurred amid rising tensions following the conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran in late February, and came after shooting incidents at two synagogues in the Toronto area during the prior weekend.
The probe that resulted in Pinizotto’s death “concerned a number of shootings, including the shooting at the United States consulate on University Avenue. There were several search warrants executed this morning,” Demkiw explained.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow revealed she has maintained a friendship with the fallen officer’s mother for two decades. “Their grief is shared across this city,” Chow stated.
The shooting occurred during early morning hours inside an apartment, according to Monica Hudon from Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, which examines police-involved incidents resulting in death. The suspect fired first, Hudon confirmed.
NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Wembanyama’s difficult evening extended beyond the basketball court Wednesday night, as hostile New York fans bombarded the San Antonio player with jeers and launched an egg in his direction outside his hotel.
Online video footage captured the moment when someone hurled at least one egg toward the Spurs star as he walked into his lodging surrounded by security personnel after San Antonio’s fourth game defeat against the Knicks.
The identity of whoever threw the projectile remains unknown. The footage revealed heckling supporters crowding around the hotel, located several blocks from Madison Square Garden.
Moments after the egg smashed against a street sign, Wembanyama spun around to face someone near the hotel’s front door before proceeding inside.
San Antonio’s organization has not yet provided clarification regarding whether the thrown item actually hit Wembanyama when contacted for comment.
This incident occurred after San Antonio suffered a devastating playoff collapse, leaving them facing potential elimination following their surrender of a commanding 29-point advantage to New York. Wembanyama failed to convert two crucial free throw attempts during the closing moments.
New York’s triumph sparked wild celebrations throughout the city, with overjoyed supporters flooding the streets, launching fireworks, climbing light poles, and occasionally confronting law enforcement officers.
Police records show 56 individuals were arrested on various charges including assault and disorderly conduct, according to the New York Police Department.
“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game,” the police department said in a statement.
A department representative indicated no official report exists regarding the egg-throwing incident.
WASHINGTON — The first lady and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed Thursday the creation of Fostering the Future Accounts, an extension of existing Trump Accounts investment programs designed to provide $1,000 starter funds to newborns when parents establish accounts.
Expanding her ongoing efforts to support foster children, the first lady explained that new federal guidelines will enable child welfare agencies to serve as guardians for foster care children when establishing these accounts.
During a Treasury Department press conference, the first lady stated the initiative “gives foster children the same chance at asset ownership and long-term wealth as every other child.”
Account enrollment begins July 4th. Children must be U.S. citizens born from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028, to be eligible.
White House Council of Economic Advisers projections show a Trump Account opened for a 2026 newborn could reach $5,800 at age 18 and $18,100 at age 28 without additional deposits.
Twenty-three governors have committed to allowing their state agencies to start enrolling children in the initiative, the first lady reported. “I urge every governor and business leader to help fund these accounts,” she stated.
The National Council for Adoption reports approximately 330,000 children currently live in U.S. foster care. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, one in five faces homelessness risk after leaving the system, and only half find jobs by age 24.
“Those outcomes are unsettling but we refuse to accept them as inevitable,” Bessent said during the announcement. “We are affirming that the American dream belongs to every child.”
Trump Accounts originated from provisions in tax and spending legislation signed last summer. The Treasury Department provides $1,000 to infants when parents establish accounts, with private companies investing the funds in stock markets. Children gain access at 18 years old.
Nationwide employers and wealthy donors have committed to matching contributions for Trump Accounts as employee benefits. Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion donation, while hedge fund founder Ray Dalio and his wife Barbara pledged $75 million for Connecticut children under 10.
CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s highest court has overturned a murder conviction Thursday for a father charged with killing his 5-year-old daughter and relocating her remains for several months before getting rid of the body.
Authorities believe Harmony Montgomery died in 2019, almost two years prior to anyone reporting her disappearance, despite her body never being recovered. Adam Montgomery, her father, received a sentence of at least 56 years behind bars in 2024 following his conviction on charges including second-degree murder, corpse abuse, evidence tampering, witness interference and assault.
However, the Supreme Court overturned the most severe charge, siding with Montgomery’s argument that the assault charge should have been tried in a separate proceeding. The court returned the second-degree murder charge to the trial court while upholding his remaining convictions.
In their unanimous decision, the justices determined that trying the cases together compromised Montgomery’s right to a fair trial since jurors might have relied on stronger assault evidence to reach conclusions about weaker evidence regarding the killing that occurred months afterward.
“There was a significant risk that the jury would draw the impermissible inference that because the defendant assaulted the victim before by striking her in the head, he must be the one who fatally assaulted her in December by again striking her in the head.”
The overturned second-degree murder conviction represents 45 years of Montgomery’s 56-years-to-life sentence, which was added to a previous 32 ½-year sentence he was already serving for separate firearm charges.
Thursday, the attorney general’s office announced plans to retry the second-degree murder charge.
“We remain confident in the facts of this case, the evidence presented, and the exceptional work of our prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement partners,” spokesperson Michael Garrity stated. “We will continue our efforts to seek justice for Harmony Montgomery and all those who knew and loved her.”
Montgomery’s legal team did not return requests for comment.
Iran’s military leadership delivered a stark warning Thursday that America would face an escalated retaliation if it launches future strikes against the Islamic Republic, following Trump’s declaration that the US would attack Iran once more.
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s highest joint military command, issued the threat through official state media channels.
“Considering recent U.S. threats against Iran’s oil infrastructure, either oil and gas exports are for everyone or they will be available for no one,” the command declared in their official statement. The military leaders warned that any conflict would expand significantly, creating widespread regional instability.
MEXICO CITY – Mexico City launched World Cup festivities Thursday with the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa at the historic Azteca Stadium, as enthusiastic supporters in traditional attire filled the venue while demonstrations unfolded across the capital.
Extended lines surrounded the Azteca as supporters endured lengthy waits to enter the venue that holds the distinction of hosting World Cup matches across three separate tournaments. Thousands of attendees were already singing inside before the match began.
Fifty-year-old Alejandro Garcia, wearing a sombrero and holding a trophy replica, expressed his pride in Mexico hosting another World Cup. He recalled being a child during the nation’s previous hosting duties in 1986.
“This is our temple,” Garcia stated while standing in the stadium’s concourse area. “It’s going to be a great World Cup, all of the protests will now be forgotten.”
However, beyond the stadium walls, the metropolis of 9 million residents showed clear signs of division.
The lead-up to the tournament in Mexico, which is jointly hosting with the U.S. and Canada, has featured significant social unrest in the capital as different organizations – ranging from educators to relatives of those disappeared during the drug conflict – have organized demonstrations to use the global attention for their causes.
Thursday saw at least six planned demonstrations, creating a city caught between festivity and dissent. Recently completed murals, new transit lines and an upgraded stadium designed to attract visitors stood in stark contrast to metal barriers erected by local businesses along the capital’s primary boulevard to shield against potential rioters.
DEMONSTRATIONS AND GATHERINGS
Approximately three miles from the Azteca, thousands of frustrated educators from across the nation started their march toward the stadium before kickoff.
Elementary school instructor Avelina Cruz Miguel, who has taught for 22 years, made the journey from Oaxaca to demonstrate for improved wages. She explained the protests provided a chance for educators to voice their concerns on “an international level.” “There is no support for education” in Mexico, Miguel stated.
Educators had also established a camp outside the central Zocalo square during the days preceding the tournament’s start.
The campsite prompted officials to block access to the Zocalo the night before the opening match and created concerns that the area might be unavailable to supporters planning to gather at the square’s large viewing screen.
Thursday found tents occupying streets for several blocks around the square, though officials confirmed the fan viewing area would remain accessible.
Thirty-year-old Mario Martinez from Tijuana was among the initial supporters to arrive with his girlfriend. He explained they chose the fan zone because stadium passes were prohibitively expensive and had worried the event might be canceled. “Thank God it all worked out.”
Numerous locals have criticized spending money on city improvements for tourists while ignoring fundamental infrastructure problems. Thursday was designated as an official holiday in Mexico City, partly to reduce transportation issues.
Other Chilangos, the term for Mexico City residents, voiced frustration over extremely high ticket costs that prevented them from witnessing the event in person in their own city. For the opening contest between Mexico and South Africa, some supporters interviewed said they spent $3,000 or higher, far beyond most Mexicans’ financial reach. FIFA has justified its pricing structure, stating ticket costs align with other major sporting competitions.
“FIFA is only interested in profit,” stated 33-year-old Jonathan Cordoba while waiting in an extended line to enter the stadium. However, he expressed no second thoughts: “It’s the passion!”
Congressional lawmakers are pushing back against recent cuts to Ukraine assistance, with the Senate Armed Services Committee voting Thursday to authorize $750 million in continued military aid for the war-torn nation.
The committee’s version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act would extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which funds American companies to manufacture weapons for Ukrainian forces battling the Russian invasion. Sources familiar with the legislation told Reuters the bill also contains a provision changing the Pentagon’s official name from Department of Defense to Department of War.
The Republican-controlled committee finished work on the NDAA, the yearly legislation that sets Pentagon policy and funding priorities. The comprehensive measure supports $1.15 trillion in total defense spending and covers everything from military equipment purchases to service member pay increases and responses to global security challenges.
Thursday’s Senate proposal includes language preventing any authorized funds from being used to recognize Russian sovereignty over Ukrainian territory that is internationally recognized as belonging to Ukraine. The bill also directs the Pentagon to provide intelligence assistance to Ukrainian officials for military operations aimed at defending or reclaiming occupied areas.
The Senate committee released their legislation one week following House passage of separate measures providing Ukrainian aid and implementing additional Russian sanctions.
Regarding weapons and equipment, the Senate bill grants multi-year purchasing authority for various munitions and military systems, including Boeing’s F-15EX fighters and Lockheed Martin’s F-35 aircraft.
The proposed legislation still faces multiple hurdles before potentially becoming law. Both the complete House and Senate must separately approve their respective committee versions. Following that, representatives from both chambers must negotiate a unified compromise bill, which would then require passage in both the House and Senate before reaching the White House for presidential action.
The House committee’s NDAA version similarly endorsed the administration’s proposal to rename the Department of Defense to Department of War, despite Democratic opposition to the change.
Although bipartisan congressional support for Ukraine remained strong during the initial period following Russia’s February 2022 invasion, some of the administration’s closest Republican supporters in House and Senate leadership have shown decreased enthusiasm for Ukrainian assistance since January 2025.
American aid to Ukraine has decreased significantly even as both nations continue exchanging missile, drone, and artillery attacks. Diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked, with Ukrainian officials rejecting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands for territorial concessions of areas Ukraine has successfully defended since 2022.
The current administration intends to send several Iranian nationals and other migrants to Central African Republic, a nation struggling with ongoing instability, violence, and widespread poverty, according to two attorneys and an official with knowledge of the situation who spoke to Reuters.
Among those facing deportation are two Iranian women who could face torture and persecution if sent back to Iran, according to their attorney, Emily Trostle. She explained that one woman converted to Christianity while the other is an advocate for democratic reform.
Neither the U.S. State Department nor the Central African Republic’s presidential office, which recently signed an agreement to accept third-country deportees from the United States, provided immediate responses when asked for comment.
Trostle stated that both women were taken into custody when they arrived in the United States in November 2024. She noted that they had filed asylum claims and obtained withholding of removal protection from a U.S. immigration judge.
The informed official told Reuters that the initial flight to Central African Republic under this arrangement would transport approximately 20 individuals, including people from Syria and Afghanistan. The attorneys indicated the aircraft could depart as soon as Thursday.
An additional source with knowledge of the arrangements mentioned that one person from Turkey was also scheduled for deportation.
The current administration has utilized third-country deportation agreements, including one with Central African Republic’s neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, which is currently dealing with an Ebola outbreak, to remove individuals who cannot legally be returned to their home countries.
Washington has maintained these agreements are legal, though advocacy organizations and rights groups have criticized the lack of transparency in the deals and noted that many deportees are eventually sent back to their countries of origin.
The United States and Israel conducted extensive military strikes against Iran in late February, beginning what is now a three-month conflict.
In April, U.S. President Donald Trump stated to reporters that he believed Iranian citizens should revolt against their government if a ceasefire was reached, but acknowledged it would be too dangerous for them to attempt.
According to the briefed official, those deported will be housed in residential facilities in Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, and are not expected to be immediately returned to their home countries.
The official added that the agreement could ultimately result in hundreds of migrants being sent to the country.
The New York Times first reported the Iranian deportation plan earlier on Thursday.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last week that all individuals facing deportation would receive complete due process protections.
A representative from the International Organization for Migration stated the organization would “provide post-arrival humanitarian assistance” to migrants sent to Bangui, following a request from the Central African government.
The representative emphasized that the IOM was not participating in the removal process and would offer aid “on a strictly voluntary basis and respecting applicable international standards.”
This year, the United States provided $85 million to the IOM for its operations in Central African Republic.
The nation has experienced continuous periods of conflict since gaining independence from France in 1960, resulting in widespread poverty affecting most of its 5.5 million residents.
Rwanda sent military forces five years ago to prevent rebel groups from disrupting elections and continues to maintain troops in the country. President Faustin-Archange Touadera has signed peace agreements this year with multiple rebel organizations, leading to decreased violence in certain areas.
Wilmington police are reaching out to the community for help in identifying a suspect connected to a recent garage break-in.
Law enforcement officials were called to a home in the 600 block of Boxwood Road on Sunday, June 7, 2026, following reports of a burglary in progress. According to investigators, the incident took place around 7:14 p.m. when an unidentified individual broke into the homeowner’s garage, stole items, and escaped heading east along Boxwood Road.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the theft and are encouraging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to come forward.
Governor Wes Moore revealed that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will distribute $31.5 million in grants through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund for 25 environmental restoration initiatives covering 188 locations across the state to enhance water quality and wildlife habitats.
“The Chesapeake Bay is the centerpiece of our tourism and seafood industries in Maryland,” said Governor Moore. “It’s a key part of our cultural identity and the place where countless family memories are made. These new investments represent our commitment to continuing to improve the Bay, its surrounding watershed, and the rivers and streams that connect our communities.”
The Fiscal Year 2027 environmental restoration initiatives were chosen for their capacity to enhance water quality and deliver additional advantages including climate resilience, habitat improvement, and environmental justice. DNR projects the initiatives will eliminate approximately 45,100 pounds of nitrogen, 6,400 pounds of phosphorus, and nearly 8,900 tons of sediment annually. In waterways, nitrogen and phosphorus promote algae blooms that cloud water and decrease dissolved oxygen levels when they decompose, creating challenging conditions for marine life survival.
Trust Fund administrators utilize current scientific research and data to identify the most economical and efficient non-point source pollution reduction initiatives. DNR chose recipients from applications for outcome-based funding via the department’s digital Grants Gateway.
“Strong partnerships are key to making significant progress on reducing Chesapeake Bay pollutants,” said Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz. “The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bay Trust Fund grants enable DNR to work directly with community organizations, local governments, and scientific experts to complete projects that will result in lasting improvements to the Coastal Bays, the Chesapeake Bay, and their watersheds throughout Maryland.”
This year’s collection of initiatives includes plans to establish 1,054 acres of forest, rehabilitate 55 acres of wetlands, execute 32,000 linear feet of stream restoration, construct or upgrade 11 stormwater reduction systems, establish 40 rain gardens in neighborhoods, develop 2,165 linear feet of living shoreline, minimize agricultural runoff, and address 960 impervious acres to decrease stormwater runoff in counties. Combined, the initiatives will provide multiple ecological, social and economic advantages throughout 16 counties and Baltimore City within the state.
These investments represent part of Governor Moore’s ongoing commitment to land preservation. In December, Gov. Moore alongside leaders from six other Chesapeake Bay watershed states, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., and federal representatives endorsed a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to advance the regional cleanup initiative. The updated agreement establishes new objectives for water quality, wildlife, and protected lands for states to achieve by 2040.
Since 1985, Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay cleanup initiatives have eliminated approximately 40 million pounds of nitrogen, 4.6 million pounds of phosphorus and about 1 billion pounds of sediment–allowing the state to achieve or nearly achieve all of its 2025 Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals.
The effort to minimize these Bay pollutants is crucial for protecting Maryland’s $32.3 billion tourism economy, $10.6 billion outdoor recreation economy, and $600 million seafood industry.
Last year, the Department of Natural Resources in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, and thousands of volunteers finished a decade-long effort to restore oyster habitat and introduce billions of new oysters to five different Chesapeake Bay tributaries in Maryland.
Maryland is pioneering innovative Chesapeake Bay protection initiatives. In January, the Department of Natural Resources announced $11.2 million in funding for 37 ecological improvement projects through the new Whole Watershed Program, which will concentrate different pollution reduction projects in five specific watersheds–Antietam Creek in Western Maryland, Baltimore Harbor, Newport Bay near Ocean City, the Severn River near Annapolis, and the Upper Choptank River on the Eastern Shore. Maryland state agencies have also contributed to planting over 1.5 million trees statewide as part of the 5 Million Trees Planting initiative. These new trees help filter pollutants, clean the air, and create new wildlife habitat.
Chesapeake Bay Improvement Project highlights for FY2027 include:
Baltimore Tree Trust will eliminate impervious surfaces to establish 900 new tree wells within Baltimore City. Urban trees will be planted to increase canopy coverage, reduce temperatures from urban heat island effect, and enhance water quality. All locations are in overburdened and underresourced communities with high climate vulnerability.
Bowie State University will convert an existing dry pond on its campus into a wet pond to enhance water quality for the untreated impervious area within the pond’s drainage area. The retrofit will function as a showcase project visible to all students.
The City of Frederick will rehabilitate 7,580 linear feet of the Carroll Creek watershed and plant 24,000 trees resulting in water quality and flooding improvements as well as a passive park for recreation.
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy will reclaim a degraded industrial site in St. Michaels along the Choptank River and transform it into a vibrant public conservation park that reconnects the community to the waterfront that will include 2 acres of pollinator meadow, 1.53 acres of wetland enhancement and creation, and 0.33 acres of tree and shrub plantings.
Gunpowder Valley Conservancy will restore riparian buffers and upland forests within the Gunpowder watershed by planting a total of 5,400 trees on 48.25 acres and treat a drainage area of 6.14 acres by installing 32 residential rain gardens, 9 institutional rain gardens, and 4 microbioretention practices on properties within the Gunpowder watershed.
SilvoCulture will plant 8,100 trees on 27 acres across two private farm sites in Middletown and Myersville, providing long-term sources of nutritious food, wildlife habitat, water quality improvement, and ecological services including outreach and education programming.
Dollar amounts for each project will be available later this year when the contracts are completed. DNR Watershed and Climate Services staff will continue to provide technical assistance to these designated recipients as the projects are finalized.
The complete list and location of funded projects can be found on the DNR webpage for the FY27 Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. Beginning in mid-July, the Department of Natural Resources will accept applications for the next fiscal year through the department’s online Grants Gateway.
WASHINGTON — From a distance, the massive structure resembles something from outer space rather than a fighting venue.
Perhaps it appears to be the type of spacecraft that might transport extraterrestrials to the White House for a diplomatic encounter with the nation’s commander-in-chief.
However, upon closer inspection, the outline of an eight-sided fighting cage becomes clear, measuring 30 feet (9 meters) across and designed with meticulous detail to mirror the MMA organization’s iconic Octagon. Essentially, it resembles a STOP sign turned on its side, complete with mesh barriers and cushioned edges displaying various corporate sponsor names: Morgan & Morgan, Bud Light, Dodge Ram, Corona Extra and Polymarket, which calls itself the globe’s biggest prediction market.
Above it all towers The Claw, a four-sided structure that stretches over 90 feet (27 meters) skyward and contains lighting equipment, sound systems, thick cables and four massive screens so spectators seated away from the Octagon can watch the combat action taking place inside the cage.
Picture the four-pronged mechanical device that attempts to grab plush toys at an arcade game rather than feline appendages — explaining the otherworldly appearance.
Encircling this setup are bleachers packed with gray folding seats creating a makeshift venue designed to accommodate more than 4,000 spectators for the seven UFC matches scheduled for Sunday in honor of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
For those unfamiliar with UFC, this entire scene might seem bewildering regardless of the setting. However, the temporary venue spans almost the complete White House South Lawn, the same space where Marine One typically touches down to transport the president on out-of-state journeys and where countless children hunt for eggs during the annual Easter celebration each spring.
Over $60 million and countless work hours have been invested in constructing the arena, based on a court document filed by the National Park Service, which manages the South Lawn and is defending against a legal challenge aimed at stopping the event.
The White House indicates the UFC is funding the expenses, although the filing reveals that seven government departments — including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration — have “allocated significant resources and manpower.”
Combat athletes, their teams and various support personnel are anticipated to occupy the driveway and portions of the West Wing when not competing. They will access the arena through covered walkways leading directly to the Octagon.
Both the fighters and regular attendees of Sunday’s event will enjoy scenic views of the White House Executive Residence and the historic Truman Balcony on one side, with the Washington Monument rising in the background on the other. The entire scene will be enhanced by rotating spotlights, and possibly even perspiration and blood from the athletes battling each other.
A full schedule of preliminary events includes a media conference at the Lincoln Memorial featuring UFC chief Dana White and the competitors on Friday evening.
Additionally, a formal weigh-in ceremony for the fighters will take place Saturday at the Ellipse, a park adjacent to the White House where event organizers anticipate over 120,000 visitors will view Sunday evening’s competition on large screens after receiving complimentary tickets through a lottery system.
Stunt performer Travis Pastrana is scheduled to execute a potentially dangerous backflip on a motorcycle on the White House grounds as part of the opening entertainment.
The president has described the Octagon and its Claw as “quite attractive to a lot of people.” He has even hinted that the temporary installation might remain permanently, similar to the Eiffel Tower, which he points out was initially constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair but was never dismantled.
Whether the president is serious about this proposal remains unclear.
Construction of the arena commenced May 20 and has progressed for several weeks. During a media tour on Thursday, building sounds — especially grinding and pounding — were audible. Massive cranes were moving materials overhead, though those were for the $400 million ballroom the president is constructing in the vicinity, not for the UFC event.
The remaining grass areas around the arena, on other sections of the White House grounds, have been equipped with additional lighting. However, the lawn that typically exists between the White House and the arena’s bleacher area has been removed, leaving only bare soil that will require new sod installation once the event concludes — unless the president actually decides to make the arena a permanent fixture.
A large Freedom 250 emblem has been positioned between the White House and the arena. In the area, workers removed tables and yellow umbrellas from the president’s renovated Rose Garden and were pressure-cleaning that section, along with the walkway to the Oval Office, in advance of the fights.
Sunday’s program begins at 8 p.m. ET. As evening approaches, workers will light up The Claw in patriotic colors, and the array of lights will create projections making it appear as if the entire framework is wrapped in a spinning American flag design.
Weather predictions indicate hot and humid conditions with potential thunderstorms. The bottom of The Claw’s tower includes overhead protection that should keep the fighters relatively dry if precipitation occurs — and the president will likely observe from a sheltered, covered location.
However, all other attendees would almost certainly become soaked.
White has promised that even severe lightning — when The Claw could become an obvious target for electrical strikes — would not cancel the program.
A federal magistrate judge has cleared a Democratic congressional hopeful of criminal charges stemming from his participation in an immigration protest in New York City last fall.
Brad Lander walked free Thursday after U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo found him not guilty of obstruction charges related to his September arrest at a building housing immigration courts.
Ricardo announced his decision following a day-long trial in Manhattan, stating “I find the defendant not guilty” after delivering a detailed review of the case evidence and Lander’s testimony. The candidate embraced his legal team enthusiastically once the proceedings concluded.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Lander, who is running against U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary, praised the judge’s careful examination of the case.
“I feel genuinely moved by the rule of law,” Lander remarked, describing it as fortunate to live where citizens can successfully challenge government overreach when facing improper charges.
The candidate expressed hope that immigrants at risk of deportation could access the same caliber of legal representation and court access he received.
Government attorneys had contended that Lander blocked an elevator on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza by sitting in front of it for approximately 20 to 25 minutes on Sept. 18, 2025. However, Ricardo determined prosecutors couldn’t demonstrate that Lander meant to obstruct the elevators or was uncooperative when federal officers provided contradictory directions to demonstrators.
Prosecutors’ representatives declined to provide statements Thursday.
During the previous day’s proceedings, Lander took the stand in his defense, stating he never meant to disrupt elevator operations in the lower Manhattan facility that accommodates 40 federal offices, including the FBI.
The former city comptroller and associate of Mayor Zohran Mamdani testified that no one instructed him to move away from the elevator or indicated he was causing an obstruction before his detention.
Following his arrest, he turned down a plea agreement that would have dropped the misdemeanor obstruction charge after six months.
This wasn’t Lander’s first legal trouble related to immigration activism. The former mayoral candidate was also detained in June 2025 at a Manhattan immigration court after linking arms with someone officials were attempting to apprehend, though no charges resulted from that incident.
Political advertising spending for November’s midterm elections is expected to reach an unprecedented $11.6 billion, setting a new benchmark for any election cycle, according to data released Thursday by advertising tracking company AdImpact.
This projection surpasses the previous high of $11.2 billion from the 2024 presidential election and significantly exceeds the $8.9 billion from the 2022 midterms. The figure also represents an increase from AdImpact’s September estimate of $10.8 billion.
With Republicans holding narrow control of both chambers of Congress, they face challenges from elevated cost of living concerns and President Donald Trump’s declining approval numbers. While Democrats appear positioned to regain House control, their Senate prospects remain more challenging. Campaign dollars are concentrating on the handful of competitive contests that will determine which party controls Congress.
AdImpact attributes the record-breaking spending forecast primarily to anticipated advertising surges in hotly contested Senate and gubernatorial battles across Ohio, Alaska, and Iowa, plus tight Senate competitions in Texas and Maine.
Ohio leads the spending surge with projected outlays now reaching $749 million, representing a $309 million jump from earlier predictions, according to AdImpact. The state features Democrat Sherrod Brown competing against Republican Senator Jon Husted alongside a competitive governor’s race.
Texas follows with the second-largest spending increase, where projections climbed $288 million to reach $850 million total. Maine rounds out the top increases with advertising expenditures now forecast at $491 million, up $185 million from previous estimates.
The Texas Senate race gained intensity after Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated four-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn in an expensive Republican primary last month. Paxton now faces Democratic state Representative James Talarico in what analysts expect could become one of history’s most costly political contests.
Maine’s Senate battle features Democratic newcomer Graham Platner, who has encountered criticism regarding past online content, a Nazi-associated tattoo, and accusations of inappropriate text messages to women. Platner is anticipated to challenge sitting Republican Senator Susan Collins in another potentially expensive showdown.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 11, 2026) — Maryland officials have cut the registration fee for public electric vehicle charging stations in half, dropping the cost from $150 to $75 per charging port.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture made the announcement, noting that all electric vehicle supply equipment in the state must be registered by July 1, 2026.
The agency’s Weights and Measures Program oversees the registration process for these charging stations throughout Maryland.
DETROIT — Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, winner of two Cy Young Awards, is scheduled to rejoin the team’s starting rotation this Saturday when they face Cleveland.
Tigers skipper A.J. Hinch revealed the news on Thursday, also noting that right-handed pitcher Casey Mize might be ready to return on Sunday, pending the completion of another bullpen workout session scheduled for later Thursday.
Skubal’s comeback timeline has exceeded expectations. In early May, Detroit announced their 29-year-old star pitcher would need arthroscopic surgery to clear loose debris from his left elbow. The surgical procedure, known as a NanoNeedle scope, was performed approximately five weeks ago. During his rehabilitation assignment, Skubal pitched five scoreless innings for Detroit’s High-A minor league team, giving up just two hits.
Before being placed on the injured list, Skubal posted a 3-2 win-loss record with a 2.70 earned run average across seven starts. He surrendered 35 hits and 13 earned runs while pitching 43.1 innings. His final appearance for Detroit came on April 29.
Home loan rates in the United States climbed higher this week, reaching levels close to the year’s peak as the ongoing war with Iran continues to impact borrowing costs.
Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the standard 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 6.52%, up from the previous week’s 6.48%. While this represents a weekly gain, current rates still sit lower than the 6.84% recorded twelve months ago.
Rising mortgage rates can burden homebuyers with additional monthly payments totaling hundreds of dollars, which decreases how much house they can afford to purchase.
Home loan rates respond to multiple economic forces, including Federal Reserve policy choices and bond market traders’ outlook on economic growth and inflation pressures. These rates typically move in tandem with the 10-year Treasury yield, which serves as a benchmark for lenders setting home loan prices.
Since the U.S.-Iran conflict erupted in late February, rates have primarily moved upward as the war has interrupted Persian Gulf oil shipments to global markets. This disruption has pushed oil costs significantly higher and contributed to rising inflation.
Market predictions of continued elevated oil prices throughout the extended conflict have maintained pressure on long-term bond yields, pushing mortgage rates generally higher.
Thursday’s midday bond trading showed the U.S. 10-year Treasury note yielding 4.53%, an increase from 4.47% seven days earlier. This compares to just 3.97% in late February before the war began.
Brazilian government officials revealed on Thursday that Amazon rainforest destruction has plummeted dramatically, directly challenging recent justifications from the Trump administration for imposing new trade penalties on the South American nation.
Data from the National Institute for Space Research, or INPE, and the Ministry of Environment shows May’s Amazon deforestation dropped by 61.4% compared to the same month in 2025.
However, 370 square kilometers (nearly 143 square miles) of rainforest were still destroyed. The Cerrado, a central Brazilian savanna facing pressure from agribusiness interests, saw deforestation decline by 12% during the same timeframe.
Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco stated the May figure represents the lowest on record for that month, with Brazil positioned to achieve its lowest yearly totals when final data becomes available next semester.
Capobianco noted May typically experiences increased deforestation as the Amazon’s dry season begins. From August 2025 through May 2026, Amazon deforestation has already decreased by 37.5% compared to the prior ten-month period.
The Trump administration announced proposed 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports on June 2, claiming the world’s tenth-largest economy uses trade practices that are “unreasonable” and “burden or restrict U.S. commerce.” This followed a U.S. Trade Representative investigation alleging illegal deforestation and unfair Brazilian tariffs.
Capobianco declared the deforestation statistics “debunk the unfair and unfounded accusation by the United States, which cited deforestation to justify imposing tariffs.” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva acknowledged these comments with approval.
Lula accused the Trump administration of dishonesty regarding earlier tariff impositions, claiming false trade deficit concerns.
“And now they raised questions about deforestation. They don’t understand the work we are doing to bring deforestation down to zero by 2030. This is not a decision by any COP or by the United Nations. It is a decision of our government,” the Brazilian president stated, referencing U.N. climate conferences.
“It’s a matter of justice, of Brazil’s contribution to the planet, fulfilling our obligation to avoid deforestation as much as possible. Preventing deforestation benefits Brazil, benefits the Amazon and benefits the world,” he added.
Forest destruction remains Brazil’s primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global climate change.
The Amazon rainforest, Earth’s largest, serves a vital function in climate regulation extending well beyond South America. Scientists caution that continued forest loss could accelerate global warming and disrupt agricultural systems reaching the U.S. Midwest and European regions.
Following peak deforestation in the 1990s and 2000s, forest destruction decreased until former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 2019-2022 administration, which faced widespread criticism for reducing environmental safeguards. Deforestation has declined under Lula’s current leadership, hitting decade-low levels last year.
Despite progress in forest preservation, numerous challenges including climate change and potential future legislation continue threatening the ecosystem.
Forest degradation from wildfires, logging operations, and drought conditions impacts approximately 40% of the Amazon, surpassing clear-cutting activities in recent years. A strong El Niño weather pattern could worsen these conditions this year, bringing higher temperatures and reduced rainfall that intensify wildfire risks.
NEW DELHI (AP) — A viral youth organization called the Cockroach Janta Party kicked off a nationwide demonstration effort Thursday, drawing hundreds of students and young activists to the western city of Pune in their latest display of political momentum.
The demonstration at Savitribai Phule Pune University came after the organization held its first significant street rally in New Delhi the previous week. Protesters are calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign due to accusations of testing misconduct and ongoing exam paper breaches.
Organization creator Abhijeet Dipke, who works in political communications strategy and studies at Boston University, spoke to the crowd and declared Thursday the beginning of a wider national effort. He revealed intentions for demonstrations in additional cities and warned that activists would head back to New Delhi this month if the education minister refuses to resign.
“The government cannot ignore the youth,” Dipke, who recently came back from the United States to spearhead the effort, stated to news media.
The organization started in May following Supreme Court judge Surya Kant’s comments that likened some jobless young people to “cockroaches,” sparking widespread anger. Activists adopted the label as a representation of strength, leading the organization to gain more than 22 million Instagram followers.
The organization’s platform has grown to encompass issues like joblessness, increasing cost of living, and holding government officials responsible.
The CJP combines self-mocking comedy with governmental critique. Members humorously describe themselves as jobless and constantly online, while their videos and internet content ridiculing unemployment, corruption, and political failures have garnered millions of views. Numerous copycat CJP profiles have similarly used the cockroach as a comedic political emblem.
Federal health regulators have blocked drug imports from a Dabur India manufacturing facility following a recent inspection that uncovered serious safety violations, the company announced Thursday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action against the plant located in India’s western Dadra and Nagar Haveli region after discovering problems with data integrity and facility maintenance during their review.
According to a Reuters report from last month citing the inspection findings, investigators discovered that crucial manufacturing documentation had been falsified to hide the fact that equipment designated for specific products was being used to make multiple different items.
Inspectors also discovered unsanitary conditions at the facility, including a live bird and bird waste in the raw materials storage area, located approximately 30 feet away from packaging supplies.
Under FDA import alert procedures, any product from the flagged facility can be held at the border without physical inspection unless the importing company proves it has resolved the cited violations.
Dabur India represents one of the country’s most established and largest consumer goods manufacturers, billing itself as a leading global provider of Ayurvedic products with more than 140 years in business. The company markets various over-the-counter and health products in the United States, including treatments for coughs and colds, antifungal medications, pain relief products, and oral care items.
Company officials stated that the FDA’s action will not create financial or operational consequences, noting that products sold domestically remain unaffected by the restriction.
The manufacturer indicated it is working with U.S. regulators by submitting “corrective and preventive action plans” while implementing measures to address the identified problems.
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will make his return to the pitcher’s mound this Saturday when his team faces the Cleveland Guardians on the road, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed on Thursday.
The left-handed pitcher, who has claimed the American League Cy Young Award twice in consecutive years, has been sidelined since undergoing a procedure on May 6 to extract loose debris from his throwing elbow.
“We’re adding the best pitcher in baseball back to our mix,” Hinch said Thursday. “It’s hard to describe what that boost will be.”
The 29-year-old Skubal felt pain during his April 29 appearance against the Atlanta Braves in a contest Detroit lost 4-3. During that outing, he gave up two earned runs across seven innings but was not credited with the loss or victory.
“I need to keep the game of baseball as the game of baseball, especially not trying to make up for the last five weeks I’ve been gone,” Skubal said Tuesday, via the Detroit Free Press. “I can’t do that with one pitch or one outing. That’ll be the challenge — to keep the game as the game.”
Through seven appearances this season, Skubal holds a 3-2 record with a 2.70 earned run average. He has recorded 45 strikeouts while issuing just six walks across 43 1/3 innings pitched.
He delivered quality performances in five of those seven outings.
Since joining Detroit in 2020, Skubal has compiled a 57-39 win-loss record with a 3.06 ERA over seven seasons, appearing in 144 games with 141 starts. During that span, he has fanned 934 hitters while walking 178 across 810 innings of work.
Detroit concluded the previous campaign at 87-75, finishing one game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central division race. The Tigers knocked out Cleveland in the wild-card playoffs before falling to the Seattle Mariners in the AL Division Series.
Currently, Detroit sits in fourth place within the Central division with a 28-40 record this season.
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk announced Thursday that cybercriminals successfully breached multiple internal computer networks at the company.
The drugmaker has enlisted outside cybersecurity specialists to help investigate the breach and has notified appropriate government agencies about the incident.
As a precautionary measure, Novo Nordisk has shut down several internal computer networks temporarily while working to restore the compromised systems using secure protocols.
“While our investigation and response are ongoing, we have discovered that certain non-public data, including personal data, were copied externally without authorisation. We are informing the impacted parties as appropriate,” the Danish drugmaker said.
The pharmaceutical company emphasized that its primary business functions continue operating normally despite the cybersecurity incident.
A Chinese pharmaceutical company has launched a federal lawsuit against the Pentagon after being designated as having ties to China’s military operations.
WuXi AppTec announced Thursday that it submitted legal papers to a U.S. district court challenging the Department of Defense’s decision to place the firm on a registry of Chinese entities allegedly supporting Beijing’s armed forces.
The pharmaceutical company finds itself among major Chinese corporations on this registry, including technology giant Alibaba, search engine company Baidu, and electric vehicle manufacturers BYD and NIO, all of which Washington suspects of assisting China’s military capabilities.
Pentagon officials released the comprehensive registry earlier this week, encompassing numerous prominent Chinese technology enterprises that authorities believe contribute to Beijing’s defense and manufacturing capabilities. The move highlights ongoing national security worries as tensions escalate between the two superpowers.
This legal challenge follows WuXi’s Tuesday statement promising swift measures to contest and rectify what the company termed an “erroneous designation.”
According to exchange documents filed Thursday, WuXi is requesting that courts invalidate the Pentagon’s classification of the company as a “Chinese military company” and strike the firm from the official registry.
When contacted for response, a Pentagon representative stated that the Department maintains a policy of not discussing active or prospective legal proceedings.
The latest agricultural production data reveals that winter wheat harvests have fallen below earlier projections, showing a 2 percent decrease from the forecasts issued in May.
The updated crop production figures indicate that growing conditions or other factors have impacted the final yields compared to what was anticipated during the spring growing season.
This decline represents a shift from the optimistic projections made earlier in the year, when agricultural officials were forecasting higher production levels for the winter wheat crop.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for New Castle County, Delaware, effective from 11 AM Thursday through 8 PM Friday, as dangerous heat and humidity grip the region.
Heat index values are expected to reach up to 104 degrees, creating potentially hazardous conditions for residents across northern Delaware and surrounding areas including Philadelphia, southern New Jersey, and southeastern Pennsylvania.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” warns the National Weather Service. The advisory affects millions of people in the Delaware Valley region.
Health officials urge residents to take precautions: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms when possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Check on elderly relatives and neighbors, and limit strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours.
Some relief may come from scattered showers and thunderstorms expected late Thursday and Friday afternoons, though humidity will remain high. A cold front moving through this weekend should bring more comfortable conditions.
If you don’t have air conditioning, call 211 for assistance finding cooling centers. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion including dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating.
The advisory expires Friday at 8 PM.
Delaware transportation officials are alerting drivers about upcoming tree removal operations scheduled for three separate locations over the next seven days.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) says the initial project will take place this Sunday morning, April 14th, along southbound Route 141. The work zone will span from Alapocas Drive to the Tyler McConnell Bridge, with crews operating between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
DelDOT has not yet released details about the timing and locations of the remaining two tree removal projects planned for the week.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama acknowledged he was stating the obvious when he outlined the two scenarios facing his team in Saturday night’s Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Either San Antonio wins and keeps the series alive, or New York captures the NBA championship.
Those are the only options remaining. Following 1,321 total games this season — including 1,230 regular season contests, 84 playoff matchups, six play-in tournament games, and one NBA Cup deciding game between these teams — the situation has become that straightforward. A Spurs victory at home would force at least one more game, while a Knicks win would leave only a championship parade on the calendar.
With San Antonio down 3-1 in the series, Wembanyama recognizes the challenging circumstances ahead. History shows that 37 of the previous 38 teams facing a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals have watched their opponents claim the championship. Making matters worse, the Spurs must overcome this deficit after suffering the largest collapse in Finals history — surrendering a 29-point advantage in Wednesday’s 107-106 Game 4 defeat in New York.
“I think it’s going to go one of two ways,” Wembanyama commented following Wednesday’s loss, during which San Antonio was outscored 55-25 over the final 21 1/2 minutes. “One of two ways. A bad one and a good one. The bad one would be giving up. The good one would be getting stronger through this, getting more together. I know this is what we’re going to do.”
Both teams had Thursday off from official practice sessions. Friday practice sessions are planned in San Antonio before Saturday night’s pivotal Game 5, where New York sits one victory away from ending a 53-year championship drought.
The Knicks captured the first two Finals games in San Antonio — mounting comebacks from double-digit deficits in both contests — to seize control of the series. A Saturday victory would make New York the first team since Houston in 1995 to win three games on San Antonio’s home court during a single playoff series.
“Our mentality has to be 0-0, the way it’s been,” Knicks guard Jalen Brunson stated, echoing the approach he has emphasized throughout this postseason. “It has to be that way, and I feel like us moving forward with that mindset can really benefit us. There’s nothing to celebrate. It’s not over yet, not even close.”
While teams holding 3-1 leads typically avoid premature celebrations, Brunson’s caution carries additional weight in this particular series.
Although the 3-1 disadvantage has historically proven nearly impossible to overcome in NBA Finals, with only LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers successfully rallying past Golden State in 2016, this matchup remains statistically competitive.
New York holds just an eight-point scoring advantage across all four games. Field goal percentages are nearly identical, with the Knicks shooting 44% compared to San Antonio’s 43%. Three-point production shows the Knicks with 52 makes versus the Spurs’ 49. Free-throw shooting percentages stand at 79% for New York and 78% for San Antonio. The Knicks lead by three rebounds while both teams have recorded exactly 90 assists through four contests.
“Just take this one game at a time,” said Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox, who faced criticism for attempting a blocked layup in Game 4’s closing seconds rather than running down the clock with a one-point lead. “It obviously looks like a steep hill, but this is something that’s happened before. Take this thing one game at a time. We’ve been in a position to win all these games. We’ve been up double digits. We have to figure out what we need to do to be able to put some of these games away.”
The late-game struggles have become a puzzling pattern for San Antonio.
Game 1 saw them leading by one point with 1:51 remaining before falling to an 11-0 New York closing run.
In Game 2, they held possession in a tied contest with 11 seconds left, only to lose when Wembanyama’s pass to Stephon Castle went unseen, creating a turnover that led to Brunson’s championship-winning free throw.
Most recently, they squandered their 29-point Game 4 lead yet still maintained a one-point advantage until Anunoby’s tip-in with 2.1 seconds remaining.
“We have to try to put this behind us,” Fox said.
Should they fail to do so, New York’s five-decade championship wait could conclude Saturday evening.
LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian citizens began their journey home from South Africa on Thursday following government-mandated evacuations in response to deadly immigration demonstrations that have rocked the region.
The departure included 262 passengers along with three government representatives who boarded the aircraft bound for Lagos, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Ministry officials previously announced that more than 1,000 Nigerian nationals have signed up for voluntary departure.
South African authorities stated the departing individuals were residing in the country without proper documentation, disputing Nigerian government claims that citizens were escaping xenophobic violence.
Nigerian government representatives did not provide immediate responses to Associated Press inquiries for additional information.
Nigeria joins other African countries in arranging emergency flights to bring citizens home from South Africa. Beginning in April, multiple immigration demonstrations have resulted in violence against foreign residents. These demonstrations reflect growing friction between immigrant workers and local residents who believe foreigners are claiming employment opportunities. South African leadership has denounced these incidents as xenophobic violence.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained the president directed the “evacuation of imperiled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa.”
“The price of your peace, and the safety of your children is worth any sacrifices you have to make, or any assets you have to leave behind when fleeing a conflict zone or hate-infested environment,” the minister stated in her message to departing citizens.
Nigeria’s evacuation operation comes after Ghana brought home approximately 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa. South African officials reported that most returning Ghanaians lacked proper documentation.
Liberia has similarly raised alarm about citizen safety in South Africa. News outlets have reported President Joseph Boakai stating the government will pursue all required actions, including organizing comparable return flights to Liberia.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Department reported processing 586 Nigerians for departure after discovering they were undocumented. Officials indicated the following group will depart on Monday.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed they received emergency travel documentation from the Nigerian High Commission.
He additionally noted they were labeled “undesirable persons” and banned from returning to South Africa for five years. “Foreign nationals must ensure that their immigration status remains compliant with South African immigration laws at all times and to regularize their stay,” he stated.
WASHINGTON — Internal documents show that fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes recently approved by federal health regulators didn’t perform significantly better at helping people quit smoking compared to tobacco-flavored versions, raising fresh concerns about the agency’s controversial authorization.
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval to its first fruit-flavored vaping products, effectively backing them as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. The approval contradicted the agency’s long-held stance that fruit flavors attract young users and should demonstrate additional health advantages before receiving adult approval.
Lawmakers and health advocacy organizations swiftly criticized the move and demanded explanations from the agency.
An FDA document released this week offers additional insight into the agency’s reasoning. The six-page memo shows regulators seemingly avoiding their earlier warnings about sweet vaping flavors while recognizing flaws in research provided by vape company Glas Inc.
Under federal requirements, manufacturers must prove their products benefit overall public health. This typically involves showing that their vaping devices help adult smokers transition away from or stop using cigarettes without encouraging teenage use.
According to the memo, smokers using Glas vaping products showed much higher rates of completely switching away from cigarettes during a three-month research period.
However, the information revealed no “statistically significant differences” between adults who used the company’s mango and blueberry varieties versus those who used tobacco-flavored electronic cigarettes.
This means the newly approved vapes didn’t meet the same standards as other flavored products the FDA had previously approved, including menthol-flavored devices from Juul and NJOY. Those manufacturers demonstrated that adults using menthol products were significantly more likely to reduce or eliminate cigarette use compared to those using tobacco-flavored vaping products.
In another section, FDA officials stated that the Glas flavored products “did not have to demonstrate added adult benefit” since young people would be unlikely to access them. Glas requires customers to unlock each electronic cigarette through an age-verification smartphone application.
The agency’s decision also contradicts recent FDA guidance telling manufacturers that fruit and dessert flavors must meet “a high evidentiary burden” for adult approval due to youth risks. Tobacco-flavored products typically don’t appeal to teenagers and usually face less stringent FDA review processes.
The FDA memo is also notably short compared to similar documents.
Typical FDA memos regarding new vaping products span dozens of pages. Last year’s authorization document for Juul’s menthol electronic cigarettes exceeded 90 pages and contained comprehensive scientific information from studies involving 50,000 participants.
The brief Glas memo omits important information, including the number of smokers included in the company’s research.
The FDA typically publishes such documents immediately following authorization announcements. The Glas document appeared on the agency’s website more than a month after officials approved the products.
Congressional members have questioned the agency about this decision. Last month, 10 Democratic senators wrote to the agency seeking additional details about the authorization, describing it as a “shortsighted and reckless decision.”
The Glas application, which covered menthol and tobacco-flavored vapes as well, took a complicated route to approval. The small Los Angeles-based manufacturer submitted its marketing application to the FDA in 2021, and officials initially denied it.
In February, FDA scientists reversed their position and approved multiple flavors. However, a senior official under then-FDA Commissioner Marty Makary blocked that decision, according to internal documents the agency later made public.
The mango and blueberry-flavored products received final approval during Makary’s final full week as agency head. He left the position following months of criticism from industry groups, including tobacco manufacturers that have pressured President Donald Trump’s Republican White House for relaxed vaping flavor regulations.
A company representative was not available for comment when contacted Thursday morning.
WASHINGTON, June 11 (Reuters) – The head of U.S. Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, stood behind the Trump administration’s visa rejection decisions on Thursday as this week marked the start of the World Cup tournament. He indicated that discussions had taken place with FIFA leadership while refusing to provide details about individual visa situations.
A robotics company based in Barcelona that specializes in artificial intelligence technology announced Thursday it has successfully secured $85 million through a new investment round, demonstrating continued momentum in Spain’s expanding technology industry.
The company, Theker, focuses on creating robotic systems that utilize artificial intelligence to carry out different functions within industrial settings.
Venture capital firm CRV spearheaded the investment round, with participation from major corporations including Samsung and luxury brand conglomerate LVMH.
This significant funding announcement follows Amazon’s earlier commitment to invest an additional €18 billion ($20.7 billion) in Spain just months ago, aimed at expanding data center operations and advancing artificial intelligence development.
Britain’s drug regulatory authority granted approval Thursday for a new oral weight-loss medication from Novo Nordisk, providing patients with an injection-free option for treating obesity while strengthening the Danish pharmaceutical company’s competitive position ahead of U.S. competitor Eli Lilly.
This regulatory clearance offers a more user-friendly treatment choice for over 10 million residents of England as pharmaceutical companies compete to broaden the reach of these medications, which have revolutionized the weight-loss treatment market and transformed the drug industry landscape.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has cleared the Wegovy pill for adult patients dealing with obesity who maintain a body mass index of 30 or higher, as well as individuals with BMI readings from 27 to 30 who also have at least one obesity-related health condition.
Following this regulatory clearance, Britain’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will conduct its own evaluation before the medication becomes accessible through the NHS healthcare system.
In the interim, patients may obtain the pill from private healthcare providers. Novo anticipates the medication will become accessible through private prescriptions in the coming weeks.
Danielle Brightman, clinical director at digital healthcare platform Numan, stated that clearing oral medication means “better access for more people battling obesity”.
Current NHS England data indicates that obesity impacts approximately 30% of adults in England, representing roughly 13 million to 14 million individuals.
The Novo pill features semaglutide, the identical active compound found in the company’s highly successful injectable medications Wegovy for weight management and Ozempic for diabetes treatment.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced Thursday that its commercial aviation division maintains an order backlog exceeding $15 billion, while declaring that significant engine problems plaguing its newest E2 aircraft series have been addressed.
The backlog figure was revealed following Embraer’s announcement last week of a confirmed purchase agreement for 15 E195-E2 aircraft from aircraft leasing company Azorra.
At the conclusion of the first quarter, the company’s backlog reached $15 billion, representing a 50% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the unit’s marketing vice president Rodrigo Silva e Souza, who spoke with reporters, the company maintains a strong position to achieve its projected delivery target of 80 to 85 commercial aircraft in 2026.
Silva e Souza stated that Embraer anticipates no E2 aircraft will remain grounded due to engine problems by the conclusion of 2026.
Aircraft engine manufacturers have encountered mounting pressure from airline companies due to planes being taken out of service and increased maintenance expenses.
According to Embraer, the current aircraft-on-ground rate for the E2 fleet sits at 1%, a dramatic decrease from the peak of 22% recorded in March 2025.
The E2 aircraft utilize engines manufactured by RTX’s Pratt & Whitney division, which Embraer reports are currently receiving upgrades to enhance performance in high-temperature, challenging operating conditions.
While maintaining what it describes as a “robust” order backlog, Embraer indicates it still offers manufacturing slots prior to 2030, positioning this as a competitive advantage over industry giants Boeing and Airbus.
Embraer specializes in aircraft designed to accommodate approximately 150 passengers or fewer, operating below the passenger capacity of Airbus’ and Boeing’s most popular A320 and 737 aircraft series.
State officials announced today they have reached a preliminary agreement to acquire a Delaware State University facility that will serve as the foundation for expanding homeless services in Kent County.
Governor Meyer, working alongside the Delaware State Housing Authority, revealed the agreement in principle to purchase the university’s Living and Learning Commons located in Dover. The acquisition represents a significant development in efforts to bring the Hope Center approach to Kent County.
The announcement follows Governor Meyer’s establishment of the Delaware Interagency Collaborative to End Homelessness, marking continued progress in the administration’s strategy to address housing challenges across the state.
Rehoboth Beach has wrapped up its 2026 restaurant inspection program, marking the completion of a joint effort between the city’s code enforcement and wastewater departments. Officials examined 98 out of 107 restaurants, with just one establishment failing to pass due to incomplete documentation.
Among the 68 food establishments that serve alcohol and were checked for permit compliance, 97% successfully passed their inspections. City officials report that businesses which didn’t meet requirements are working with municipal staff to address their compliance problems.
The positive results stem from the city’s new approach to restaurant oversight, featuring better coordination in their annual inspection program. Code enforcement teams handled permit compliance checks, while wastewater personnel separately examined grease, oil, and fat management using uniform checklists and shared monitoring systems. Officials say this strategy transforms the city’s approach from responding to problems after they occur to preventing them beforehand. The structured yearly inspection schedule helps restaurant owners know what’s expected, ensures fair treatment across all businesses, enhances record maintenance, and catches minor problems before they develop into serious operational or infrastructure challenges.
Claymont — The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is alerting drivers about upcoming ramp closures at the I-95/Naamans Road interchange for hazardous tree removal operations.
Traffic restrictions will affect the interchange ramps individually, beginning Saturday, June 13th at 6:00 am with the closure of the ramp connecting Naamans Road to northbound I-95. This closure is scheduled to last until 3:00 pm.
Later that same day, June 13th, the second phase will involve shutting down the ramp leading from southbound I-95 to Naamans Road.
Championship series in the NBA revolve around defining moments.
These instances are brief fragments of time – just seconds or a single play. Think of Michael Jordan’s shoulder shrug, LeBron James’ chase-down block, Jerry West’s 60-foot shot to force extra time, Ray Allen’s three-pointer that rescued Miami in 2013, Magic Johnson’s sky hook, Kobe Bryant leaping onto a table with five fingers raised for his fifth championship, or Willis Reed hobbling onto the court for Game 7.
These are the sequences that endure forever – individual events or plays that become legendary.
The New York Knicks may have redefined this concept entirely. Their Game 4 NBA Finals victory came thanks to one such defining sequence – OG Anunoby’s tip-in that completed the Knicks’ stunning recovery from a 29-point deficit certainly secured him permanent status among basketball’s most iconic plays.
However, the entire rally was truly the moment. Countless plays at Madison Square Garden wove together to create a story worthy of the nearby Broadway theaters and Radio City Music Hall stages.
The sequence lasted 21½ minutes of game time, stretching over an hour in actual duration. While Anunoby provided the dramatic finish, it’s reasonable to expect that whatever film project actor, director and devoted Knicks supporter Ben Stiller is capturing courtside with his phone during this series will prominently showcase much of those crucial 21½ minutes.
“You have to have a little luck in life. You’ve got to have a little luck in sports,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “But you can also make your luck, too.”
Calling the Knicks fortunate to hold a 3-1 series advantage would be unfair, as it implies they don’t deserve this position. They absolutely deserve it. They captured two road victories in San Antonio to open the series, overcoming double-digit deficits in both contests, then lost Game 3 at home before digging themselves into that 29-point hole in Game 4.
San Antonio couldn’t miss any shots during the opening half.
San Antonio couldn’t connect on anything during the closing half.
This represented fortunate circumstances for New York, unfortunate ones for San Antonio, and both teams bore responsibility for the shift. The score stood 81-52 in favor of the Spurs with 21½ minutes remaining. Historical precedent suggested victory was certain.
Wrong.
“It’s a pretty clear picture if you watch the game in terms of what we did in the first half and why we scored so many points. It was pace, finding the paint, passing the ball to your teammate, taking good shots,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “The second half was opposite of that.”
During those final 21½ minutes:
— New York outscored San Antonio 55-25.
— The Spurs converted just 6 of 35 field goal attempts.
— Anunoby and Jalen Brunson combined for 33 points for the Knicks.
— Victor Wembanyama endured a stretch where he made only 1 of 11 shots.
“I can’t really explain it right now,” Wembanyama said afterward when trying to make sense of everything that had just happened. “I don’t know. I think it’s just execution, greediness of some sort. We clearly weren’t the most hungry in the second half.”
During the third quarter’s midpoint, Anunoby connected on a three-pointer to cut the Knicks’ deficit to 19. While seemingly minor, it marked their first time reducing San Antonio’s advantage below 20 points since early in the second quarter.
The rally – the defining moment – was just beginning.
The deficit shrank to 15 entering the final quarter. It dropped to 12 following a Karl-Anthony Towns three-pointer with 7:28 remaining, then reached single digits when Towns scored again a minute later. The Garden erupted. Taylor Swift, seated courtside, bounced up and down like millions have done at her concerts. Spike Lee, also courtside, waved his arms frantically as though directing this unscripted performance.
The margin narrowed to seven, then four, then one. New York grabbed the lead before briefly surrendering it. Then Anunoby delivered his magic.
The moment reached completion.
“We believe in each other,” Knicks guard Jose Alvarado said. “That’s the main thing.”
One more victory would truly complete this story. That would represent the ultimate moment, should it occur. Knicks supporters have endured 53 years waiting for such a celebration; the franchise hasn’t claimed an NBA championship since 1973, when the Larry O’Brien Trophy didn’t even carry that name yet.
Should that moment arrive, Wednesday’s sequence – those 21½ incredible minutes condensed into one moment – will have made it all possible.
“We focus on the things we need to get better every single day and not being satisfied with the things that we’ve done so far,” Brunson said. “Very proud of my teammates, day-in and day-out. But (there’s) a lot — a lot — that we have to learn … to honestly be better and be where we want to be.”
WASHINGTON — Global economic expansion will slow significantly this year as the ongoing conflict with Iran drives up energy costs and creates widespread market uncertainty, according to a new World Bank assessment released Thursday.
The international development organization now projects worldwide economic growth of only 2.5% for this year, marking the poorest performance since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international trade six years ago.
The financial institution revised downward its growth projections for two-thirds of nations across the globe.
However, the United States avoided a forecast reduction. The World Bank maintains its prediction that America’s economy will expand by 2.2% this year, matching its January projection and slightly improving from 2.1% growth in 2025.
The U.S. economy demonstrates greater stability than oil and natural gas importing nations due to its status as a significant energy producer, while also benefiting from substantial tax reductions and surging artificial intelligence investments. Nevertheless, American consumers continue to face frustration over elevated gasoline and commodity costs.
Developing nations face more severe economic headwinds. The World Bank reduced its 2026 growth estimate for emerging market economies by 0.4 percentage points to 3.6%, the lowest projection since the pandemic. According to the bank, in these regions, “the disruption in energy supplies and sharp increase in energy prices caused by the conflict have dampened confidence and weakened broader economic activity.”
China, the second-largest global economy, is projected to achieve 4.2% growth this year, declining from 5% in 2025 and below the 4.4% the institution had previously predicted for this year in January. India is anticipated to maintain its position as the fastest-expanding major economy with 6.6% growth, though this represents a significant drop from 7.7% in 2025.
The 21 European nations using the euro currency are collectively forecast to achieve modest 0.8% expansion this year, down from 1.4% in 2025.
Iran’s response to attacks by the U.S. and Israel included shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments. Energy costs have surged as a result. The World Bank anticipates Brent crude oil will average $94 per barrel this year, representing a 36% increase from 2025 and 50% above the institution’s January projection.
The conflict has also interrupted fertilizer trade flows, with significant exports moving through the Persian Gulf region. This disruption could trigger food supply shortages as agricultural producers reduce fertilizer use to avoid increased expenses.
Health officials are sounding the alarm about deadly summer heat after revealing that more than 200,000 Europeans lost their lives to heat-related causes during the past four years, according to the World Health Organization’s Europe office announced Thursday.
The warning comes as forecasters predict another summer of above-normal temperatures, which pose serious health risks including heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heat stroke.
“The impacts of climate change are a clear and present danger, and its most immediate and lethal manifestation is extreme heat,” stated Dr. Hans Kluge, director of the WHO’s Europe office. “Heatwaves are no longer freak weather anomalies. They are now a recurring crisis inflicting suffering, claiming lives and fracturing our health systems and infrastructure.”
The WHO’s European division is pushing for nations and organizations to develop comprehensive heat response strategies, including establishing cooling centers and adjusting work schedules to protect employees from dangerous midday temperatures.
“Our goal is clear and our ambition is bold: zero heat-related deaths,” Kluge declared.
Adding to concerns, weather experts announced Thursday that El Nino has developed in the Pacific Ocean and may reach record-breaking intensity. Scientists warn this natural warming pattern will amplify global temperatures already rising due to fossil fuel emissions and could intensify severe weather worldwide.
Health experts recommend these essential steps to prevent heat-related illness:
Avoid outdoor exposure during peak heat hours of the day. When venturing outside at midday becomes necessary, limit physical exertion and find shade where temperatures feel cooler. Try to spend two to three hours daily in air-conditioned spaces and monitor local heat advisories.
During daylight hours, keep windows closed and use blinds or shutters for coverage. Once evening arrives and outdoor temperatures drop below indoor levels, open windows for ventilation. Program air conditioning units to 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and use fans to enhance cooling effects. Communities with limited resources often face greater heat risks due to inadequate housing and limited access to cooling systems.
Maintain proper hydration by consuming one cup of water hourly and take cool baths or showers. When bathing isn’t available, use damp cloths or spray bottles on skin. Choose light-colored, loose clothing and breathable bedding materials. For outdoor activities, wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Vehicles must never be used to leave children or pets unattended, as interior temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly. Cover baby strollers with thin, damp fabric rather than dry materials that trap heat, and consider portable fans for additional cooling. Pay special attention to adults over 65 and individuals with disabilities or heart, lung, or kidney conditions. Those living alone may also need extra monitoring.
Workers in manual labor and outdoor jobs face heightened heat illness risks, particularly when work schedules cannot be adjusted for extreme temperatures.
Health officials reported Thursday that overnight drone attacks by paramilitary forces in central Sudan resulted in at least 15 deaths and dozens of injuries, highlighting the growing use of unmanned aircraft in the nation’s ongoing conflict that has stretched beyond three years.
The strikes began late Wednesday and hit multiple locations throughout el-Obeid, including areas close to military installations, according to two health officials from el-Obed Hospital who treated the casualties. The officials, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, confirmed that more than 10 individuals sustained injuries, with several in critical condition.
Sudan’s conflict began in April 2023 following escalating tensions between government military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, known as RSF. The ongoing violence has resulted in no fewer than 59,000 deaths, forced approximately 13 million people from their homes, and created famine conditions across large areas of the nation. Humanitarian aid is desperately needed by over 30 million residents.
Dr. Mohamed Elsheikh, representing Sudan Doctors Network which monitors casualty figures, informed The Associated Press that RSF drones struck a cemetery during a funeral service in el-Obeid, killing four attendees, and also hit a fuel station. He was unable to immediately verify whether those killed and injured were civilians or military personnel.
A Mercy Corps aid worker speaking anonymously due to safety concerns told the AP that drone bombardments have escalated throughout el-Obeid recently, with attacks focusing on areas where people gather. The worker reported that educational institutions have halted operations and commercial markets are operating with limited capacity due to the ongoing strikes.
Emergency Lawyers, a local organization monitoring aid efforts, stated Thursday that casualty numbers will likely rise as unmanned aircraft continued flying above the city.
The organization reported that residential areas near the 5th Infantry Division’s military headquarters in el-Obeid were struck, along with a supply truck bringing food into the city, killing the driver.
“This series of attacks indicates a widespread pattern of targeting civilian gatherings, neighborhoods and infrastructure, including during rescue operations and funerals,” the group stated, raising alarm about the indiscriminate nature of the bombardments.
The conflict, now entering its fourth year, has resulted in Sudan’s military maintaining control over northern, eastern and central territories, including the nation’s Red Sea shipping facilities and petroleum infrastructure. The RSF and allied forces hold Darfur and portions of Kordofan near the South Sudan border, both areas containing valuable oil reserves and gold mining operations.
According to experts, unmanned aircraft warfare has emerged as the most lethal danger facing civilians in Sudan’s war, with both military factions receiving drone supplies from various Middle Eastern and international sources. Humanitarian organizations report that increased drone activity in Kordofan has severely disrupted relief efforts in the region.
A 63-year-old former political leader from Northern Ireland took the witness stand Thursday to firmly reject allegations that he sexually assaulted two children over two decades ago.
Jeffrey Donaldson appeared at Newry Crown Court where he entered not guilty pleas two weeks earlier to 18 total charges – including one rape count, four gross indecency counts, and 13 indecent assault counts. The alleged incidents span from 1985 through 2008 and involve two accusers.
Both individuals who brought forward the accusations testified during the proceedings that they experienced abuse during their childhood years. According to their statements to law enforcement, Donaldson inappropriately touched them when they were elementary school-aged children. The older accuser, identified in court documents as Complainant B, also alleged rape occurred.
During his Thursday testimony, Donaldson categorically rejected all allegations against him. Addressing the rape accusation directly, he stated: “It just didn’t happen, I am absolutely crystal clear about that.”
“It is not something I would ever have done, it is just simply not true,” he added.
At the time of his 2024 arrest, Donaldson held the top position in the Democratic Unionist Party, a conservative political organization committed to preserving Northern Ireland’s connection to the United Kingdom.
The defendant showed visible emotion during portions of his court appearance, describing how his mind was “in a spin” following his arrest. His legal troubles prompted him to step down from his party leadership role and abandon his position in the U.K. Parliament.
Eleanor Donaldson, the defendant’s 60-year-old spouse, faces her own legal challenges related to allegations she assisted her husband’s purported criminal conduct. However, she will participate in a fact-finding proceeding rather than a full criminal trial due to mental health considerations.
The defendant rejected any implication that his wife observed abuse taking place but failed to stop it.
“She would have been very angry, she would have intervened immediately,” he testified. “I am absolutely clear, there is no situation where that happened.”
From 2021 through 2023, Donaldson held the most influential position within Northern Ireland’s unionist political movement as head of the DUP.
Court proceedings are anticipated to continue for approximately two more weeks.
Elon Musk’s space exploration company is preparing for a historic stock market debut that revolves around astronomical figures — and the numbers behind SpaceX’s public offering plans are truly staggering.
Financial documents for the upcoming stock launch reveal expenditures on an enormous scale — surpassing the entire economic production of many nations — with plans to expand dramatically as Musk works to fulfill his ambitious vision of transporting humans to other worlds. The capital expected to be generated from this initial stock sale — projected at $75 billion — will help fund these ambitious, science-fiction-like objectives.
If the public offering proceeds smoothly, it would establish a new record as the biggest in history. The move could also elevate Musk, who holds a significant ownership position in SpaceX and currently ranks as the planet’s wealthiest individual, to become the first person worth more than a trillion dollars.
Beyond the remarkable financial figures, the company’s filing documents read somewhat like a screenplay for a futuristic Hollywood film as Musk outlines his vision of using rocket technology to prevent human extinction by transforming our species into inhabitants of multiple planets.
Initially, Musk plans to transport astronauts to the moon for establishing a lunar outpost. His ultimate goal involves creating settlements on Mars.
Here’s an examination of the impressive statistics underlying Musk’s extraordinary aspirations.
SpaceX would achieve this market valuation if its publicly traded shares maintain the initial offering price of $135 per share. Given the significant investor enthusiasm surrounding SpaceX, the stock price could potentially climb higher during its first trading day. Currently, computer chip manufacturer Nvidia holds the position as the world’s most valuable publicly traded corporation at approximately $4.9 trillion. A valuation of $1.77 trillion would position SpaceX alongside Broadcom as the sixth most valuable company, based on Wednesday’s market closing.
This represents Elon Musk’s total wealth as of June 10, according to Forbes calculations. Based on how significantly the SpaceX public offering increases the value of Musk’s company ownership, he might achieve trillionaire status for the first time in history. The total wealth of the second through fifth richest individuals on the Forbes ranking — Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergei Brin, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg — equals $999.2 billion.
SpaceX would generate these funds by offering 555,555,555 shares priced at $135 each through the public offering, representing more than twice the previous IPO record of $26 billion achieved by Saudi oil company Aramco in 2019.
This represents the quantity of advanced Starlink satellites that Musk indicates SpaceX intends to launch into orbit. The Starlink network currently operates approximately 9,600 satellites in space. For perspective, UPS reports operating 135,000 delivery vehicles — including motorcycles — across its transportation network.
Musk will maintain this level of decision-making authority at SpaceX through his ownership of over 90% of the company’s Class B shares, which provide holders with 10 votes per share. He additionally holds a 12.3% ownership in Class A shares, which carry single voting rights per share.
Musk must achieve this population level in a Martian settlement to qualify for a portion of his SpaceX performance-based compensation. Currently, no technology exists to transport even a single individual to Mars, much less one million people. Earth cities with similar populations include Ottawa, Prague and San Jose, California.
The company’s total expenditures in 2025 across all divisions, encompassing rockets, satellites and artificial intelligence systems. The majority of this spending, totaling just under $11.4 billion, originated from its connectivity division that operates the Starlink satellite network. In comparison, NASA’s 2026 budget allocation is $24.4 billion.
SpaceX allocated this amount in 2025 for purchasing Cybertrucks from Musk’s other publicly traded enterprise, Tesla. The entry-level Cybertruck model is priced at $69,990. This $131 million expenditure would purchase approximately 1,871 vehicles. The business relationships between Musk’s companies have generated discussion about a potential future merger between Tesla and SpaceX.
This represents the projected portion of IPO shares designated for individual investors with smaller investment budgets, commonly called retail investors. Generally, only approximately 5% to 10% of IPO shares are allocated to this investor category.
The World Cup has begun, setting the stage for an intense rivalry between athletic giants Nike and Adidas both on the soccer field and in retail stores worldwide.
Nike desperately needs a victory. The global soccer competition, taking place partially on American soil, arrives during the second year of CEO Elliott Hill’s effort to turn the company around. The athletic wear manufacturer has watched its market position weaken, anticipates revenue will decline between 2% and 4% during the current quarter, and has seen stock values plummet more than 30% this year as shareholders lose patience with Hill’s recovery efforts.
However, encouraging developments are emerging in retail locations. Customers walking into the Pelé Soccer store in Times Square recently encountered a display of mannequins wearing Nike uniforms for the United States, Brazil, and France teams.
Nike’s World Cup marketing effort called “Rip the Script,” centered on a promotional video showcasing soccer stars and famous personalities including Kylian Mbappé and Kim Kardashian, dominated the window showcase at a Champs Sports location in midtown Manhattan. The prominent positioning of Nike jerseys by the Foot Locker subsidiary demonstrates Nike’s advancement in repairing connections with retail partners that were damaged when former CEO John Donahoe shifted toward selling directly to consumers.
“Football allows us to reach so many different people,” said Camilo Andrade, Nike’s vice president of global football. Regarding collaboration with wholesale retailers, the approach “has been first and foremost to make sure that we restore those relationships,” Andrade added.
Beyond introducing two new Mercurial soccer cleats this month, the athletic apparel company is providing uniforms for 12 national teams, collaborating with local streetwear designers, and updating soccer products at over 5,000 Nike and wholesale locations around the world.
However, the competition remains intense. Adidas, serving as an official World Cup sponsor and a brand with deep soccer heritage, is backing 14 teams and providing the tournament’s official match ball, which acts as a prominent centerpiece in retail environments.
British retailer JD Sports has observed that Mexico and Argentina jerseys – both supported by Adidas – have emerged as the top-selling team uniforms so far, according to a company spokesperson. Industry experts suggest brand success will partially depend on which teams perform well in the actual tournament.
Louis Carrillo, 30, found himself attracted to a display of Mexico jerseys at Pelé Soccer – not just to cheer for his home country’s team as they compete against South Africa on Thursday, he explained, but also because of the distinctive Adidas three stripes featured on the shirt’s shoulders.
He previously purchased Nike’s Mercurial soccer boots during his youth, “but I feel that it’s not the same anymore,” Carrillo added, noting his enthusiasm for the design has diminished.
Industry analysts warn that even a World Cup boost might not be sufficient to change Nike’s overall direction. The sportswear leader still must introduce more innovative products that capture consumer attention.
RBC Capital Markets reduced its Nike stock recommendation just one day before the World Cup’s opening match. Analyst Piral Dadhania pointed to a slower-than-anticipated recovery, stating the World Cup influence and new products are “not sufficient to offset clean-up actions elsewhere in the business.”
“The problems that Nike has are not going to just go away because of the World Cup,” said Morningstar analyst David Swartz. “But it’s certainly an opportunity to get the brand back in front of people.”
Nike’s product selection will help increase brand visibility as the tournament progresses, but currently, Adidas merchandise appears more prominent at retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker, according to analysts at Telsey Advisory Group who published their findings this week.
Major stock market indexes moved higher Thursday as investors purchased discounted technology shares while monitoring ongoing Middle East tensions.
Semiconductor companies recovered following Wednesday’s decline that pushed major indexes down over 1% and sent technology stocks into correction territory with a 10% fall from recent peaks.
Intel surged 10%, while Nvidia and Micron Technology climbed 1.3% and 2.4% respectively. The S&P 500 technology index rose 1.4%, and the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index jumped 4.5%.
Oracle stock dropped 12.5% after the company announced capital spending projections for fiscal 2027 that exceeded Wall Street expectations. Software stocks declined 2.2% overall.
Applovin and Atlassian each fell approximately 3%, while Servicenow, Salesforce and Adobe decreased between 2.2% and 3%.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Washington would strike Iran “very hard tonight” and soon assume control of the Middle Eastern nation’s oil and gas infrastructure and markets. Oil prices moved higher.
“That’s (Trump’s warning) a pretty worrisome thought for the market but what we’re seeing here is a market that may have been grossly oversold over the past few days. And so that’s why we’re seeing some sort of a bump,” said Phil Blancato, chief market strategist at Osaic Wealth.
At 09:56 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 450.39 points, or 0.90%, to 50,371.57, the S&P 500 advanced 58.67 points, or 0.81%, to 7,325.66 and the Nasdaq Composite rose 267.93 points, or 1.07%, to 25,437.44.
The S&P 500 has fallen roughly 4% since reaching a record closing high in early June as investors wrestle with worries about elevated tech valuations and stricter monetary policy, with Middle East conflict adding inflationary concerns.
Ten of 11 major S&P 500 sectors posted gains, with industrial stocks leading the advance.
Communication services fell 1.5%, as Alphabet and Meta each dropped nearly 2%.
Economic data revealed U.S. producer prices rose more than anticipated in May, resulting in the biggest annual increase in over three years.
Additionally, the number of Americans filing unemployment benefit claims rose slightly last week.
The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to maintain current interest rates at next week’s policy meeting, with investors expecting at least one 25 basis point rate increase by year’s end.
The eagerly awaited Friday market launch of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, expected to be valued at $1.75 trillion, could challenge this year’s rally that has repeatedly pushed stocks to record heights.
The World Bank reduced its global growth projection for 2026 due to the Middle East war, stating growth could decelerate to just 1.3% if energy supply disruptions become more severe and create significant financial market stress.
Among other notable moves, Navan soared 16.5% after the corporate travel booking agency increased its full-year revenue and operating income forecasts on Wednesday.
Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones by a 3.27-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 2.11-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
The S&P 500 recorded 9 new 52-week highs and 7 new lows while the Nasdaq Composite registered 86 new highs and 86 new lows.
Federal weather officials confirmed Thursday that El Nino weather patterns have formed and are anticipated to grow stronger through the winter of 2026-27, according to the U.S. Climate Prediction Center.
The government weather agency noted that these El Nino conditions have emerged during the past month.
El Nino represents a natural climate event that happens when trade winds weaken, allowing warmer ocean temperatures to accumulate across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. This weather pattern generally results in elevated global temperatures and shifts in weather systems, creating drought conditions in certain areas while producing excessive rainfall in others.
“El Nino is likely to have a negative impact on crop yields in Southeast Asia and India, where El Nino is typically associated with below-normal rainfall,” said Kyle Tapley, enterprise sales executive at Vaisala Xweather’s WeatherDesk.
India’s monsoon season provides approximately 70% of the nation’s annual precipitation and remains crucial for its farming industry, which represents roughly 18% of the country’s nearly $4 trillion economy. Reduced rainfall amounts could result in diminished harvests for crops including rice, cotton and soybeans, while also affecting winter crop production.
In Indonesia, rice producers are working to plant earlier than usual as they prepare for potential extended dry conditions this year. Malaysia’s economic minister has cautioned that El Nino may reduce crop production by 8% to 10% on average during this period.
“El Nino typically leads to a less-active U.S. hurricane season and we expect a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year. However, it is important to remember that a strong hurricane is still possible even in a less-active hurricane season,” Tapley said.
The current U.S. hurricane season started June 1 and continues until November 30.
Alphabet’s Google is reportedly negotiating with Samsung Electronics to produce components for its upcoming artificial intelligence processor, according to a Thursday report from The Information citing sources with knowledge of the discussions.
The arrangement would have Taiwan’s TSMC manufacturing the primary portion of the processor, which carries the internal designation ‘Icefish,’ while Samsung would handle production of a specialized component responsible for memory connectivity using its advanced 2-nanometer manufacturing process, sources indicated.
The semiconductor sector continues to face significant production constraints as TSMC, the globe’s leading contract chip manufacturer, struggles to meet escalating demand and prevent supply chain disruptions during the current artificial intelligence expansion.
Google has been working to develop its proprietary AI processors as competitive alternatives to Nvidia’s market-leading graphics processing units, with tensor processing unit sales contributing significantly to the company’s cloud computing revenue growth.
The ‘Icefish’ processor remains in development phases and may begin large-scale manufacturing by 2028, The Information reported.
Earlier this week, The Information disclosed that Google was discussing with Intel the production of over three million TPUs scheduled for 2028, according to industry sources.
Alphabet has not yet provided comment on the report, while Samsung Electronics was unavailable for immediate response outside standard business hours. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the information.
Elon Musk’s rocket company has attracted over $70 billion in investment orders from individual investors ahead of its highly anticipated stock market launch, according to a Bloomberg News report published Thursday that cited sources with knowledge of the situation.
Individual investors are anticipated to receive a minimum of 20% of available shares, the Bloomberg report indicated, though it noted that discussions continue and offering specifics may still be modified.
The space exploration company did not provide an immediate response to Reuters’ request for comment. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Bloomberg report.
Reuters had previously reported that the rocket manufacturer was weighing the possibility of designating up to 30% of the stock offering for individual investors, representing an uncommonly large portion for retail participation designed to capitalize on Musk’s devoted fanbase.
The eagerly awaited market launch is set for Friday, with the aerospace company targeting $75 billion in fundraising at approximately a $1.8 trillion company valuation.
The company has attracted over $250 billion in total investor interest for what is positioned to become the biggest initial public offering on record, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing sources with knowledge of the situation.
Drivers traveling on westbound Route 14 in the Milford area should expect lane restrictions due to ongoing construction work.
The right shoulder is currently closed on the Milford Harrington Highway between Church Hill Road and Canterbury Road (Route 15) as crews perform construction activities.
Officials say the shoulder closure will remain in place until 5 PM today. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute.
SALISBURY, Maryland — Officials in Salisbury, Maryland have announced they’re bringing back and significantly expanding their no-cost summer programs aimed at keeping young people active while providing nutritious meals to families throughout the area.
The Game On! initiative, which proved successful during its inaugural year, will return to Lake Street Playground while also launching at Doverdale Park and Playground for the first time. Officials say the decision to add Doverdale demonstrates how well-received the program has been and shows the city’s dedication to delivering community-focused recreational opportunities to additional neighborhoods.
City Council President April Jackson partnered with the city to develop Game On! with the goal of making organized recreational activities and outdoor fun more accessible in municipal parks, ensuring children remain physically active and socially connected in their own neighborhoods.
Families can participate in Game On! at no cost without needing to sign up in advance. A pair of part-time recreational staff will be present to facilitate games, coordinate activities, and foster an inclusive atmosphere where kids can participate in active recreation all summer long. The program operates weekdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., running from July 1 through August 14, 2026.
Additionally, complimentary lunch service for youth under 18 will be available at both Game On! sites Monday through Friday at noon, through a collaboration with Wicomico County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services.
Official launch activities are scheduled for June 30, 2026, with celebration events happening from 10 a.m. to noon at both Lake Street Playground and Doverdale Park and Playground. The launch festivities will include inflatable bounce attractions, refreshments, and numerous games and activities for children.
“I’m excited to see these programs grow and reach more young people across our community,” said Community Relations Manager Rachel Manning. “This summer, I hope even more youth will take advantage of the chance to get outside, make new friends, and have fun.”
City officials are also promoting enhanced summer offerings at the Newton Community Center, which will operate Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free lunch service will be provided there as well at noon daily for children under 18. The Newton Community Center remains a secure, inclusive environment for youth during summer break, providing recreation, social connection, and reliable meal access.
“These programs are an investment in our neighborhoods and our youth,” said Mayor Randy Taylor, “By providing free meals and activities throughout the summer, we are creating more opportunities for children and families right here in Salisbury.”
Combined, these initiatives demonstrate the city’s continued dedication to offering accessible, community-centered opportunities that promote youth development, encourage physical activity, and guarantee children receive proper nutrition during the summer period.
Event Details:
Kickoff Event: June 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Locations: Lake Street Playground & Doverdale Playground | Salisbury, MD
Complete program information is available at the City of Salisbury’s website: https://salisbury.md/departments/housing-community-development/youth-development
The University of Delaware softball program has elevated one of its coaching staff members to a higher position within the organization.
Nikki Andrade has been elevated to associate head coach while maintaining her current responsibilities as recruiting coordinator, according to an announcement made by head coach Jen Steele on Wednesday, June 10.
The promotion represents a significant advancement for Andrade within the Blue Hens softball program structure.
Federal weather officials confirmed today that El Niño has officially developed in the tropical Pacific Ocean, with forecasters issuing an El Niño Advisory as the climate phenomenon is anticipated to grow stronger through the fall season.
The National Weather Service announced that El Niño, which represents the warm phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation climate pattern, is projected to reach moderate or strong intensity this autumn. Weather experts predict a 63% probability that sea surface temperatures will rise more than 2.0°C above normal in the Pacific monitoring zone. Should temperatures cross this threshold, NOAA would classify the event as a “very strong” El Niño.
El Niño occurs when equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures climb 0.5°C above typical levels for multiple consecutive months. Weather scientists also track atmospheric conditions over this Pacific region, monitoring for changes in the Walker Circulation – a large-scale east-to-west airflow pattern created by temperature and pressure variations between the warm western Pacific and cooler eastern waters. El Niño is declared when this circulation pattern weakens and warmer waters move eastward toward South America.
The climate pattern typically reaches peak strength during winter months, with its most significant global effects occurring during northern hemisphere winter seasons. During typical El Niño winters, the jet stream over the northern Pacific tends to move southward, directing storm systems across the southern portion of the United States. This southward shift also creates drier conditions over the Northern Rockies and Ohio and Tennessee river valleys. Temperature-wise, El Niño frequently produces warmer than normal winter conditions across northern U.S. regions.
“Every El Niño is not the same; each one is unique with its own imprint on our weather,” stated Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “Advanced monitoring and an improved understanding of El Niño patterns allow the NWS to better predict and better prepare the public and our core partners for what is to come.”
Common El Niño impacts include stronger upper-level winds that typically reduce storm and hurricane formation in the Atlantic Basin, while weaker winds encourage tropical development in the eastern and central Pacific regions. The phenomenon also brings stormier conditions to the Southern U.S., increasing chances for both rain and snow during El Niño winters.
High tide flooding risks may increase in parts of the United States, particularly along the West Coast. The climate pattern also affects marine life migration patterns, with warm water species moving northward while cold water species relocate farther north or into deeper waters. These behavioral shifts impact fish growth, survival, and reproduction rates. Previous El Niño episodes have also contributed to increased harmful algal bloom formation along the U.S. West Coast.
In February, NOAA officially began using the Relative Oceanic Niño Index for monitoring sea surface temperatures and predicting El Niño and La Niña events. Unlike the traditional Oceanic Niño Index, which uses a fixed 30-year temperature baseline, the new index updates monthly, providing more reliable identification of climate events.
NOAA’s climate monitoring team has tracked both the traditional and new indices since 2021. After observing several years of climate phases and corresponding atmospheric responses, scientists determined that the new index better correlates with expected Walker Circulation changes, offering more valuable information to weather experts, emergency managers, and the public.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An artificial intelligence company plans to invest $150 million in creating a fellowship initiative that will place trained coaches with nonprofit organizations across the nation to help them better utilize AI technology in their operations.
The program, called Claude Corps after the company’s well-known AI chatbot, will recruit and place 1,000 trained fellows with various organizations for one-year assignments. The company’s president told The Associated Press that Anthropic hopes this initiative will grow and become a cornerstone of its mission to help society benefit from AI while addressing potential dangers.
The president said Claude Corps will undergo evaluation following its initial year to determine whether it should continue and grow.
“We’re hoping it’s a good idea that can take root and that other people can build on and learn from, whether that’s public or private,” she said during an interview at Anthropic headquarters in San Francisco. “But I think my hope is that we’ll learn, the people who do it will learn, and we’ll be able to come back and do it again next time even better.”
Anthropic’s financial commitment covers compensation for Claude Corps participants and provides participating host organizations with $10,000 grants plus complimentary credits to access Claude.
Charitable giving is fundamental to how Anthropic’s founding team believes the business should operate, the president explained. She, along with her brother who serves as CEO, and the company’s five additional co-founders have committed to donating 80% of their personal wealth. They structured Anthropic as a public benefit corporation, a legal framework that allows for-profit businesses to pursue both financial success and social good.
Anthropic, currently valued at $965 billion, is preparing for a public stock offering, having recently submitted confidential paperwork for an initial public offering.
Speaking before the SEC filing became public, the president declined to discuss IPO timing but emphasized that the company’s principles are transparent to potential investors.
“There’s decisions and choices that we might make that might feel in conflict with just the pure commercial interests of the business and we’re going to be really open about that,” she explained. “I think we have been very well served by our inclination to just be very honest about who we are because people who like that really like us. And for people, if it’s not what they like, they don’t work with us. And I think that’s actually better for everyone.”
Anthropic has been vocal regarding dangers associated with this emerging technology. The company recently warned that businesses should coordinate pausing advanced AI development if humans risk losing control over self-improving systems. It worked with Pope Leo XIV during development of his AI encyclical addressing regulation needs. The company also engaged in a notable dispute with President Donald Trump’s administration after refusing to grant the U.S. military unrestricted access to its AI systems.
The president described Anthropic as “unusual” because its business operations and research divisions function independently.
“Sometimes research says things like ‘AI is doing bad things’ and we really want to be open about what those things are,” she noted. “Because I don’t think there’s a way for the broader community that is the world to adapt to these changes if we don’t understand the challenges.”
Bella DeVaan, who leads the Charity Reform Initiative at the progressive research organization the Institute of Policy Studies, expressed doubt that AI companies will voluntarily allocate sufficient profits to support everyone affected by AI implementation.
“The fox can’t guard the henhouse,” said DeVaan, who has researched wealthy individuals’ charitable contributions. “They can’t be responsible for their own regulation or for their own definition of what their altruistic mandate is. That has to be determined by the public.”
Similar to Pope Leo’s encyclical recommendations, DeVaan advocates for stronger government oversight of AI companies. Without official intervention, she fears AI could establish a permanent class of displaced workers. She believes governments must conduct independent research on AI’s potential benefits and risks rather than relying on AI companies’ findings.
Anthropic separately announced Wednesday it will contribute $200 million toward an economic framework supporting workers displaced by AI technology. This effort begins with funding research into problems created by AI adoption.
“We can’t understand what the societal disruption might look like if we don’t study it, publish it and talk about it,” the president stated.
For Claude Corps development, Anthropic collaborated with CodePath, a San Francisco-based nonprofit focused on helping first-generation and low-income students enter technology careers through educational programs and career assistance.
CodePath’s CEO said he had long considered redesigning AmeriCorps to address AI adoption. The federal volunteer service agency experienced significant funding cuts under Trump administration policies last year.
“I think we need programs that are meeting folks where they are when you’re looking at the traditional late adopters — from nonprofits to governments, to schools,” he explained. “We’re putting humans into the organizations that serve the majority of Americans as a way to bring them along and bring our communities along.”
He said CodePath will oversee the program, which accepts fellowship applications until July 17. The CEO noted the fellowship targets diverse young professionals early in their careers.
“We are intentionally trying to be extremely accessible,” he said. “We’re not requiring that you have a certain degree. We want the initial group of fellows to be representative of a broad section of the population in this country.”
Jennifer Blatz, who leads StriveTogether, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit network preparing young people for improved economic opportunities, expressed excitement that her organization was selected to host two Claude Corps fellows.
While her nonprofit currently uses AI for analyzing program impact data, she hopes Claude Corps can help standardize AI implementation across her organization and its network covering 27 states. Blatz wants both her network and the communities they serve to understand “AI is a tool – not the whole strategy.”
“AI can help us work smarter, but trust building and community collaboration, that’s a deeply human part of the work,” she said. “And that’s not going away just because we use this tool.”
The digital money transfer platform Zelle plans to launch operations in India during the second half of this year, marking the service’s inaugural venture beyond U.S. borders since beginning operations almost ten years ago.
The company behind Zelle’s network, Early Warning Services, described India as an ideal “natural starting point” for expanding internationally. Data from India’s central banking authority shows that approximately one-third of all money transfers sent to India annually originate from the United States.
Early Warning Services anticipates further expansion into additional global markets. Alongside revealing plans for India, the organization announced development of its own digital currency backed by U.S. dollars, called ZelleUSD, which will support infrastructure for future international operations.
Over its nine-year history, Zelle has emerged as a leading method for Americans to transfer funds directly between bank accounts. According to Early Warning Services, users and small businesses processed over $1.2 trillion through the platform in 2025.
However, the payment platform’s expansion hasn’t been without challenges. The service has endured years of examination regarding fraudulent activity and unauthorized transactions, including legal action brought by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in December 2024. The Trump Administration dismissed that case with prejudice in March 2025 after taking control of the bureau and ending most enforcement efforts against financial institutions.
A separate legal challenge filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James containing comparable accusations is currently progressing through New York’s court system.
Seven major national banks jointly control EWS, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
NEW YORK (AP) — Numerous employees worry that machines will replace them as artificial intelligence technology spreads rapidly through workplaces.
However, what if humans possess characteristics that are both uniquely human and crucial for professional achievement that AI cannot easily substitute?
Several workplace specialists believe that as more companies implement AI technology, developing soft skills like empathy, critical thinking and ethical decision-making can help workers become irreplaceable.
Throughout various industries and job types, “the abilities that resist being replaced by AI are those that are most uniquely human,” stated Maria Flynn, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future, a nonprofit organization focused on workforce development. “Some of these include building relationships, resolving conflicts, the capacity to guide and inspire others, and making ethical judgments.”
Flynn noted that even when posting technical positions like IT support, companies indicate they want candidates who communicate effectively and demonstrate leadership qualities.
“We began using the phrase ‘durable skills’ and consider them as abilities that truly are lasting, maintaining their worth through economic changes, technological advances and labor market disruptions,” she explained. “And we believe, particularly now during this period of AI progress, that durable skills genuinely make workers valuable in the workplace, no matter what tools and technology become available.”
Below are five abilities to develop based on areas where specialists say humans maintain advantages over artificial intelligence.
Understanding body language and reading between the lines to understand what wasn’t directly stated are abilities that many believe humans perform best. These skills also support the capacity to demonstrate empathy, and being aware of others’ emotions is a desirable quality in employees.
Marco Iansiti, a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, witnessed this personally during a hospital visit.
“A nurse provides incredibly human influence. Emotion, connecting with the patient, the kind of care that is so crucial,” Iansiti explained. “I recall moments when I was ill in the hospital and the nurse was like a blessing. Would I have allowed a robot to do the same? No. There was a human bond there that I found extremely valuable.”
AI could assist in hospital environments by handling routine tasks like paperwork, allowing nurses more time to deliver caring patient treatment, he noted.
“There are many systems being implemented now that I believe are highly effective at this and basically free healthcare workers to perform the tasks they should be doing and excel at.”
Creating solid personal connections with coworkers, clients and stakeholders continues to be a valued ability that experts say artificial intelligence systems struggle to duplicate. Sales professionals, for instance, maintain files or databases containing information they’ve gathered about clients through direct interactions.
“You have individuals who have trusted you and purchased products from you over the past decade. That holds worth and that’s difficult to transfer to artificial intelligence,” Iansiti said.
People skills also prove invaluable during conflicts. “Having that human involved to manage those expectations, to smooth any hurt feelings, to create the kinds of relationships that are necessary, to speed up quality work, will still be essential,” Flynn stated.
Conflict resolution remains a necessary trait for managers, according to Colleen Adler, director analyst in the human resources practice at the Gartner consulting firm.
“People still have managers, and managers and leaders influence how they feel, and colleagues affect how we feel too,” Adler said. “There remains a quality to AI that doesn’t yet replicate human connection. That might change; I don’t believe we’re at that point yet.”
Work settings are changing quickly and many workers feel they’re moving from one challenging situation to another, Adler observed. While AI systems can’t help employees feel better about that uncertainty, effective leaders can support their teams, she added.
Artificial intelligence systems gather information and create responses but can produce errors, making it crucial to question their output. Building extensive knowledge in your field can help you recognize when AI-generated results about your industry are wrong, said Amalia Kaufman, course developer and instructor at the University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education.
“You must have the thinking ability and critical analysis and subject expertise to understand it, and to recognize when it’s incorrect,” Kaufman said. “You must verify your facts.”
In research published in the journal Science, Stanford researchers examined 11 popular AI systems and discovered that artificial intelligence chatbots tended to flatter and validate users’ feelings, supporting a user’s actions 49% more frequently than humans did. Stepping back and using critical thinking when reviewing AI-generated results can help counter its tendency to be overly agreeable with users.
The capacity to differentiate right from wrong, or follow one’s inner voice, is an ability that is naturally human, experts stated.
Sometimes, people depend on physical sensations to guide their choices. “Gut feelings are something you experience in your gut,” Iansiti said. “It’s not simply a pattern of information processing in your brain. It is actually an emotional response that is fundamentally different from how AI functions. At least this current generation of AI.”
When life-or-death choices must be made, such as when to employ deadly military action, “do you want something that lacks human emotion, that doesn’t have a physical form connected with the intelligence?” Iansiti questioned. “AI can pretend to have a conscience because it’s learned about what conscience means, but it doesn’t possess a conscience.”
People can create parameters, or guidelines, for artificial intelligence systems to help AI make ethical choices, he said. But human involvement is still necessary.
“It’s extremely difficult to design a system that’s ethical for everything. It’s much more effective to build it for a particular use case. Like hiring,” Iansiti said.
Ethical concerns aren’t the only ones that AI is less prepared to address currently. The ability to generate creative concepts and make choices in unclear situations — while planning strategies or creating a brand identity, for instance — is another significant human capability, experts said.
“We don’t think that’s something that will be duplicated by artificial intelligence,” said Heather Stefanski, chief learning and development officer at management consulting firm McKinsey. “If we’re all simply using the AI solution to solve problems, how will you truly be unique?”
Humans make decisions based on a combination of knowledge and life experiences, Flynn said. Artificial intelligence uses extensive data but doesn’t necessarily function well in uncertain areas, Flynn noted. For now, the ability to consider all aspects of an issue and provide context remains a type of intelligence that people have to a greater degree than AI, she said.
“The qualities that make us uniquely human to me will continue to be what helps our society flourish in productive ways,” Flynn said. “And ensuring that we are highlighting those qualities, paying attention to them, making sure those are characteristics that people can identify and express and feel confident about, will be important as we all navigate a rapidly changing future.”
Israel’s highest court is deliberating whether to continue holding a Palestinian medical professional who was captured by Israeli troops more than a year ago in Gaza and participated in a video hearing Wednesday to contest his confinement.
As of Thursday evening, the Supreme Court had not announced its ruling, according to Naji Abbas, who oversees prisoner affairs at Physicians for Human Rights — Israel, a nonprofit organization.
Hussam Abu Safiya, who directed operations at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, emerged as a symbol of medical personnel working under extreme conditions during the Israel-Hamas conflict. He managed the medical center during an 85-day military blockade, producing video appeals asking for assistance. According to PHRI, fourteen medical professionals from Gaza remain in Israeli custody.
Video footage from his Wednesday court appearance showed Abu Safiya, age 53, restrained in handcuffs while wearing white detention clothing. His appearance was noticeably thin and pale, with what appeared to be whip-like injuries visible on both arms.
PHRI reports he was recently moved to isolation, a decision his son, Elias Abu Safiya, claimed in a social media video occurred soon after filing his legal challenge. Israeli authorities have not filed criminal charges against Abu Safiya.
Israel’s Justice Ministry had not provided comment by Thursday when contacted. The Israeli Prison Service rejected allegations of prisoner mistreatment. In their response, officials stated that all detainees receive appropriate medical attention and any misconduct accusations submitted through proper procedures undergo review.
Israeli military officials stated Abu Safiya is under investigation for allegedly collaborating with or supporting Hamas, the organization controlling Gaza. Healthcare workers and international relief organizations who have worked alongside Abu Safiya have rejected these accusations.
Following Wednesday’s proceedings, Abu Safiya’s legal representative, Nasser Odeh, shared a statement from his client.
“I am a pediatrician who provides medical care to patients, the wounded, and the most vulnerable in the Strip,” Odeh said, conveying the doctor’s message. “I carried out my work in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards. My detention is unjust and arbitrary.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas started on Oct. 7, 2023, following an assault by the Gaza-based organization on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in nearly 73,000 fatalities, based on figures from the territory’s Health Ministry, which does not separate civilian and military casualties. The ministry employs healthcare professionals, and the United Nations along with other independent observers consider its statistics the most credible casualty data available.
WASHINGTON — Officials have postponed the debut of a new international bridge spanning the Detroit River after President Donald Trump had previously threatened to prevent its opening due to unresolved matters.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced Thursday, just one day before a planned ribbon-cutting event, that both nations have decided to postpone the bridge’s launch to allow additional time for addressing remaining concerns.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge represents a joint venture between Canada and Michigan, with traffic expected to begin flowing across it before the end of this month.
Uncertainty surrounding the bridge’s debut had persisted for several months following Trump’s February ultimatum demanding Canada transfer no less than half of the bridge’s ownership to the federal government, along with meeting other undisclosed conditions as part of his ongoing disputes regarding international trade matters.
This week’s distribution of opening ceremony invitations followed discussions between Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Bobby Leddy, a spokesperson for Whitmer, stated: “This project is a powerful example of bipartisan and international cooperation, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony when it happens.”
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing participated in a video conference Thursday hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron focused on worldwide economic imbalances, occurring just days before G7 countries convene in France to address concerns about inexpensive Chinese exports flooding their markets.
The French leader, who will host the Group of Seven summit next week in Evian-les-Bains, has attempted to work with Beijing in a final effort at cooperation before the European Union determines whether to strengthen its trade policies regarding China, according to French officials.
“Our common goal should be clear. It is to put the global economy back on a stronger growth path. I think we all share this objective. In order to deliver, we need obviously some domestic policies and effective international co-operation,” Macron stated as the video conference began.
“Co-ordination is key, and if they (global imbalances) are not addressed through a co-ordinated approach among the world’s major economies, these imbalances risk unwinding in a disorderly manner, leading to abrupt economic and financial adjustments,” he continued.
European Union leaders will convene directly following the June 15 to 17 G7 meeting, with China expected to be a major topic of discussion.
Zhang’s participation in the video conference titled “Global Convergence for Growth,” which was confirmed by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, represents an uncommon example of China working with the G7 nations of France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with the EU.
Beijing has consistently criticized the organization as illegitimate for addressing global issues and for failing to represent the world order properly.
European concerns are mounting over China’s record trade surplus and advancement in higher-value industries, as its exports of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and other advanced technology products pose threats to European manufacturers, in what experts call a “second China shock” after its control of lower-value sectors in the 2000s.
China has stood by its industrial policies and dismissed claims that Chinese exporters receive unfair advantages from government subsidies. It maintains that other nations are violating international trade regulations by implementing unilateral tariffs.
Since December, the Chinese capital has welcomed leaders from five G7 countries in a series of high-level diplomatic meetings. Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during that period, urging him that China should assist in rebalancing economic relationships through cooperation, or Europe would face limited options beyond implementing more protective trade measures.
Nevertheless, EU countries remain split on their approach to China. Germany, Europe’s biggest trading economy, has traditionally resisted imposing tariffs on one of its primary export destinations. However, as Chinese automobile manufacturers compete more aggressively with German companies, some German legislators have started advocating for a firmer position toward Beijing.
Operating from a heavily fortified underground command center near the front lines, Ukraine’s top drone warfare official is orchestrating an ambitious strategy to completely sever Crimea’s connections to Russia through targeted unmanned aircraft attacks.
The intensifying drone campaign across Russian-held territories has severely disrupted military supply chains and fuel deliveries, forcing officials to implement fuel restrictions in Crimea last month.
Robert Brovdi, who leads Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, reported that the operations have slashed traffic along the Novorossiya highway by over two-thirds in recent weeks. This critical roadway serves as Russia’s primary military supply line through occupied southern Ukraine into Crimea.
Brovdi, widely recognized by his military nickname “Madyar” in reference to his Hungarian heritage, predicted complete Ukrainian dominance over the route within 30 days.
“We will isolate Crimea in the near future,” Brovdi stated during an interview from his compact workspace within the bunker, while drinking black tea and chain-smoking cigarettes.
Russia took control of the Crimean peninsula along with large portions of eastern Ukraine in 2014.
Brovdi compared targeting vehicles on the vulnerable highway to being “as easy as shooting partridges in an open field.”
Russia’s defense ministry declined to provide comment on the story. President Vladimir Putin admitted last week that Ukraine’s drone strikes were inflicting damage but maintained they presented no danger to Russia’s economic stability.
Defense experts indicate Ukraine’s campaign of medium-range attacks within Russian-controlled areas has disrupted supply lines to the front – bringing Russian advances nearly to a halt last month – and compromised air defense systems, creating opportunities for longer-distance strikes that have damaged oil facilities and weapons manufacturing deep within Russia.
Brovdi explained that one of his key objectives was compelling Moscow to withdraw forces rather than advance them.
“We will create conditions that will make it extremely difficult for any military personnel or those working in the defence industry to remain in Crimea, in the temporarily occupied territories, or use the access routes to them.”
During more than four years of conflict, Brovdi has reinvented himself from a prosperous grain merchant into one of Ukraine’s most successful military leaders. Since assuming control of Ukraine’s drone operations last June, the 50-year-old has dramatically expanded their scope.
Medium-range combat missions grew 28 times over the past year, while deep penetration strikes into Russian territory increased nearly four times during the same timeframe, according to the drone forces leader.
During the first five months of this year, his units eliminated 174 Russian air defense systems valued at approximately $5.4 billion, Brovdi reported, opening pathways to additional targets.
Through systematic attacks on Russia’s military personnel, petroleum infrastructure, and arms manufacturing, Brovdi aims to cause losses severe enough to damage Moscow’s capacity and determination to continue the conflict.
“We’re opening the door to vast spaces where the pain of the war, which is felt in nearly every Ukrainian town, should be felt, including in the consciousness of residents,” said Brovdi, wearing a black cap and black T-shirt.
He emphasized that Ukraine has not and will not target civilians or civilian infrastructure directly. Russia has recently alleged that Kyiv killed dozens of civilians in occupied Ukraine.
Michael Kofman, senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment, said improvements in drone technology made Ukraine’s goal of isolating Crimea achievable over time. However, accomplishing the larger strategic objective of pushing back Russian forces would still need a coordinated ground campaign.
Kofman noted that Russia’s own specialized drone unit, called Rubicon, was actively working to counter Ukraine’s current superiority in medium-range drones.
Found guilty in absentia by Russia on terrorism charges in March, Brovdi ranks among Moscow’s top priority targets. His aerial warfare operations are directed from a deep underground facility near the battle zone. The Reuters journalists were transported to meet Brovdi in a vehicle with darkened windows and escorted underground.
Lines of sleeping quarters border a hallway leading to a room packed with numerous monitors showing live battlefield intelligence. Vibrant artwork by prominent Ukrainian artists – some from Brovdi’s personal collection – decorates the walls alongside captured Russian drones.
Brovdi, originally from western Ukraine, enlisted as a volunteer when Russia’s invasion began in 2022. He built his “Madyar’s Birds” unit, now Ukraine’s most formidable drone brigade, from the ground up.
Each attack is recorded, confirmed and documented. Wall-mounted displays show a comprehensive scoreboard, continuously updated. Between 10 and 12 terabytes of data are stored daily for future artificial intelligence applications.
Brovdi, who mixed dark humor throughout his remarks, described the conflict in commercial language.
“This is our accounting from previous business projects, which we adapted just for military purposes: changed grain carriers, wagons and grain to types of weapons, ammunition, and our clientele is a little different,” he explained.
Through data analysis, Brovdi seeks to eliminate “the human factor” from combat: “a person can be tired, can be biased, can make mistakes.”
After his unit achieved one of the military’s highest elimination rates, Brovdi became central to Kyiv’s approach of directing drone capabilities against individual Russian troops to offset Ukraine’s personnel limitations.
In the first five months of 2026, drone forces eliminated more than 50,900 Russian military personnel and struck over 176,500 enemy objectives. The daily average elimination rate was 337 Russian soldiers and 1,169 enemy targets, according to data Brovdi provided.
Brovdi’s statistics also calculated the average expense of eliminating one Russian soldier at roughly $918 over the previous year.
Reuters was unable to independently confirm these numbers.
Drone units, representing 2.5% of Ukraine’s military, were responsible for approximately one-third of Russian casualties over the last 12 months, their data indicated.
The goal is to expand drone forces to 5% of the military, Brovdi stated.
“By scaling up the use of unmanned aerial vehicles — not just within the drone units, but across the army as a whole — we are significantly increasing the number of targets destroyed.”
Producer prices across the United States climbed significantly higher than anticipated during May, marking the steepest annual increase seen in three and a half years as ongoing Middle East tensions pushed energy costs upward.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics within the Labor Department announced Thursday that the Producer Price Index for final demand rose 1.1% during May, matching a revised 1.1% climb from April.
Financial analysts surveyed by Reuters had predicted a more modest 0.7% increase, following what was initially reported as a 1.4% April surge. Over the full 12-month period ending in May, producer prices jumped 6.5%, representing the most substantial annual growth recorded since November 2022. Energy products and other goods saw prices rise 2.8%, contributing nearly four-fifths of the overall producer price increase, while service costs grew by 0.3%.
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has pushed up costs for energy products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. International supply networks have faced significant pressure due to shipping restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz, creating shortages across numerous product categories including fertilizers, aluminum, and various consumer goods.
Federal officials reported Wednesday that consumer inflation surged past 4% during May, marking the first time this threshold was crossed in three years.
The nation’s central banking system monitors Personal Consumption Expenditures price measurements as part of its 2% inflation goal.
The combination of increasing inflation and steady employment conditions has prompted financial markets to anticipate a rate hike from the Federal Reserve. However, economic experts believe the threshold remains elevated for policy tightening measures, noting that the oil price surge has thus far stayed limited to transportation industries. The central bank is anticipated to maintain its benchmark overnight interest rates within the 3.50%-3.75% range during next week’s meeting. Economic analysts expect the Fed will move away from its previous easing stance.
After reviewing the consumer price report, economists projected that PCE inflation might rise 0.4% in May, mirroring April’s increase. Annual PCE inflation was predicted to reach 4.0% for the 12-month period through May, which would represent the largest jump since May 2023, up from April’s 3.8% figure.
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that America plans to strike Iran and assume control of the Middle Eastern nation’s energy sector.
Speaking through his Truth Social platform, Trump declared the United States will hit Iran and eventually seize command of the country’s petroleum infrastructure and energy markets.
“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela,” Trump stated in his social media post.
The announcement was made from Washington on Thursday, with Trump indicating the action against Iran would happen in the immediate future.
Motorists traveling southbound on Route 13 should expect delays due to a construction-related lane closure between Hessler Boulevard and Memorial Drive.
The right lane is currently blocked off for construction activities and will remain closed until 3:30 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when passing through the work zone area.
State environmental officials are proceeding with dredging operations on the Indian River near Millsboro, working to enhance navigation channels for boaters while supporting wetland restoration efforts in the area.
DNREC has lifted typical seasonal timing restrictions for the project, determining that the environmental benefits of completing the marsh restoration work outweigh potential negative impacts. Officials cite degraded water flow conditions in the region as justification for allowing the dual projects to move forward during summer months.
The dredging and restoration work is scheduled to run through March 2027, with operations focusing on improving the waterway’s navigation channel while restoring nearby tidal marsh areas.
A Japanese pharmaceutical company announced Thursday that its experimental treatment for psoriasis, developed using artificial intelligence technology, demonstrated superior performance against an existing medication in a major clinical study.
The drugmaker said its investigational once-daily pill, zasocitinib, successfully met the primary endpoint of a late-stage trial involving adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, showing better skin clearance results than Bristol Myers Squibb’s approved medication Sotyktu following 16 weeks of treatment.
Plaque psoriasis represents a chronic immune-mediated condition affecting the skin, resulting in red, scaly, and inflamed patches across the body.
The development of zasocitinib utilized artificial intelligence technology, part of an increasing movement within the pharmaceutical sector to employ AI for accelerating drug discovery, reducing clinical trial durations, and minimizing animal testing requirements.
According to the company, zasocitinib delivered complete skin clearance for 35% of trial participants after 16 weeks, representing more than 2.5 times the success rate observed with Sotyktu.
The pharmaceutical firm also reported that zasocitinib’s safety profile remained consistent with previous studies, with no additional safety concerns identified during the trial.
The daily oral medication provides a practical treatment alternative for plaque psoriasis patients, joining Bristol Myers’ Sotyktu and Amgen’s Otezla in a therapeutic area primarily controlled by injectable treatments.
The company views zasocitinib as a potentially major revenue generator to help compensate for anticipated income losses from upcoming patent expirations for its inflammatory bowel disease treatment Entyvio, which faces key patent losses by the decade’s end.
Last year, the drugmaker projected that zasocitinib, pending regulatory approval, could achieve peak yearly sales between $3 billion and $6 billion.
The pharmaceutical company obtained zasocitinib through its acquisition of Nimbus Therapeutics in 2022, in a transaction worth up to $6 billion.
The company stated it plans to share comprehensive trial data at future medical conferences and continues working toward submitting FDA approval applications for zasocitinib as a plaque psoriasis treatment during this fiscal year.
Drivers traveling on southbound Peachtree Run Road will encounter a shoulder closure between Sunny Meadow Drive and Jericho Road that is expected to last until 6 PM today.
The temporary closure is affecting traffic flow in the area, and motorists are advised to plan accordingly for potential delays.
No additional details about the reason for the closure or expected completion time beyond 6 PM were immediately available.
DENDRON—Breyon D. Pierce, a sixth-generation farmer from Surry County, recalls countless Saturdays working the land rather than enjoying cartoons or playing outdoors.
“But over time, seeds were planted within me that taught me something much greater,” Pierce explained. “Farming is not just a profession; it’s a calling.”
Pierce, an accomplished agriculture educator, cultivates peanuts, corn, soybeans and wheat across more than 900 acres alongside his father Glen at Pierce Farms LLC.
On June 9, the family welcomed state officials to their operation, hosting Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Sec. of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier, Virginia General Assembly representatives and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation officials. The governor enacted several measures supporting the state’s agricultural and forestry sectors while promoting community food access.
Gov. Spanberger also delivered a proclamation honoring the Pierce family for their role as producers of food, fiber and fuel during Virginia Agriculture Week, June 7–13.
“There is no better place to recognize it than right here on this farm with a family that embodies what it means to devote your life to our land,” she said.
Pierce emphasized the complex challenges confronting farmers today. The state has seen nearly half a million acres of farmland disappear over the past five years, while producers struggle with increasing costs across various markets.
Safeguarding agricultural property remains essential for Virginia’s leading private industry and farming families’ survival, Pierce stated, noting the land “is meant to feed families, support communities, and provide opportunities for our future generations.”
The governor enacted five measures supporting Virginia’s agricultural and forestry industries while surrounded by local producers and agricultural advocates, including VFBF senior vice president of governmental relations Martha Moore.
Farm Bureau backed these legislative measures, Moore noted. “And now we consider them victories.”
HB 512 establishes a comprehensive prosperity strategy for agriculture and forestry sectors with yearly reports to the General Assembly.
SB 522 improves Forest Sustainability Fund management for localities preserving forest areas within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
SB 186 safeguards Virginia consumers and cattle producers by mandating clear labeling of manufactured protein products that cannot be misrepresented as genuine beef.
HB 1086 enables farmers to bid against out-of-state competitors for school nutrition contracts, increasing Virginia children’s access to locally-grown food.
SB 302 continues the peanut excise tax that funds essential marketing, research and educational programs for Virginia’s peanut growers.
Virginia’s agricultural sector generates an annual economic impact of $82.3 billion in total industry production, creates more than 381,000 jobs, and adds $43.8 billion in additional value. Broiler chickens led 2024 commodity rankings by cash receipts exceeding $1.2 billion, followed by cattle and calves, miscellaneous crops, milk and dairy products, soybeans, turkey and corn.
The state houses approximately 38,600 farms, with 95% owned and operated by individuals or families.
Visit vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown to locate farmers markets, roadside vendors and agritourism sites. Shoppers should look for Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest labels on products throughout retail locations statewide.
Drivers should expect delays on a busy stretch of Foulk Road today as construction crews have shut down the right lane of southbound traffic.
The lane closure affects the section of Foulk Road running between Silverside Road and Chatham Drive, where construction activities are currently underway.
Transportation officials indicate the right lane restriction will remain active until 3:30 PM this afternoon. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and merge safely when approaching the work zone.
Drivers traveling northbound on S DuPont Boulevard should expect delays today as construction crews have closed the right shoulder of the roadway.
The shoulder closure affects the stretch of highway between Big Woods Road and Cathleen Drive, according to traffic officials.
The construction-related closure is expected to remain in place until 3 PM today. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute.
ORANGE—As National Dairy Month kicks off in June, shoppers can celebrate by purchasing milk that showcases Orange County dairy farmer Molly Elgin McWilliams on the packaging.
Molly Elgin McWilliams, a Virginia Farm Bureau member, appears alongside her daughter Halle on the new Strawberry Whole Milk cartons from Maola, which hit store shelves on May 5. This packaging approach addresses increasing consumer desire to learn about the origins of their food.
“On the consumer side, content that features our farmers consistently drives the highest engagement, showing how much customers value knowing where their food comes from,” said Amanda Culp, Maola director of communications and marketing. “It makes sense to carry that through to our packaging.”
This farmer-consumer connection holds particular significance in Virginia, where 365 dairy operations house committed farmers who tend their cattle and deliver fresh, premium milk daily, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports. Each dairy cow typically yields approximately 8 gallons of milk per day.
Maola operates as a farmer-owned dairy cooperative that emphasizes the bond between agricultural producers and customers as central to its goal of sustainably creating premium dairy offerings.
“We want our farmers to have pride in the products we are producing,” Culp said. “It’s our duty to be good stewards of their milk.”
The newly launched Maola Strawberry Whole Milk demonstrates this dedication. Produced without artificial coloring, the beverage delivers 8 grams of protein along with 13 vital nutrients. Customers can find the product throughout Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia, including at 60 Wegmans stores, 188 Ingles Markets and Sheetz locations.
Dairy items remain crucial components of nutritious eating habits. Milk provides vital nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamins A and D, which promote strong bones, help regulate blood pressure and may lower the likelihood of certain chronic conditions, U.S. Dairy states.
With rising consumer appetite for high-protein alternatives, Maola has broadened its product selection. The cooperative introduced Maola More in April, an ultra-filtered milk offering 15 grams of protein and 3 grams of prebiotic fiber while containing reduced sugar and being lactose-free. Maola More comes in whole milk and 2% chocolate milk options.
Throughout National Dairy Month, highlighting local producers like McWilliams underscores the essential contribution dairy farmers make in delivering milk from agricultural operations to dining tables daily.
“The package says 100% fresh, 100% local, and it truly is,” Culp said.
HENRICO—With blooming flowers and fresh crops appearing at Virginia farmstands, June highlights the vital pollinators that make this abundance possible.
National Pollinator Month draws attention to the essential role that birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and other creatures play in our daily lives, while promoting efforts to establish and safeguard their living spaces. The month’s main event, National Pollinator Week, takes place June 22-28 this year.
These pollinators do more than create beautiful gardens. According to the Pollinator Partnership, pollinators make possible one in every three bites of food consumed by humans, with no less than 75% of food crops depending on them. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calculates that pollinators add $18 billion each year to crop production.
However, pollinator numbers keep dropping due to climate change, loss of habitat, pesticide application, parasites and diseases.
Stephen Living, habitat coordinator with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, explained that truly helping pollinators requires thinking about “the whole structure” of their habitats—including food sources, nesting areas, breeding grounds and protective shelter.
“A lot of native bees are ground nesting, so providing areas of bare ground is valuable,” Living advised. “And keep some fallen leaves where possible.”
An effective habitat design incorporates diverse flowering plants and year-round resources. DWR provides Virginia Native Pollinator seed packets containing a mix of native wildflowers that benefit pollinators.
“When you’re doing a landscape from an aesthetics standpoint and want interest across the seasons, think about that from a wildlife perspective too,” he said. “Choose plants that bloom successively to provide resources across seasons.”
Trees and shrubs play an equally vital role in creating lasting habitats. Native oak and black cherry trees provide support for various butterflies and caterpillars.
The crucial factor is selecting native species.
“Native plants also feed the young insects, the larvae,” he said. “They support a much greater diversity and number of young insects than non-native plants do, and these in turn support wildlife like our songbirds.”
Living also recommended reducing pesticide use and adopting integrated pest management methods to lessen harm to beneficial insects.
While many tools and garden additions can help pollinators, he cautioned against certain popular trends—like widely-used bee hotels, which “can be valuable but have some pitfalls.
“They need to be carefully managed and cleaned out regularly, so we don’t create concentrations of harmful parasites,” he advised. “Do some research and find some that can be maintained and cleaned.”
He recommended avoiding butterfly houses, since “butterflies aren’t using those.”
The DWR’s Habitat at Home initiative provides guidance and resources for developing pollinator- and wildlife-friendly areas, plus recognition opportunities. Visit bit.ly/43uS3cx.
For additional information about native plants for pollinators, visit Plant Virginia Natives at plantvirginianatives.org.
Media: Contact Shelby Crouch, Virginia DWR public information officer, at 804-802
On Thursday, the European Central Bank became the first major financial institution to increase interest rates as a direct response to the Iran war, while policymakers including new U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh grapple with addressing inflation driven by soaring oil costs.
The ECB’s governing council increased its key rate from 2% to 2.25%, ending a year-long period at the previous level. This decision precedes upcoming rate-setting sessions next week involving the Fed, the Bank of Japan, and the Bank of England.
Crude oil costs have surged dramatically as Iran has blocked oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that typically handles one-fifth of global oil and fuel transportation. The rate increase is designed to combat consumer price inflation driven by higher expenses for petroleum-based products including gasoline, diesel fuel, cooking gas and heating oil.
International benchmark Bent crude traded near $92 per barrel Thursday, climbing from approximately $73 before the conflict began. This surge has driven inflation to 3.2% in May across the 21 nations using the euro currency, exceeding the ECB’s 2% goal.
However, ECB officials must balance higher borrowing costs against an economy experiencing modest growth. This consideration has led analysts to believe Thursday’s increase will be isolated, primarily intended to demonstrate to financial markets that the bank won’t fall behind if inflation continues climbing.
Australia and the Philippines have implemented rate increases since the conflict started, with focus now turning to decisions in major economies. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain its current key rate when it convenes next week under new chair Warsh, who was appointed this year by President Donald Trump.
Warsh previously supported rate reductions last year, while Trump frequently criticized Warsh’s predecessor, Jerome Powell, for insufficient borrowing cost cuts. However, with inflation reaching a three-year peak as fuel prices have jumped following the Iran war, even Trump and his administration have begun shifting toward maintaining current rates.
The Fed will likely modify its post-meeting statement by eliminating language suggesting its next action would be a reduction. This change would create possibilities for future rate increases. Multiple Fed officials have cautioned that if inflation doesn’t start declining soon, a rate hike might be required before year’s end.
Increasing benchmark rates affects lending costs across the economy, making borrowing more expensive and reducing demand for goods. Higher central bank rates can increase interest expenses for home purchases, factory investments, and government borrowing.
The ECB might manage with just one or two increases because the inflation surge could be less severe than anticipated, according to Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank.
This is because consumers affected by post-pandemic inflation increases are reluctant to accept higher prices, forcing businesses to absorb elevated energy costs themselves. “The pass-through of higher energy and input prices to final consumption will be limited due to a lack of ability and willingness of consumers to actually pay for these higher prices,” he wrote in an emailed comment.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Defense Secretary John Healey stepped down unexpectedly Thursday, criticizing the government for inadequate military funding during a period of escalating global threats.
In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Healey stated the government’s Defense Investment Plan falls “well short of what is required at this dangerous time.”
The plan’s release has been postponed following reported disputes between the defense ministry and the Treasury over spending levels.
While Starmer has promised to increase U.K. defense expenditures to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3% by 2034, military officials argue this timeline is insufficient.
“You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats,” Healey stated in his departure letter.
The defense secretary pointed to growing military obligations and security challenges, including the Iran war, Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, and Russian threats.
“I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation as your Defence Secretary,” he wrote.
Since the Labour Party took power in July 2024, Healey has served as Britain’s defense leader and earned recognition as a competent and dedicated official.
During his tenure, he played a crucial part in strengthening international backing for Ukraine and building a multinational alliance to ensure security following any potential ceasefire. Healey also helped lead efforts to create a maritime security force aimed at maintaining shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran conflict concludes.
This departure creates additional challenges for the struggling prime minister, who is already confronting pressure from Labour Party members calling for his resignation.
KABUL, Afghanistan — The United Nations mission in Afghanistan announced Thursday that it has verified the deaths of 13 civilians, primarily women and children, resulting from Pakistani military strikes on eastern Afghanistan the day before, backing up casualty figures provided by Afghan officials.
Pakistan had rejected as false propaganda a Wednesday statement from Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claiming the military strikes in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces resulted in 13 civilian deaths — including 11 children, one woman and one man.
The military action ended a month-long peaceful period after what Pakistan had earlier characterized as “open war” between the two nations. The ongoing dispute has resisted international attempts to establish lasting peace.
UNAMA, the UN mission’s official designation, stated on X that it had “documented 13 civilian deaths and 10 injuries, mainly children and women, from airstrikes” during the overnight hours between Tuesday and Wednesday.
“UNAMA reiterates its call for de-escalation, a durable ceasefire, protection of civilians, reopening of border crossings particularly for humanitarian assistance, and dialogue to resolve differences,” the organization stated. The border closure has lasted for months, hampering commerce and travel while leaving thousands stranded.
Since February, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistan following Pakistani airstrikes within Afghan territory, hundreds have died in the cross-border violence. Multiple rounds of internationally brokered peace negotiations have been unsuccessful in achieving a permanent ceasefire.
Pakistan maintains that Afghanistan provides sanctuary to militants responsible for deadly attacks within Pakistani territory, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, identified as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. This organization operates independently from but maintains ties with the Afghan Taliban, which has controlled Afghanistan since taking power in 2021 following the disorganized departure of U.S.-led forces. Afghan authorities reject these allegations.
Pakistan stated it conducted border strikes with Afghanistan on Wednesday to eliminate militant training facilities and safe houses.
During Thursday’s regular press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi explained that the strikes responded to numerous recent militant attacks within Pakistan.
“We carried out these strikes to target safe havens, masterminds and planners belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij,” Andrabi stated, referencing the government’s designation for the Pakistani Taliban and similar militant organizations. “We acted on credible intelligence, and there was selective targeting of their hideouts.”
He emphasized that protecting Pakistani citizens remains the government’s primary concern and that anti-militant operations will persist. “We continue to undertake military strikes with precision and accuracy, eliminating terrorist hideouts,” he stated.
Andrabi refused to address the UN casualty report directly, indicating officials would need to examine its findings. Nevertheless, he challenged the UN’s casualty documentation methods.
“What is their methodology for measuring that?” he questioned. “Our strikes were precise and targeted at the hideouts and camps of these terrorists.”
Following increased militant attacks against Pakistani civilians and security personnel, Pakistan announced in February it was engaged in open warfare with Afghanistan. The combat has focused primarily along border regions, though Pakistan has also launched airstrikes against Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul.
In March, an airstrike targeted a drug rehabilitation facility in the city, with Afghan officials reporting over 400 fatalities. Pakistan contested the casualty count and denied civilian targeting, claiming it had struck an arms storage facility.
Wednesday’s military action occurred months following China’s hosting of peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Beijing subsequently reported both nations had committed to avoiding conflict escalation and pursuing resolution.
Pakistani officials have indicated that China and other allied nations continue encouraging both parties to reach a sustainable peace agreement.
Military exchanges between the United States and Iran continued for a consecutive day, bringing the Middle East dangerously close to renewed full-scale warfare.
This marks the third instance this week of retaliatory military action that has destabilized the Middle East. Initial exchanges occurred between Iran and Israel, followed by two separate rounds of military strikes between America and Iran, impacting regional nations that house U.S. military installations.
In other developments, President Donald Trump responded to news that May’s consumer price index rose 4.2% annually by expressing an unexpected perspective on inflation. Rather than dismissing rising costs as a Democratic “hoax” as he has done before, or claiming progress on reducing living expenses, Trump took a different approach.
A federal judge Wednesday denied a government oversight organization’s petition for an emergency court order that would have temporarily halted the Trump administration’s progress on establishing a new $1.776 billion compensation fund for individuals claiming to be victims of government weaponization.
However, the judge concluded the proceedings with a stern caution to Trump’s team: “Don’t play possum with this court,” U.S. District Judge Richard Leon warned a government lawyer.
Leon delivered his ruling from the bench supporting the administration, which contended that the oversight group’s legal challenge has become irrelevant since acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed Congress this month that the government is abandoning its fund plans. Leon, appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, stated he currently accepts Blanche’s assurance.
The judge’s decision against issuing emergency relief does not finalize the government’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund” fate. Leon indicated he will review a separate petition from the plaintiffs — Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington — seeking a preliminary injunction for more lasting prevention of fund distributions.
A potential gap in legislation permitting U.S. overseas intelligence collection becomes increasingly probable as Trump rejected bipartisan Congressional pressure to quickly appoint a permanent intelligence agency leader.
Trump has reinforced his temporary selection for director of national intelligence, Federal Housing Finance Regulator Bill Pulte, despite his limited relevant background. Democrats indicate they will oppose renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, called FISA, unless the president removes Pulte’s nomination and selects a permanent successor.
Thursday morning will see House attempts to pass temporary FISA extension legislation, though success appears doubtful. The Senate may pursue similar action, hoping to avoid an unprecedented gap in this surveillance capability.
This deadlock could soon restrict U.S. government overseas intelligence gathering just as World Cup matches commence in cities nationwide and before celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The legislation expires Friday at midnight.
Trump’s proposed UFC event on the White House South Lawn has demanded extensive coordination from over seven federal departments, hundreds of daily on-site personnel and a minimum $60 million investment, according to court documents revealing preparation details.
The event celebrates America’s 250th founding anniversary, scheduled for this weekend with the primary feature — seven mixed martial arts competitions — planned for Sunday.
However, proceedings could be stopped by judicial intervention, as requested by two Virginia residents in their federal case against the National Park Service, which manages the South Lawn.
The agency submitted its opposition to the request Tuesday, outlining event operations in the filing.
“Well over $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have been expended,” the document stated, noting that UFC and its associated organizations provided the funding.
Trump Wednesday demonstrated his evolved approach to inflation concerns, expressing what he described as affection for rising prices.
When questioned about the latest consumer price index report showing May’s 4.2% annual increase, the president adopted an unexpectedly positive stance regarding the difficult economic news. Trump avoided characterizing affordability challenges as a Democratic “hoax” as he previously has done, and refrained from asserting progress in reducing living costs.
Following government reports that inflation reached its highest point since April 2023, Trump commended the figures.
“You know what I really love?” Trump stated. “I love the inflation.”
This represented an unusual position considering voters approaching November midterm elections have identified the economy as a primary concern — and have given Trump poor ratings on economic issues. Democrats immediately began promoting his televised remarks across social media platforms within minutes.
The United States and Iran continued military exchanges for a second consecutive day, pushing the Middle East toward renewed full-scale conflict.
The American military action, extending into Thursday morning Iranian time, seemed more comprehensive and intense than the previous day’s operations, though Tehran provided minimal information regarding damage assessment. An Indian official reported that a U.S. strike on an oil vessel allegedly attempting to breach Washington’s Iranian port blockade resulted in three Indian sailor deaths, highlighting maritime personnel dangers.
This represented the third weekly instance of reciprocal strikes destabilizing the Middle East. Initial exchanges involved Iran and Israel, followed by two U.S.-Iran military rounds affecting regional countries hosting American military facilities.
These renewed hostilities occurred while war-ending negotiations appeared stalled, with Trump cautioning that Tehran would “pay the price” for negotiation delays.
WASHINGTON—Agricultural producers across nine Virginia counties can now access emergency financial assistance after the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared their drought-affected regions as natural disaster areas.
This federal designation enables the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide critical emergency funding to agricultural operations impacted by severe drought conditions. These financial resources may be utilized for equipment and livestock replacement, farm operation restructuring, or refinancing specific debts. The FSA will evaluate loan applications considering loss severity, available collateral, and the borrower’s capacity to repay.
The counties qualifying for emergency loan assistance are: Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Henry, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Sussex.
Furthermore, these adjacent regions also qualify for assistance: Albemarle, Augusta, Bedford, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Franklin, Greensville, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Prince Edward, Prince George, Rockbridge, Southampton and Surry counties, along with the cities of Danville, Lynchburg and Martinsville.
Agricultural producers must submit loan applications by Jan. 31, 2027. Farmers may explore available programs and financing options by accessing farmers.gov and utilizing its Loan Assistance Tool.
For filing a Notice of Loss or additional inquiries, producers should reach out to their local USDA Service Center.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect for northern Delaware and surrounding areas through Friday evening as dangerous heat and humidity grip the region. The National Weather Service warns heat index values could reach 104 degrees, creating potentially hazardous conditions for residents.
New Castle County is included in the advisory, which runs from 11 AM today through 8 PM Friday. The combination of high temperatures and oppressive humidity may lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly for those spending extended time outdoors.
Health officials urge residents to take 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, as they’re especially vulnerable to heat-related health issues. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating.
Some relief may come from scattered showers and thunderstorms late this afternoon and again Friday afternoon. However, humidity will remain high until a cold front brings much less humid conditions this weekend.
Those without air conditioning can call 211 for assistance finding cooling centers.
A high-ranking Russian foreign ministry official criticized Western nations’ involvement in the Ukraine conflict during a Thursday meeting with diplomatic representatives from three European countries in Moscow.
Mikhail Galuzin, who serves as Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, hosted ambassadors from France, Germany and Britain at the foreign ministry, where he accused their governments of pursuing what he called a “destructive policy” regarding the ongoing war.
Following the diplomatic session, French ambassador Nicolas de Riviere spoke with media outside the ministry headquarters, describing the exchange as a “good discussion” and indicating the three nations would issue a joint statement at a later time.
Thursday’s Moscow gathering occurred days after leaders from the three European nations held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in London this past Sunday. The three countries form an informal security partnership known as the E3, which has become a significant source of international backing for Ukraine, and during the London meeting they endorsed Zelenskiy’s appeal for a ceasefire.
According to an official statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Galuzin provided the visiting diplomats with what the ministry termed “an objective assessment of the destructive policy pursued by their countries’ leaderships regarding the Ukrainian crisis, which is aimed at maximally encouraging the Kyiv regime to continue the war against Russia on behalf of, at the expense of, and with the direct assistance of the Western ‘coalition of the willing’.”
The ministry’s statement added that “The Russian side’s fundamental approaches to seeking a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict based on addressing its root causes were explained” during Galuzin’s presentation.
During Sunday’s discussions at Downing Street, the European officials and Zelenskiy reached agreement on several key points: establishing the present contact line between Russian and Ukrainian military forces as a foundation for future negotiations; providing Ukraine with legally enforceable security assurances that would include deploying an international peacekeeping force; and keeping seized Russian financial resources frozen until Russia provides compensation to Ukraine for war-related damages.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained his firm position regarding the conflict, though he indicated last week that peace proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump might offer a path toward ending hostilities.
Speaking to international journalists in St Petersburg, Putin expressed openness to discussions with European political figures while questioning their suitability as peace negotiators.
“What kind of mediator can the European Union or individual EU countries be when they directly assist a country with which we are in armed conflict?” he said.
Britain’s defense minister John Healey stepped down from his position Thursday following disagreements about military funding, claiming Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not allocated sufficient government resources to protect the nation during a period of increased security concerns.
The surprise departure, paired with a harsh public resignation letter, adds to mounting challenges facing Starmer as he confronts a potential leadership contest and highlights the government’s central dilemma of boosting defense expenditures while operating with limited financial resources.
For several months, Britain’s defense and finance departments have engaged in ongoing discussions about addressing growing demands for increased military investment, causing delays to Britain’s Defence Investment Plan that was originally scheduled for release last year.
Senior military officials have emphasized the necessity of this plan to address escalating security risks, particularly with frequent Russian naval activities in British territorial waters, while the government simultaneously works to lower national debt amid record-high taxation levels.
This prominent resignation occurs as Starmer faces political instability, following Wes Streeting’s departure as health minister in May and Andy Burnham’s efforts to re-enter prominent political roles for a potential leadership campaign.
“You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats,” Healey stated in his resignation letter to Starmer.
The defense sector has expressed frustration over the plan’s postponement, arguing that uncertainty prevents investment in extended military programs.
Britain faces challenges as the United States reduces its European protection role, while the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran revealed Britain’s military preparedness gaps when its navy couldn’t rapidly send an advanced vessel to the area.
The defense strategy aims to outline funding for military hardware and services to bring armed forces to “warfighting readiness” status, with Starmer announcing Wednesday that publication would occur before the NATO summit starting July 7.
“Your DIP financial settlement – which I was first given in full on Monday afternoon this week – falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time,” Healey wrote.
“I am being forced to make decisions that would reduce the readiness of our forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations, and could make the country less safe.”
Drivers traveling on Indian Town Road eastbound should prepare for potential delays due to ongoing traffic control operations.
According to DelDOT, a flagging operation is currently in effect along the eastbound lanes of Indian Town Road in the stretch between Rebel Road and Hickory Hill Road.
The traffic control activity is expected to remain in place until 5 PM today. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone.
