Chinese authorities announced Monday they will deploy medical experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to help combat the current Ebola outbreak affecting the region.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian confirmed the decision during Monday’s briefing, stating that China has committed to providing humanitarian aid to Congo and will continue offering support “to the best of its ability.”
For nearly three decades, Venezuela’s socialist government has rallied behind a simple battle cry that symbolized Hugo Chávez’s nationalist movement: “United, we will win!”
This rallying call has echoed through government gatherings, street protests, and state media broadcasts, with supporters of all ages raising their fists to demonstrate allegiance to the anti-American socialist administration. The diverse alliance of military officials, ideological believers, and political opportunists has traditionally presented a unified front, even when facing overwhelming challenges.
However, that solidarity is showing signs of strain following the dramatic U.S. military action that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro this past January. Devoted supporters are now openly challenging acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s administration and publicly speculating that internal betrayal enabled the American operation against Maduro.
Rodríguez has abandoned several of Chávez’s signature policies, accommodated American requests, and restructured the government according to her preferences, dismissing cabinet members, advancing National Assembly legislation to transform the country’s petroleum sector, and freeing imprisoned opposition figures.
Chavismo adherents are expressing their dissatisfaction openly. Numerous supporters condemn the improved relations between Rodríguez’s administration and Washington, which the movement has traditionally viewed as its primary enemy regardless of which political party controls the White House.
The May deportation of a former cabinet official to face U.S. criminal charges and Rodríguez’s recent permission for American forces to conduct military training in Venezuela’s capital have exposed deep internal rifts.
Mario Silva, who spent years promoting government messaging as host of a state television program before being taken off air after Maduro’s detention, challenged the constitutional validity of deporting Alex Saab, a close Maduro associate, claiming it violated constitutional prohibitions.
Silva argued that Rodríguez lacks true governing independence, suggesting certain choices “are being made in the U.S. Embassy.”
“The imperialists don’t negotiate. They conquer, test and probe — until our country shatters,” Silva said in a livestream. “Nobody is safe right now. And that is a concrete, terribly dangerous fact.”
On May 23, several dozen demonstrators in Caracas protested the military training that brought two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft to the U.S. Embassy grounds. Protesters displayed a Venezuelan flag bearing the words “No to the Yankee drill.” The small turnout was notable in a capital accustomed to mass demonstrations involving thousands of participants.
Elías Jaua, who served as Chávez’s vice president and in Maduro’s cabinet in his first years in office, repudiated the exercise on social media. He later told The Associated Press he was speaking up to raise awareness among Venezuelans of the “humiliating” situation facing the country.
“At this stage, the most important thing is to prevent this occupation and this colonial administration to which a nation like Venezuela is being subjected from becoming normalized,” Jaua said.
Chávez and Maduro — as well as Rodríguez, in her previous roles as vice president and communications and foreign affairs minister — had long prophesied that the U.S. would use force to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry, which has opened up to private capital after Maduro’s capture. The Trump administration oversees oil sales and administers revenues as part of its phased plan to turn the troubled South American country around.
The social, political and economic crisis that took hold when Maduro became president in 2013 drove more than 7.7 million people to leave Venezuela and pushed millions of others into poverty. It also led to rounds of anti-government protests and U.S. economic sanctions, both of which the ruling party survived.
Party stalwarts celebrated a Maduro victory in a 2024 election despite overwhelming evidence showing he had lost. They also echoed the party leadership’s denial of a surge of migration. Their loyalty was often rewarded, be it with food and basic goods for the poor or multimillion-dollar contracts and bodyguards for the better-off.
Andrés Izarra, a communications minister under Chávez and tourism minister under Maduro, said the fractures are not based in ideology or a defense of Chavismo, which he believes ended when its founder died in 2013. Maduro’s interest, he said, was in enriching himself and remaining in power at all costs.
Self-interest, he said, is creating division.
“Since there is no ideological foundation, it is simply a struggle for power, money, positions, and survival. Do you think (he) would be protesting if he’d kept his bodyguards, or if they’d kept his little salary, or his share of power?” Izarra, who lives in exile since becoming a government target last decade, said of one critic of change under Delcy. “If they had an ideological interest, they would have spoken much earlier.”
Criticism even aired on state television last month, when a Colombian leftist leader sitting in the audience of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello’s show stood up and questioned Venezuela’s efforts to free Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores from U.S. custody.
“We’ve seen a very weak campaign for Cilia and Nicolás’s freedom,” Manuel Caicedo said before a visibly stunned Cabello.
Another devout Chavista, lawmaker Iris Varela, told a podcaster she believed a government insider had helped the U.S. oust Maduro. The idea has widely rumored since President Donald Trump announced that the authoritarian leader had been captured on Jan. 3, but no evidence has emerged.
“Of course there’s a betrayal,” Varela said. “I say that every Christ has a Judas. If our Lord Jesus Christ knew he was going to be betrayed and yet he let Judas kiss him on the cheek, … won’t a traitor emerge for Maduro?”
MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino lawmaker announced Monday he plans to turn himself in to authorities following a court-issued arrest warrant on plunder charges connected to alleged kickbacks from a major flood control project.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada had already been arrested Friday on an initial graft charge that allowed for bail by the specialized Sandiganbayan anti-corruption court. After posting bail and securing his release, he once more proclaimed his innocence of any criminal conduct.
The 63-year-old Estrada has vehemently rejected accusations primarily brought forward by a former government public works engineer claiming he accepted over 570 million pesos ($9.3 million) in illegal payments connected to flood control construction projects.
The worldwide smartphone industry is experiencing its most devastating year on record, with new research projecting sales will crash by 13.9% in 2024 to just 1.08 billion devices, according to data released Monday by Counterpoint Research. The dramatic downturn stems from an intensifying shortage of memory chips that’s reshaping the entire market.
This grim outlook represents a worsening from earlier predictions of a 12.4% drop made in February, with the global semiconductor supply crisis being aggravated by the Iran war.
Budget smartphones are bearing the brunt of the crisis as chip manufacturers redirect their production capabilities toward AI-focused processors, making affordable handsets increasingly unprofitable to manufacture.
During the first quarter of this year, wholesale smartphone costs jumped 14% while actual device shipments dropped 3.1% compared to the same period last year. Industry experts anticipate this pattern will persist as existing inventory stockpiles run low, potentially forcing some smartphone models priced under $150 to completely exit the marketplace.
“Smartphone makers in the low and mid-tier are caught between cost increases they cannot absorb and consumers with limited spending power,” explained Wang Yang, a principal analyst at Counterpoint, an independent research company that publishes quarterly smartphone shipment data.
“The question is no longer how to grow shipments or market share, but whether to remain in the market at all,” Wang added.
According to Wang, this memory chip crisis represents the most devastating supply chain disruption the smartphone sector has ever encountered, with manufacturers finding themselves powerless to counteract the effects through price adjustments or product modifications.
However, high-end smartphone segments are demonstrating greater durability during this turbulent period. Apple achieved unprecedented revenue during the year’s first quarter, boosted by customers switching to its iPhone 17 series. Counterpoint’s analysis suggests Apple’s 2026 shipments will hold steady before climbing 5% the following year.
Thanks to more dependable chip access and higher profit margins compared to competitors, Apple appears positioned to capture additional market territory and may face reduced pressure to implement price hikes.
Samsung Electronics maintained consistent sales volumes during the first quarter and Counterpoint anticipates the company will experience only a 4% shipment decrease for the entire year, performing better than the broader industry due to reliable supply chains and a steady product portfolio.
Transsion, which depends heavily on smartphones priced below $150, faces projections of a devastating 32% shipment collapse this year. Meanwhile, competitors Xiaomi and Honor are expected to experience annual decreases of 28% and 20% respectively, according to Counterpoint’s analysis.
Uber announced Monday its intention to introduce a self-driving taxi service in Munich, Germany, partnering with Israeli technology firm Autobrains and U.S. chip manufacturer Nvidia to advance autonomous transportation in Europe.
The collaboration will integrate Uber’s transportation platform with Autobrains’ “agentic AI” technology for autonomous driving, operating on Nvidia’s Drive Hyperion system. Munich has been selected as the initial launch location, subject to government regulatory clearance.
According to the companies, this initiative seeks to expand robotic taxi operations beyond limited test programs by developing an “OEM-agnostic” framework capable of functioning with various vehicle types and city environments.
The Autobrains technology divides driving tasks among specialized artificial intelligence agents that make decisions independently, allowing for immediate reactions using conventional automotive sensing equipment.
Munich has become a hub for testing self-driving vehicle technology, with Uber previously announcing intentions to start autonomous vehicle testing in the city beginning in 2026.
BRUSSELS, June 1 – A coalition of 13 European cloud computing companies has joined with EU legislators and advocacy organizations to support the European Commission’s initiative to reduce Europe’s dependence on American technology while strengthening domestic businesses.
The Commission plans to unveil new measures Wednesday designed to prioritize European companies over American competitors for cloud streaming services in sensitive government contracts, while simultaneously increasing production of European-manufactured semiconductors.
This initiative stems partially from strained relations with both the United States and China, along with broader efforts to compete with these nations in critical technologies.
“Technological sovereignty means that Europe has the capacity to freely design, understand, choose from different home-grown sources, build, operate and effectively regulate the digital systems on which its society and economy rely,” the coalition stated in a joint open letter obtained by Reuters.
Companies signing the letter include French cloud vendor OVHcloud, Germany’s Nextcloud, social networks Mastodon and Monnett Social, Swiss privacy software company Proton, browser company Ecosia and Dutch quantum chip maker QuantWare.
European Parliament members from the Greens group and six advocacy organizations including Defend Democracy and Save Social also endorsed the letter.
“Our message is simple: Build European, buy European, protect European,” stated lawmaker Alexandra Geese.
A prominent Taiwanese opposition figure has expressed strong interest in meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during her planned visit to America this month.
Cheng Li-wun, who leads the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s primary opposition party, announced her openness to such a meeting while speaking with media representatives in Taipei on Monday. She departed later that day for a two-week journey across the United States, which follows her April trip to China where she held discussions with President Xi Jinping.
During her press conference in Taipei, Cheng noted that no Taiwanese leader has held a meeting with a serving U.S. president since diplomatic ties between Taipei and Washington ended in 1979, though she emphasized her role is specifically as KMT chairwoman.
When reporters questioned whether she would be open to meeting Trump, Cheng responded: “I am of course very willing.”
She explained her readiness to engage with any individual who promotes peace and holds significant leadership authority, similar to her approach with Xi.
“The same applies to President Trump. Anything that is helpful to peace, I am willing to do; anyone who is helpful to peace, I am willing to meet – let alone the most critical decision-maker and leader, which is the president of the United States,” Cheng stated.
The White House has not yet provided a response to requests for comment made after regular business hours.
Beijing, which maintains territorial claims over Taiwan, has refused diplomatic engagement with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a “separatist” and dismissing his multiple overtures for dialogue. Lai has consistently rejected Beijing’s territorial assertions, maintaining that Taiwan’s citizens alone should determine their island’s destiny.
Cheng expressed satisfaction with the improving trajectory of China-U.S. relations following Trump and Xi’s meeting in Beijing last month.
She confirmed plans to meet with congressional members and U.S. government officials during her trip, which includes a stop in Washington, though she declined to specify participants due to confidentiality considerations.
Despite Cheng’s KMT and its coalition partner, the Taiwan People’s Party, holding parliamentary control and supporting defense expenditures, they recently reduced government proposals for an additional $40 billion in military spending by one-third last month.
The United States has endorsed Taiwan’s increased defense budget, particularly the portions that the opposition reduced, which included funding for drones and other domestically-produced military equipment.
According to Cheng, Taiwan’s defensive capabilities depend not solely on enhanced military equipment, but also require diplomatic engagement with China to “thoroughly eliminate any possibility of military conflict or war.”
A former Bank of Japan board member is warning that the nation could be heading toward another prolonged period of economic stagnation if policymakers don’t act quickly to raise interest rates.
Makoto Sakurai, who previously served on the central bank’s board and maintains connections with current officials, said Monday that Japan faces the possibility of repeating the same policy errors that contributed to decades of economic decline.
The concern stems from inflation pressures created by the Iran conflict, which Sakurai believes could eventually compel the Bank of Japan to implement dramatic rate increases if preventive measures aren’t taken promptly.
Current Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has referenced historical energy crises from 1973 and 1979-1980 as examples when discussing potential responses to the current situation caused by the conflict.
However, Sakurai points to a different historical lesson – Japan’s asset bubble that formed partly due to extensive monetary stimulus starting in 1986, which was implemented to counter a strengthening yen. The central bank maintained loose policies even as asset values climbed dramatically before changing direction in 1989. The subsequent sharp rate increases contributed to the bubble’s collapse and are widely blamed for three decades of economic weakness.
According to Sakurai, the Bank of Japan faces similar risks if it maintains low rates for an extended period, potentially creating conditions that would require aggressive policy tightening as inflation accelerates.
“Given broadening price pressures from the Iran war, stagflation is inevitable,” Sakurai told Reuters on Monday.
“There’s a serious risk of the BOJ falling behind the curve. Forgoing a rate hike in June is unthinkable,” he said.
The central bank moved away from a decade-long massive stimulus program in 2024 and has implemented multiple rate increases, including one in December. Despite these moves, the short-term policy rate remains at just 0.75% while inflation has surpassed the bank’s 2% target for four consecutive years.
Financial markets are currently anticipating an approximately 80% probability of a rate increase to 1% in June, following recent hawkish communications from the Bank of Japan.
The Iran conflict has created complications for central bank officials as they consider the timing and magnitude of rate adjustments, since higher energy prices both drive inflation and strain an economy that relies heavily on oil imports.
Economic data doesn’t indicate an overheating economy. Although first-quarter growth reached an annualized 2.1%, analysts anticipate slower expansion ahead as elevated fuel costs and supply chain disruptions impact business earnings.
Nevertheless, inflationary forces are strengthening as currency weakness and worker shortages encourage companies to raise prices.
While government subsidies have kept core consumer inflation under the Bank of Japan’s 2% target recently, Sakurai predicts it will climb to approximately 3.5% starting in autumn as businesses transfer war-related cost increases to consumers.
Sakurai also highlighted emerging signs of asset bubbles in Japan’s equity and real estate sectors, which the central bank identified as potential risks in its April semi-annual financial system assessment.
Japan’s Nikkei stock index reached a record high above 67,000 on Monday, driven by artificial intelligence-related stocks, while property values increased at their fastest rate in 34 years during 2024.
“If the BOJ holds reservations over raising rates now, it will be forced to do so at a rapid pace later and hurt the economy,” Sakurai said. “We’re only a step away from repeating the mistake that led to Japan’s lost decades.”
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — For generations, Haitian soccer enthusiasts have crowded around televisions and radios to cheer for Brazil during every World Cup competition. This year marks a dramatic change.
The Caribbean nation has earned its spot in the global competition for the first time in nearly five decades, creating unprecedented enthusiasm across the country. Impromptu matches are breaking out on vacant lots while vendors hawk jerseys featuring national team players at an increasing number of street locations.
The national squad — dubbed the ‘Grenadiers’ — enters the competition in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Brazil. The team will meet its former soccer inspiration at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19.
“My favorite team is Brazil, but my country is in the World Cup. Brazil is on the sidelines,” Guerier Lima, 16, said with a grin. He recently played soccer on a potholed street in the capital, Port-au-Prince, wearing a sneaker on one foot and a plastic slide on the other, eager to score between rocks serving as goalposts.
Lima sported a Brazilian uniform displaying the number 10, matching jerseys worn by legendary players including Pelé, Neymar and Ronaldinho.
“I would like to be Duckens Nazon, representing Haiti in tournaments,” Lima said referring to Haiti’s top scorer. “My family can’t afford to send me to a club to pay for my training, but I’m working my way into a club somehow.”
The teenager expressed admiration for Kaká, a former Brazilian star, while naming Nazon, a striker with Iran’s Esteghlal Football Club, as his current favorite.
“Brazil is good,” Lima said, “but I’m going to stand by my Haitian brothers.”
The nation’s ongoing struggles with food insecurity, persistent violence and escalating gang activity are being temporarily pushed aside as citizens rally behind their team.
Prophète Ismeus, a 52-year-old broker, examined replica jerseys being sold at a dusty street corner in Port-au-Prince. Unable to purchase a $13 shirt, he chose a $1 plastic wristband featuring Haiti’s red-and-blue national colors.
“I’m showing my support for Haiti in the best way I can,” he said. “I’m hoping Haiti will beat Brazil.”
Ismeus mentioned plans to return to the vendor when finances allow to purchase a small banner “so I can wave it in the air when Haiti scores against Brazil.”
Fitho Joseph, a street merchant selling replica uniforms, explained he abandoned his Brazil loyalty once Haiti secured qualification.
“Even if a family has 10 people, everyone should wear a jersey,” he said.
Wilkerson Daromain, 33, shared similar sentiments.
“Wearing the jersey is a message of hope that I send to each of the Grenadiers who will fight for us and for Haiti — a message that there is still life here and that we must keep going,” he said. “We are living in very difficult circumstances, but the Grenadiers have given us hope, and we, too, must give them hope.”
Haitian supporters chant “Grenadye, alaso!” — translating to “Troops, attack!” — a battle cry dating back to the revolutionary period when Haiti established itself as the world’s first Black republic.
Mario Etienne, 15, described this as his inaugural experience watching his homeland compete in the World Cup, given Haiti’s last appearance occurred in 1974.
“This is a national gathering,” he said. “If there’s no power, I will be somewhere on the street or at a friend’s house watching it.”
Claudy Denis, 14, plans similar viewing arrangements. “We can’t be in the stadium where they are, but we will watch them on TV,” he said with a wide smile. “Of the three games that they’re playing, I’m not going to miss a single one.”
The Brazilian team has commanded deep respect from Haitians for decades, with many fans’ devotion beginning during the 1982 World Cup, when captain Sócrates guided a squad featuring Zico, Falcão and Toninho Cerezo.
This admiration intensified in 2004 when Brazil headed a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti. The force arranged a match to encourage peace in the Caribbean nation, which remained unstable following a violent uprising that removed former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Thousands of Haitians ran alongside an armored convoy transporting Brazilian legends including Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos to a Port-au-Prince stadium.
“It was impressive how there were people the whole way from the airport to here, everybody chanting, ‘Brazil! Brazil!’” Roberto Carlos told The Associated Press that day.
Despite Haiti’s 6-0 defeat, the outcome didn’t dampen spirits. Haitian supporters displayed Brazilian banners and celebrated the occasion.
The match represented one of few encounters between the nations, with the South American powerhouse overwhelming the Caribbean team 7-1 during a 2016 Copa America contest.
Yvenson Luxama, a 34-year-old street vendor, predicted Haiti would assault Brazil “like a tiger.”
“I will watch the game, definitely,” he said, adding that he will still close his eyes whenever Brazil attacks Haiti.
However, the World Cup and Haiti’s scheduled matches hold little meaning for Jean-Paul Jean Pierre, a 29-year-old street merchant who recently started selling team apparel and banners. “I’m here to make a living, not love any teams,” he said.
Jean Pierre belongs to the more than 1.4 million Haitians forced from their homes by gang violence and resides in a crowded, temporary shelter with his partner and two children, whom he battles to feed.
“Making money, that’s what interests me,” he said. “I wish there was a World Cup every year, so that I can continue to survive.”
Emergency teams in Laos continued their efforts Monday to locate a different way into a water-filled cave system where two individuals have been missing for almost two weeks following severe storms that flooded the primary entrance and blocked access.
The pair has been unaccounted for since rescue efforts started last month in the mountainous terrain of Xaisomboun province, located roughly 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Vientiane, the nation’s capital. Emergency workers have successfully brought out five of the original seven people who became stuck in the underground chamber.
Lee Kian Lie, a Malaysian diver participating in the rescue mission, explained that crews are working to remove water from the cave system.
“We will go into the suspected area to continue the search if the water level is lowered,” he told The Associated Press.
A separate rescue group is examining the opposite side of the cave structure, hoping to discover a dry pathway that might allow entry to where the missing individuals are thought to be located, he explained.
Emergency response teams from Laos and nearby Thailand have been collaborating for over a week. International divers from Finland, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, France and Australia have joined the effort.
Multiple members of the rescue operation previously participated in the complex 2018 cave emergency in northern Thailand that successfully freed 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach from a water-filled cave.
The Laos Rescue Volunteer for People group announced on its Facebook page that intense rainfall brought “massive amounts of water” flowing into the region, forcing teams to halt their work Sunday evening.
Kengkaj Bongkawong, who leads the Thai group Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, explained that crews are also searching for air shafts from the surface that could offer another way into the cave.
Emergency workers suspect the two missing individuals are stuck in a deeper section of the cave than where the five survivors were initially located on Wednesday. However, the route to that location is described as extremely narrow and severely flooded.
The local residents reportedly went into the cave almost two weeks ago searching for precious minerals including gold when they became trapped by sudden flooding that cut off their exit route. Another villager managed to escape and notified authorities.
The first person was safely brought out on Friday, led through a tight flooded tunnel by a skilled diver. The other four emerged from the cave on Saturday after water levels dropped sufficiently for them to exit without assistance, rescue officials reported.
SEOUL, South Korea — A fatal blast rocked a defense contractor’s facility in South Korea on Monday, claiming five lives and leaving two people wounded, according to authorities.
The tragic incident took place at a Hanwha Aerospace worksite located in the South Korean city of Daejeon.
Authorities have not yet released additional information, including what triggered the blast.
Emergency official Yoon Seong-su noted that the location is classified as a government-designated security facility.
Local medical official Kim Ju-yeon reported that one of the two wounded individuals remains in critical condition. She added that authorities have not yet determined the identities of those who died.
According to Yonhap news agency, the facility serves as one of Hanwha Aerospace’s primary locations for developing large-sized propellants and surface-to-surface weapons systems.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his nation’s military forces on Monday to strike targets located in the southern suburban areas of Beirut, Lebanon, specifically targeting a region known as a Hezbollah stronghold called Dahiyeh.
A statement released by Netanyahu’s office explained the reasoning behind the military action: “Following repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon by the terrorist group Hezbollah and the attacks against our cities and citizens, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to attack terrorist targets in the Dahiyeh district in Beirut.”
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in mid-April, Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have maintained ongoing exchanges of fire. Hezbollah has increasingly deployed inexpensive, easily-constructed kamikaze drones that present significant challenges for air defense systems to intercept, resulting in the deaths of multiple Israeli soldiers stationed in southern Lebanon.
The conflict in Lebanon represents the most significant expansion of the Iran war, forcing over 1.2 million Lebanese residents from their homes due to Israeli military strikes and evacuation directives since March 2, when Hezbollah initiated rocket and drone attacks against Israel in support of its Iranian ally.
According to Lebanese government figures, the military operations have resulted in more than 3,370 fatalities. Israeli officials report that 24 soldiers and four civilians have lost their lives during the same timeframe. Additionally, tens of thousands of Israeli residents in northern regions have been forced to evacuate due to Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks.
The Wall Street investment firm has increased its yearly forecast for the STOXX 600 European stock index to 660, according to an announcement made on June 1st. The firm pointed to strong corporate profit performance as the primary reason for the optimistic outlook, even as conflicts in the Middle East continue.
The European stock benchmark has been trading near all-time highs and posted a 2.5% increase during May, though Middle Eastern conflicts have created some investor uncertainty and prevented even stronger gains.
The updated forecast suggests potential growth of approximately 5.4% compared to the index’s most recent closing price of 626.
The investment firm also increased its shorter-term projections, setting three-month and six-month targets at 640 and 645 respectively, based on a Friday report. The company’s previous target figures were not immediately available.
“Solid nominal growth, positive revisions in energy, and resilient margins across the rest of the market have underpinned the move (rally),” the firm stated, noting that artificial intelligence enthusiasm has also contributed to the market’s strength.
However, the brokerage warned that inflation concerns and expectations of prolonged higher interest rates are preventing stock valuations from reaching even higher levels.
Unlike the U.S. market, Europe’s rally hasn’t been dominated by just a few large companies, though AI-related stocks and energy companies have led the gains while consumer-focused sectors have fallen behind.
The STOXX 600’s forward price-to-earnings ratio for the next 12 months currently sits at 17.55, making it significantly less expensive than the S&P 500’s ratio of 27.94.
The firm projects earnings-per-share increases of 10% in 2026 and 5% in 2027 for the index, with growth expected to moderate as rising energy costs pressure profit margins.
Regarding investor behavior, the brokerage noted that international investors are continuing to put money into European markets seeking value and portfolio diversification, while European investors remain hesitant due to sluggish economic growth and market uncertainty.
“At the same time, concerns around equity supply look overdone, with appetite for the market to absorb more,” the firm added.
The Dutch carrier KLM announced Friday evening it has suspended service to Uganda’s Entebbe airport, located near Kampala, because of restrictions related to an Ebola outbreak affecting Central Africa.
According to the airline, although the region is not presently considered an active danger zone, operations to the planned destinations are no longer feasible due to travel and entry protocols that various nations have implemented for individuals who have recently visited Entebbe, affecting both passengers and airline personnel.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates that two scheduled routes connecting Amsterdam and Entebbe, with a stop in Rwanda’s capital Kigali, set for Saturday and Monday have been scrapped.
“We’re continuing to monitor the situation and looking into what’s possible,” KLM stated in a travel advisory.
The World Health Organization has classified the Ebola outbreak, caused by the uncommon Bundibugyo strain of the virus affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, as a public health emergency of international concern, though it falls short of pandemic emergency status.
In May, the United States implemented heightened travel screening, entry limitations and public health protocols to help prevent the disease’s transmission.
Multiple news sources reported that on May 20, an Air France aircraft traveling from Paris to Detroit was rerouted to Montreal after a traveler from the Democratic Republic of Congo boarded “in error.”
Emirates advised Thursday that passengers should verify destination entry requirements prior to travel, referencing Ebola-related restrictions in multiple countries.
Motorists should expect to encounter road work on Salem Church Road as crews conduct mobile striping operations in the area.
The striping work is taking place along the stretch of Salem Church Road that runs between Old Baltimore Pike and Chapman Road, with operations continuing through 5 AM.
Drivers traveling through the area should use caution and be prepared for possible delays while the road work is in progress.
Eight crested ibises took flight in a Japanese town on Sunday, marking their return to an area where the species had vanished from the wild many years ago.
The endangered birds were set free from wooden enclosures during a ceremony in Hakui city, located in the Noto region where these creatures were previously spotted in their natural habitat.
Known locally as Toki, these white birds are indigenous to East Asia and are recognized for their distinctive orange-pink coloring beneath their wings and vibrant red markings surrounding their eyes.
Local residents celebrated as the birds flew skyward when Crown Prince Akishino, his wife Kiko, and other officials cut a ribbon around the wooden enclosures.
The species disappeared from the Honshu main island during the 1970s due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction. The final native Japanese ibis passed away in 2003 on Sado Island.
However, the species made a comeback through China’s assistance with breeding programs. According to the Environment Ministry, artificial breeding using a pair gifted from China resulted in the first Japanese crested ibis chick born in captivity in 1999.
These breeding and preservation initiatives have contributed to the species’ population recovery. The ministry reports that in 2008, 10 birds from the Sado conservation center were released on the island, where their numbers have now grown to approximately 500.
The release of these cherished birds was also viewed as a positive sign for the Noto region, which continues to rebuild following the devastating 2024 earthquake.
The eight birds were cared for and protected at a conservation facility on Sado in the adjacent Niigata prefecture. An additional ten birds are scheduled for future release.
An accidental blast involving explosives stockpiled by Myanmar’s rebel forces has claimed no fewer than 55 lives, with rescue teams still searching through the wreckage for survivors, according to eyewitness accounts released Monday.
The devastating incident occurred at approximately midday Sunday (0530 GMT) in Kaung Tat village, according to a statement from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which acknowledged multiple fatalities but did not specify an exact number.
Local residents and news outlets have confirmed the death toll at a minimum of 55 people, while search and rescue efforts continue at the explosion site. The TNLA has not responded to requests for additional information on Monday.
“Everything was completely destroyed beyond recognition,” resident Moe Z told Reuters. He was traveling on a roadway approximately 1-1/2 miles (2.4 km) from the scene when the blast occurred, describing how a mushroom cloud of smoke rose into the air.
The TNLA, which maintains control over the border village near China and operates under a ceasefire agreement with Myanmar’s military forces, stated that the detonated materials had been stockpiled “for use in mining operations.”
The nation’s mineral wealth, including rare earth elements, has emerged as a crucial funding source for both the military government and opposition forces engaged in the country’s ongoing civil conflict.
The current warfare started in 2021 following a military takeover that removed the democratically chosen civilian administration headed by Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
Moe Z explained that initially his group suspected the explosion might have been an aerial attack, but the lack of subsequent blasts led them to consider whether a large unexploded ordnance had gone off.
“Based on the explosive force and the sound we witnessed, this was no small explosion, it wasn’t the scale of a drone-drop bomb,” he said, referencing a strategy commonly employed in Myanmar’s civil war.
Moe Z reported that his team reached the location roughly one hour following the blast, finding human casualties scattered throughout the area while people concentrated on locating any survivors. He described finding body parts and victims spread across the zone, with an enormous crater marking where the explosives had been kept.
“It’s as if the entire village has just vanished,” he said.
A regional reporter informed Reuters that the blast was so powerful that some casualties were trapped beneath massive amounts of rubble and wreckage, requiring heavy machinery for the search operation.
“Over half of the village’s houses have been destroyed. The houses near the centre of the blast were blown completely to pieces, to the point where not even the house posts remain,” the journalist said.
In Sunday’s official statement, the TNLA pledged to conduct a full investigation into the incident and ensure accountability for those at fault. The organization also committed to providing emergency assistance, medical care, and reconstruction support for affected residents.
“The explosion caused the loss of life and injury to many people in Kaung Tat village, and the destruction of many homes,” the TNLA said.
A major American cryptocurrency trading platform has launched rupee-based transactions for customers in India, representing a significant move into one of Asia’s largest markets.
Coinbase announced Monday that Indian users can now deposit and withdraw rupees through an immediate payment service system. The platform will offer direct trading across multiple digital assets, plus perpetual futures contracts for leading cryptocurrencies.
The exchange had previously shut down its Indian operations in 2023 but returned to the market last year following registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit.
John O’Loghlen, the company’s regional managing director for Asia Pacific, emphasized India’s importance in the cryptocurrency sector.
“India has long been one of the most important markets in crypto: in terms of developer talent, trading activity, and the broader adoption of blockchain technology,” O’Loghlen stated.
Indian regulations require cryptocurrency platforms to follow anti-money laundering protocols. The nation imposes a 30% tax on cryptocurrency trading profits, ranking among the world’s highest rates, though comprehensive regulations for digital assets remain pending.
French naval forces intercepted a Russian-connected oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, according to French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement on social media.
The vessel, identified as the Tagor, was operating under international sanctions when French forces boarded it on the open ocean.
“This operation took place in the Atlantic Ocean, on the high seas, with the support of several partners, including the United Kingdom, in strict compliance with the law of the sea,” Macron stated.
The French leader condemned vessels that attempt to evade international restrictions, saying: “It is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and finance the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years.”
The boarding operation was carried out with assistance from multiple allied nations, including British forces, according to the president’s statement.
NEUILLY-SUR-MARNE, France — Mental health patients at a psychiatric facility outside Paris are finding healing through an innovative program featuring therapy donkeys in what appears to be a first-of-its-kind initiative in France.
The therapeutic sessions take place within historic 19th century farm structures surrounded by trees at the Ville-Evrard hospital complex in Neuilly-sur-Marne. During a recent Friday session, patients walked alongside five donkeys and provided care for the animals. Several participants confidently lifted the animals’ hooves to clean away debris, with many concluding their time with embraces.
“When you take medication that helps you relax … it’s exactly the same,” said Nathalie, a 60-year-old patient. She and others were identified by their first names only to protect their privacy.
“I’d call it animal medicine,” she said. “It brings relief. You stop thinking about everything else.”
The therapeutic sessions are provided at no cost to patients as part of their care, with funding coming from France’s public health system.
Each participant typically works with one of the donkeys — Nono, Pitou, Oscar, Manolo or Malraux. Through repeated interactions, both patients and animals develop familiarity with one another’s temperaments.
Audrey Seffar, a nurse at the animal therapy unit, said Nathalie’s improvement after just a few sessions was remarkable.
“At first, she wouldn’t get out of the cart (provided for people with physical difficulties). But little by little, with encouragement, she did,” Seffar said. “The animal serves as a mediator. It’s such an extraordinary one that today she was able to leave the cart and stand beside her donkey.”
Another patient, Jérôme, 52, said the program helps reduce loneliness.
“Talking with people, taking part in activities I wouldn’t normally do, it helps me in my daily life,” he said.
He added: “It helps you break away from the routine of treatment and medication. Staying at home isn’t good for me.”
The donkeys first came to Ville-Evrard hospital in 2016 through an initiative started by Ermelinda and François Hadey.
Ermelinda, a nurse specializing in psychiatry, strongly believed in animal therapy benefits and thought donkeys, known for their calm and social nature, would be perfect. Her husband learned how to train donkeys for therapy work. Some of the animals were adopted through shelters after experiencing neglect or mistreatment.
“A donkey is very intelligent. It understands things very quickly, but you have to explain slowly,” François Hadey said. “Donkeys are calm, serene animals that are generally close to people. Once they’re involved in these interactions, they connect very well with patients. They’re emotional sponges.”
Beginning in 2022, the animal therapy program received formal recognition as a health care unit within the hospital, enabling the hiring of three full-time nurses. Volunteers from a nonprofit organization assist with animal care.
The initiative has grown to encompass guinea pigs, chickens, doves, goats, turtles and rabbits. Activities are customized based on individual needs and interests, with smaller animals able to visit patient rooms.
Alicia Fabi, an 18-year-old nursing student, said the activity gives patients a chance to leave the hospital environment.
“Every time we come back from the activity, they say they feel good, calm and relaxed, and that they enjoyed the outing. That’s really positive,” she said.
Walking together also allows patients and health workers to develop a deeper relationship.
“We talk about many different things, their illness, their lives and just about everything else. We don’t focus only on the illness because we don’t want them dwelling on it all the time,” Fabi said.
Medical staff describe the sessions as therapeutic interventions for managing anxiety, depression, autism, schizophrenia or other conditions. Personnel report the activities can enhance emotional regulation, communication, social interaction and self-esteem.
“Everything we do with the animals allows us to work with the patient,” Ermelinda Hadey said. “We work on feeding the animal, which helps us address the patient’s own eating habits. We work on the animal’s hygiene, and by mirror effect, we work on the patient’s hygiene as well.”
Many patients receive intensive treatments, including antipsychotic medications or sedatives, which can make it difficult to find the motivation to participate in activities, she said. That’s where the relationship to donkeys and other animals play a role, she stressed.
“It does not replace a doctor or a medical prescription, but it can help patients regain confidence and a sense of self-worth,” Hadey said.
She said more scientific evaluation is needed. They would like animal therapy to be formally recognized by the psychiatric community as a complementary form of care.
“To do that, we need research. We have plenty of accounts from patients … Caregivers who accompany them see the benefits every day as well. But doctors have so many other responsibilities that they don’t necessarily witness it firsthand,” she said.
As Friday’s session concluded with patients continuing their conversations, a nurse captured the program’s essence: “Donkeys are my best colleagues.”
A Utah judge will determine Monday whether media and the public can attend all portions of an important preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, who faces charges in the death of Charlie Kirk.
Robinson’s legal team has petitioned Judge Tony Graf to limit access during the July 6-10 preliminary hearing, where prosecutors must demonstrate sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. This hearing represents the most substantial evidence presentation thus far in a case that has primarily centered on questions of media accessibility.
The defense has also requested that dozens of evidence exhibits planned for introduction during the July proceedings be kept sealed, contending that public disclosure might prejudice potential jurors ahead of any trial.
Robinson’s attorneys have worked to prevent what they characterize as misleading media portrayals of their client amid intense public interest in the case. The 23-year-old defendant from southwestern Utah faces charges including aggravated murder for the Sept. 10 shooting death of Kirk at Utah Valley University campus.
If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty, which prosecutors plan to pursue. No plea has been entered yet.
While prosecutors maintain the preliminary hearing should stay open to the public, they have agreed that certain exhibits requiring protection for future trial use should have restricted media access. Evidence planned for presentation includes forensic analysis results, surveillance footage, recorded witness interviews, autopsy reports and purported messages from Robinson confessing to the crime.
Investigators report finding DNA matching Robinson’s profile on the rifle trigger used in Kirk’s killing, the spent shell casing, two unused cartridges and a towel that wrapped the weapon. Prosecutors also indicate Robinson wrote a message to his romantic partner stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
HONG KONG (AP) — Markets in Japan and South Korea achieved new all-time highs on Monday, fueled by excitement surrounding artificial intelligence developments and as traders monitor potential decisions regarding Iran conflict ceasefire negotiations.
Energy prices jumped over 2% while discussions between the U.S. and Iran persist, particularly concerning the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for worldwide oil and natural gas shipments.
U.S. market futures showed modest gains.
Markets across Asia generally moved upward, with Japanese and South Korean indices reaching record levels during Monday’s trading session, propelled by technology sector stocks as investors remain optimistic about artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology expansion.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 climbed over 1.3% and surpassed 67,000 points for the first time, closing at 67,231.28. SoftBank Group shares, the investment firm with significant AI focus, increased more than 9% after setting records the previous week.
South Korea’s Kospi index surged nearly 5% to an unprecedented high of 8,874.16. Samsung Electronics, the nation’s largest corporation, rose over 9%. Government statistics released Monday revealed South Korea’s exports jumped 53% compared to the same period last year in May, supported by worldwide semiconductor demand.
The Nikkei 225 has climbed more than 12% in the past month, while the Kospi has skyrocketed over 27% during the identical timeframe.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng traded 0.9% higher at 25,408.96. The Shanghai Composite index declined 0.1% to 4,063.72, following China’s weekend report that manufacturing activity weakened in May with indicators of declining export demand.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.1% to 8,720.30.
Taiwan’s Taiex rose 1.4%, while India’s Sensex gained 0.6%.
Three months since the Iran conflict started, uncertainties about a lasting resolution continue influencing market behavior and causing oil price volatility, despite optimism about strong AI demand and solid corporate profits driving stock rallies, including on Wall Street.
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump conducted meetings with advisers in high-level discussions but hadn’t reached a decision on a preliminary proposal to extend the Iran conflict ceasefire for 60 days, while Iran indicated no agreement had been completed. The Strait of Hormuz reopening remained uncertain. The waterway has been mostly blocked and the U.S. has established a naval blockade at Iranian ports.
Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, increased 2.4% early Monday to $93.33 per barrel. It traded around $70 per barrel in late February, prior to the conflict’s beginning.
U.S. benchmark crude gained 2.8% to $89.76 per barrel.
Friday saw Wall Street indices achieve additional records driven by major technology companies, with the benchmark S&P 500 rising 0.2% in its seventh consecutive advance to 7,580.06.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.7% to 51,032.46, while the tech-focused Nasdaq composite increased 0.2% to 26,972.62.
Dell Technologies jumped 32.8% after reporting better-than-anticipated earnings and raising its forecast based on robust AI-related demand. Microsoft climbed over 5.4%, while Broadcom gained 4.7%.
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened to 159.48 Japanese yen from 159.25 yen. The euro traded at $1.1645, declining from $1.1667.
A former Colorado elections clerk who became embroiled in conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election is set to walk free from prison Monday after her sentence was commuted, allowing her to serve less than a quarter of her original nine-year term for participating in a plot to duplicate her county’s voting system data.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, reduced Tina Peters’ sentence last month after facing pressure from President Donald Trump.
State corrections officials declined to specify when Peters would be released, while a representative for her legal team indicated she would not be available for media interviews upon her release.
Peters made history as the first local election administrator to face criminal charges for security violations following the 2020 presidential election. She allowed an unauthorized computer specialist connected to My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell — who also disputed Trump’s 2020 election loss — to gain access and copy the county’s Dominion Voting Systems server during a 2021 software update.
Following the data breach, Peters appeared alongside Lindell at what was billed as a “cybersymposium” that claimed it would provide evidence the election had been manipulated. Video footage and images from the computer system update, complete with passwords, were subsequently published online. This action fueled unfounded allegations that voting equipment had been tampered with to deny Trump victory.
A jury in Mesa County, a Republican-leaning area that backed Trump, found Peters guilty in 2024 on charges including attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, violation of duty, and additional offenses. While an appeals court confirmed her conviction in April, it mandated a new sentencing hearing, ruling that the original judge improperly considered her public statements about election fraud as grounds for punishment.
Although Trump had advocated for Peters’ case, his presidential powers did not extend to pardoning her since she was convicted under state rather than federal law. The president instead applied pressure on Polis to act, criticizing him publicly on social media and excluding him from a White House gathering of governors. The Trump administration also announced it would eliminate the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado and moved the U.S. Space Command headquarters to Alabama.
On May 15, Polis reduced Peters’ sentence. In his written explanation, he acknowledged that while Peters had been found guilty of serious offenses and deserved imprisonment, her sentence was “extremely unusual and lengthy” for someone with no prior criminal record facing non-violent charges.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, condemned the decision as a “dark day for democracy” and accused Polis of “selling out our state’s justice system for Trump.”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California heads into Tuesday’s primary election with two high-profile contests marked by unpredictability, as outsider contenders attempt to break through the state’s established Democratic power structure.
The gubernatorial contest features former Fox News television host and British political adviser Steve Hilton calling on Republicans to rally behind his candidacy as he competes for one of two November ballot positions against Democrats billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and former state attorney general Xavier Becerra.
Los Angeles voters face a tight mayoral competition where reality TV personality Spencer Pratt seeks to transform his underdog campaign into an unexpected victory over Democratic Mayor Karen Bass. The race shows Pratt closely grouped with Nithya Raman, a progressive city council member challenging Bass from the political left.
“We can’t give up on LA,” Pratt declared to cheering supporters during a Sunday block party. “We’ve got to fight.”
While Democrats previously worried their crowded gubernatorial field might allow two Republicans to reach November, Hilton now warns of the reverse possibility — describing an “all-Democratic scenario” as a “doomsday” outcome.
The Republican candidate has urged his primary GOP opponent, county Sheriff Chad Bianco, to withdraw from the race, expressing concern that an exclusively Democratic general election ticket would reduce Republican voter participation statewide and negatively impact congressional and legislative contests.
An outcome where Becerra and Steyer exclude Republicans from November balloting would represent “a disaster for California, it means no change. It’s a disaster for everyone who’s running as a Republican up and down the ballot,” Hilton posted on social platform X.
Although mail-in voting commenced in early May, only 15% of voters had submitted their ballots by Sunday, leaving candidates optimistic about potential last-minute momentum shifts.
In heavily Democratic Los Angeles, Bass faces vulnerability following a troubled first term. While she highlights reduced homelessness numbers, tent encampments and deteriorating recreational vehicles continue appearing throughout many neighborhoods. She also confronts ongoing criticism from the 2025 Palisades Fire, Los Angeles’ most devastating blaze in history. Bass was traveling in Ghana as part of a presidential delegation when the fires began. Pratt, who lost his residence in the disaster, has centered his campaign around the fire and citywide recovery efforts.
During Pratt’s neighborhood gathering, Vivian Escalante, a historian residing in the predominantly Hispanic Boyle Heights area near downtown, described declining living conditions spanning several years — including dirtier streets, increased homeless encampments, and diminished community pride in her lifelong neighborhood.
“It’s gotten completely worse,” Escalante stated while wearing a Pratt campaign hat. She accused the Democratic Party of having “completely abandoned us.”
Though officially nonpartisan, the LA contest features Bass as a Democrat alongside Raman, who made a late decision to challenge her former political ally and ranks among leading contenders.
Pratt gained recognition with his wife, Heidi Montag, on “The Hills” and is a registered Republican who has received approval — though not formal endorsement — from President Donald Trump. He has attempted to separate himself from national political issues, emphasizing his focus remains exclusively on municipal concerns.
A University of California, Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies poll, co-sponsored by The Los Angeles Times, showed Bass in a statistical tie with Raman and Pratt, while other candidates lagged behind. The survey of 1,351 likely voters conducted May 19-24 found no candidate with a statistically meaningful advantage.
Los Angeles faces significant challenges across multiple fronts.
Hollywood employment has migrated for years toward more affordable filming destinations. A downtown revitalization effort collapsed during extended pandemic shutdowns, leaving numerous office buildings struggling to find tenants. The city has consistently failed to deliver essential services, from repairing damaged roads and sidewalks to maintaining operational streetlights.
The gubernatorial race represents the most competitive contest in decades, with more than 50 names appearing on ballots.
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom faces legal prohibition against pursuing a third term. Additional replacement candidates include former Democratic U.S. Representative Katie Porter, Democrat Matt Mahan who serves as San Jose mayor, and Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff.
Rebecca Katz, a strategist working with Steyer’s campaign, expressed Sunday that they are “feeling pretty good” while emphasizing the tight competition with a sports analogy: “It’s three candidates for two spots, every possession counts.”
Steyer, a former hedge fund manager turned liberal activist, has established spending records while seeking advancement to November’s contest. Hilton, the former Fox News host endorsed by Trump, has pledged to reduce costs in a state featuring some of America’s highest gasoline prices, utility expenses, and tax rates. Becerra emphasizes his experience as qualification for leading the nation’s second-largest state by population, citing service as the Biden administration’s health secretary, former U.S. House membership, and state attorney general tenure.
Generally, Republican candidates promise dramatic changes following years under Democratic leadership — Democrats haven’t lost a statewide election in two decades while Republicans last won a Los Angeles mayoral race in 1997. Democrats, despite controlling government for years, pledge to reduce costs and continue resisting the Trump administration in various conflicts with Democratic California.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — American military forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian radar installations and drone command centers following Tehran’s destruction of a US MQ-1 Predator drone over the weekend, military officials announced Monday. Iranian forces confirmed they launched counter-attacks, while Kuwait reported defending against incoming drone and missile strikes.
These competing military actions highlight how tenuous the multi-week ceasefire remains in the Iran conflict, with continued hostilities occurring despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between American and Iranian representatives to extend the truce. Tehran continues controlling the Strait of Hormuz during this period, creating disruptions to worldwide energy markets since one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments previously traveled through this critical Persian Gulf passage.
At the same time, combat operations are intensifying as Israel expands its military presence in Lebanon past the Litani River while Hezbollah militants persist in sending drones toward Israeli territory.
Central Command announced its military operations took place Saturday and Sunday in areas surrounding Geruk city and on Qeshm Island.
“The measured and deliberate strikes occurred … in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters,” Central Command said.
“U.S. fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters.”
While the Air Force has discontinued Predator operations in favor of the MQ-9 Reaper, the Army continues operating Predator aircraft. Military officials reported no American personnel sustained injuries during these operations.
Kuwait’s defense systems engaged early Monday to counter approaching drone and missile attacks. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces issued a statement through the state-controlled IRNA news agency claiming American forces had struck a communications tower on an island location.
The Guard confirmed conducting a retaliatory operation without specifying the target location, presumably referencing the Kuwait incident. Kuwait hosts U.S. Army Central, serving as the regional Army command headquarters for Middle East operations.
These military exchanges mark the most recent escalation between Washington and Tehran, even as both nations claim ongoing diplomatic discussions, particularly regarding Iran’s highly enriched uranium reserves. During the weekend, American forces fired a missile into a Gambia-flagged cargo vessel’s engine compartment as it attempted to breach the Iranian port blockade.
Limited shipping traffic has managed to exit the strait, though global energy markets remain under strain, along with chemical fertilizer supplies that have raised concerns about potential food shortages. The Gulf area accounts for 30% of international chemical fertilizer trade.
U.S. President Donald Trump conducted meetings with advisers Friday but has not yet determined whether to proceed with an agreement extending the ceasefire and reopening the strait. Iranian officials have stated no final deal has been reached.
Trump shared optimistic views about negotiations in an early Monday post on his Truth Social platform, dismissing critics while avoiding discussion of the current military exchanges.
“Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us,” he wrote. “Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end — It always does!”
Drivers traveling north on Coastal Highway should expect delays due to construction activity affecting traffic flow in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right lane of northbound Coastal Highway (Route 1) is currently closed between West James Street and West Delaware Avenue.
The lane restriction is scheduled to remain in place until 3 PM today as construction crews continue their work in the area.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when driving through the construction zone.
Major technology corporations are demonstrating that international bond markets can compete with U.S. dominance in the massive $40 trillion corporate debt sector, with record-breaking debt offerings spanning from Europe to Asia and Switzerland.
The parent company of Google, Alphabet, has emerged as one of the largest active borrowers in both sterling and Swiss franc corporate bond markets. Meanwhile, Amazon completed a massive 14.5 billion euro ($16.88 billion) fundraising effort in March through an eight-part transaction, marking the largest euro corporate bond deal ever recorded, based on LSEG data.
These international debt offerings by major technology firms, known as “hyperscalers,” represent a strategic effort to broaden their funding sources early in their expansion plans, according to banking professionals. The companies are preparing to finance massive AI infrastructure investments worth trillions of dollars over the coming years, with particular focus on data center construction.
International currency borrowing also allows these corporations to protect against currency fluctuations from their worldwide operations while capitalizing on comparatively lower interest rates in regions such as Europe.
Alphabet established new benchmarks across multiple markets, with its transactions in yen, Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, and sterling all breaking previous borrowing records in their respective currencies.
“If you look at the pace of investment of these companies and if you fast forward 12 months, some of these companies are already going to become among the biggest issuers globally in any currency,” said Giulio Baratta, co-head of investment-grade finance at BNP Paribas.
Within Europe, both Alphabet and Amazon have contributed to pushing borrowing by non-financial American companies beyond 60 billion euros ($69.85 billion) this year, establishing another new record.
Morgan Stanley projects approximately 50 billion euros in total hyperscaler borrowing in euro debt this year, potentially positioning the United States to surpass France as the euro zone’s largest source of corporate debt overall.
“A lot of these markets, including euro, have evolved and now offer a lot more depth and opportunity for larger capital raising than was historically the case,” said John Servidea, global co-head of investment grade finance at JPMorgan, which led recent deals for the two hyperscalers.
International corporate bond sales tracked by LSEG have experienced dramatic growth in markets including Swiss franc and yen this year, driven by these major technology deals.
Other American companies beyond the technology sector are taking notice of these successful large-scale international fundraising capabilities, according to Servidea.
“They’re definitely looking at other markets more seriously than they would have previously.”
Corporate borrowing has also increased significantly in currencies including Australian and Hong Kong dollars as international companies seek diverse funding options.
Investment professionals are simultaneously focusing on reducing dependence on U.S. dollar investments due to geopolitical concerns and policy uncertainties.
According to Bank of America data, hyperscalers have increased their non-dollar bond issuance to 30% of total bond funding this year, doubling from previous levels.
International fundraising enables major technology companies to extend intervals between accessing U.S. markets, JPMorgan’s Servidea explained, while securing interest rates that are sometimes lower than U.S. dollar markets, or at minimum comparable.
Extensive borrowing can negatively impact a borrower’s existing bonds, and market analysts observe signs that hyperscalers are underperforming compared to the broader U.S. corporate bond market. Reducing frequency of U.S. market access may help minimize this negative effect.
BNP Paribas’s Baratta, whose firm also managed transactions for Alphabet and Amazon, indicated these companies primarily retain funds in the currencies they raise rather than converting them back to dollars.
Investment professionals are eager to gain exposure to artificial intelligence themes in international bond markets, where technology companies previously maintained limited presence.
Nicolas Forest, chief investment officer at Candriam, is purchasing euro-denominated deals from hyperscalers to increase technology sector exposure within European bond markets.
By April’s conclusion, Alphabet had already achieved fourth-largest borrower status in ICE BofA’s sterling corporate bond index following just one issuance round, and sixth-largest position in Swiss francs.
As technology sector issuance expands, corporate bond markets outside the United States will face increased exposure to technology sector developments, both positive and negative.
“If there are any problems with (AI), it will probably create more volatility,” said David Zahn, head of European fixed income at Franklin Templeton.
A devastating industrial accident at a South Korean aerospace manufacturing facility has resulted in five fatalities and two injuries, officials confirmed Monday.
The deadly incident occurred at a Hanwha Aerospace plant located in Daejeon, where workers produce large rocket propulsion systems and work with explosive rocket fuel materials.
Two workers managed to flee the facility on their own, with one suffering severe burns, according to fire department officials who spoke at a news conference.
“Authorities have yet to identify the victims because their bodies were severely damaged,” a health official told the same briefing.
Fire department representatives revealed that the deadly blaze began after an explosion, though investigators are still working to determine what caused the initial blast.
The aerospace company specializes in defense and space technology, with the Daejeon facility specifically focused on manufacturing rocket propulsion systems and handling volatile rocket fuels.
Emergency responders faced additional challenges because they could not access building blueprints, as the facility’s layout information is classified under the country’s national security regulations, officials explained during the briefing.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the deployment of all available emergency resources to handle the situation and has demanded a thorough investigation into the tragedy, according to a statement from his office sent to news media.
A company representative from Hanwha Aerospace confirmed that the organization is conducting its own internal investigation into the incident.
Global investors appear to be prioritizing artificial intelligence opportunities over concerns about oil supply disruptions stemming from ongoing Middle East conflicts.
Market watchers suggest that silence from recent Gulf peace negotiations may be viewed positively by traders. President Trump had indicated he would meet last Friday to determine whether to extend a ceasefire agreement, but no announcements have emerged since that time.
Defense Secretary Hegseth recently stated that the United States might resume military action against Iran without a satisfactory agreement. Weekend reports confirmed U.S. forces conducted strikes on Iranian positions, while Iran reported hitting an air base it claims was used in American operations. Kuwaiti defense systems were also said to be intercepting incoming missiles and drones.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped dramatically, with only eight ships departing on May 30, including just two oil tankers. Before the conflict, approximately 136 vessels passed through daily.
Energy market experts have long warned that global oil reserves could face serious shortages by mid-June, yet Brent crude remains below $100 per barrel despite gaining 2.5% to reach $93.40.
Asian financial markets continue their artificial intelligence-driven rally, seemingly unconcerned about energy supply issues. South Korea’s primary stock index soared 28% during May, while Taiwan gained 15% and Japan’s Nikkei rose 12%. Samsung Electronics alone jumped 10% on Monday as the company started delivering advanced, high-speed computer chips.
South Korea’s remarkable trade figures highlight the technology sector’s explosive growth, with exports climbing 53% year-over-year in May to nearly $88 billion. Semiconductor shipments increased 169% while computer exports surged 291%.
Despite these strong export numbers, the Korean currency remains near historic lows, indicating that dollar revenues are staying in U.S. currency rather than being converted. Much of these funds likely flow into Treasury securities, meaning the AI expansion indirectly supports American government financing.
The head of Nvidia is scheduled to open the Computex technology conference in Taipei on Monday with an artificial intelligence presentation. The executive is expected to showcase the company’s newest offerings and announce significant investment plans for Taiwan.
Several economic indicators could impact Monday’s trading sessions, including European Union unemployment data for April, manufacturing surveys, and German retail sales figures. American markets will watch for the ISM manufacturing report for May and purchasing managers’ index data.
The Miami Marlins are reportedly planning to promote right-handed pitcher Zach Brzykcy from their minor league system, with his contract expected to be selected before Monday’s matchup against the Washington Nationals, according to Fish on First’s Sunday evening report.
Brzykcy brings major league experience to the Marlins, having posted a 0-1 record with a 10.05 ERA across 32 relief appearances for the Nationals over the past two seasons. This year, he has been playing for Triple-A Jacksonville, where he has compiled a 5.24 ERA through 22 1/3 innings of work. His potential call-up comes at an opportune time, as he could face his previous organization while Miami seeks pitching depth following Sunday’s 10-1 defeat to the New York Mets that depleted their bullpen.
To make room on the active roster for Brzykcy’s addition, the Marlins will need to remove another player. Potential candidates include right-hander Josh Ekness, who was observed using crutches on Sunday, or left-hander Andrew Nardi, who is dealing with a rib injury that is projected to sideline him for three months.
The Marlins acquired Brzykcy through the waiver claim process after the Nationals designated him for assignment this past November.
Fresh entertainment content is arriving on streaming platforms this week, featuring animated films, new music releases, reality television, and gaming options selected by entertainment industry journalists.
The weekly highlights include the return of “Love Island,” a romantic comedy featuring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein, along with the peaceful puzzle experience “Swan Song.”
The critically acclaimed Pixar production “Hoppers” makes its streaming debut June 3 on Disney+, following positive reviews and solid box office performance that made it one of the studio’s most successful recent original films. This environmental comedy centers on body-swapping adventures, featuring Mabel (Piper Curda) attempting to protect an untouched pond from development plans by the local mayor (Jon Hamm) when she mysteriously transforms into a robotic beaver. Film critic Lindsey Bahr described the movie as a “buoyant, freewheeling adventure.”
Netflix presents “Office Romance” on June 5, bringing together Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein from “Ted Lasso” in a workplace romantic comedy. Lopez portrays an airline chief executive who develops feelings for the company’s newly hired lawyer, played by Goldstein. Goldstein collaborated with “Ted Lasso” co-creator Joe Kelly on the screenplay.
Music documentary enthusiast Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson expands his exploration of musical heritage with “Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World).” This homage to the influential Chicago band premieres June 7 on HBO and HBO Max, following its initial screening at the Tribeca Festival.
Harry Lighton’s “Pillion” arrives on HBO Max June 5 as a distinctive romantic narrative. The film stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård as an unconventional BDSM partnership featuring a barbershop quartet singer and a rough biker. Critics have praised “Pillion” for depicting a relationship “in the extreme, one that ultimately, like any other, is guided by needs and wants.”
Four years have passed since Lizzo’s last complete album release with “Special,” which featured the widespread funk-pop hit “About Damn Time.” Her latest offering, provocatively titled “B—-,” promises “good, clean fun” and showcases the ’80s-influenced ballad “Don’t Make Me Love U,” demonstrating her continued focus on major pop anthems.
Death Cab for Cutie returns with “I Built You A Tower,” their first complete studio work following anniversary tour celebrations of career-defining releases “Transatlanticism” from 2003 and “Plans” from 2005, which rekindled their creative energy. Primary songwriter and vocalist Ben Gibbard composed the material during a personal separation and subsequent divorce. “I was doing a lot of context switching,” Gibbard explained to journalists. “I started to write a lot about how we contextualize, compartmentalize, specifically our grief.” This emotional depth aligns with the band’s established strengths.
Among former One Direction members, Niall Horan has maintained the closest connection to the group’s energetic pop-rock sound, though his mature solo work demonstrates significant evolution. His fourth individual album “Dinner Party” draws creative influence from the location where he encountered his current long-term partner, with Damien Rice serving as a primary musical inspiration for the dreamy, romantic compositions.
Vince Staples introduced his independent “Cry Baby” album with “Blackberry Marmalade,” his first individual track in two years. This intense preview showcased the album’s noise-rock elements and pointed social commentary, opening with lyrics like “Empires build on bloodstained ground” accompanied by a first-person shooter-style music video. The subsequent release “White Flag” continued this darker trajectory, reflecting the artist’s reputation for creative innovation and surrealist artistic approaches.
Summer television enthusiasts can anticipate the return of “Love Island USA,” beginning its five-night weekly schedule Tuesday on Peacock. The approximately six-week competition confines attractive single participants in a Fiji villa, where they must form romantic partnerships or face elimination, with the final remaining couple claiming a monetary reward.
AMC has rebranded the third installment of “Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire” series as “The Vampire Lestat,” focusing on Lestat de Lioncourt’s (Sam Reid) personal narrative. Dissatisfied with his portrayal in Daniel Molloy’s publication, Lestat establishes a rock band and embarks on touring. Seeking attention and praise, Lestat believes his rock star identity will draw devoted followers. AMC is promoting Lestat’s musical content through streaming music platforms, with Reid performing his own vocal tracks. “The Vampire Lestat” debuts Sunday, June 7, on AMC and AMC+.
For those seeking tranquil entertainment amid contemporary cultural intensity, Belgium’s Business Goose Games offers “Swan Song,” essentially functioning as a musical puzzle box with dual sections containing sheet music and maze challenges. Players must select correct musical notes to solve each maze puzzle. Following their previous contemplative puzzle game “Sizeable” and its enthusiastic reception, this new brain teaser maintains similar peaceful qualities. The game launches Thursday, June 4, for PC and Mac platforms.
Voting commenced Monday morning in Ethiopia’s national election, with widespread expectations that the current governing party will maintain its hold on power.
Military forces were prominently stationed throughout the capital city of Addis Ababa, while international observers urged calm during the electoral process in Africa’s second-largest nation by population, which serves as home to the African Union’s main offices.
Citizens formed lengthy lines ahead of the 6 a.m. start time, demonstrating enthusiasm to participate in the democratic process and express their political preferences.
The election will determine more than 500 representatives for the House of Representatives, who will then cast votes to choose the nation’s prime minister.
The Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is anticipated to win a majority of legislative seats, which would allow him to continue serving in his current role for an additional term.
Registration records show approximately 50 million citizens are eligible to participate in the voting process, representing roughly 38% of Ethiopia’s total population of 130 million. Citizens are simultaneously selecting representatives for regional government bodies. Election outcomes are anticipated to be announced later Monday.
Political opposition groups have expressed worries about what they characterize as diminishing opportunities for political participation, claiming they faced obstacles in conducting campaign activities and reaching potential supporters. The nation has also encountered international scrutiny regarding alleged violations of human rights against government opponents and members of the media.
MELBOURNE, Australia — A 34-year-old Australian woman facing terrorism charges appeared in court Monday as prosecutors detailed allegations that she supported violent extremism, tried to radicalize her children, and encouraged others to join her in Syria.
Defense attorney Peter Morrissey told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that his client, Rayann El Houli, has completely changed her stance on terrorism.
“She renounces ISIS and violent jihad,” Morrissey said, using an acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. “She wants nothing to do with it: not now directly or indirectly. Not in the future. Not for herself. Not for the people she loves and specifically not for the children.”
El Houli is seeking bail while facing charges for allegedly joining a terrorist organization and traveling to Raqqa, Syria, which served as the Islamic State’s headquarters more than ten years ago.
Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan described the prosecution’s allegations during the hearing, stating that El Houli journeyed to Syria sometime between 2013 and 2014 with plans to join IS militants.
“The accused expressed radicalized views while in Syria, including support for terrorist acts. She supported acts of martyrdom whilst in Syria. She repeatedly expressed views that supported the killing or serious injury of non-believers,” Hannan said.
According to the magistrate, El Houli attempted to radicalize her children and encouraged Australians to travel to Syria to embrace extremist beliefs and lifestyle choices.
The magistrate noted that El Houli departed Raqqa in 2019 “when the caliphate was defeated and not as a result of her changing views.”
The court postponed the bail hearing to a future date yet to be determined.
Both charges carry maximum penalties of ten years imprisonment. Australian law requires exceptional circumstances for individuals facing terrorism allegations to receive bail.
Hannan indicated she wants more information about how El Houli fled from the al-Hol displacement camp in eastern Syria and was transported illegally to Lebanon.
El Houli returned to Australia from Lebanon in the previous year and was taken into custody in Melbourne last week.
Three additional women connected to IS who recently returned to Australia have been charged with slavery and terrorism violations upon arrival and are currently detained, while others remain under police investigation.
Malaysia launched new restrictions Monday that block millions of children under 16 from having social media accounts, becoming part of a worldwide movement to strengthen digital safety measures for young internet users.
The new regulations mandate that social media companies install age-verification technology and prevent users younger than 16 from setting up accounts. The restrictions target platforms with a minimum of 8 million users, covering Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Social media companies that don’t follow the new rules face financial penalties reaching 10 million ringgit ($2.5 million). However, parents won’t face punishment if their children find ways around the restrictions.
Officials stated the new policies aim to shield children from dangerous content, cyberbullying and platform designs that promote addictive usage patterns.
Several nations including Australia, Brazil and Indonesia have either launched or announced age-related limitations for children’s social media access. Additional countries such as Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are researching or creating comparable strategies.
Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission explained the regulations don’t seek to block children’s internet or digital technology access. The agency instead established standards for service providers to tackle online dangers and implement appropriate safety measures for different age groups.
“These measures help strengthen the protection of children in the online environment, while providing added reassurance to parents in navigating increasingly complex digital risks,” the regulator said in a statement last month.
Social media companies must introduce safety-focused design elements, including safeguards against manipulative features that promote compulsive behavior, and take steps to remove underage accounts and harmful material.
Technology firms haven’t yet explained their plans for meeting Malaysia’s new standards.
The regulatory agency announced it will provide a transition period for platforms to finish installing age-verification technology.
Clara Koh, Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, had cautioned in April that Malaysia’s blanket under-16 ban could backfire by driving teenagers away from protected apps and into unregulated corners of the internet.
She said Meta has launched “teen accounts” for those under 18 that limits contact, screen time and exposure to inappropriate content.
Malaysia’s new restrictions emerge as governments worldwide face mounting pressure to tackle worries about social media’s effects on children’s mental health and digital safety.
In March, a U.S. jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay millions of dollars in damages in a case alleging that platform design features contributed to harm suffered by a young user.
While many parents support the move, Malaysia’s decision has sparked concerns about data privacy protection.
“It is very much following the trend but in a way that is raising alarms due to requiring a government ID for age verification,” said Benjamin Loh, social science lecturer at Monash University in Malaysia.
Loh said experiences elsewhere suggest age-based restrictions have yet to prove consistently effective. Without parent penalties, he said families can easily bypass the law by creating accounts for their children.
“This is a major gap that unless regulators are willing to fix, will result in the law having little effect in stopping children from using social media,” he added.
WASHINGTON — Financial markets are displaying increasing reluctance to lend money to President Donald Trump’s administration, pushing interest rates higher in ways that are intensifying affordability challenges, slowing economic expansion and presenting fresh political risks for Republicans ahead of November’s midterm contests.
The surge in energy costs sparked by the Iran war has affected bond pricing for U.S. government financing. Rates on 10-year Treasury notes have risen above 4.44%, climbing from 3.95% prior to the conflict’s start in late February. Home loan rates have reached nine-month highs, while vehicle purchases are declining.
This issue spans the globe, with borrowing costs increasing across multiple nations as markets adapt to expectations of elevated inflation, growing concerns over government debt sustainability, and a significant increase in artificial intelligence investments.
Trump has attempted to reassure the public that he possesses a strategy to reduce the approximately $1.8 trillion yearly budget shortfall. Previously, he has highlighted income from tariffs, payments from international visitors for his “Gold Card” visa program, reductions implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, and accelerated economic expansion. Recently, he indicated the fraud task force headed by Vice President JD Vance would be crucial for achieving substantial savings.
“If he does really great, we’ll have a balanced budget without having to do anything,” Trump said.
Economic experts believe Trump’s approaches to significantly reduce the deficit are unlikely to achieve the promised outcomes.
The expense of managing the national debt has increased threefold since 2021 to exceed $1 trillion yearly, according to Jessica Riedl, a budget and tax fellow at the Brookings Institution.
“President Trump signed a tax cut bill that will likely add $5 trillion to 10-year deficits — and tariffs are offsetting only a small fraction of those costs,” she said. “Budget deficits are still projected to soar past $4 trillion annually within a decade under current policies.”
Budget shortfalls are anticipated to expand over the coming decade as Social Security and Medicare expenses exceed tax collections.
The 10-year Treasury rate reached 4.67% in mid-May before moderating as Iran ceasefire discussions progressed — similar to how rates initially rose in 2025 due to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs before declining when Trump reduced the most severe increases.
When Kent Smetters, faculty director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, analyzed the mathematics behind rising 30-year Treasury yields, he determined that 60% of the increase stemmed from expectations that America will maintain its excessive borrowing, while the remaining 40% related to inflation caused by the Iran war and Trump’s tariffs.
Glenn Hubbard, a former chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers during the George W. Bush administration, expresses concern that the U.S. may no longer possess the same borrowing flexibility as previously to effectively address an economic crisis, such as the 2008 crash or the coronavirus pandemic.
“I don’t think we have the space that we had in 2008 or 2020 to deal with it,” said Hubbard, now a professor at Columbia University’s Business School. “Washington doesn’t seem to be full of ideas — good or bad — to solve it.”
Elevated borrowing costs are providing Democratic candidates in congressional races another attack strategy during a period when voters worry about expensive food and gasoline.
In Colorado’s fifth congressional district, Democrat Jessica Killin is emphasizing the message that ongoing deficits and increased interest rates complicate home purchases or renovations, new vehicle purchases, and credit card debt management.
“Things are already expensive,” said Killin, an Army veteran who was a top aide to Doug Emhoff, the former second gentleman. “We can already talk about gas, but the cost of borrowing only makes that worse.”
Joe Reagan, an Army veteran also pursuing the Democratic nomination, stated in an email that he discusses “a lot about fiscal stewardship” during his campaign. “Every dollar spent paying interest is a dollar that isn’t being invested in infrastructure, education, veterans’ services, or economic growth,” he said.
They are competing against Republican Rep. Jeff Crank in a district their party considers a potential gain. Killin described the deficit as demonstrating how “Trump says one thing and does the opposite.”
In his March 2025 congressional address, Trump announced that “in the near future, I want to do what has not been done in 24 years: balance the federal budget. We’re going to balance it.”
Crank, the Republican incumbent, did not respond to comment requests.
The administration insists it will gradually decrease budget deficits. Compared to the total economy, last year’s deficit was smaller than in 2024, though this reduction partially relied on tariff income subject to refunds following the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring them illegal.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently referenced a report indicating up to $500 billion in annual fraudulent government expenditures that could be eliminated, “so that would reduce the deficit substantially.”
Bessent appeared to base this conclusion on a 2024 Government Accountability Office report estimating between $233 billion to $521 billion yearly in fraudulent spending. However, these figures were partially derived from the pandemic period when the government borrowed extensively to stabilize the economy.
The White House and Treasury did not respond to inquiries regarding Bessent’s claims’ sources.
Regarding deficits, Bessent told White House reporters that the administration essentially inherited poor conditions from former President Joe Biden, a Democrat. “We inherited the worst budget deficit in history — in history — when we were not in a recession or not at war,” Bessent said.
Bessent had previously stated the administration would target reducing the annual deficit to 3% of total U.S. gross domestic product. It currently stands at roughly twice that percentage, and Bessent avoided directly answering questions about the timeline for reaching his goal.
Currently, investors continue purchasing U.S. company shares, driving stock market gains that signal confidence in America’s economic prospects. However, rising interest rates also indicate investors perceive the national debt as a U.S. weakness.
Financial markets might inflict sufficient pressure through higher rates to force political leaders to address systemic imbalances. Several economists predicted markets would compel deficit action before voters would.
Hubbard stressed that the entire bond market system depends on confidence that debt will be repaid. He observed that “credit” derives from a Latin term also rooting the word creed about belief systems.
“That is what debt is about: I believe you will pay me back,” Hubbard said. “That works until it doesn’t.”
DURHAM, N.H. — Following the loss of their second service dog, Booker T. Bones, Brenda and Brian Marquis found themselves searching for assistance with challenging daily tasks.
Their solution came in the form of Robbie, a mechanical assistant that emerges from their hallway into the main living area multiple times throughout each day.
“Do you want to exercise now? Please answer yes or no,” the caregiving machine inquires of 59-year-old Brian Marquis, who has been managing a traumatic brain injury following a 2012 automobile accident.
“Yes,” he replies. He then rises as the robot’s cartoon-like digital display transforms into a fitness video that leads him through his daily physical activity routine.
The multi-decade effort to create household robots that combine usefulness with human-like qualities — inspired by fictional characters such as the humanoid domestic helper Rosie from The Jetsons — remains largely unrealized. This persists even as demand grows, with the oldest members of the baby boom generation reaching 80 years old this year and the nation confronting an escalating shortage of in-home care workers, caused by inadequate compensation, frequent job changes, and challenging work conditions.
However, the device assisting the Marquis household — a robot operated through a laboratory at the University of New Hampshire with support from the National Institute of Aging — provides insight into developing opportunities.
The mobile robot that observers have compared to a clothing rack differed from what Brenda Marquis originally envisioned when she sent a message to a robotics instructor at the nearby university, seeking guidance about robotic canines.
Robbie, the pair’s chosen name for the latest robot version officially designated Stretch 4, remains at its power station located between the cooking area and sleeping quarters for most hours. During active periods, it performs essential functions, such as encouraging Brian, who lives with dementia, to consume his midday meal or stay hydrated.
Brenda Marquis, 59, explained that she and her spouse experience physical, mental, and emotional challenges that complicate their daily existence.
“We’ve been kind of trapped in a problem here in New Hampshire of being able to find and recruit enough home care support,” Brenda Marquis said in an interview at the couple’s Durham, New Hampshire apartment, where she scoots around in a motorized wheelchair while taking care of her husband. “That was when I started looking into robotics and trying to figure out what to do.”
Receiving Brenda’s message was Momotaz Begum, a computer science instructor at the university who has dedicated years to testing “socially assistive” robots designed to support individuals with dementia or similar cognitive conditions. Her research facility houses numerous experimental machines, including four-legged models.
According to the professor, the laboratory consulted focus groups consisting of senior citizens from memory care facilities to determine their preferred type of robotic home companion. Most participants favored animal-inspired robot designs.
“The common feedback that we got about Stretch was, ‘OK, this one looks like a coat hanger,’” she said. “But what we learned over time is that the look doesn’t matter.”
Beyond robotic cleaning devices, the nearest equivalent many elderly individuals have to caregiving robots consists of speakers equipped with artificial intelligence voice technology like Alexa. Certain robot manufacturers have extended this idea into rotating desktop devices such as ElliQ, created for senior companionship.
However, those machines lack sufficient mobility or functionality for the professor, who stated she is “trying to reduce that caregiver burden. And the caregiver actually does way more than social companionship.”
Human-shaped robots, meanwhile, remain impractical for most residential settings and create safety risks for individuals with restricted mobility should the machine stumble and topple over.
The creators of Hello Robot, which produces the Stretch robots, emphasized that its straightforward design is intentional.
“Our robot’s very practical, pragmatic. I think it communicates that,” said CEO Aaron Edsinger, a former director of robotics at Google. “If you show up looking like a humanoid, that expectation’s going to be set so high, it’s going to be very hard to do.”
The standard configuration of the Stretch 4 features an extending mechanical arm capable of retrieving a water container and positioning it for someone to drink using a straw. When presented with a medication container, it can assist in reading small text. The machine combines data from its visual sensors and internal equipment, along with additional sensors placed throughout a residence, to determine its position and identify room occupants.
Produced at Hello Robot’s facility in Martinez, California, and priced at nearly $30,000, the newest model introduced in May remains far from achieving the widespread adoption of a cleaning robot or an AI-enabled speaker. Yet for its intended users, it can provide crucial support.
Robbie’s scheduled care routine for Brian is displayed on the family’s wall, featuring exercise directions, food and medication alerts, bedtime routine reminders, and brief cleaning prompts that activate only when Brian uses the restroom.
“I was never into technology,” Brian Marquis said. “Then I realized I can’t remember to wash my face and my armpits. So, it just really kind of set me free almost.”
According to Brenda Marquis, the robot also relieved her of hours of daily responsibilities and helped reduce costs. Previously concerned about leaving her husband alone for extended periods, she relied on grocery delivery services. Now she can leave him under Robbie’s supervision while she handles shopping personally.
“I can go ahead and go to that mahjong game or whatever. Robbie’s gonna take care of him,” she said.
Hundreds of young students travel annually to northern China’s steppes to study rare earth minerals at institutions like the Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology.
Upon finishing their undergraduate education, these graduates can walk just a few kilometers down the six-lane Rare Earths Street in Baotou to find employment with government-owned refineries. These facilities transform essential minerals into magnets that drive jet engines, electric cars, and wind turbines. Alternatively, graduates may continue their education at the nearby Baotou Rare Earth Research Institute, situated roughly 150 kilometers from the globe’s largest rare earth mining operation.
While former U.S. President Donald Trump and other Western officials have committed billions in funding to challenge China’s dominance over rare earth processing—a strategic weapon Beijing has used in its trade disputes with Washington—China maintains a substantial edge through its talent development system built over many decades in locations like Baotou.
China has established a network of over 40 specialized rare earth laboratories conducting advanced research, supported by no fewer than 11 universities and technical schools that together admit more than 500 students each year to rare earth degree programs, according to a Reuters investigation. This accumulated knowledge base reinforces Beijing’s control over global refined rare earth supplies.
Some American institutions have started integrating more rare earth focus into their academic programs, though Reuters found no school outside China offering a dedicated undergraduate degree in the field. The Ames National Laboratory in Iowa, which covers areas beyond mineral sciences, is also recognized for its rare earth research.
However, the mining sector has traditionally attracted few American students, who often view it as unclean and outdated, according to industry leaders and educators. American institutions granted slightly more than 200 general undergraduate mining and metallurgical engineering degrees in 2023, the most recent year with complete national statistics, based on data from the Colorado-based Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
Reuters has compiled the first comprehensive assessment of China’s rare earth research and educational infrastructure, using research publications, academic materials, and conversations with 11 Western mining executives and researchers with extensive China experience. This analysis shows a tight connection between academic institutions and industry that enables Chinese companies to manufacture rare earths efficiently and affordably.
“In China, I used to hire kids right out of university and they’re immediately productive,” said Constantine Karayannopoulos, former chief executive of rare earths companies Neo Performance Materials and Molycorp. “Anywhere else I need to train them for three years.”
Beijing now strictly protects this knowledge base: It has progressively tightened restrictions on rare earth technology and equipment exports. China has also reduced interactions between industry professionals and foreigners, with some technicians ordered to surrender their passports, according to three sources familiar with the situation. They did not identify the government entity that confiscated the travel documents but said the crackdown intensified after Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs in April 2025.
The National Development and Reform Commission, which handles macroeconomic planning, and China’s industry ministry did not respond to questions about the crackdown and how the country develops rare earth specialists. None of the Chinese research institutes mentioned in this story responded to comment requests.
U.S. Department of Energy spokesperson Olivia Tinari said in response to questions about Washington’s rare earth competition with Beijing that the agency was “investing in American workers, scaling innovation, and expanding domestic production of critical materials.”
Billions in federal funding have poured into American mining schools, research programs and related areas since 2024 as the nation attempts to rebuild mining knowledge. The U.S. Congress is also reviewing legislation that would finance international cooperation with allies for mining education.
Rare earths present difficult and expensive processing challenges. Refineries must handle 17 different rare earth elements with nearly identical chemical characteristics, a complexity that makes separating them from each other extremely challenging.
Isolating neodymium and praseodymium for electric vehicle use, for instance, requires first eliminating the less-valuable lanthanum and cerium that exist in greater quantities in the Earth’s crust. This separation procedure involves a complex mixture of acids, bases and other chemicals.
Western nations controlled rare earth refining until the late 20th century. The process can cause environmental harm, creating byproducts that can contaminate soil and water without proper storage. Excessive contact with certain rare earth types can also damage respiratory and nervous systems.
Chinese researchers have recorded groundwater contamination around a major storage location in Baotou, situated near one of China’s major rivers. The government has also admitted that refining had caused “severe damage” to the environment.
China’s rare earth sector gained from generous tax benefits and plentiful cheap labor during the 1980s and 1990s. The government and related organizations continue funding research institutes, while state lenders have provided financing on favorable terms to companies mining critical minerals.
By the 1990s, the processing industry was “wiped out” in the West, said Ed Richardson, chief executive of U.S. magnet producer Thomas & Skinner. “Therefore, the schools have not been educating mining students for this task.”
In comparison, researchers, universities and industry maintain close collaboration in China. Scientists at the National Engineering Research Center for Rare Earths in Beijing created new technology, which state-owned Gansu Rare Earth New Materials implemented in 2023 at a refining facility capable of producing 50,000 metric tons of highly processed rare earths annually.
That represents five times what Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths, the largest rare earth company outside China, manufactured in the 2025 fiscal year.
China generates over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths and rare earth magnets.
Gansu Rare Earth New Materials did not return a request for comment.
A spokesperson for Lynas, which has previously employed Chinese consultants, said that China has “excellent facilities and research capability.” The company has since built its own technical knowledge, the spokesperson said.
Academic materials published by some universities and examined by Reuters also demonstrate a strong emphasis on serving industry requirements.
Students pursuing rare earth engineering at Inner Mongolia University complete more than 100 hours of instruction in subjects including rare earth chemistry and material science. One foundational course operates in partnership with rare earth laboratories and companies, with students having the opportunity to attend classes at corporate locations.
The 70 students that Jiangxi University of Science and Technology (JXUST) announced to state media will join its newly established rare earth degree program will examine the supply chain from processing and metallurgy to magnets. Prior to graduation, students will also participate in research projects with companies.
David Parker, a rare earth specialist at Britain’s Durham University who examined the Chinese institute’s course outline for Reuters, called it “highly specialized” and representative of the “pre-eminent position of China in rare earth science and engineering.”
The education offered at the school “ensures a supply of knowledgeable and informed young people, who are well placed to find employment,” he said.
Chinese rare earth engineering graduate students often focus more narrowly in their research areas than would occur elsewhere, said Portuguese physicist Luís Carlos, who has toured research institutes in the country for nearly 20 years.
“But if you think about people as small parts of a big machine, then this is good for the machine,” he said.
Some Chinese universities have openly recognized that they are developing geopolitical resources.
Rare earths are “core bargaining chips” in global politics, Li Chaozhong, dean of JXUST’s rare earth program, told state broadcaster CCTV in April.
The university’s new program serves not only scientific purposes, he said. It is “also to ensure that China continues to maintain its global leading position in the development of rare earth resources.”
There are some instances of innovative work in the West. Valor Metals, for example, is utilizing processes created by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that the company claims are potentially 10 times less expensive and faster than those used in China. The technology, however, has not been proven at large scale.
The Colorado School of Mines, widely considered one of the world’s premier mining schools, is building two new critical minerals research facilities with the Energy Department to supplement existing programs. It anticipates the first will open in 2027.
The school’s mining-related undergraduate programs have recently received more attention and enrollment.
“The U.S. minerals industry needs to be clear that we need the talent and that this is a great career path,” said Kunal Sinha, Valor’s CEO.
Gaming authorities in New South Wales announced Monday they have imposed a $7.2 million fine on Star Entertainment’s Sydney casino for deficiencies in financial crime risk management technology and operations.
The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) levied the A$10 million penalty while also requiring an additional A$5 million be set aside through an enforceable agreement to improve the casino’s systems.
This financial penalty follows the ongoing suspension of Star’s Sydney operating license, with the facility continuing to operate under supervision from a NICC-appointed manager.
According to the NICC, Liquor and Gaming NSW’s investigation uncovered thousands of violations at The Star Sydney during the previous year, spanning from December 2018 through September 2025.
The commission noted that many violations were discovered through the casino’s own remediation efforts and follow-up investigations, with some infractions voluntarily reported by The Star itself.
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford acknowledged that while violations of the Casino Control Act 1992 raised concerns, many occurred before comprehensive remediation measures were put in place, including technological improvements like carded play systems.
“These financial penalties combined with the enforceable undertaking emphasize how seriously the NICC views any violations that expose customers to gambling risks or make casinos susceptible to criminal activity,” Crawford stated.
Star Entertainment did not provide an immediate response when contacted for comment.
The struggling casino company recently reported a third-quarter loss after previously showing profits, affected by seasonal downturns and reduced revenue from table games.
American military forces launched what they described as defensive strikes against Iranian radar and unmanned aircraft facilities over the weekend, according to officials who characterized the action as a response to hostile Iranian behavior.
Military commanders announced on social media Sunday that Iran had destroyed an American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft that was flying over international waters.
According to CENTCOM, American fighter jets retaliated by destroying Iranian air defense systems, a ground control facility, and two one-way attack drones.
Officials confirmed that no American service members were injured in the operations.
The military action represents the latest exchange between the two nations, following similar confrontations the previous week when Iran attacked an American air installation after U.S. forces conducted operations against what a Washington official described as Iranian drone activities near the Strait of Hormuz.
DBS Group announced Monday its plans to establish 18 new wealth management centers throughout Asia before the end of 2027, while also enhancing 36 current locations within the next year and a half. This represents the banking institution’s most ambitious physical growth initiative for its wealth management division.
The initiative will cover Singapore, Hong Kong, mainland China, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Within Singapore specifically, DBS reported that its Treasures wealth center presence will grow by half through these new locations.
This strategic decision aligns with projections showing Asia’s affluent demographic – households possessing between $100,000 and $1 million in investible funds – is anticipated to total $4.7 trillion by 2026.
Research conducted in Hong Kong and Singapore reveals that approximately 45% of customers continue to prefer in-person meetings with financial advisors, despite increasing adoption of digital platforms.
DBS has transformed its wealth management division into a primary growth driver and emphasized that these new facilities will focus on strengthening client relationships rather than processing standard transactions.
Within Singapore and Hong Kong, the two dominant wealth markets, these centers will mainly accommodate Treasures clients, while locations in other regions will serve both Treasures and the premium Treasures Private Client categories.
This growth strategy builds upon robust performance in DBS’s wealth management sector. The bank reported that wealth assets under management totaled S$492 billion during the first quarter of 2026.
“What clients tell us… is that the relationship should feel personal, familiar and close to home,” stated Sanjoy Sen, group head of consumer banking.
Initial openings are scheduled to begin in the third quarter, with additional launches planned in phases extending through 2027.
A mobile painting operation is currently underway on McKennas Church Road, impacting the stretch between Bardell Drive and Lancaster Pike.
The painting work is expected to continue through the early morning hours, with completion scheduled for 4 AM.
Motorists should plan alternate routes or expect delays when traveling through this area during the overnight hours.
For the first time since its founding, Australia’s populist One Nation party has claimed the top position in national polling, surpassing the current Labor government amid widespread public dissatisfaction with recent fiscal policy changes.
The Redbridge Group and Accent Research polling data shows One Nation’s primary support climbing four percentage points to reach 31% compared to the previous month’s results. Meanwhile, the governing center-left Labor party saw its support decline by three points to 28%.
The conservative coalition opposition also experienced losses, dropping two percentage points to 20% support.
These polling shifts follow the government’s May 12 budget announcement, which introduced sweeping property tax reforms described as the most significant changes to property taxation in decades. The measures were designed to address intergenerational inequity issues.
However, the proposed changes appear to have failed in winning public approval, particularly among Gen X and Baby Boomer demographics who showed strong opposition to the reforms.
Surprisingly, even younger demographics that the budget aimed to help expressed skepticism about the measures. Only 26% of Millennials and a mere 13% of Gen-Z respondents indicated they believed the budget would benefit them personally.
When factoring in Australia’s ranked-choice voting preferences, Labor maintains a narrow advantage over One Nation with 51% compared to 49% in a two-party scenario.
The survey included 1,005 participants and was conducted between May 25 and May 28, carrying a margin of error of 3.4%.
One Nation, established in 1997 under Pauline Hanson’s leadership, has historically maintained limited representation in Australia’s federal parliament. However, the party’s current surge reflects its successful appeal to voters concerned about rising living expenses, economic instability, and immigration policies.
Half a dozen workers sustained injuries when dangerous hydrogen fluoride gas escaped at an SK Hynix semiconductor manufacturing plant located in Cheongju, South Korea, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency citing local fire department officials.
The hazardous chemical release occurred after flames erupted at the facility, fire department officials stated, noting that emergency crews have successfully extinguished the blaze.
Attempts to reach an SK Hynix company representative for additional details were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Chinese maritime authorities deployed patrol vessels in waters east of Taiwan on Monday, responding to recent announcements that Japan and the Philippines would initiate formal discussions about their maritime boundaries.
The two nations announced last week their intention to begin official negotiations regarding the maritime boundary of their exclusive economic zone and continental shelf areas, stating they would proceed “in accordance with international law.”
Beijing’s foreign ministry criticized the planned discussions on Friday, stating the area includes waters east of Taiwan, which China considers its own territory. Officials declared such negotiations “completely illegal, null and void.”
Maritime patrol vessels carried out operations east of Taiwan following legal protocols, according to a statement from China’s Coast Guard, though specific locations were not disclosed.
“This is a necessary action taken in response to Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announcing the initiation of maritime boundary delimitation negotiations in the waters east of China’s Taiwan island,” the statement read.
“We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately cease all illegal actions that infringe upon China’s sovereign rights and interests.”
Taiwan’s coast guard officials had no immediate response to the patrol activities. Representatives from Philippine and Japanese diplomatic missions in Beijing did not respond to requests for comment.
On Sunday evening, Taiwan’s foreign ministry criticized Beijing’s position on the matter.
“China has no right to interfere in Taiwan’s territorial sovereignty and sovereign rights over its relevant maritime areas,” officials stated.
Chinese military vessels and aircraft operate near Taiwan on an almost daily basis, with coast guard ships sometimes accompanying these activities.
Last month, a Chinese coast guard vessel moved close to the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the northern South China Sea before departing following a confrontation with Taiwan’s coast guard.
Beijing asserts territorial claims over Taiwan and nearly all of the South China Sea through a “nine-dash line” marked on official maps, which extends into exclusive economic zones belonging to the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Taiwan’s government disputes Beijing’s territorial assertions.
Auto workers in Michigan are preparing to walk off the job at midnight following a strike order from United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain on Sunday.
The work stoppage will affect a Three Rivers, Michigan facility operated by Dauch Corp, which manufactures axles for General Motors pickup trucks – among the automaker’s highest-earning vehicles.
The Detroit-based union announced the midnight strike late Sunday, targeting the plant that employs roughly 1,000 unionized workers. Dauch Corp, previously known as American Axle, specializes in producing driveline components.
Company representatives from Dauch were not available for immediate response Sunday evening.
General Motors stated it was keeping close watch on developments and “assessing any potential impact.”
Union officials say they are demanding better wages after workers accepted concessions to prevent the facility’s closure in 2008. Current maximum pay reaches $22 per hour following a five-year advancement timeline, representing a decrease from peak wages of $29 hourly in 2008, union representatives reported. Workers overwhelmingly supported strike authorization in early May, with 98% approval.
“For 18 years, these members have built you an empire of profit while getting treated like dirt. They’ve taken wage cuts, benefit cuts, they poured their souls into this plant,” Fain said on a livestream announcing the midnight strike.
Emergency crews responded Monday to reports of a blast at a South Korean aerospace manufacturing facility, according to fire department officials.
The incident occurred at a Hanwha Aerospace plant located in Daejeon, with fire department personnel sent to the scene to address the situation.
Company representatives confirmed they are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the reported explosion at their facility.
The United States has introduced a new diplomatic initiative designed to reduce escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, according to a government official who spoke on Sunday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding ongoing diplomatic talks between the two nations, presenting a framework for “gradual de-escalation,” the official revealed.
Under the American proposal, the initial phase would require the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant organization to cease all attacks against Israel, while Israel would commit to avoiding escalatory actions in Beirut, the official explained.
“This would create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities,” the official stated.
The official noted that Aoun worked to promote the proposal and achieve an agreement. Nevertheless, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who asserted he could “guarantee” Hezbollah’s adherence to a ceasefire, insisted that Israel must stop “shooting first.”
On Sunday, Netanyahu announced he had directed military forces to advance deeper into Lebanon in operations against Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire that was declared more than six weeks earlier.
In their most recent military action, Israeli forces captured the historic 900-year-old Beaufort Castle along with a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, military officials reported Sunday. This came after one of the most intense periods of Hezbollah attacks targeting northern Israel since the April ceasefire, leading to school shutdowns and movement restrictions.
The American official emphasized that the United States does not anticipate Israel will continue tolerating persistent attacks against its citizens from Hezbollah.
BEIJING, June 1 – Chinese authorities unveiled comprehensive new regulations on Monday that significantly expand government oversight of foreign investment activities by Chinese companies, particularly those involving technology transfers, data sharing, and matters of national security importance.
The new framework, announced by the State Council, China’s primary governing body, becomes effective July 1. A key provision mandates that companies must obtain government approval before exporting any restricted Chinese goods, technologies, services, or associated data to foreign entities.
The regulations also prohibit indirect technology transfers accomplished through sending technical personnel across borders, as well as blocking transfers through training programs, advisory services, or similar arrangements.
The announcement comes one month after Chinese regulators forced the cancellation of Meta’s planned acquisition of artificial intelligence company Manus.
The Philippines and Vietnam have strengthened their diplomatic relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership, announced President Ferdinand Marcos during a state visit by Vietnam’s top leader To Lam to Manila on Monday.
According to Marcos, both nations share common goals in preserving peace, stability and a rules-based order throughout their region. He emphasized that this partnership has grown in significance as the area faces a changing and unpredictable global landscape.
The enhanced relationship will be “defined by wider pathways for cooperation, stronger political and defence cooperation, and closer linkages between the Filipino and Vietnamese people,” Marcos stated.
Within the ASEAN region, Vietnam stands as the Philippines’ only strategic partner, having upgraded their relationship a decade ago in a demonstration of solidarity against China.
To Lam described the Philippines as an “important regional partner of Vietnam,” pointing to shared vision and strategic interests, along with strong commitments for peace and stability. “We always want to bring the strategic partnership with the Philippines to a new high,” he said.
Earlier this year, the coast guards of both countries conducted their inaugural joint exercises, even though both nations have competing territorial claims to certain South China Sea areas.
Two major roadways have been shut down where they cross CSX railroad tracks after the crossing gate mechanisms stopped working properly.
Officials have blocked off both New London Road and West Main Street at their respective CSX railway intersections. Repair teams have been sent out to fix the faulty equipment, though authorities have not provided a timeline for when motorists can expect the roads to reopen.
The closures affect traffic flow in the area as drivers must find alternate routes around the blocked crossings.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The NBA has confirmed that championship logos will return to Finals courts this season.
Through a simple social media announcement on Sunday, the league revealed that the Larry O’Brien Trophy image — awarded to the Finals champion — will be displayed at center court during games at both the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio and Madison Square Garden in New York for this year’s championship series.
The script “The Finals” logo will also return, positioned on both sides of the court. The championship matchup between the Spurs and Knicks begins Wednesday in San Antonio.
This marks the first occasion since the 2009 championship series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic that the Finals will showcase the trophy image at center court. The Finals text and logo were last seen on courts during the 2014 championship series between the Spurs and Miami Heat.
The league began incorporating the Finals text on courts for the championship round in 1989, introduced a combination of text and trophy in 2004, then featured the prominent trophy image at midcourt from 2005 to 2009.
Supporters have used social media platforms in recent years to express disappointment about courts lacking Finals atmosphere. The league creates special courts for events such as NBA Cup games, leading some supporters to question the inconsistency — customized courts for the in-season tournament, but no special designs for the Finals.
This season’s design includes a fresh element: the center court trophy image will be combined with each participating team’s unique branding.
BOSTON (AP) — At the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library overlooking Boston Harbor, former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivered a strong defense of institutional independence during one of his first major public speeches since departing his leadership role.
While receiving an award Sunday recognizing his commitment to maintaining the central bank’s autonomy, Powell described universities, courts, Congress and the Federal Reserve as “the foundation and the embodiment of our democracy.” He characterized the Fed’s independence as a “priceless asset” requiring protection.
The speech represented one of Powell’s most forceful arguments for Fed independence, cautioning that allowing a single administration to dismiss bank officials due to policy disagreements would establish a precedent for future elected leaders, potentially eroding the institution’s credibility built over decades.
Powell, whose eight-year tenure as chair included frequent conflicts with Trump, departed when his term concluded in May. Kevin Warsh, Trump’s choice to head the central bank, has taken over leadership.
In an uncommon move after leaving the chair position, Powell retained his position on the Fed’s governing board, where he serves until January 2028. This decision prevents the Trump administration from naming another board member to that position.
The Trump administration has attempted to dismiss Fed governor Lisa Cook, which would create another opening on the rate-setting committee for presidential appointment. However, Cook filed a lawsuit and courts have maintained her position thus far.
Though Powell avoided mentioning Trump specifically during Sunday’s remarks, he consistently emphasized protecting institutions from political interference and maintaining public confidence in their independence.
“Like many other institutions, the Fed has been undergoing a stress test,” he stated. “Congress wisely chose to insulate monetary policy decisions from political pressure. All other advanced economy nations have done the same.”
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, established in 1989, honors public servants who demonstrate what the foundation calls courageous conscience-driven decisions despite facing personal or professional risks.
Past honorees include former Presidents Barack Obama and George H. W. Bush, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former Vice President Mike Pence.
The foundation announced in March that Powell would receive recognition for safeguarding Federal Reserve independence “despite years of personal attacks and threats from the highest levels of government.”
During his time as chair, Trump consistently criticized Powell, regularly condemning the Fed’s interest-rate policies and pushing the central bank toward more aggressive rate reductions.
Powell’s defense extended beyond the Federal Reserve to encompass U.S. universities and research institutions, the Constitution, Congress and the judicial system.
“The United States has long been the leader of the world’s freedom-seeking people — the indispensable nation. Other countries know us as a nation built on integrity, and that integrity must be maintained,” he declared.
During his address, Powell subtly recognized errors during his leadership. While the Fed is legally mandated to pursue price stability, inflation climbed significantly during pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Many economists argue the central bank should have implemented rate increases more rapidly in response.
“At the Fed, we are, of course, human and thus imperfect,” Powell acknowledged. “When we make mistakes, we acknowledge them and change course.”
Powell shared the honor with Minnesota Twin Cities residents, who earned recognition from the Kennedy Foundation for courageous actions during a federal immigration enforcement operation that resulted in thousands of arrests and the deaths of Minneapolis mother Renée Good and nurse Alex Pretti, both killed while observing or documenting enforcement activities.
“It’s wonderful just to be invited, honoring Renée,” said Tim Granger, Good’s father, as he arrived at the library with family members.
Caroline Kennedy, the president’s sole surviving child, and her son Jack Schlossberg, issued a statement declaring that without individuals like Powell and the Minnesota residents “willing to put their lives on the line to hold America to its promises, our democracy can’t survive.”
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who attended the ceremony and is seeking Minnesota’s governorship next year, noted the award’s uniqueness in recognizing ordinary citizens rather than elected officials.
“This didn’t go to an elected leader for a reason,” Klobuchar observed. “It’s because the people stood up. They stood up by marching 50,000 strong. They stood by bringing kids they didn’t even know — strangers’ kids — to school, by bringing them groceries and they didn’t blink. And that’s what this award is about. It’s about courage.”
The New York Yankees delivered an offensive explosion for the ages Sunday, plating 13 runs in a single third inning to defeat the Athletics 13-8 in West Sacramento, California.
Ben Rice led the charge with four RBIs, while Trent Grisham and Max Schuemann contributed two RBIs each during the record-setting frame. New York sent 18 batters to the plate during the third inning, collecting 11 hits and four walks to build a commanding 13-3 advantage.
The inning began with 12 consecutive batters reaching base safely, marking the first occurrence of such a streak in 17 seasons. Rice, Cody Bellinger and Anthony Volpe each recorded two hits as the Yankees secured the series victory. Pitcher Will Warren improved to 7-1 after working six innings and surrendering three unearned runs on six hits.
The performance represents only the second instance since 1900 where a team tallied 10 or more runs in a contest with all hits occurring in one inning. Additionally, it marked the Yankees’ highest-scoring single inning since they crossed the plate 13 times during the eighth inning against Tampa Bay on June 21, 2005.
For the Athletics, Brent Rooker contributed a double and home run while Jonah Heim connected for a three-run blast. Starting pitcher Jacob Lopez fell to 4-3 after allowing seven runs on five hits across two innings, walking two and striking out three.
Giants 19, Rockies 6
Willy Adames launched a grand slam during a seven-run fifth inning, and Bryce Eldridge added a homer among his four hits as San Francisco demolished Colorado in Denver.
Jung Hoo Lee established a career-best with five hits, including two during the decisive fifth frame. Jesus Rodriguez homered, Rafael Devers collected three doubles and a single, and Casey Schmitt contributed three hits for San Francisco, which ended a five-game losing streak behind season-high totals in runs, hits (25) and extra-base hits (13).
Tyler Freeman recorded three hits while Kyle Karros and Troy Johnston each had two hits for Colorado. Starter Tanner Gordon dropped to 0-1 after permitting four runs across three innings, with Zach Agnos surrendering all seven Giants runs in the fifth.
Brewers 2, Astros 0
Jacob Misiorowski concluded an outstanding month by delivering seven shutout innings as visiting Milwaukee captured the deciding game of their three-game series against Houston.
Misiorowski improved to 6-2 by allowing three hits and recording eight strikeouts during his 88-pitch masterpiece. The right-hander generated 15 swings and misses while averaging 100.5 miles per hour on 59 four-seam fastballs, completing May with a perfect 5-0 record and 0.23 ERA. Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill finished the three-hit shutout with perfect innings.
Jake Bauers provided all the offense Misiorowski required with an opposite-field, two-run homer in the fourth inning off Houston starter Tatsuya Imai, who fell to 2-3. Imai surrendered three hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings.
Orioles 9, Blue Jays 5
Kyle Bradish held Toronto scoreless through seven innings while Colton Cowser blasted a three-run homer as Baltimore defeated the visiting Blue Jays to split their four-game series.
Cowser finished with four RBIs total. Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Blaze Alexander, Samuel Basallo and Cowser each collected two hits among Baltimore’s 10, helping the Orioles complete a successful 7-3 homestand.
Yohendrick Pinango connected for a three-run homer while Nathan Lukes, Ernie Clement and Pinango all recorded two hits for Toronto. Blue Jays pitcher Spencer Miles, making just his second start of the season, dropped to 2-1 after allowing six runs in three innings.
Pirates 9, Twins 3
Ryan O’Hearn and Nick Gonzales each went deep to power another explosive offensive showing for host Pittsburgh, which completed a three-game sweep of Minnesota.
The Pirates accumulated 25 runs on 31 hits throughout the sweep. Starter Braxton Ashcraft improved to 5-2 by striking out a career-high 11 batters across six innings in his third straight quality start. Ashcraft threw 80 pitches, permitted five hits and issued no walks.
The Twins extended their losing streak to five games, matching their season-worst skid. Starter Zebby Matthews dropped to 1-3 in his third consecutive losing decision despite recording seven strikeouts. The right-hander allowed a season-high seven runs on six hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings.
Additional Scores
In other action, Eugenio Suarez homered and drove in two runs as Cincinnati defeated Atlanta 6-4, ending the Reds’ three-game slide. Boston rallied with six runs in the seventh inning to beat Cleveland 9-4 in their series finale. Washington topped San Diego 4-2 behind James Wood’s two-run homer, while Tampa Bay claimed a 5-2 victory over Los Angeles as Shane McClanahan remained perfect at home.
The New York Mets routed Miami 10-1 behind Juan Soto’s grand slam, Chicago swept Detroit with a 2-1 win, and Texas completed a sweep of Kansas City 6-3. Los Angeles defeated Philadelphia 9-1 as rookies Ryan Ward and Alex Freeland homered, and Seattle edged Arizona 3-2 in 10 innings to complete their sweep.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has secured her place in WNBA history as the second-fastest coach to achieve 150 career victories, reaching the milestone following Sunday’s 91-81 victory against the Golden State Valkyries.
Hammon accomplished this achievement in 205 games, combining both regular season and playoff victories during her tenure with Las Vegas. The only coach to reach 150 wins more quickly was Van Chancellor, who previously led the Houston Comets and achieved the milestone in 198 games. Hammon is currently in her fifth season leading the Aces.
“What stands out the most to me is how much I enjoy the process,” Hammon said. “We’re a process kind of team. If you go through the right process, you get good results. The results will be there.”
Under Hammon’s leadership, Las Vegas has captured all three of the franchise’s WNBA championships, winning titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Aces star Jackie Young praised her coach’s approach, saying, “She’s a player’s coach. I’m super thankful for her. She really changed my career.”
Four-time MVP A’Ja Wilson shared similar praise for Hammon’s leadership style.
“I would run through a brick wall for Becky, as well,” Wilson said. “She instills so much power in us, so much confidence in us, and I think that’s one of the reasons why I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get her wins.”
PARIS, May 31 – The eighth day of competition at the French Open delivered stunning upsets and breakthrough performances on Sunday in Paris.
2228 MENSIK, FONSECA ADVANCE TO QUARTER-FINALS
In a grueling four-set battle, 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca secured his first Grand Slam quarter-final berth by defeating 15th seed Casper Ruud 7-5 7-6(8) 5-7 6-2, extending his remarkable tournament debut. Fonseca’s next opponent will be Jakub Mensik, who also claimed his first major quarter-final spot by overcoming 11th seed Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6(6) 4-6 2-6 6-3.
1701 ANDREEVA ADVANCES TO FACE CIRSTEA
Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, a previous semi-finalist, dominated Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann with a commanding 6-3 6-2 victory. Andreeva will meet Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the quarter-final round.
1603 ZVEREV DEFEATS DE JONG
German second seed Alexander Zverev, a previous finalist, shook off an uncertain start to dispatch Jesper De Jong 7-6(3) 6-4 6-1, securing his quarter-final berth where he’ll meet Rafael Jodar.
1512 TEENAGER JODAR ADVANCES TO FINAL EIGHT
In an all-Spanish encounter, 19-year-old Rafael Jodar mounted an impressive comeback against Pablo Carreno Busta, losing the first two sets before winning 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 to claim his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final appearance.
1320 SVITOLINA SETS UP ALL-UKRAINIAN QUARTER-FINAL
Seventh seed Elina Svitolina claimed her sixth French Open quarter-final berth by defeating Switzerland’s 11th seed Belinda Bencic 4-6 6-4 6-0. Svitolina will now face compatriot Marta Kostyuk in an all-Ukrainian quarter-final matchup.
1106 CIRSTEA ADVANCES TO FINAL EIGHT
Romania’s 18th seed Sorana Cirstea defeated China’s Wang Xiyu 6-3 7-6(4) to secure her second French Open quarter-final appearance.
1049 SWIATEK ELIMINATED BY KOSTYUK
In the day’s biggest upset, Polish world number three Iga Swiatek saw her bid for a fifth French Open title ended by Ukrainian 15th seed Marta Kostyuk, who prevailed 7-5 6-1 in their fourth-round encounter.
0906 COMPETITION BEGINS
Action commenced at Roland Garros under much more favorable conditions, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and a forecasted high of 22 degrees, providing relief from the extreme heat that troubled numerous players during the tournament’s opening week.
Parliamentary and regional elections scheduled for Monday in Ethiopia are predicted to deliver an overwhelming victory for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s political party, according to analysts, even as large portions of the nation experience ongoing violence and instability.
Over 50 million Ethiopian citizens have registered to participate in the voting process, though ballots will not be cast in the northern Tigray region. Election officials have pointed to “unfavourable conditions” in that area following a civil conflict that lasted from 2020 to 2022 and persistent political upheaval.
The 49-year-old Abiy seeks to strengthen his control over the country’s political landscape. He assumed power in 2018 after widespread demonstrations against the EPRDF coalition that had governed for years, and his recently established Prosperity Party secured 410 of 484 parliamentary positions during 2021 voting.
Campaign efforts by Prosperity Party representatives have focused on the administration’s economic achievements, highlighting enhanced food security and economic expansion in this African nation with the continent’s second-largest population. Government officials forecast economic growth will exceed 10% by 2026, representing one of Africa’s most rapid growth rates.
The country’s 135 million residents include nearly half who are younger than 18 years old.
However, Abiy confronts armed rebellions in Ethiopia’s two largest regions, stemming from complaints by various ethnic communities about perceived discrimination within the nation’s federal structure.
In Oromiya, the region where Abiy was born in the southern part of the country, clashes between government troops and the separatist Oromo Liberation Army have resulted in hundreds of casualties over recent years.
In the adjacent Amhara region, a militia group called Fano has taken control of large rural areas since 2023. Consequently, voting will be suspended in no fewer than eight of Amhara’s 138 electoral districts.
While a 2022 peace agreement brought an end to the Tigray civil war, which studies indicate led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, recent actions by the region’s primary political organization to regain administrative control have prompted Ethiopian authorities and experts to caution about potential renewed violence.
Despite these challenges, the Prosperity Party is projected to overwhelmingly win against a divided opposition weakened by internal disputes. Election outcomes are anticipated by June 11.
Opposition groups claim the federal administration has undermined their efforts through leader arrests and legal barriers to their political operations, allegations the government rejects.
Reuters has been unable to conduct reporting from within Ethiopia since mid-February, when the Ethiopian Media Authority chose not to extend credentials for its three journalists based in Addis Ababa.
When Abiy took office in 2018, he initiated efforts to open up Ethiopia’s strictly regulated economy and released journalists, activists and other political detainees. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for resolving conflicts with neighboring Eritrea.
Critics and human rights advocates claim his administration has rolled back those improvements in recent years through journalist detentions, civil society organization shutdowns, and military operations characterized by human rights violations.
The government has rejected claims of systematic human rights abuses and stated its measures are required for national security protection.
The improved relationship with Eritrea has deteriorated into renewed tensions over recent years, partly due to Abiy’s repeated statements that landlocked Ethiopia deserves access to the sea.
Eritrea, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, has interpreted these remarks as an implicit threat of military action. Abiy has stated that while sea access represents an “existential” issue for Ethiopia, he plans to pursue it through negotiations.
Asian stock exchanges posted gains Monday as the artificial intelligence sector’s continued expansion provided investor confidence, helping to counterbalance concerns over stalled Middle East peace negotiations that have pushed oil prices higher.
Diplomatic representatives from Washington and Tehran continue working toward an agreement, though President Donald Trump has remained quiet about any developments. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Saturday that the United States stands prepared to resume military action against Iran should negotiations fail.
Regional tensions have intensified with Israel’s expanded military operations in Lebanon targeting the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization.
“While uncertainties remain, the acute risk phase for the global economy should be over if tankers can begin moving again,” said Michael Feroli, head of U.S. economics at JPMorgan.
“Still, not everything would return to its pre-conflict place — oil prices are likely to remain elevated for some time, as inventories get rebuilt and the supply infrastructure in the Middle East is repaired,” he added.
The ongoing uncertainty pushed Brent crude prices up 1.9% to $92.89 per barrel, while U.S. crude increased 2.4% to $89.46.
Technology and semiconductor companies continue driving Asian market performance, with Japan’s Nikkei climbing an additional 0.5% after gaining nearly 5% the previous week to reach record levels.
South Korea’s markets rose 1.3% following an 8% surge last week, while Taiwan gained almost 6% during the same period. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan added 0.2%.
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang begins the Computex technology conference in Taiwan Monday with an artificial intelligence presentation where he’s anticipated to discuss his company’s newest developments and Taiwan’s key position in the sector.
European markets showed weakness with EUROSTOXX 50 futures declining 0.3%, DAX futures dropping 0.2%, and FTSE futures falling 0.5%.
U.S. market futures pointed higher with S&P 500 futures up 0.2% and Nasdaq futures gaining 0.4% after reaching new highs last week.
However, the market rally has been concentrated among a small group of companies, with the top 10 AI-related firms representing 40% of the S&P 500’s value and only 21 stocks out of 500 hitting record highs. Technology shares jumped nearly 16% in May while consumer discretionary and healthcare sectors managed gains of just over 2%, and consumer staples declined more than 3%.
Rising oil prices continue pressuring bond markets as U.S. 10-year Treasury yields increased 3 basis points to 4.470%. Financial markets suggest equal odds that the Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates before year-end to prevent inflation expectations from becoming entrenched.
Multiple Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak this week, with key economic data including the ISM manufacturing survey and Friday’s May employment report.
Economists predict employment will increase by 85,000 jobs, keeping unemployment steady at 4.3%. Stronger job growth would likely increase expectations for interest rate increases.
The dollar’s strength has been supported by hawkish market sentiment, while the Japanese yen and euro face pressure due to their regions’ dependence on energy imports.
The dollar edged slightly higher against the yen to 159.42, though traders remain cautious about potential Japanese intervention if the currency breaks through 160.00.
The euro traded at $1.1645, remaining within its recent range between $1.1585 and $1.1661.
Gold prices held steady at $4,535 per ounce, showing limited appeal as either a safe-haven asset or inflation protection.
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff launched sharp attacks against his possible November opponents during a Sunday rally, describing Representative Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley as inexperienced followers of President Donald Trump.
“It doesn’t matter which one wins,” Ossoff declared to an enthusiastic audience gathered at The Tabernacle, a concert hall in downtown Atlanta. “They’re both Trump puppets.”
Ossoff appeared alongside Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, in what campaign advisers called the beginning of numerous coordinated events designed to present them as a unified ticket. The pair spoke from a podium featuring a sign reading “United for Georgia.”
The display of Democratic unity stood in stark contrast to ongoing Republican primary battles to select party nominees for both Senate and governor races. Just hours before the Democratic event, Collins and Dooley faced off in a heated debate as they prepare for their June 16 runoff election.
During their debate, both Republican candidates demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the president while barely acknowledging Ossoff, whom they characterize as too progressive for a state Trump won in two of his three electoral campaigns.
The simultaneous events, occurring across Atlanta, underscore the organizational advantage Ossoff and Georgia Democrats possess heading into midterm elections that could significantly impact Trump’s final presidential term and influence this pivotal swing state’s leadership.
Similar to Ossoff’s situation, Bottoms is waiting to learn her Republican challenger after decisively defeating Democratic primary opponents on May 19. She used similar rhetoric to characterize her potential rivals, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire businessman Rick Jackson.
“They don’t see Trump’s reckless policies as a problem, they see them as a playbook,” she declared, highlighting rising costs for fuel and food. “We already know we’re running against Trump’s do-boys.”
Ossoff represents the sole Senate Democrat seeking reelection in a Trump-won state from 2024, making his seat retention crucial for Democratic hopes of gaining chamber control. Bottoms aims to become Georgia’s first Democratic governor elected since 1998.
In the gubernatorial contest, Trump has backed Jones, who supported the president’s unsuccessful attempt to reverse his 2020 loss to Joe Biden through unfounded fraud allegations. The president remains neutral in the Collins-Dooley race.
Given Trump’s dominant influence within the Republican Party, Collins and Dooley displayed minimal policy disagreements while each argued they would better defeat Ossoff and advance the president’s priorities.
Dooley emphasized his newcomer status and, despite Republican control of Congress and the presidency, criticized Collins as representing ineffective governance.
“Congress is out of control,” he stated. “There’s too much careerism, corruption, nothing’s getting done, Congress is not working for the people the way it should.”
While positioning himself as an outsider, Dooley highlighted endorsements from two-term Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and referenced his family heritage. His late father, Vince, served as University of Georgia’s renowned football coach and athletics director.
“I grew up in a football family in Athens,” explained Dooley, who practiced law briefly before pursuing his father’s coaching career in collegiate and professional football.
Dooley’s most aggressive attacks targeted an ethics investigation examining whether Collins misused public funds by employing his former chief of staff’s girlfriend for work she allegedly never performed.
Collins dismissed the matter as merely a “complaint” without substance, calling it a “nothing burger.”
However, the Office of Congressional Conduct has forwarded the case to the House Ethics Committee following preliminary review, with Dooley noting Republican members supported continuing the investigation.
Collins, whose father also served in Congress, rejected Dooley’s Capitol Hill criticism. He described himself as “a conservative workhorse” and attributed legislative delays specifically to “a broken Senate” — where Ossoff holds office. He promoted his role in creating the Laken Riley Act, 2025 immigration legislation requiring detention without bail for immigrants charged with specific offenses.
Both candidates endorsed Trump’s trade policies and military action in Iran. While Collins previously supported legislation essentially prohibiting abortion nationally, Dooley believes individual states should decide abortion policy.
Ossoff condemned Trump as “a failed president and a national disgrace.” He portrayed Trump as exemplifying political corruption, citing his family’s cryptocurrency and international real estate profits, while grouping Collins and Dooley with the president.
“They’re both corrupt political insiders, and they’re both pro-war, pro-tariff, and pro-cutting your health care,” he charged.
Ossoff referenced the same ethics investigation Dooley mentioned regarding Collins. He also alleged Dooley benefited from his brother’s government business relationships.
“The coach’s family got tens of millions of your tax dollars courtesy of Gov. Kemp, and then poured cash into the governor’s pack to prop up the coach’s campaign,” Ossoff claimed.
His comments referred to Daniel Dooley’s role founding CENTEGIX, which produces and installs school safety equipment, including “panic buttons” connecting directly to law enforcement. Under Kemp’s administration, the state provided grants for local security improvements and mandated direct police communication systems in Georgia classrooms.
CENTEGIX has obtained contracts throughout Georgia’s school districts, with Daniel Dooley contributing over $150,000 to Kemp’s federal PAC supporting his brother’s Senate bid. However, Dooley and Kemp representatives emphasize CENTEGIX operates in 47 additional states and faces competition from other companies for Georgia school contracts.
Connor Whitney, a Dooley campaign spokesman, said Ossoff “is already lying about Derek Dooley” because he “knows Dooley is the candidate who will send him to the bench this fall.”
South Korea achieved its most robust export performance in more than 40 years during May, with international sales climbing at a pace not seen since the 1980s, driven primarily by unprecedented demand for computer chips used in artificial intelligence applications.
The Asian nation’s overseas shipments increased by 53.2% compared to the same period last year, reaching a record $87.75 billion according to preliminary government trade figures released Monday. This growth exceeded analyst projections, which had anticipated a 48.4% gain based on a Reuters survey.
The May results marked the twelfth straight month of year-over-year export increases and represented the largest percentage growth recorded since January 1984.
Semiconductor shipments experienced dramatic growth, skyrocketing 169.4% to an unprecedented monthly total of $37.16 billion. The trade ministry attributed this surge to rising memory chip prices fueled by increased spending from American technology companies.
Computer equipment sales also demonstrated remarkable growth, climbing 290.7% due to demand for AI server technology. Petroleum product exports advanced 46.6% on elevated oil prices. However, automobile shipments declined 5.9%, affected by supply chain disruptions in the Middle East and the impact of American tariffs.
Regional export patterns showed significant variation, with deliveries to the United States increasing 59.1% and shipments to China rising 80.9%. Conversely, exports to Middle Eastern markets dropped 7.7%.
The country’s central bank recently revised its annual economic growth projection upward to 2.6% from an earlier estimate of 2.0%, following the trade-dependent economy’s strongest quarterly performance in nearly six years, powered by booming semiconductor exports.
Import activity also strengthened, rising 20.8% in May to reach $60.80 billion. While this fell short of economist expectations for a 21.5% increase, it still represented the highest import growth since August 2022.
The nation recorded a trade surplus of $26.95 billion, expanding from the previous month’s $23.75 billion surplus and setting an all-time record.
The American dollar remained stable on Monday after experiencing losses the previous week, as financial markets focused on ongoing Middle East diplomatic efforts and anticipated guidance from central banking authorities regarding interest rate policies.
Currency markets showed optimism last week over potential agreements between the United States and Iran that could reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz oil shipping corridor, causing the dollar index to decline.
Energy prices surged during early trading sessions following Israel’s directive for military forces to advance deeper into Lebanon amid ongoing conflicts with Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to make a decision soon regarding a proposed agreement to extend the current Iran ceasefire arrangement.
Upcoming U.S. employment statistics will draw significant attention this week as Federal Reserve policymakers indicate the central bank might implement rate increases if the ongoing conflict worsens existing inflationary pressures.
“USD will be heavily influenced by developments in the US-Iran war and the U.S. non-farm payrolls report for May,” said Joseph Capurso, head of FX at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
“Once the Strait is reopened, over time the oil price will fade and interest rates will return as a greater influence on the USD,” he added in a note.
The dollar index measuring the currency’s performance against major international currencies including the yen and euro remained unchanged at 99.00, following the previous week’s 0.4% decline. The euro decreased 0.08% to $1.165.
The Japanese yen lost 0.08% reaching 159.41 per dollar. The British pound dropped 0.07% to $1.3449.
The potential agreement would extend the current U.S.-Iran ceasefire for an additional 60 days while permitting shipping traffic to resume through the strategic waterway, which typically handles one-fifth of worldwide crude oil and LNG shipments during peacetime, as negotiators address remaining disputed matters.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters an agreement was close but had not yet been approved.
Employment data for U.S. nonfarm payrolls scheduled for June 5 are projected to reveal an unemployment rate of 4.3% along with 85,000 new jobs added, based on a Reuters survey conducted through Friday.
Financial markets anticipate the Federal Reserve’s next action will involve raising its benchmark rate from the current 3.50% to 3.75% range, likely before year’s end. Central bank officials had previously considered rate reductions before the Iran conflict began.
The European Central Bank should raise rates this month even if a U.S.-Iran peace deal is reached, Isabel Schnabel, an ECB board member, told Reuters last week. She is set to speak in South Korea on Monday.
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda’s Wednesday address is eagerly awaited for indications about whether the central bank will move forward with a rate increase the following week.
Although consensus has not emerged within the BOJ regarding this decision, postponing the central bank’s reduction of government bond purchases appears increasingly favored, according to two sources familiar with internal discussions.
Japan’s finance ministry announced on Friday that the government invested 11.7 trillion yen ($73.40 billion) in currency market interventions during the past month to strengthen the yen, confirming traders’ widespread expectations.
The Australian dollar remained unchanged at $0.7181 against the U.S. currency. New Zealand’s dollar fell 0.17% to $0.5978.
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell issued a stark warning about the dangers of political interference with the central bank during his first public appearance since stepping down from his leadership role.
Speaking on Sunday as he received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Powell emphasized the fragility of democratic institutions.
“Democratic institutions take much time, effort, and patience to build but can be torn down all too quickly,” Powell stated in his prepared remarks for the ceremony.
Powell stressed the importance of protecting valuable institutional frameworks while working to enhance them. He grouped the Federal Reserve with courts and universities as fundamental organizations crucial to America’s achievements and global reputation.
“Like many other institutions, the Fed has been undergoing a stress test,” Powell noted, referencing recent challenges including President Donald Trump’s attempts to dismiss Fed Governor Lisa Cook, demands for Powell’s own resignation, and a criminal investigation targeting Powell.
Powell’s leadership of the Federal Reserve officially concluded on May 15, with Kevin Warsh taking the oath as the new Fed chair on May 22. However, Powell chose to remain on the Federal Reserve board as a governor, citing concerns about continuing threats to the institution’s autonomy. This decision currently blocks Trump from naming an additional board member.
The Federal Reserve’s organizational design aims to shield monetary policy choices from political influence, Powell explained. He noted that these safeguards have benefited the American people and have been honored by administrations from both major political parties.
“If any administration finds a way to remove Fed officials over policy differences, then future administrations will do so as well. The public would lose faith that the central bank will make decisions based only on what’s best for all Americans,” Powell warned.
When announcing Powell’s selection for the award earlier this year, the foundation praised him for protecting “one of the country’s most essential apolitical institutions” and showing “extraordinary courage in the face of sustained personal and professional risk.”
The foundation also honored Minneapolis and St. Paul residents this year for their community response to increased immigration enforcement activities in the Twin Cities region, including demonstrations and efforts to observe government enforcement actions.
A top European Central Bank official warned Monday that growing adoption of digital currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar could strengthen America’s financial dominance around the world and weaken other nations’ control over their monetary systems.
European Central Bank board member Isabel Schnabel expressed concerns that stablecoins – digital currencies designed to maintain steady values by being tied to specific assets – could have far-reaching consequences for global finance, even potentially reducing the euro’s international influence.
Although stablecoin usage remains relatively limited today, it has grown rapidly, and financial analysts predict this trend will accelerate significantly in coming years.
Most stablecoins currently in circulation are tied to the U.S. dollar, and rapid expansion of these digital currencies could halt or even reverse a twenty-year decline in the dollar’s worldwide influence, according to some financial experts.
Speaking at a Bank of Korea conference in Seoul, Schnabel explained that increased stablecoin adoption would strengthen America’s currency position through technological advantages and market momentum rather than underlying economic strength. “The dollar’s dominance would be reinforced, not necessarily owing to stronger economic fundamentals but due to network effects, scale and first-mover advantages,” she stated.
Data from the International Monetary Fund shows the dollar’s share of global foreign exchange reserves dropped below 57% last year, down from 70% two decades ago, as smaller currencies gained market presence.
While countries with less credible monetary policies would face the greatest impact from dollar-based stablecoin growth, Schnabel noted the trend could also affect the euro’s position in international finance.
She warned of a potential downward spiral where citizens in countries with weak policy credibility might increasingly turn to dollar-based digital currencies, further undermining their central banks’ ability to implement effective economic policies.
Even regions with strong monetary credibility could face negative consequences over time if dollar-based stablecoins continue to dominate, potentially increasing use of the U.S. currency for international transactions and global financial holdings, Schnabel cautioned.
“From a European perspective, this could eventually limit the euro’s role in emerging forms of tokenised finance and in the international monetary system more generally,” she concluded.
Workers at South Korean technology company Kakao Corp announced Monday they will conduct a four-hour work stoppage and demonstration in Pangyo on June 10, responding to concerns about job security during potential company restructuring.
Union representatives indicated they might intensify their labor actions based on how ongoing negotiations progress, though they emphasized there are currently no plans to disrupt services on a large scale at the technology firm.
Motorists should expect mobile road striping operations along a section of Shipley Road through midnight tonight.
The striping work is taking place on Shipley Road between Philadelphia Pike and Washington Street Extension. Crews will be working in the area until 12:00 AM.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and may experience minor delays while the road maintenance is completed.
Motorists traveling on Route 896 southbound should expect delays due to construction activity affecting traffic flow through the early morning hours.
The right lane is currently blocked between Plymouth Drive and Welsh Tract Road, with the closure remaining in effect until 6 AM. Drivers are advised to use caution and allow extra travel time when navigating through the construction zone.
The lane restriction is part of ongoing construction work in the area, requiring temporary traffic pattern changes during overnight hours to minimize disruption to daytime commuters.
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander captured his second straight NBA Most Valuable Player award and stands as the widely recognized top player in basketball, with only Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP Nikola Jokic presenting a legitimate challenge to that status.
However, the Thunder standout characterized the 2025-26 campaign as unsuccessful during Sunday’s media session, coming just 24 hours after Oklahoma City fell to the San Antonio Spurs in the decisive seventh game of the Western Conference finals, crushing their hopes of capturing back-to-back NBA championships. San Antonio will now face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, while Gilgeous-Alexander’s postseason concludes sooner than anticipated.
“I failed at my goal,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated at his season-ending media availability. “I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve. But I learn the most about myself and make the greatest amount of increases in my career when I fail and don’t get what I want. I look at this no different. I didn’t get where I wanted to go this season. There’s a reason for that. Now I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again.”
Oklahoma City appeared positioned to make another Finals run throughout much of the year.
The Thunder opened with an impressive 24-1 record and later assembled a dominant 19-1 stretch during the final portion of their 64-18 regular season. Oklahoma City then captured eight consecutive playoff victories before encountering significant challenges against San Antonio.
Despite holding a commanding 3-2 advantage in the series, the Thunder suffered a devastating 118-91 defeat on San Antonio’s home court in Game 6. The Spurs continued their momentum by outperforming the host Thunder in the deciding contest, winning 111-103.
Gilgeous-Alexander posted 25.9 points per game throughout the series, recording three contests with 30 or more points, but connected on only 40.9% of his field goal attempts, significantly below his outstanding 55.3% regular season percentage. He had averaged 31.1 points during the regular season.
The Thunder star shot below 37% in four separate games during the series, consistently facing the defensive presence of Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama.
“There’s a guy on their back line that is a little bit different,” Gilgeous-Alexander commented regarding Wembanyama. “They funnel everything to him. … It’s a really good defense. But it’s not impossible to score. I just think it’s very different.”
Oklahoma City’s chances were significantly hampered by the absence of co-star Jalen Williams from Game 7 due to a left hamstring problem. Williams participated in only three series games and five total playoff contests because of the injury.
Williams believes the series outcome would have been different with his full participation.
“Obviously I think I could have made an impact,” Williams commented. “I think we could have won if I played. Went to seven with them without me playing. I don’t think I make us worse. That’s really my answer to that. But it’s also hats off to them. What do you want them to do about me being hurt?”
Ajay Mitchell, who provided solid production replacing Williams, was unavailable for the series’ final four games after suffering a right calf injury. His unavailability also created significant problems.
Center Chet Holmgren has faced criticism following Oklahoma City’s series collapse, as the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama thoroughly dominated their matchup. Holmgren managed only 10.7 points per game in the series and was nearly invisible in the final game, recording four points on 1-of-2 shooting with four rebounds across 33 minutes.
“I feel like part of it was being kind of closed out heavy,” Holmgren explained. “Then also kind of just being a little bit out of rhythm sometimes. I feel like there were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn’t in the moment. That’s an area to improve.”
Wembanyama delivered 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game in the series for San Antonio.
Australian mining company Syrah Resources announced Monday that Tesla has rescinded its intention to cancel their graphite supply contract, concluding extended discussions between the two firms that resulted in four deadline extensions.
Under the 2021 agreement, Syrah planned to deliver 8,000 metric tons of graphite anode materials to the electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla across four years from its Louisiana-based Vidalia facility.
The Vidalia operation represents the sole vertically integrated, major-scale manufacturer of anode materials located outside China, supporting efforts to decrease American reliance on Chinese suppliers who control the marketplace.
Electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries require graphite as a key component.
The company led by Elon Musk delivered a default notice in July 2025, pointing to quality problems with active anode material samples shipped from the Vidalia location.
Through an ASX filing Monday, Syrah announced that Tesla now acknowledges the mining company has shown its ability to produce qualifying active anode material samples and has achieved adequate advancement.
The mining operation noted that Tesla maintains its existing authority to end the supply contract if final approval of Vidalia’s active anode material is not completed.
During March, both Tesla and Syrah had reached agreement to postpone the resolution deadline for the fourth occasion regarding the claimed default in their graphite supply contract until June 1.
The chief executive of Nvidia will open the Computex technology conference in Taiwan on Monday with an extensive presentation focused on artificial intelligence, where he’s anticipated to discuss his company’s newest product developments and Taiwan’s crucial position in the tech sector.
The leader of the $5 trillion semiconductor company, a Taiwan native from the southern city of Tainan, revealed intentions last week to put roughly $150 billion per year into Taiwan, calling it the center of the AI transformation.
The presentation is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. (0300 GMT) at the Taipei Music Hall. This appearance follows approximately two weeks after he joined U.S. President Donald Trump on a trip to Beijing as part of a high-profile business group to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The executive, who enjoys celebrity-like popularity in Taiwan, is anticipated to discuss Nvidia’s AI processors, software programs and computing systems. Focus will likely center on the company’s data center offerings, including its latest Vera Rubin AI computing platform and Vera central processing unit (CPU), along with its work in areas like robotics and self-driving vehicles.
Nvidia is also constructing a Taiwan headquarters that’s planned to begin operations in 2030. This facility will position the company nearer to important supplier TSMC, which produces many of the sophisticated semiconductors that power AI technology.
One possible discussion topic involves Nvidia’s work, as reported by Reuters in 2023, to create an Arm-based PC processor that would compete with Intel and Advanced Micro Devices. Processors require approximately two years to develop and the CEO has stated that the central processors, or CPUs, are optimized for consumer devices featuring AI capabilities.
During last month’s quarterly earnings report, the executive sought to reassure investors that Nvidia could sustain its rapid expansion. He indicated that a broad range of clients and new products would help the company exceed the approximately $1 trillion in revenue it has projected for its primary AI processors.
Computex is projected to draw 1,500 exhibitors from 33 nations worldwide. Chief executives from Intel and Qualcomm are also scheduled to present speeches at the technology conference.
Drivers traveling on westbound Route 4 will encounter lane restrictions between Route 273 and Salem Church Road due to ongoing construction activities.
The work zone has resulted in the closure of both the right travel lane and the right turn lane in the affected area. These lane closures are scheduled to remain in place until 5 a.m.
Motorists are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes when possible during the construction period.
Drivers traveling southbound on Route 13 should expect intermittent lane closures due to ongoing construction activities.
The construction work is taking place along the stretch of highway between Lorewood Grove Road and Port Penn Road. These lane restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect until 5:30 AM.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when driving through the construction zone.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a display of offensive dominance not seen in over two decades, the New York Yankees erupted for 13 runs during a single inning on Sunday, marking their most explosive frame since 2005 as they overwhelmed the Athletics’ pitching staff.
The Athletics’ starting pitcher Jacob Lopez initially looked sharp, setting down all six Yankees hitters through the opening two innings. However, the third inning brought disaster as Lopez couldn’t record a single out against seven consecutive batters, beginning when Anthony Volpe reached base with a single.
The offensive barrage produced remarkable numbers: 11 hits and four walks across 18 plate appearances, requiring 75 pitches during their biggest inning since a 13-run eighth against Tampa Bay on June 21, 2005. The performance fell just one run short of the franchise’s single-inning record established on July 6, 1920, versus Washington.
Following Volpe’s leadoff hit, Lopez issued two walks before failing to cover first base on Paul Goldschmidt’s grounder with the bases loaded, resulting in an infield single and the first run. Ben Rice drove home two more with a double, Aaron Judge added a bloop single to center, and Cody Bellinger’s RBI hit ended Lopez’s outing.
Reliever Michael Kelly fared no better, as the next five hitters also reached safely, creating the first instance in 17 seasons where a team began an inning with 12 consecutive batters reaching base, according to Sportradar. The Boston Red Sox previously accomplished this feat on May 7, 2009, against Cleveland.
This represented the Yankees’ first streak of 12 straight batters reaching safely in an inning since September 11, 1949, in the opening game of a doubleheader against Washington. The performance came within two batters of the record since 1920, when Detroit achieved 14 consecutive in the sixth inning against the Yankees on June 17, 1925, with Hall of Famer Ty Cobb homering during that rally.
New York had already scored 10 runs before recording their first out when Goldschmidt struck out. Rice then delivered a two-run triple, becoming the first player to collect two multi-run extra-base hits within the same inning.
Bellinger concluded the scoring with another RBI single, marking the first time since 1950 that the Athletics surrendered at least 13 runs in a single inning. The last occurrence was 14 runs allowed in the first inning of a June 18 doubleheader’s second game that season.
Eight of the nine Yankees batters recorded at least one hit and one RBI during the frame, with Austin Wells being the sole exception despite drawing two walks. Every player in the lineup crossed home plate at least once.
The extended rally lasted 43 minutes, forcing Yankees starter Will Warren to warm up in the bullpen during his team’s at-bat to stay loose for his next pitching appearance.
Citizens throughout Colombia participated in Sunday’s presidential election to choose who will replace President Gustavo Petro. Among those casting ballots were candidates Iván Cepeda, Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia, while security forces and law enforcement maintained vigilant oversight throughout the voting process.
The election drew voters from communities nationwide as the country selected its next leader under heightened security measures.
Thousands gathered in New York City on Sunday for the yearly Israel Day Parade, where political leaders and Jewish community members showed their support under the banner “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.”
The speakers included Rep. Dan Goldman, Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Rep. Mike Lawler and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“The Jewish people have yearned for a state of Israel, whilst experiencing the constant anxiety of knowing the place where they live could violently expel them at any moment, as happened again and again,” Schumer said. “We cannot, we must not go back to that era. I believe in the State of Israel. I support the State of Israel.”
In a historic first for the 61-year-old event, a Muslim delegation participated in the march. Anila Ali, board chair of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, headed the group that walked with Jewish organizations despite facing online criticism and threats.
Israel’s Knesset sent multiple representatives to the parade, including MK Afif Abed of Likud, MK Meir Cohen of Yesh Atid and MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beytenu. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu and Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf of Otzma Yehudit also participated in the march.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana strongly condemned New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his absence from the event, citing previous anti-Israel remarks Mamdani had made.
Ohana charged Mamdani with “despicably fueling the flames of hatred in the city against Israel and its Jewish residents.”
“You will not intimidate us. The attempt to uproot our connection to this space through lies and violence will not succeed and will be met here and everywhere with a powerful, united Zionist fist,” Ohana said.
The Knesset reported that due to Mamdani’s absence, Ohana decided to increase the delegation size and attend personally to “express complete and uncompromising unity in Israel’s strength against its enemies at home and abroad.”
Mamdani represents the first New York City mayor to miss the Israel Day Parade since 1964.
The UJA-Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council organize the annual parade.
During Paraguay’s 215th Independence Day celebration at its Jerusalem embassy, Ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman delivered a powerful message about his nation’s unwavering support for Israel. The diplomatic gathering featured Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Knesset members Boaz Toporovsky and Evgeny Sova, along with various diplomats and community leaders.
The ceremony included traditional diplomatic elements – flags, speeches, wine, and formal greetings. However, the most memorable moment came when Rubin explained Paraguay’s decision to locate its embassy in Jerusalem rather than following typical diplomatic protocol.
“Paraguay is in Jerusalem because it believes in Israel,” Rubin declared during his address. “Paraguay is in Jerusalem because it honors its word. Paraguay is in Jerusalem because it understands that true friendship is shown with actions.”
Rubin drew connections between the two nations’ independence stories. Paraguay gained independence on the evening of May 14, 1811, completing the process in the early morning hours of May 15. Similarly, Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, just before the British Mandate ended at midnight. The ambassador noted that this year’s celebration also aligned with Jerusalem Day.
“Some coincidences are not invented. They simply exist,” Rubin observed. “They wait to be seen with attention. And they invite us to think.” He characterized Jerusalem as representing memory, faith, history, identity, and future – not merely a capital city.
The ambassador emphasized that Paraguay’s Jerusalem presence wasn’t directed against any other nation, but rather supported what his government views as historical truth and genuine friendship. “Peace is not built by asking a people to hide its history, to hide its identity, or to put aside what is essential to its national soul,” he stated. “Peace is built when people truly recognize each other.”
In a later interview with The Media Line, Rubin explained that Paraguay’s Israel relationship extends beyond government policy into Paraguayan society itself. He mentioned that President Santiago Peña has shared how ordinary citizens urged him to support Israel during his campaign. According to Rubin, Paraguay’s foreign policy centers on three main pillars: the United States, Taiwan, and Israel.
The ambassador connected Paraguay’s support for Israel to his country’s historical trauma, particularly the devastating War of the Triple Alliance in the 19th century, which claimed a catastrophic portion of Paraguay’s male population. This experience, he suggested, created an emotional bond with Jewish history and Holocaust memory.
“It stayed in the genes of the Paraguayan,” Rubin said, explaining why Israel support resonates widely in Paraguay compared to other Latin American countries. He compared this stance to Paraguay’s continued Taiwan recognition despite potential economic advantages from China relations.
“Paraguay does not move by convenience,” Rubin emphasized. “Paraguay moves by values.” He noted that when he arrived in Israel in January 2024, many Israelis knew little about Paraguay or confused it with Uruguay. Now, he said, the response is markedly different: “Today I say Paraguay, and the Israeli tells me: Thank you.”
Sa’ar praised Paraguay as a “stable friend” of Israel during his remarks, distinguishing it from countries whose friendliness fluctuates with political changes. He highlighted how such stability benefits not only governments but also business investors considering long-term commitments.
“With Paraguay, Ambassador, it’s not only that you really enjoy political stability and economic stability,” Sa’ar noted. “It’s a stable friend of the State of Israel. Its friendship is stable.” He recalled his Paraguay visit approximately six months earlier and joked that the Jerusalem embassy location made his schedule easier by being close to his office. “That’s a hint for other embassies,” he added.
Sa’ar outlined Israel’s straightforward foreign policy approach: investing in friendships with supportive nations. “We want to be friendly with those who are friendly to us,” he said. “It is very simple.” He mentioned that Fiji had also opened a Jerusalem embassy, with Somaliland expected to follow suit.
The economic dimension of the relationship has shown dramatic growth. Rubin reported that Paraguay’s annual beef sales to Israel, previously around $110 million, nearly doubled last year and could exceed $300 million this year if current trends continue, following more than $80 million in first-quarter sales.
However, Rubin stressed that Paraguay seeks recognition beyond meat exports. He described his country as offering food, energy, water, agro-industry, applied technology, logistics, services, maquila, and investment opportunities. As a Mercosur member, Paraguay provides access to both its domestic market of approximately 7.5 million people and a regional market of hundreds of millions.
“Israeli businesspeople are starting to discover that big things can be done from Paraguay,” he said. He also expressed interest in attracting Israeli backpackers, describing Paraguay as beautiful, affordable, fun, and safe for Israeli visitors.
Toporovsky, who attended shortly after resigning from the Knesset, told The Media Line about his close friendship with Rubin and how Israeli officials value Paraguay’s clear support. He identified opportunities for expanded cooperation in business, economics, diplomacy, politics, education, and research.
Sova, deputy speaker of the Knesset from the Yisrael Beitenu party, described visiting Paraguay two years ago as a Knesset member and maintaining regular contact with Paraguayan lawmakers and parliament speaker Raúl Latorre. He called Paraguay’s leaders “true friends” and emphasized the importance of their Latin American support.
“It is important to preserve the relationship, and it is important to support our friends,” Sova stated. “Regardless of the identity of the government in Israel, our relations with Paraguay will only grow stronger.”
The cross-party attendance reinforced Paraguay’s positioning as a long-term partner rather than merely a supporter of the current Israeli administration. During a period when Israel’s international relations often focus on war, diplomatic pressure, and isolation, Paraguay’s Independence Day celebration presented a different narrative: a Latin American embassy in Jerusalem openly celebrating sovereignty while declaring itself among Israel’s most devoted allies.
Rubin concluded by connecting symbols with action, arguing that diplomacy should extend beyond ceremonies and documents to “help bring good closer” and organize realities. His comments underscored that Paraguay’s Jerusalem embassy represents more than symbolic gesture – it constitutes a public alignment statement with Israel and a deliberate effort to make that friendship visible.
Dell has introduced its most budget-friendly laptop offering on Sunday, launching the XPS 13 at $699 as the computer manufacturer works to gain ground against Apple’s MacBook Neo by targeting students and young working professionals.
Priced at $699 for general consumers and discounted to $599 for students 16 years and older during back-to-school promotions, the XPS 13 aims to deliver enhanced performance compared to Apple’s MacBook Neo, according to Dell.
This bold move into budget-friendly computing demonstrates Dell’s strategy of following Apple’s approach to expand market presence in a cost-conscious sector experiencing memory chip supply constraints.
According to Dell, the XPS 13 represents the company’s slimmest and most lightweight design to date, weighing approximately half a pound less than Apple’s MacBook Neo while incorporating a bigger screen.
Apple launched its MacBook Neo series in March with a starting price of $599, which contributed to stronger fiscal second-quarter performance the following month. The Neo retails for $500 to students and rivals Chromebooks along with budget-friendly Windows computers.
“I’ll give them (Apple) credit. It’s a good product and it validates the market we’ve been talking about. Students and consumers deserve better options at accessible price points, and we agree,” Dell Chief Operating Officer Jeff Clarke said.
This laptop introduction follows Dell’s January announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where the company expressed intentions to compete across multiple price ranges in the consumer computer market and revealed plans for the XPS 13 launch.
The company also reintroduced its well-received XPS laptop series in January. These initiatives are designed to offset anticipated declines in computer unit sales during the year’s second half due to increasing memory chip expenses.
The XPS 13 featuring Intel Core Series 3 processors will become available shortly, while the version equipped with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and Storm color option is scheduled for release later this summer.
PARIS, May 31 – Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca advanced to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal Sunday night, defeating 15th seed Casper Ruud 7-5 7-6(8) 5-7 6-2 at the French Open in Paris.
The 19-year-old’s remarkable tournament run gained momentum after he overcame a two-set deficit to eliminate Novak Djokovic in the third round, establishing himself as a legitimate threat in this unpredictable championship. His triumph over the two-time French Open finalist demonstrated his increasing poise and self-assurance on tennis’s grandest stage.
“It was tough, Casper plays good here, I mean he’s a very experienced guy and he knows how to play here in this amazing court,” Fonseca said in his on-court interview.
“It was tough in the beginning but I played really well in the important moments in the first and second sets. I was very happy because of that.
“I just try to be me on court, try to be happy, try to hit winners, try to hit good shots and bring entertainment.”
Competing once again on Court Philippe Chatrier, Fonseca dazzled under the evening lights with brilliant shot-making from both sides of the court, securing a crucial break in the 12th game to claim the opening set amid thunderous crowd support.
Following early service breaks in the second set, both players engaged in a grueling battle of powerful groundstrokes. The Norwegian failed to convert three opportunities to level the match, allowing his teenage opponent to prevail in a thrilling tiebreaker.
The victory brought smiles from Brazilian three-time Roland Garros champion Gustavo Kuerten watching in the stands as the excited crowd erupted, though Ruud responded by capturing the third set to push the entertaining match past midnight.
“He’s an idol for our sport and country, for his charisma and how humble he is,” Fonseca said of Kuerten.
“He was here for my first time at Roland Garros when I was a junior. It is a pleasure to have him here and a pleasure to beat a tough opponent in front of him.”
The young Brazilian elevated his performance in the fourth set, earning two service breaks as the crowd’s energy reached football-like intensity. The world number 30 then completed another memorable triumph, securing a quarterfinal matchup against Czech Jakub Mensik.
Global petroleum markets experienced significant gains exceeding 2% during Monday morning trading sessions following Israeli military orders for troops to advance deeper into Lebanese territory in ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah forces backed by Iran, occurring despite a ceasefire declaration made over six weeks prior.
American crude contracts climbed $2.37 or 2.71% reaching $89.73 per barrel at 1017 GMT. Meanwhile, Brent contracts increased $2.07 or 2.27% to $93.19 per barrel.
Both Brent and WTI contracts had declined 1.8% and 1.7% respectively during Friday’s session amid market anticipation that the United States and Iran had achieved a ceasefire arrangement.
Motorists traveling on northbound U.S. 113 should expect lane restrictions overnight due to ongoing construction work.
The right shoulder will be unavailable to drivers between W. North St. and Route 404, with the closure set to continue until 6 a.m.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
Colombia’s presidential election is moving to a runoff after initial voting results showed no candidate achieved the necessary majority to win outright, according to data released Sunday by the nation’s electoral registry.
Conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espreilla and leftist senator Ivan Cepeda are set to face each other in the second round, with vote tallies showing a tight race between the two candidates.
The right wing lawyer secured 44.2% of voter support, while the veteran senator and activist garnered 41% of the vote. Since neither candidate crossed the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff, Colombian voters will return to the polls for a decisive second round.
The results were announced with the majority of ballots counted across the South American nation.
The United States men’s soccer team claimed a promising 3-2 victory against Senegal during a World Cup preparation friendly match on Sunday, with Christian Pulisic contributing a goal and an assist while Folarin Balogun netted the decisive second-half score.
Sergino Dest opened the scoring for the Americans in the seventh minute, converting Pulisic’s delivery from the left side. Pulisic then extended the lead in the 20th minute, calmly finishing from a difficult angle after getting past the Senegal goalkeeper.
Senegal’s captain Sadio Mane pulled one back just before the break, completing a swift counterattack following Habib Diarra’s pass that broke through the U.S. defense.
Early in the second period, Balogun thought he had scored but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call. Mane then took advantage of an American defensive mistake to level the match at 2-2 in the 52nd minute.
The AS Monaco forward made amends shortly after the hour mark, connecting with Tim Weah’s delivery to give Mauricio Pochettino’s team the winning goal.
The United States, which will jointly host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, has one remaining preparation match against Germany on Saturday before beginning their Group D schedule against Paraguay on June 12.
Senegal will start their Group I competition against France on June 16, with Iraq and Norway also in their group.
Drivers traveling on U.S. 113 southbound should plan for potential delays as construction crews have closed the right shoulder between Route 404 and Ennis Street.
The shoulder closure is part of ongoing construction work in the area and is expected to remain in place until 6 a.m.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute.
Lawmakers in at least four states have passed new legislation this year that makes disrupting religious worship services a criminal offense, according to reports. The measures come as a direct response to a widely publicized anti-Trump demonstration that took place inside a Minnesota church, sparking nationwide controversy.
Republican legislators who championed much of this legislation argue that people attending sacred places of worship need stronger protections than what current trespassing statutes offer. These lawmakers also contend the new laws will help reduce tensions and confrontations between worshippers and demonstrators. Religious institutions including churches, synagogues and mosques continue to express concerns about security following recent mass shootings and violent incidents targeting faith communities.
Meanwhile, an effort to restrict boys from participating in girls sports in Maine has been struck from the November ballot due to signature problems. The proposal from Protect Girls Sports in Maine would have asked voters whether public schools should limit bathroom and athletic team access based on students’ biological sex at birth. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who is running for governor as a Democrat, determined that invalid signatures left the measure several hundred short of the required 68,000 needed for ballot placement.
Religious congregations nationwide are also wrestling with changing demographics as marriage and family structures evolve. Traditional marriage and raising children have historically served as primary pathways for adult involvement in church life. Married couples who share religious beliefs typically demonstrate higher levels of observance and often bring up their children within those faith traditions. However, current data shows 42 percent of American adults are neither married nor cohabiting – representing the highest rate in the nation’s history. This demographic trend appears likely to continue, with a quarter of 40-year-olds remaining unmarried and projections suggesting one-third of Generation Z may never marry. Birth rates across the country have also been falling for multiple decades.
In commemoration of America’s 250th birthday, New Jersey’s Nassau Presbyterian Church will present the five-part Samuel Adams Herr Series of lectures. Event organizers indicate the series will examine the distinctive contribution Presbyterians made in shifting New Jersey from neutrality toward supporting independence. Throughout the American Revolution, King George referred to the independence movement as “the Presbyterian Rebellion,” while colonial loyalists held Presbyterians responsible for initiating the revolt. Nassau Presbyterian, situated in Princeton, was the home congregation for two signers of the Declaration of Independence and five Continental Congress members.
Motorists traveling eastbound on Kirkwood Highway should expect delays due to construction-related lane restrictions currently in place.
The right lane is closed between Ogletown Road and Poplar Avenue as crews continue work in the area. Officials say the lane closures will remain active until 5 AM.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has allegedly delivered a resignation letter to the Office of the Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, complaining that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has seized control of government operations while pushing him out of important decision-making, Iran International reports.
According to the outlet, Pezeshkian asked to leave office right away, claiming he can no longer properly run the government or meet his constitutional duties since crucial decisions are happening without his input.
Iranian officials and major global news agencies have not verified these allegations, and there’s no clear sign the resignation has been approved.
Iran International stated that Pezeshkian indicated the IRGC had taken charge of essential government functions while pushing aside civilian leadership. The news source said this power shift has prevented the president’s team from pursuing diplomatic talks or making planned cabinet adjustments.
The same outlet had earlier documented how the IRGC has slowly reduced presidential authority and seized oversight of important government sectors. Sources familiar with the situation described a governmental standstill that has hampered the administration’s ability to execute policy goals.
The reporting also indicated that control over major decisions has moved from civilian officials to top IRGC commanders and the Supreme Leader, creating obstacles for executive actions and sidelining diplomatic initiatives.
The Jerusalem Post states that the IRGC manages between 20% and 40% of Iran’s economic activity. The publication noted that the group evades international penalties using concealed oil tanker operations and illegal trade routes while overseeing most of the nation’s petroleum sales, funneling profits into its defense manufacturing operations.
The Council on Foreign Relations has documented that the IRGC runs a domestic surveillance and intelligence system that incorporates the Basij militia. The organization reports that this force tracks opposition activities and helps guarantee that only IRGC-friendly candidates can obtain major political positions.
Whether Mojtaba Khamenei will approve Pezeshkian’s alleged resignation request remains unknown.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Following their playoff elimination in the Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder used their first day of the offseason to rally around Chet Holmgren, who faced criticism after managing just two shot attempts in the decisive seventh game.
The much-anticipated Western Conference finals showdown between Holmgren and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama proved lopsided, with Wembanyama posting better statistics throughout the series as the Spurs advanced. Holmgren struggled to make an offensive impact when his team needed him most in Saturday night’s season-ending loss.
During Sunday’s end-of-season team meetings, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault defended his player’s contributions. “Every minute Chet Holmgren’s been on the team, we’ve been the 1 seed in the Western Conference,” Daigneault stated. “And it wasn’t the case before Chet was healthy.”
Holmgren enjoyed a standout campaign, posting personal bests with 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. His achievements included his first All-NBA selection, first All-Defensive team honor, and inaugural All-Star appearance, while also earning runner-up recognition for Defensive Player of the Year.
In that defensive award voting, he placed second to Wembanyama — mirroring his 2024 Rookie of the Year finish and his team’s result in these conference finals.
Thunder guard and consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized Holmgren’s importance to the organization. “We need Chet. We need Chet Holmgren,” Gilgeous-Alexander declared. “Before Chet was here, we weren’t who we are today. We didn’t have the success we had today. When he’s the best version of himself, we’re the best version of ourselves and it’s no secret.”
The Thunder-Spurs matchup appears positioned to develop into a lasting rivalry, with both franchises featuring young, talented rosters and now having the playoff history that fuels competitive relationships.
“I definitely think that they’re different in terms of I don’t think there’s another team that has their play style, their personnel,” Holmgren observed about San Antonio. “They’re unique in that way. You can’t just kind of play like a base normal, ‘this is what we kind of do on an average Tuesday night’ type of thing.”
While external observers may have blamed Holmgren for Oklahoma City’s Game 7 defeat, his teammates took a different perspective.
Gilgeous-Alexander directed criticism toward himself despite delivering 35 points in the final game against San Antonio, even characterizing his second consecutive MVP season as “a failure.”
“I failed at my goal,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained. “I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve, but through my experiences, I learned the most about myself and I make the greatest amount of increases I have in my career when I fail at my goal and don’t get what I want. And I look at this no different. I didn’t get where I wanted to go this season. There’s a reason for that. Now I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again.”
Israeli officials report that a Palestinian assailant drove his vehicle into two teenage girls at the Gush Etzion Junction Sunday evening, sparking a widespread security response throughout the region.
The incident took place in the southern section of the Gush Etzion Junction. Medical personnel treated a 17-year-old who received severe limb injuries and a 15-year-old who sustained facial trauma and was reported in stable condition. A 25-year-old received treatment for anxiety symptoms. Medical teams transported all three individuals to Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem.
Military personnel from the 90th Battalion of the Kfir Brigade fatally shot the assailant, a 30-year-old man from Hebron.
Law enforcement officials stated that officers from nearby stations responded to the location, securing the perimeter and conducting searches to verify no additional suspects were present. Extensive military and police units initiated area-wide searches, while operations took place in Hebron, the attacker’s home city.
Initial investigations revealed the assailant executed a U-turn at the junction prior to launching the assault. Security personnel maintained their presence in the vicinity after the incident occurred.
Speaking from the location, Gush Etzion Regional Council head Yaron Rosenthal stated, “This was a severe attack at the Gush Etzion Junction. A terrorist attempted to run over a group of boys and girls, and we have several injured victims. The terrorist was eliminated very quickly by army forces.”
The assault resulted in two teenagers requiring hospitalization and prompted a comprehensive security operation by Israeli forces throughout the Gush Etzion region. Officials maintained search and investigation efforts following the attacker’s death.
Tesla’s chief executive appeared virtually at Israel’s major transportation technology conference after security concerns prevented his planned in-person visit. Speaking from Austin, Texas at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time, he participated in the Samson International Smart Mobility Summit 2026 in Tel Aviv, addressing questions about self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence, and Tesla’s transportation vision.
While his participation provided international recognition for the event, the conference’s primary emphasis centered on the challenging transition from experimental projects to real-world implementation of advanced mobility solutions including autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft, flying vehicles, and innovative transit concepts.
During his virtual appearance, he offered high praise for Israel’s technological achievements. “I have to say, you know, I’m a huge admirer of the innovation coming out of Israel,” he stated.
“Honestly, I think objectively true that Israel punches far above its weight for population. I think probably number one, honestly, in the world,” adding, “My hat is off to Israel for just how much incredible innovation. I say innovation per capita. Israel must be number one by far in the world.”
When discussing Tesla’s self-driving vehicle development, he indicated the company was achieving “steady progress” in making autonomous driving broadly accessible, utilizing “AI and cameras” instead of radar or light detection and ranging (LiDAR), a technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create precise 3D maps of objects, terrain, or spaces. “It’s really trying to drive the car in the same way that a human drives the car,” he explained.
The conference’s central theme focused on transforming advanced mobility concepts from experimental demonstrations into functioning infrastructure. Exhibition areas showcased various future transportation technologies: self-driving sensors, unmanned aircraft companies, flying taxi prototypes, road safety systems, and urban transportation proposals. While some technologies were actively seeking commercial customers, others remained dependent on regulatory approval, infrastructure development, or public acceptance before advancing beyond testing phases.
This represented the conference’s fundamental challenge. Advanced mobility technologies were abundant, but practical implementation remained difficult. Transportation Minister Miri Regev connected this obstacle to Israel’s national transportation priorities, including infrastructure development, security considerations, and efforts to encourage public transit usage over private vehicle ownership.
Delivering remarks in Hebrew, she emphasized Israel’s continued investment in future transportation despite current challenges. “The State of Israel, despite the complex period we are in, continues to think ahead, invest in infrastructure, and develop the next generation of startups and technologies,” Regev stated. She highlighted Israeli companies that have transformed global mobility, noting that “millions of drivers around the world use Waze every day,” that “millions of public transport users use Moovit,” and that Mobileye’s technologies, “born in Jerusalem, save lives on roads around the world and advance the autonomous driving revolution.”
In a conversation with The Media Line following her presentation, Regev identified two primary challenges facing Israel’s transportation and technology sectors: security threats, particularly from low-altitude aerial systems, and traffic congestion in a densely populated country with limited space and increasing private vehicle ownership. “The biggest at the moment is the security challenge of low-altitude aerial systems,” she explained. “We saw them in the Russia-Ukraine war, and we also see them today in Lebanon.”
Regarding traffic issues, Regev stated, “Our goal is to move people from private cars to public transportation,” emphasizing that successful transition requires public transportation that is fast, efficient, and accessible.
The shift from private vehicles to integrated public systems emerged as a recurring conference theme. Regev described transportation as affecting living costs, access to outlying areas, employment, education, and essential services, characterizing the ministry’s approach as centered on “Connecting Israel.” She conveyed that transportation policy must now integrate with technology, encompassing not only traditional roads and railways but also data systems, connected vehicles, autonomous platforms, and necessary regulations for operation beyond controlled testing.
Throughout the exhibition area, these challenges manifested differently depending on the specific technology. Some companies faced sensor reliability issues, while others confronted airspace regulations, urban planning requirements, or immediate vehicle safety concerns.
These issues were particularly evident at the Innoviz display. Anna Michlin, VP of product management at the Israeli LiDAR company, explained that autonomous mobility requires perception systems capable of functioning in suboptimal road conditions. Innoviz collaborates with Volkswagen Group and Mobileye on the ID. Buzz autonomous shared mobility project, and with Daimler Truck on autonomous trucking initiatives.
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz AD autonomous shared mobility project employs fully electric vans engineered to operate without human control in most urban environments, supporting planned ride-pooling and ride-hailing services in cities including Hamburg, Berlin, Oslo, and Los Angeles.
Michlin explained to The Media Line that safer autonomous systems require combining multiple sensors rather than depending on a single technology. “In order to enable safe autonomous mobility, you need to have an ecosystem of sensors that can have reliable sensing in all conditions,” she stated. “This is why cameras, radars, and LiDAR together, when combined, can elevate the safety of the transportation.”
She emphasized that no single sensor provides complete solutions. Cameras, radar, and LiDAR each perceive road conditions differently. Cameras require adequate lighting; LiDAR generates its own illumination; radar, utilizing radio waves, offers significant benefits but provides lower resolution. “They can see larger objects, but not the very small ones,” she noted. For Michlin, Israel’s contribution extends beyond individual technologies to accelerating the broader automotive ecosystem through engineering expertise, academic knowledge, and the startup approach that has characterized much of the country’s technology sector.
The conference also examined aerial technologies, including drones, aerial logistics, and air taxis. Ghil Harly, VP business development at Cando Group, acknowledged the drone industry’s advancement while cautioning against exaggerated expectations about current commercial drone usage. “I always tell my friends, it’s a big hype, right? Because everybody’s talking about drones and what’s happening with drones,” Harly told The Media Line. “But to be fair, let’s be honest, if you look outside of your window, and I dare every one of the viewers to do so, you won’t see a lot of drones in the air.”
Nevertheless, he maintained confidence in the technology’s future. “Will our kids see? Of course,” he said. “It’s here, and it’s here to stay. And it’s advancing. However, it’s still something that is in the works, and it will take time.” Harly noted that current large-scale drone applications remain primarily military, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, but Cando aims to demonstrate civilian applications for the same technology.
Harly reported that municipal governments have expanded drone usage beyond homeland security and public safety to include event monitoring, crowd counting, construction site supervision, safety oversight, traffic analysis, and agricultural data collection. “Your customer teaches you the use that you didn’t even think of,” he observed. “It started by counting people, identifying changes, supervising construction sites, safety. It’s a world that never ends.”
Maxim Levy, COO of Dronery, extended this concept into logistics applications. Standing near an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Levy described Dronery as providing aerial logistics and transportation services focused on autonomous operations. “We give services here in Israel for logistic operations, like delivering medical equipment and medicines between hospitals and between clinics and other complex missions that drones can give the extra advantage that maybe a vehicle will not give it,” he told The Media Line.
The aircraft displayed at the conference, he explained, had completed multiple flights in Israel, including in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Caesarea, though not yet carrying passengers. “We didn’t fly it with people yet, but we are in the process of that,” he said. Levy described the aircraft as capable of vertical takeoff and landing, requiring less space than conventional aircraft, and incorporating safety redundancy through 16 motors and three flight computers.
He projected that commercial operations in Israel could begin within several years, but linked this timeline to security conditions and airspace limitations. “I think that in three or four years we will see them already operating commercially here in Israel,” he predicted. “In other countries in the world, this specific aircraft already operates as a commercial service, but I think when we still have this war here, and we have a lot of restrictions that are concerning the navigation and the communication in the air, it’s still a little bit dangerous.”
While drones and air taxis prompted discussions about airspace usage, other speakers redirected attention to urban infrastructure itself.
Saul Singer, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Line Mobility and co-author of best-sellers Start-Up Nation and The Genius of Israel, argued that mobility discussions should not focus solely on making cars smarter or more autonomous. Singer told The Media Line that the fundamental issue is cities designed around automobiles, and that current approaches have failed to resolve congestion. “Our cities are car-centric,” he said. “They’re full of traffic, and it’s just getting worse.”
His company develops elevated, autonomous mass transit systems designed to operate on dedicated tracks above street level, aiming to provide transportation faster than cars while freeing ground space for community use. “You need to be fast, non-stop,” Singer explained. “You need your own right-of-way, which is elevated. And you need to be autonomous, and it has to be a mass transit system.”
For Singer, elevating transportation above streets serves efficiency and represents a different urban design philosophy. “When transportation’s in the air, so people can have the ground,” he said. “More bike paths, more trees, more space for people. That’s the dream, to have people-centric cities, not car-centric cities.” Singer expressed hope that Israel would pilot the system early, though he added, “We’ll see.”
Other companies concentrated on immediate vehicle safety issues rather than long-term urban transformation.
Adam Tannenbaum, co-founder of TAKY Tech, presented a system designed to prevent children from dying or suffering severe injuries after being left or trapped in overheated vehicles. He told The Media Line that the company’s Athena product utilizes sensor integration from existing vehicle systems, combined with what he termed “escalation decision resolution.” When vehicles reach dangerous temperatures, the system can activate air conditioning, slightly open windows, and turn on lights.
If drivers fail to respond, the system escalates by contacting the driver and additional predetermined contacts. “Ten seconds or so later, we call the driver, and maybe the driver cannot respond,” he explained. “He can’t pick up the call. We call five more people that they’ve selected.”
Tannenbaum noted the problem extends beyond children forgotten in cars during morning routines. He reported that approximately 20% of children who die from vehicle heatstroke enter cars independently later in the day, often during games like hide-and-seek, and that his company addresses this scenario as well. He said the company has engaged with major automotive suppliers and sees deployment possibilities through software updates, including for vehicles currently on roads if necessary hardware exists.
The conference presented multiple visions rather than a single future scenario. For Innoviz, advancement begins with improved perception systems. For Cando and Dronery, progress moves skyward. For Line Mobility, solutions require elevating transit above streets to create ground-level space for people. For TAKY Tech, improvement starts with preventing child deaths in vehicles.
This diversity represented the conference’s central narrative. Advanced mobility no longer constitutes a single field with unified timelines. Some technologies approach deployment readiness, while others await regulation, infrastructure, public acceptance, or stable security conditions. In Israel, these issues are intensified by ongoing conflict, which has made airspace, security, and infrastructure interconnected concerns.
While he provided the conference’s most prominent international presence, and his recognition of Israeli innovation carried significant impact, the future of advanced mobility will be determined beyond conference presentations: in licensing offices, city governments, road testing, emergency services, investment discussions, and daily passenger decisions about whether these systems are sufficiently useful and trustworthy to adopt.
A tragic vehicle accident in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of 22 people and left 36 others wounded after a truck transporting Afghan refugees crashed into a ravine on Saturday in the eastern Laghman province.
Abdul Malik Niazi, a Taliban official, spoke with The Media Line about the incident, explaining that “the accident occurred on the main highway linking Kabul with Nangarhar province.”
Officials confirmed that among those who died were 10 children and five women. The 36 people who sustained injuries have been taken to multiple medical facilities for care.
According to the Taliban official, all those involved in the crash were Afghan migrants who had recently come back from Pakistan. The group had been staying temporarily in Kunar province and were traveling to Kabul when their vehicle crashed.
Amanullah Sharif, who leads the provincial health department, verified the casualty numbers and reported that early investigations suggest the crash happened because the driver had fallen asleep.
The victims were part of a larger group of thousands of Afghan refugees who have made their way back to Afghanistan from Pakistan over recent months.
In 2023, Pakistan began a major enforcement operation targeting undocumented migrants, resulting in many Afghan nationals being compelled to leave or facing deportation.
During this same timeframe, Iran also increased its efforts to remove Afghan refugees from its territory.
This tragedy occurs as Afghanistan continues to handle significant numbers of people returning from surrounding nations, especially Pakistan, which has ramped up its deportation activities for undocumented Afghan migrants.
Data from the Taliban commission for refugees shows that during the past week, approximately 4,000 migrants have been sent back from Pakistan each day.
International humanitarian organizations have consistently cautioned that the massive influx of returning migrants is creating additional pressure on transportation systems and government services, particularly in eastern provinces that function as major border crossing areas.
With thousands of returnees entering Afghanistan daily under challenging circumstances and disorganized schedules, local infrastructure and services in already vulnerable areas are facing increasing stress. Transportation pathways are becoming more dangerous, and communities are having difficulty managing the sudden arrival of large numbers of people.
Without improved regional cooperation and better support systems for those returning, the situation threatens to develop into a broader humanitarian crisis characterized by avoidable fatalities, recurring accidents, and serious humanitarian dangers throughout the affected provinces.
The former president has suggested hosting a political rally after several musicians withdrew from performances at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., which is part of the Freedom 250 celebration.
Among the artists who have canceled their appearances is country music performer Martina McBride, leaving organizers scrambling to fill the entertainment lineup for the event.
The withdrawals have prompted discussions about alternative programming, with the former president proposing a political gathering instead of the originally planned musical performances.
The Great American State Fair was designed as part of the broader Freedom 250 festivities taking place in the nation’s capital.
The Israel Defense Forces has taken control of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, hoisting Israeli and Golani Brigade flags over the historic fortress following military operations designed to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in the region, military officials announced.
The mission brought Israeli soldiers to one of southern Lebanon’s most strategically important locations. Military officials reported that forces moved past the Litani River near Metula to reach the castle, which offers commanding views of northern Israel and the Nabatieh region.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that the territory around Beaufort and Wadi Saluki had functioned as a key Hezbollah command center. Military officials reported that the militant organization had built extensive infrastructure in the location with Iranian support and utilized the site to plan attacks and fire hundreds of rockets toward Israel and Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon.
Military officials indicated that forces continue operations near Nabatieh and stand ready to expand their mission.
“The IDF is operating near Nabatieh, a significant Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, and is prepared to expand the offensive as required,” the military said, “to destroy [Hezbollah] infrastructure and eliminate terrorists, as part of strengthening operational control in southern Lebanon and removing the direct threat to the Galilee Panhandle and Metula,” as well as to “expand the forward defense line.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that regaining control of Beaufort held special meaning due to the location’s role in Israel’s previous military operations in Lebanon.
“Forty-four years after the heroic Battle of the Beaufort, and on the memorial day for the Peace for the Galilee War, including the Golani soldiers who fell in the Battle of the Beaufort, IDF soldiers, led by the Golani Brigade, returned to the summit of Beaufort and once again raised the Israeli flag and the Golani flag there,” Katz said.
The medieval fortress, originally constructed during the Crusades, was initially taken by Israeli forces during the early phases of the First Lebanon War in 1982. In that conflict, Golani Brigade troops battled Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) forces at the location. Dozens of PLO fighters were killed, while six Israeli soldiers lost their lives. Israeli forces maintained control of the position until withdrawing from Lebanon in 2000.
Several Israeli government agencies are working together to prevent a massive shipping company acquisition, citing national security threats and concerns about the country’s ability to maintain essential supply routes during crises, according to reports from Calcalist.
The ministries of Economy, Agriculture and Transport, along with the Shipping and Ports Authority, are opposing the planned acquisition of ZIM by German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd and the FIMI fund for $4.2 billion.
The contested acquisition received approval from ZIM shareholders in late April. The deal values the company at approximately $1 billion more than its current trading price on Wall Street and would result in ZIM being removed from public trading.
According to the acquisition terms, Hapag-Lloyd would assume control over ZIM’s global operations, while FIMI fund, led by Ishay Davidi, would oversee the company’s domestic Israeli activities.
Government authorities have expressed strong disapproval of the plan to split the company’s operations. The Ministry of Economy released a statement expressing concern that the structure “raises concerns that the framework would create a crippled company incapable of surviving independently from a business and operational standpoint.”
The ministry also cautioned that what remains of the Israeli operations would become “a tiny operational shell disconnected from the global logistics network.”
Those opposing the deal maintain that handing over the majority of ZIM’s operations to an international entity would diminish Israel’s maritime transport capabilities and compromise the nation’s ability to respond effectively during future emergencies. Government representatives argue the arrangement would establish a smaller domestic shipping operation designed to meet state ownership requirements while significantly diminishing operational effectiveness.
Government agencies have also raised red flags about Hapag-Lloyd’s investor base, pointing out that Qatar and Saudi Arabia maintain ownership stakes in the German company.
“The assumption that the State of Israel could rely during a national emergency on a shipping company whose significant shareholders include countries with interests that are opposed or hostile to Israel is completely detached from strategic reality,” the Ministry of the Economy wrote.
Government representatives have emphasized ZIM’s critical importance in serving Israeli markets, noting that the company handles approximately one-third of all food products shipped by sea into the country.
The ministry issued an additional warning that “during a security crisis, when foreign companies may reduce their activity in Israeli ports, the state could find itself struggling to import essential raw materials for industry, basic consumer goods, and other products transported by sea.”
Warren Buffett’s investment giant announced Sunday it will purchase Taylor Morrison Home Corporation through an all-cash transaction worth approximately $8.5 billion, according to a joint statement from both companies.
The deal structure calls for Berkshire Hathaway to pay $72.50 in cash for each share of common stock, putting Taylor Morrison’s total equity value at roughly $6.8 billion. This purchase price gives shareholders a 24% boost compared to Friday’s final trading price of $58.50.
Once the transaction is finalized, Taylor Morrison will transition to private ownership while maintaining its current leadership structure, with Chief Executive Sheryl Palmer remaining at the helm. The company’s stock will be removed from New York Stock Exchange trading when the deal concludes.
Both organizations anticipate completing the purchase during the latter portion of 2026. Goldman Sachs and Moelis provided financial guidance to Taylor Morrison throughout the transaction process.
Federal regulators moved Sunday to shut down a regulatory gap that potentially allowed Chinese companies to obtain America’s most advanced artificial intelligence processors through their international subsidiaries.
The Commerce Department published new guidance on its website targeting a loophole that may have permitted Chinese entities to acquire cutting-edge semiconductors, including Nvidia’s latest Rubin and Blackwell processors and AMD’s MI350x chips, by operating through locations such as Malaysia.
This regulatory oversight suggests that America’s top-tier AI semiconductors could have been reaching Chinese artificial intelligence companies for nearly twelve months, despite ongoing federal efforts to restrict Chinese access to critical semiconductor technology.
The scope of chip exports during this period remains unknown, though one industry insider with extensive supply chain expertise estimated the number could reach hundreds of thousands of units.
In the weekend announcement, federal regulators declared they would apply licensing requirements to advanced semiconductors destined for China-based entities, regardless of where those companies maintain physical operations.
Neither the Commerce Department, Nvidia, nor AMD provided immediate responses to requests for comment.
The regulatory opening emerged when the Commerce Department announced in May 2025 that it would suspend enforcement of the AI Diffusion rule, which had been implemented during the final period of the Biden administration to control worldwide AI chip access.
Technology expert and former State Department official Chris McGuire described the situation in a social media post Sunday, stating: “This is a HUGE problem.” He explained that the gap enabled overseas branches of Chinese corporations to purchase Nvidia Blackwell processors without proper licensing.
“Chinese companies have been buying these chips, very likely at scale,” McGuire stated.
The updated guidance includes an unusual provision that does not mandate data centers to discontinue using the processors or halt maintenance services for advanced computing equipment like servers.
Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 95 will encounter lane restrictions due to ongoing construction work in the Newark area.
The right lane has been shut down between Route 72 and the Newark toll plaza, with the closure expected to last until 7 a.m.
Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the construction period.
A United Airlines aircraft heading to Palma de Mallorca was forced to reverse course and return to Newark airport late Saturday evening due to what appears to be security concerns involving a Bluetooth device aboard the plane.
According to air traffic control recordings and posts on social media, the onboard Bluetooth device prompted safety worries that led to the flight’s unexpected return to Newark Liberty International Airport.
The incident occurred as the aircraft was en route to the Spanish destination, forcing passengers to endure an unplanned return journey instead of continuing their transatlantic flight.
May 31 – An official appointed by Russia reported that a Ukrainian drone attack targeted a residential building in territory controlled by Russian forces in the southern Kherson region, resulting in the death of one child and wounding eleven others.
Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed governor overseeing Russian-controlled areas of the Kherson region, posted on Telegram that the attack took place in Henichesk, a city located along the Sea of Azov coastline.
PRAGUE, May 31 – Beijing has sharply denounced a visit to Taiwan by Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil this week, declaring on Sunday that the journey ignored his country’s official government stance and meddled in China’s domestic matters.
Vystrcil, who represents the opposition centre-right ODS party, is heading a business delegation during the Taiwan visit. His itinerary includes meetings with President Lai Ching-te and other government officials and business leaders – a move that has angered China.
“The Chinese side urges the Czech side to strictly abide by the one-China principle, immediately take effective measures to eliminate the adverse consequences of this wrongdoing, and safeguard the overall framework for the development of China-Czech relations through its concrete actions,” the Chinese embassy in Prague said on its website.
Beijing has consistently opposed connections between Prague and Taipei. China maintains that the island lacks authority for diplomatic relationships between nations, a position that Taiwan’s government firmly disputes.
While the Czech Republic officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei like most nations worldwide, Prague has strengthened ties with Taiwan in recent years. The island nation serves as a major player in semiconductor manufacturing and has increased its investments in the Czech Republic. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung traveled to Prague in early May and participated in a city forum.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, whose ANO party heads a coalition with right-wing and far-right parties, has opposed the trip and declined to provide Vystrcil with government aircraft for the journey.
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — The New York Knicks chose not to display a championship banner after defeating the San Antonio Spurs for the NBA Cup title because they’re holding out for a more significant celebration.
Their championship drought has now reached 53 years, and it can only conclude by once again defeating the Spurs.
Following their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, which they secured nearly a week ago, the Knicks finally held practice Sunday with knowledge of their opponent. The Spurs advanced after Victor Wembanyama led his team past Oklahoma City in Saturday night’s Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.
“I mean, they’re a special team,” Knicks guard Deuce McBride said. “Obviously they have the Defensive Player of the Year, obviously a great organization and they’ve got a lot of great young guys, so we’re just excited for this matchup.”
This matchup mirrors the Knicks’ previous Finals appearance, when San Antonio defeated them 27 years ago, extending New York’s championship absence that began in 1973.
New York entered this season confident about their championship prospects and received an early preview of title contention in December, when they defeated San Antonio in Las Vegas for the NBA Cup championship.
Unlike the Lakers and Milwaukee, who previously won the in-season tournament and raised banners at their home arenas, the Knicks chose not to commemorate their NBA Cup victory at Madison Square Garden. Six months later, they’re not placing much emphasis on that win, recognizing how much both franchises have evolved.
“Obviously there was good energy around that, but I don’t think that’s really going to be any equivalent to what the atmosphere or the energy is going to be like at their place, or obviously at the Garden,” Knicks forward Josh Hart said.
“So technically that game didn’t happen, so I don’t think there’s anything that we can learn from,” Hart added, poking fun at the fact that the Cup final, an 83rd game for the two teams, doesn’t count in the standings or statistics.
During the regular season, the clubs divided their two official meetings. San Antonio’s New Year’s Eve victory triggered a midseason decline for New York, who entered that contest with a 23-9 record. Later, after the Spurs completed an unbeaten February, New York ended their 11-game winning streak with a 114-89 home triumph on March 1.
Wednesday marks Game 1 in San Antonio. Beyond Wembanyama and the Spurs, the Knicks’ greatest challenge may be their limited game action recently.
Due to their dominant postseason run featuring an 11-game winning streak, Wednesday will mark only their 10th contest in a 35-day period, beginning with their April 30 series-clinching victory over Atlanta in Game 6 of the opening round.
Following a sweep of Philadelphia and more than a week of rest before the Eastern Conference finals against Cleveland, their extended break clearly affected their performance. They managed just 4 of 23 three-point attempts through three quarters and trailed by 22 points early in the fourth quarter before mounting an overtime victory.
“We understand what happened last time we had a layoff like this, so we’re just trying to be better than we were last time,” center Karl-Anthony Towns said.
That represented the Knicks’ only difficulty against the Cavaliers, as they dominated the following three games and concluded the series last Monday. During their winning streak, they have outscored opponents by 262 points, representing the largest margin for any 11-game stretch in NBA history.
The Knicks anticipate no such ease against the Spurs, whose 1999 Finals victory marked their first of five NBA championships. New York coach Mike Brown served on the bench for one of those titles as an assistant to Gregg Popovich, and was the losing coach in another when San Antonio swept Cleveland in 2007.
“I got ties to San Antonio and you appreciate the people, you appreciate the journey and all that other stuff,” said Brown, who has family still living in San Antonio. “But at the end of the day, just like they want to beat you, you definitely want to beat them.”
Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz was forced to exit Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Braves after sustaining a right hamstring injury while attempting to stretch a hit into extra bases.
De La Cruz has been in the starting lineup for every one of the Reds’ 58 games this season, though that consecutive games streak now appears uncertain following the team’s confirmation that he was pulled due to right hamstring tightness.
During the fifth inning, De La Cruz connected on a ball that bounced twice before reaching the wall in right-center field. However, as he approached the turn at first base, De La Cruz visibly slowed his pace and took several cautious steps toward second base before returning to first.
Following an examination by the team’s trainer, De La Cruz was substituted with pinch runner Matt McLain.
The 24-year-old player has put together an impressive campaign that earned him his third straight All-Star Game selection. With his 2-for-2 performance on Sunday that included a walk and stolen base, De La Cruz is batting .280/.346/.509 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and 10 stolen bases this season.
De La Cruz appeared in all 162 games during the 2025 season and 160 games in 2024.
Soccer fans will see major rule modifications when the 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, as the International Football Association Board has approved sweeping changes to how the game is played and officiated.
The tournament, set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first major competition to implement these new regulations, which will also apply to the 2026-27 season.
“The IFAB approved a set of landmark changes to the Laws of the Game and the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first major tournament to use them,” FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina told reporters.
“These amendments aim to tackle discrimination, cut time-wasting, enhance match tempo and improve both the player and fan experience,” Collina explained.
MOUTH COVERING PENALTIES
Players who use their hands, arms, or jerseys to cover their mouths during confrontational moments will face immediate ejection with a red card. This regulation was introduced following an incident where Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni allegedly made discriminatory comments toward Vinicius Jr while concealing his mouth. UEFA suspended Prestianni for six games, with the penalty extended globally.
The rule will not apply to players having casual conversations with teammates from opposing clubs, officials clarified.
FIELD DEPARTURE PROTESTS
Any player who exits the playing surface to dispute a referee’s call will receive a red card. The same penalty applies to coaching staff who encourage players to leave in protest. Teams that cause match abandonment will automatically lose the contest.
This change follows an incident during the Africa Cup of Nations final when Senegal walked off to protest a penalty decision against them before returning to defeat Morocco 1-0 in extra time.
TIMING RESTRICTIONS
Referees will implement visible five-second countdowns using raised hands for throw-ins and goal kicks. If players fail to put the ball back in play within this timeframe, possession switches to the opposing team through either a throw-in or corner kick.
SUBSTITUTION UPDATES
Players being replaced have just 10 seconds to exit the field once the substitution board appears, and must leave at the closest boundary point. Those who exceed this limit will delay their replacement’s entry until the next stoppage after one minute has passed. Exceptions include injuries and safety concerns.
MEDICAL TREATMENT RULES
Field players who receive on-field medical attention must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes. Goalkeepers, collision victims, players with severe injuries, and penalty takers are exempt from this requirement.
VIDEO REVIEW EXPANSION
“We started (using) VAR in FIFA competitions in 2017, at the Confederations Cup before the World Cup in Russia in 2018,” Collina noted. “So, we (think it is) the time to reconsider the protocol which was written when there was very limited experience.”
Video Assistant Referee technology will now cover additional situations including incorrect yellow cards that should be red, mistaken player identity for cards, wrongly awarded corner kicks, and fouls committed before set pieces.
“VAR will recommend an on-field review, following which, if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken,” IFAB stated.
HYDRATION PERIODS
Every match will feature mandatory three-minute water breaks in each half, typically occurring around the 22nd minute. Referees can adjust timing based on game circumstances, such as injury treatments.
GOALKEEPER TREATMENT PROTOCOL
When goalkeepers receive medical care on the field, players from both teams must remain on the pitch and cannot consult with their coaches during this timeout period.
