Emergency officials issued evacuation orders for roughly 40,000 residents in Southern California on Friday following a dangerous leak from a chemical storage tank that poses serious safety risks.
The hazardous situation prompted authorities to close local schools as they warned that the compromised storage facility could potentially burst or explode. The chemical tank has continued leaking despite ongoing response efforts.
Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey addressed the media during a press briefing held at the Los Alamitos racetrack in Cypress regarding the dangerous materials incident occurring in Garden Grove.
Emergency crews are working to contain the situation while residents remain displaced from the affected area until the threat is resolved.
A traffic accident has resulted in the closure of the left lane on southbound Interstate 495 at Philadelphia Pike.
The crash is causing delays for drivers traveling through the area. Motorists are advised to use caution and allow extra time for their commute while emergency crews work to clear the scene.
No additional details about the accident or any potential injuries have been released at this time.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A man from Argentina who was held in Venezuelan custody for 448 days issued an appeal Friday for global leaders to intensify efforts pressuring the administration of interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez to free other detainees.
Nahuel Gallo, age 35, gained his freedom on March 1 following his arrest on spy-related charges leveled by the administration of former President Nicolás Maduro, who has since been removed from power.
“I think we’re still imprisoned until our fellow inmates are freed,” Gallo told The Associated Press.
Throughout his nearly 15-month incarceration, Gallo reported suffering physical assaults, inadequate healthcare, and relentless mental torment while confined at Rodeo I facility.
Since assuming the role of acting president following Maduro’s January apprehension by U.S. forces, Rodríguez has pledged democratic changes, and Venezuelan officials have previously rejected accounts of prison mistreatment. However, opposition voices maintain that hundreds continue to be held on political grounds.
According to Gallo, these ongoing imprisonments demonstrate that Venezuela’s oppressive apparatus continues to function.
During a Thursday meeting in Buenos Aires with U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Peter Lamelas, the diplomat issued a statement declaring that “the Maduro regime in Venezuela used the arbitrary detention of foreign citizens as a tool of political repression.”
Earlier this week, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez — who is the interim president’s brother — revealed intentions to free 300 prisoners, including some whom human rights organizations view as politically motivated cases.
Gallo’s arrest occurred on Dec. 8, 2024, during his attempt to cross into Venezuela for a visit with his Venezuelan partner, María Alexandra Gómez García, and their child, who was under 2 years old at the time.
While passing through border control, Venezuelan officials examined his mobile device and discovered WhatsApp messages between him and his partner discussing Venezuela’s political and economic circumstances.
“You’re criticizing my president,” Gallo recalled officers telling him.
He was subsequently taken to the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, where he reported being restrained, struck, and kicked during questioning sessions.
Following this, he was placed in a truck where agents persisted with interrogation after discovering contacts connected to Argentine legal institutions on his phone.
“You are a spy. You work for the government,” he recalled them saying while threatening to throw him from the vehicle, pressing a gun against his head and pointing a Taser at him.
Almost three weeks following his detention, then-Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab charged Gallo with engaging in “terrorist actions” against Venezuela.
Throughout his nearly 15-month stay at Rodeo I, Gallo reported having zero communication with Argentine representatives and receiving no updates about potential release discussions.
Gallo painted a picture of brutal circumstances within the facility. Healthcare was severely restricted. Prisoners received only brief daily periods for bathing, laundering, and restroom use. Guards regularly deployed pepper spray against inmates.
His foreign status prohibited him from receiving visitors. His first conversation with his wife occurred only after a full year behind bars and following his decision to begin a hunger strike.
The experiences that continue to trouble him most involve witnessing guards assault prisoners in adjacent cells.
“I think the greatest torture is seeing something being done to someone else and not being able to do anything,” Gallo said.
He currently utilizes social media platforms to expose Venezuelan prison conditions and campaign for those who remain incarcerated.
“The person who’s still inside is waiting for the one who got out to do something,” he said.
Gallo continues to recall the words his fellow prisoners shared as he departed Rodeo I: “Gallo, don’t forget about us.”
The primary immigration courthouse in San Francisco has permanently shut its doors, leaving no asylum seekers awaiting decisions and no attorneys presenting cases in what was once a bustling legal venue.
When President Donald Trump began his current term, the facility employed 21 immigration judges. By its closure on May 1, only two remained after the others were terminated, chose retirement, or stepped down during the White House’s systematic removal of federal immigration judges.
This shutdown represents another example of the widespread disruption affecting immigration courts nationwide as the current administration seeks methods to process its enormous backlog of 3.8 million asylum cases while maximizing deportations.
Rejection rates for asylum requests have increased dramatically following the dismissal of nearly 100 judges deemed too lenient, with hundreds of military attorneys approved to take their places. Immigrants have faced arrest upon arriving at courthouses or government facilities for scheduled hearings.
While this national transformation continues, San Francisco becomes the first major metropolitan area to lose its primary immigration court, creating disorder and breakdown in an area historically welcoming to those seeking asylum. The two remaining judges will operate from a different federal facility in the city but will function as part of an immigration court located across the bay.
According to court personnel, this welcoming reputation may have contributed to its closure.
“It was a vibrant legal scene and so I think if you were looking to target a court you would have to look at what San Francisco stands for,” said Jeremiah Johnson, an immigration judge in the city until he was fired in November. He is now executive vice president of the National Association of Immigration Judges.
The majority of the court’s 117,000 immigration cases have been relocated to a facility in Concord, approximately 30 miles away, which opened two years ago to assist with San Francisco’s case backlog. However, disruption has also affected that location. A courthouse that began 2025 with 11 judges now operates with five following multiple terminations. It already handled 60,000 cases before absorbing the San Francisco transfers.
San Francisco’s immigration court, which ranked third nationally in asylum case volume, was historically regarded as among the most favorable to asylum seekers. Between 2019 and 2024, nearly 75% of applicants obtained some form of protection, compared to 43% nationally, based on information gathered by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a nonprofit data research center based at Syracuse University.
This success rate stemmed partly from San Francisco’s extensive network of immigrant advocacy groups and pro bono or affordable legal services, resulting in one of the nation’s highest rates of legal representation for immigrants.
The Executive Office of Immigration Review, the Department of Justice division overseeing immigration courts, announced in March its intention to close the San Francisco courthouse in 2027 as a cost-reduction strategy and transfer cases to Concord. However, the closure occurred ahead of schedule after almost all San Francisco judges departed or were dismissed. The Executive Office offered no comprehensive explanation for the changes, stating only that it chose not to renew the court’s lease and does not discuss personnel issues.
Security measures at the Concord courthouse are extensive, possibly due to the new case influx. Armed security personnel question each visitor about weapons or explosives and observe as everyone powers down their mobile devices. Even coffee is prohibited inside. Only water is permitted, and only in clear containers.
Judah Lakin, an immigration attorney based in Oakland who also teaches at UC Berkeley School of Law, said the closure of the San Francisco court has made cases more time consuming since it’s harder for his clients, who often travel from hours away, to reach Concord on public transportation.
One recent 10-minute hearing in Concord took him more than two hours of travel, he said.
Beyond logistical challenges, Lakin explained that the turmoil in immigration courts under the Trump administration has created a tense courtroom environment. Mass terminations have resulted in last-minute hearing cancellations, cases have been rescheduled with minimal notice, and clients often remain in extended legal uncertainty, making them susceptible to deportation.
One of his clients, he said, was provisionally granted asylum by a judge, who was then fired before signing the decision. The case was transferred to a second judge, who was also fired. Now on their third judge, his client is still waiting.
“The ground is constantly shifting underneath your feet, whether it’s judges being fired and hearings getting canceled, whether it’s your clients getting arrested, whether it’s getting denials on things that used to be standard and routine,” Lakin said.
“I think that’s on purpose. That’s by design. It’s part of the strategy,” he added.
San Francisco’s immigration court was among the nation’s first to employ judges with non-prosecutorial backgrounds, with many having prior experience assisting immigrants at nonprofits or representing them in legal proceedings.
Witnessing the court’s closure is “heartbreaking,” said Dana Leigh Marks, a former San Francisco immigration judge who retired in 2021 after 35 years on the bench and who was among the first judges in the nation to be hired from private practice.
She views the Trump administration’s decision to close the largest immigration court in Northern California as part of an effort to undermine due process and eventually dismantle the path to asylum.
“It’s all a part of big ways and little ways that the Trump administration is trying to get non-citizens out of the country,” she said.
Johnson, the dismissed San Francisco judge, received his appointment during the first Trump administration. He believes he became a target because he approved asylum in 89% of his cases.
“You don’t fire judges if you disagree with the way they’re handling a case, that’s not how courts work. If you disagree, you appeal that decision,” he said.
Johnson, who is the executive vice president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, defended his judicial record, pointing out that over eight years, only about 10 of his cases were appealed by the Department of Homeland Security, and very few were sent back for further hearings by the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Unlike federal courts, where there are strict rules of procedure and judges have lifetime tenure, the Justice Department runs immigration courts, and the attorney general can fire the judges with fewer constraints.
There were 754 immigration judges across the country at the start of Trump’s second term. Now, there are about 600, including some temporary judges, according to data collected by the judges’ union. Widespread courthouse arrests of immigrants have caused hundreds of people not to even show up for hearings, leading to deportation orders in absentia.
Nidaa Pervaiz came to the Concord court on a recent day to represent a client from Nepal. She prefers the new courthouse in some ways, since it’s closer to her home.
But, she said, she and her clients are already feeling the impact of the changes. Fewer judges leads to fewer hearings. That means more delays for her clients, whose paperwork can expire even before they can appear before a judge.
“Their whole lives are at stake, and they are coming to make a plea for their future” she said.
Drivers traveling westbound on Jackson Street should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews have closed the right lane between Lancaster Avenue and Chestnut Street.
The lane restriction is expected to remain in place until 3:30 PM today while work continues in the area.
Motorists are advised to use caution when driving through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
ROCHESTER, NY – Salisbury University’s women’s lacrosse team watched their championship hopes slip away Friday evening in a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat to Wesleyan University Cardinals during NCAA semifinal action.
The Sea Gulls, who entered the contest as the tournament’s second seed, couldn’t overcome the third-seeded Cardinals in what became a defensive battle at Judson Stadium on the RIT campus. The narrow one-goal margin brought an end to Salisbury’s impressive season run.
Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm in the tightly contested matchup, with neither squad able to pull away decisively throughout the game.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — In a dramatic late-night announcement on Friday, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko following prolonged political friction between the two leaders.
Government Secretary General Oumar Samba Ba made the announcement during a nighttime television broadcast, revealing the end of a partnership that had brought their party to power.
The dismissal marks the climax of escalating disputes between these once-allied leaders from the Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Éthique et la Fraternité (Pastef) party, which had successfully ousted the previous administration.
According to Ba, the prime minister’s removal triggered the resignation of all government ministers and led to the cabinet’s complete dissolution.
The Pastef party had secured victory following an aggressive political battle against the previously governing Alliance pour la République party. This came amid widespread concerns that former President Macky Sall might exploit a 2016 constitutional amendment to extend his presidency. Sall, who governed from 2012 to 2024, ultimately chose not to seek reelection, leading to his party’s defeat.
Sonko, who leads the Pastef party, was prohibited from seeking the presidency after courts upheld a defamation conviction and the Constitutional Court rejected his candidacy. Faye stepped in as the party’s candidate in Sonko’s place.
Following his dismissal, Sonko posted a brief message on X, stating: “Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in the Keur Gorgui neighborhood.”
Tens of thousands of Southern California residents remained displaced Friday as emergency crews worked desperately to contain a dangerous chemical leak that threatens to explode without warning.
Emergency officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 40,000 people after a storage vessel containing 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate began overheating and releasing toxic vapors Thursday at an aerospace plastics manufacturing plant in Garden Grove, Orange County.
The leak originated at GKN Aerospace, a facility that produces components for both commercial and military aircraft. When overnight efforts to stop the chemical release failed, authorities expanded evacuation zones Friday to include portions of five additional Orange County communities: Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park and Westminster.
Garden Grove Fire Chief Craig Covey delivered a stark warning during Friday’s afternoon briefing, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
“This is not precautionary. … This thing is going to fail, and we don’t know when,” Covey stated. “We’re doing our best to figure out when or how we can prevent it.”
The fire chief explained that the compromised tank faces two catastrophic scenarios: it could crack and spill the hazardous substance onto the ground, or it could detonate entirely.
Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein acknowledged residents’ concerns during the press conference, saying, “We understand that this is frightening. But the evacuation orders are in place for your safety.”
Emergency responders have constructed protective barriers using sandbags around the facility to contain any potential chemical release and prevent contamination from reaching storm drainage systems, waterways, or the Pacific Ocean.
Covey described methyl methacrylate as extremely volatile, poisonous, and combustible.
“We are setting up these evacuations in preparation for these two options: it fails, or it blows up,” the fire chief explained in a social media video update. “Please follow our requests and orders for evacuations.”
While emergency teams successfully neutralized one damaged storage vessel initially, Covey announced Friday morning that the second tank had entered what he called “the biggest crisis.”
Authorities reported no casualties or fatalities related to the incident. Educational institutions throughout the affected area suspended operations as a safety precaution.
Officials revealed Friday that both fentanyl and methamphetamine were discovered inside a residence where emergency personnel became ill while responding to a suspected overdose incident in a rural New Mexico county.
Three individuals discovered inside the residence on Wednesday lost their lives. A fourth person who was present in the home and one emergency worker who fell ill remained hospitalized as of Friday.
A physician who examined the responders displaying symptoms such as nausea and dizziness determined their condition most closely matched fentanyl exposure. The investigation into the method and cause of the exposure continues.
During a press conference in Albuquerque, University of New Mexico Hospital Chief Medical Officer Steve McLaughlin stated that officials were operating “under the assumption” that fentanyl caused the illness. He described the responders’ symptoms as ranging from mild to moderately severe.
“It’s probably not absorbed through your skin, but it would be absorbed through your eyes, nose, mucous membranes, or if you inhale it,” McLaughlin explained to The Associated Press.
Officials noted during Friday’s briefing that methamphetamine poses notorious toxicity risks upon exposure, while fentanyl presents less danger. The responders who became sick had provided direct medical care to the individuals discovered inside the house located east of Albuquerque, in the rural community of Mountainair.
Over a dozen emergency personnel underwent quarantine and decontamination procedures following their response to the location.
Among the two individuals still receiving hospital treatment Friday, one was discovered unconscious in the residence where the three fatalities occurred. Officials reported receiving the initial call from a coworker of one of the people inside after they failed to appear for work.
New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom stated that investigators found no immediate evidence suggesting drug manufacturing operations within the house.
State police announced early in the investigation that no public danger existed and that the unidentified substance was not believed to be airborne.
Officials identified two victims Friday as Mika Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49. The third deceased person’s identity remains unreleased, and the cause and manner of all three deaths await determination.
Recorded communications from the Torrance County Fire Dispatch channel on Broadcastify revealed that responders initially received a report about a 60-year-old man who was unconscious but breathing.
Minutes later, a dispatcher announced the presence of three additional people at the location, with two possibly not breathing. Emergency personnel then requested naloxone, the medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Officials confirmed that naloxone successfully revived one person.
Within an hour of the original emergency call, the dispatch center reported multiple exposures had occurred.
Several emergency responders developed symptoms including coughing, vomiting and dizziness, according to authorities. Hospital officials noted that most responders experienced no symptoms.
Research evidence indicates that fentanyl, a powerful opioid, does not typically cause overdoses through casual skin contact or brief airborne exposure in standard field conditions. Medical experts explain that overdoses require substantial ingestion, injection or inhalation of the drug.
Local residents in Mountainair, a community of fewer than 1,000 people, have expressed concerns about drug use affecting their area and surrounding regions.
According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, New Mexico ranked fourth nationally for drug overdose death rates in 2024, recording 775 fatalities.
SpaceX conducted a test flight Friday of its most advanced Starship rocket to date, featuring an enhanced design that NASA plans to use for returning astronauts to the lunar surface.
The revamped mega rocket took its maiden voyage just two days following an announcement by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk about taking his company public. The launch occurred from Texas’s southern border region, with the spacecraft carrying 20 simulated Starlink satellites scheduled for deployment on the opposite side of the globe.
This marks the 12th experimental mission for the rocket system Musk envisions will eventually transport humans to Mars. However, lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis initiative come first in the timeline.
October saw the final launch of the previous generation of space-bound Starships. SpaceX’s third-generation model — an enhanced variant called V3 — lifted off from a newly constructed launch platform at Starbase, located close to the Mexican border. Technical problems with the launch pad prevented Thursday evening’s scheduled attempt.
The company hoped to prevent the explosive incidents that occurred during consecutive launches the previous year, when mid-flight detonations scattered debris across the Atlantic Ocean. Previous test flights also concluded with fiery endings.
Standing at 407 feet (124 meters) tall, this newest variant surpasses earlier Starship models by multiple feet (over 1 meter) and delivers increased engine power.
The updated booster features fewer but larger and more durable grid fins designed to guide it back to Earth after takeoff, plus an enlarged and reinforced fuel transfer system that supplies the 33 primary engines. This fuel line matches the dimensions of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 first-stage booster. The retro-styled, stainless steel vehicle also contains enhanced capabilities across the board — additional cameras, improved navigation and computing systems — along with docking equipment for upcoming rendezvous and lunar operations.
The Starship system is designed for complete reusability, utilizing massive mechanical arms at launch sites to capture returning rocket components. However, during this recent test mission, no recovery operations were planned. The redesigned first-stage booster’s journey ended in the Gulf of Mexico, while the spacecraft and its satellite demonstrations concluded in the Indian Ocean.
NASA has contracted SpaceX for billions of dollars — along with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin — to develop the lunar landing vehicles that will transport Artemis astronauts to the moon’s surface.
Both companies are competing to achieve the first successful mission.
Although Starship has reached space’s outer boundaries during multiple flights lasting no more than an hour, Bezos’ Blue Moon vehicle has not yet launched, though a prototype is being prepared for a lunar mission later this year.
NASA plans to follow April’s successful lunar flyby mission with four astronauts by conducting an orbital docking test around Earth next year. During that Artemis III mission, crew members will rehearse connecting their Orion capsule with either Starship, Blue Moon, or both vehicles.
A crewed lunar landing mission — Artemis IV — could occur as early as 2028 using whichever lander proves safer and becomes operational first. This would represent NASA’s first crewed moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. The current objective involves establishing a lunar base near the moon’s south pole, operated by both astronauts and robotic systems.
SpaceX has begun accepting bookings for private missions to the moon and Mars aboard Starship.
Dennis Tito, the world’s inaugural space tourist and California businessman, along with his wife, reserved seats 3 1/2 years ago for a lunar orbit flight. The departure date remains undetermined.
This week, another affluent space traveler — Chinese-born bitcoin investor Chun Wang — revealed his plans to journey to Mars on Starship’s inaugural interplanetary voyage. Wang previously funded a SpaceX polar mission in a Dragon capsule last year and, together with his selected crew, became the first to orbit over both polar regions.
Neither cost nor timeline details were disclosed for his Mars expedition.
NEW YORK (AP) — A Manhattan federal judge dismissed author Michael Wolff’s legal case against first lady Melania Trump on Friday, describing his “twisted” effort to stop her potential $1 billion lawsuit over his comments linking her to Jeffrey Epstein as contrary to how “federal courts operate.”
Federal Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil criticized both parties for engaging in an “unacceptable degree of strategic maneuvering” and declared she “refuses to supervise a poorly presented quarrel.”
Vyskocil, a President Donald Trump appointee, acknowledged that Wolff and the first lady “face a legitimate legal conflict,” but emphasized “their dispute must follow standard legal processes like any other case.”
The author initiated legal proceedings against Melania Trump in October following correspondence from her attorney, Alejandro Brito, warning that she would have “no choice” but to pursue litigation unless he withdrew comments that allegedly inflicted “severe damage to her reputation and finances.”
Initially filed in New York state court, Brito successfully moved the case to federal jurisdiction. In her 45-page ruling, Vyskocil determined that although federal court maintains authority over the matter, she chose not to exercise it and “dismisses this case to be litigated like any other.”
Attempts to reach representatives for the first lady’s office, Brito, and Wolff’s legal counsel were unsuccessful.
During an April White House appearance, Melania Trump publicly rejected any connection to Epstein, the wealthy financier and registered sex offender who died by suicide in jail during August 2019 while facing sex trafficking allegations.
Speaking from prepared text, the first lady announced she and her legal team were challenging “false and groundless accusations” suggesting connections to Epstein.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” Melania Trump said. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
Wolff’s legal filing claimed the Trumps “routinely threaten critics” with expensive litigation “to suppress opposition speech, intimidate detractors broadly, and secure unwarranted financial settlements and North Korean style confessions and apologies.”
He alleged these intimidation tactics were “intended to establish nationwide fear preventing citizens from freely exercising First Amendment protections.”
The author has written twelve books, including four bestselling works focused on the president.
According to his lawsuit, Melania Trump’s legal threats concerned remarks he made to The Daily Beast and in three online videos. Wolff argued some statements were partial quotes removed from proper context.
Additional comments, his legal team argued, constituted protected expression. The characterization of the Trumps’ relationship as a “sham marriage, trophy marriage” represented a “reasonable and warranted” opinion, according to the filing.
The lawsuit emphasized that Wolff never alleged Melania Trump participated in Epstein’s criminal activities.
Following Brito’s correspondence in July 2025, The Daily Beast withdrew an article headlined “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author,” which featured Wolff’s interview.
Wolff’s lawsuit clarified his remarks addressed the first lady’s “participation” in managing the situation “privately” within the White House — not suggesting involvement in Epstein’s offenses.
Other statements Wolff defended as accurate included claims about Melania Trump encountering Donald Trump within Epstein’s social network, and allegations that Donald Trump pursued relationships with associates’ spouses and initially became intimate with Melania Trump aboard Epstein’s aircraft.
NEW YORK — At least 16 people sustained injuries, three of them serious, when an explosion and fire erupted at a shipyard facility on Staten Island Friday afternoon, according to the New York Fire Department.
The incident began around 3:30 p.m. Friday when someone called to report two workers stuck in a confined area at the dock, according to Joanne Mariano from the fire department’s press office. When firefighters arrived, they discovered flames burning in the lower level of a large metal building at the dock location.
While emergency crews were battling the blaze, a significant explosion happened at the location approximately 50 minutes after their arrival, Mariano explained.
By 5 p.m., emergency personnel had documented 16 injured individuals at the scene, Mariano reported. Among those seriously hurt were two firefighters and one civilian. Two other firefighters suffered moderate injuries, while the remaining victims had minor injuries. Two emergency medical workers were also among those with minor injuries.
Officials were still working to confirm the final number of patients, Mariano noted.
More than 200 firefighters and emergency medical staff from 68 different units responded to the scene Friday evening, according to Mariano. Authorities continue to investigate what caused the fire and explosion.
Richard Oviogor, who was nearby during the incident, spoke to WABC-TV about hearing two explosions and what felt like a “big shock wave.”
The location houses multiple businesses, including a coffee roasting operation and a self-storage business. The shipyard was previously operated by the Bethlehem Steel Company, which constructed vessels for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Wreckage from unmanned aircraft sparked a blaze at an oil facility in Russia’s Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, leaving one person hurt, authorities reported in the early hours of Saturday, May 23.
According to the General Headquarters of southern Krasnodar Region in a Telegram post, multiple technical and administrative structures were engulfed in flames. The falling wreckage also struck the facility’s oil storage terminal.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis revealed on Friday that Blue Origin will invest $600 million to grow its Rocket Park operations in Cape Canaveral.
This major investment announcement comes at a time when Blue Origin’s competitor, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is moving toward a public offering with an estimated worth of $1.75 trillion.
Key highlights of the expansion include:
• A massive 830,000-square-foot facility dedicated to manufacturing upper stages will create 500 aerospace positions, with workers earning an average of more than $98,000 annually.
• Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp described the initiative in a statement: “Project Horizon is the latest and most ambitious chapter in Blue Origin’s decade-long commitment to Florida.”
• According to Limp, Blue Origin has grown to employ nearly 4,000 people since 2015 and has invested over $2.3 billion through partnerships with 500 Florida suppliers.
• Financial backing for the project will come through the Spaceport Improvement Program, a collaborative effort between Space Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation, which previously supported Blue Origin’s new launch pad at Launch Complex 36.
• Blue Origin, the space venture owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, currently holds the distinction of being the sole company that both builds and launches rockets from Florida.
• Federal aviation authorities directed Blue Origin in April to examine an upper-stage failure of its New Glenn rocket following an unsuccessful satellite mission launched from Florida.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX conducted a crucial test Friday evening, launching its 12th Starship mission from Texas facilities in what represents the maiden voyage of the upgraded V3 spacecraft.
The uncrewed launch from Starbase, Texas near Brownsville marked a significant moment for the rocket company as it approaches what could become the largest initial public offering in history next month.
This inaugural flight of the Starship V3 – engineered to support more regular Starlink satellite deployments and future NASA lunar missions – comes after months of testing postponements and could influence investor sentiment before the anticipated IPO.
The massive spacecraft, which has consumed over $15 billion in development costs as a completely reusable vehicle, plays a central role in Musk’s vision to reduce launch expenses, grow his Starlink enterprise, and pursue goals from deep-space missions to orbital data facilities – all calculated into his targeted $1.75 trillion IPO valuation.
A positive test outcome would strengthen SpaceX’s argument that Starship, recognized as the world’s most massive and powerful rocket ever launched, is approaching commercial viability following years of explosive failures and development setbacks.
The enormous rocket system, featuring the upper-stage Starship crew vehicle mounted on its Super Heavy booster, lifted off Friday evening from SpaceX’s Gulf of Mexico facilities near Brownsville.
This launch represented the company’s 12th Starship test since 2023 and the inaugural flight for the V3 version of both the spacecraft and its Super Heavy booster – equipped with the company’s latest Raptor 3 engines – plus the first departure from a new launch platform built for the enhanced rocket.
PLANNED OCEAN SPLASHDOWN
SpaceX announced it would not try to recover or land either the booster or upper-stage Starship following Friday’s test mission, regardless of performance.
However, test goals encompass completing multiple return-flight procedures by both the lower-stage rocket and Starship, including controlled landing sequences before both vehicles impact ocean waters.
The Super Heavy aims for a Gulf of Mexico splashdown location approximately seven minutes post-launch. The Starship will continue traveling through suborbital space before executing its own “exciting landing!” as SpaceX describes it, in the Indian Ocean roughly one hour afterward.
During Starship V3’s space journey, mission plans involve its payload system releasing 20 simulated Starlink satellites individually, plus two operational satellites positioned along Starship’s flight path to monitor the spacecraft’s heat protection and relay information to ground controllers during descent.
Approximately 20 minutes following the payload release demonstration, a scheduled restart of Starship’s Raptor engine in space will occur.
For Starship’s intense, transonic return through Earth’s atmosphere, engineers deliberately removed one heat shield tile to assess varying aerodynamic pressures on surrounding tiles. Additional tiles received white paint to function as imaging references during testing.
The rocket’s thermal protection system constitutes one of SpaceX’s most challenging development obstacles with Starship, as engineers work to create an extremely durable protective coating requiring minimal or zero maintenance between flights.
INVESTOR ATTENTION BEFORE IPO
This 12th test flight in the Starship program faces intense investor observation three weeks before an IPO that could establish the first U.S. market entry exceeding $1 trillion and instantly make SpaceX among the world’s most valuable public companies.
SpaceX’s most profitable operations, focused on its Starlink business and orbital data center plans, depend heavily on Starship successfully delivering them to space.
Although Musk has publicly accepted previous test-flight failures calmly, questions remain about how investors will balance the billionaire entrepreneur’s willingness to accept short-term risks against his long-term goals for lunar and interplanetary exploration.
SpaceX’s engineering approach, viewed as more risk-accepting than many established aerospace companies, relies on a flight-testing method that pushes new spacecraft to failure points, then refines improvements through repeated attempts.
Musk, who established his California-based rocket firm in 2002, stated one year ago he expected Starship to complete its first uncrewed Mars journey by late 2026, a timeline now clearly unattainable.
The V3 incorporates numerous enhancements designed to optimize the vehicle’s performance for missions extending beyond the low-Earth orbit domain of SpaceX’s current primary launch system, comprising Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rocket boosters with Dragon capsules.
Among the key improvements to the Super Heavy booster is redesigning its 33 Raptor engines to generate increased thrust from a configuration that weighs considerably less.
The upper-stage Starship’s propulsion system has similarly been enhanced for extended-duration missions, featuring capabilities for spacecraft-to-spacecraft connections, space-based refueling, and improved maneuverability.
Several Starship tanker craft would need to perform the orbital refueling process – a dangerous and untested procedure necessary for SpaceX’s strategy regarding its initial lunar-landing mission, scheduled for 2028.
These elements were all included in the $3 billion-plus contract SpaceX secured in 2021 through NASA’s Artemis program, the U.S. initiative to return astronauts to the moon’s surface this decade for the first time since 1972. These objectives position Starship at the heart of a renewed space competition with China, which targets its own crewed lunar landing in 2030.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s baseball program, known as the “Team of the ’20s,” has earned another trip to college baseball’s biggest stage. The seventh-ranked Sea Gulls baseball squad has qualified for the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship following their Super Regional sweep of the 21st-ranked University of Chicago Maroons on Friday.
Playing at Donnie Williams Sea Gull Baseball Stadium during rainy conditions, Salisbury captured both contests with scores of 5-3 and 7-4. This marks the fourth occasion in six seasons that the program has reached this elite level of competition.
The victories pushed the Sea Gulls’ current winning streak to 17 consecutive games, representing the longest such streak for the program in over a decade. Salisbury will join seven other teams competing in the Division III World Series, which begins next Friday in Eastlake, Ohio, a community near Cleveland.
A Salisbury University athlete has secured a place in the finals of one of track and field’s premier events at this year’s NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Kai Smith, competing for the Salisbury University Track & Field program, qualified for the 100-meter dash finals during the second day of competition at the national championships. The event is being held at Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse serving as the host institution.
Smith’s advancement to the finals represents a significant achievement at the Division III national championship level, where the country’s top collegiate athletes compete for national titles.
American tennis player Tommy Paul mounted an impressive turnaround Friday to secure his spot in the Hamburg Open championship match, overcoming Australia’s Alex de Minaur 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in semifinal action in Germany.
The sixth-seeded Paul found himself in deep trouble early, falling behind 3-0 in the second set after dropping the opener. But the American then dominated play, capturing nine consecutive games to flip the match in his favor and control the deciding set. This marks Paul’s 10th career tour-level final appearance and his second on clay surfaces, with both clay finals coming this season following his Houston championship last month. While de Minaur managed to save 13 of 17 break point opportunities, he struggled on second serves, winning only 44% of those points.
Paul’s championship opponent will be qualifier Ignacio Buse, who made history by becoming Peru’s first player to reach a tour-level final since Luis Horna accomplished the feat in 2007. The 22-year-old Buse dominated lucky loser Aleksander Kovacevic 6-1, 6-4 in just 64 minutes. Despite landing only 42% of his first serves, Buse was nearly perfect on serve, winning 89% of his service points.
At the Geneva Open in Switzerland, No. 4 Learner Tien survived a marathon battle against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, the tournament’s second seed, prevailing 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (5) to claim his first clay court final berth.
The 20-year-old Tien looked poised for an easy finish after racing to a 6-1 lead in the decisive tiebreaker, but needed five match points before finally securing victory. Tien becomes Geneva’s youngest finalist since Sergi Bruguera in 1990 and marks the first American to reach the tournament’s final since Aaron Krickstein in 1984.
Tien’s final opponent will be unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone, who upset three-time Geneva champion and sixth-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway 7-5, 6-2. Navone controlled the match with superior shot-making, recording 27 winners compared to Ruud’s 21 while committing fewer unforced errors 29-19. Saturday’s Geneva final will crown a second-time tour-level champion, as both players seek their second career trophy.
The New York Yankees have brought back their former Cy Young Award-winning pitcher from the injured list, with the right-hander set to take the mound Friday night against Tampa Bay in a crucial American League East battle at home.
The veteran starter has spent 14 months working his way back from Tommy John surgery, with the last two months focused on gradually strengthening his arm and participating in minor league rehabilitation games as he prepared for his Yankees comeback.
“It’s been tough. I mean, I’ve missed it quite a bit,” the pitcher said earlier this week. “There’s been some blessings along the way as well. I talked about my family and spending time with my boys. But largely I’m just looking forward to being really tired and having that exhaustion, like, mean something.”
The 35-year-old will step onto a major league mound for the first time since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That following spring, he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery just five days after giving up two home runs during a spring training appearance against the Minnesota Twins.
During spring training this season, he made two appearances for the Yankees before starting his rehabilitation assignment on April 17. Across six minor league games with three different New York affiliate teams, he recorded a 4.66 ERA while surrendering 28 hits over 29 innings, striking out 28 batters and issuing three walks.
“We’re thrilled to get him back,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday. “I think that goes without saying. It’s been a long road and I feel like he’s crushed the rehab process. I feel like the ramp up’s been really good. We’ve been diligent, haven’t skipped things and haven’t rushed things.”
“As a result, I think he’s in position to come here and perform at a high level. That being said, it’s been a long time and so I’m sure there’ll be some things he’s got to iron out at this level, too.”
The Yankees also activated utility man Jose Caballero from the 10-day injured list, where he had been recovering from a fractured finger.
Caballero sustained the injury to his right middle finger on May 10 while diving back to first base to avoid a pickoff attempt during a 4-3 road defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers.
While Caballero was sidelined, the Yankees promoted shortstop Anthony Volpe, who made his 2026 MLB debut after beginning the season rehabilitating from shoulder surgery performed last October before being sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 3.
Prior to getting hurt, Caballero was hitting .259 with four home runs, 13 RBIs and 13 stolen bases across 41 games, starting 39 contests at shortstop. The Yankees obtained him at the 2025 trade deadline from division rival Tampa Bay and utilized him in both outfield and infield positions, though he had secured the everyday shortstop role entering this season.
Right after Caballero’s injury occurred, Boone suggested the 29-year-old would keep his starting shortstop spot, but the Yankees manager remained uncommitted over the past week regarding how Volpe would be deployed once Caballero was cleared to return to the majors.
“We’ll see. We haven’t had that conversation yet. The biggest thing is he’s come up and played his butt off,” Boone said of Volpe during an appearance on “Talkin’ Yanks” on Tuesday. “The one thing that’s encouraging is how Anthony’s played in not ideal circumstances. He’s come up and performed at a really high level.”
Following Spencer Jones being sent to Triple-A Thursday, Volpe stays on the roster, although his future role remains uncertain as Caballero is listed in the starting lineup at shortstop for Friday night’s game.
Volpe, 25, competed through a partial labrum tear in his left (non-throwing) shoulder last season before undergoing the October surgery. Both his batting performance and defensive play declined in 2025 while dealing with the injury, a drop-off from his 21-home run, Gold Glove rookie campaign in 2023 across 159 games and his .243 average with 12 homers and 60 RBIs in 160 games during 2024.
Over 480 career games, Volpe has hit .222 with 52 home runs, 192 RBIs, 84 doubles and 72 stolen bases. He also shared the American League lead with 19 errors last season.
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees will begin training Anthony Volpe at second base now that José Caballero has returned from his broken middle finger injury.
Caballero came back from the injured list and took the field at shortstop during Friday’s series opener against the AL-leading Tampa Bay team after completing the required 10-day absence. Volpe sat on the bench for the game.
“As I’ve told them each, it’s not going to be the perfect scenario every single day. You may like or not like a decision on a given day, but the end of the day we’re all working for the same thing,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “We want to win big, and we want win big for the Yankees. And then it’s my job to try and put you in the best position to be successful and there’ll be some days where that makes sense and is fair or not fair.”
Caballero sustained his injury when he dove back toward first base during a pickoff play by Abner Uribe in the ninth inning of a Milwaukee game on May 10, despite using a sliding mitt for protection. The 29-year-old player, who joined the Yankees from Tampa Bay on July 31 last year, had appeared in 39 of the team’s initial 41 games at shortstop, posting a .249 batting average with four home runs, 13 RBIs and 13 stolen bases for a .720 OPS.
Volpe, who held the starting shortstop role from 2021-23, had been sent down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after recovering from shoulder surgery performed on Oct. 14, but was called back up when Caballero suffered his injury.
“Both guys are going to play. Cabby’s versatility comes into play now again with Anthony here,” Boone said. “These things have a way of working themselves out. It’s a good situation to be in because we have two players that we feel like can play vital roles in us winning games.”
During Caballero’s time on the injured list, Volpe made eight starts at shortstop and posted a .217 batting average with three RBIs, two stolen bases and seven walks for a .707 OPS.
“Like what I’ve seen. I feel like he’s had a good week of at-bats,” Boone said. “I feel he’s played well in the field. Again, it’s a week, but he’s a really talented player that we have high expectations for.”
Volpe’s experience at second base in professional baseball consists of just one game each at Class A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley in 2021, the same year he also played three games at third base for Tampa.
“Second base I’m not too worried about,” Boone said. “I probably wouldn’t put him over at third up here. I’d want him to go do that a little bit.”
Volpe also got second base experience during five spring training games in 2023.
“He may still end up being all at shortstop. On the days he’s playing shortstop, I may move Cabby around,” Boone said. “But I want him to at least get some work over there and see that side of the field, too.”
Caballero brings experience at second base, third base and the outfield as well.
The Yankees created roster space by sending top prospect Spencer Jones down to Scranton. Jones made his debut on May 8 and managed a .167 batting average with no extra-base hits and two RBIs across 27 plate appearances in 10 games. His call-up came after Jasson Domínguez injured his left shoulder crashing into Yankee Stadium’s outfield wall on May 7.
“It was a good experience for Spencer even though he didn’t get a lot of results,” Boone said. “I actually feel like he held his own pretty well.”
Domínguez is currently taking batting practice off a tee and may return to game action by late next week or early June.
Giancarlo Stanton, who has been out since April 24 with a strained right calf, will undergo evaluation next week and might receive clearance to begin running.
Trent Grisham returned to the starting lineup in the leadoff spot and center field after sitting out one game. He had exited Wednesday’s contest due to knee discomfort, but tests revealed no structural problems.
The Yankees also brought back ace right-hander Gerrit Cole from the 15-day injured list following his recovery from elbow ligament replacement surgery. He was scheduled to start Friday in his first meaningful big league game since the 2024 World Series.
Right-hander Yovanny Cruz was sent to the RailRiders on Thursday night after making his first two major league appearances.
OMAHA, Neb. — Eighteen American travelers who encountered hantavirus exposure aboard the MV Hondius cruise vessel are experiencing warm Nebraska welcome while awaiting word on their quarantine duration at an Omaha medical facility.
Meanwhile, health authorities confirmed a 12th case tied to the vessel on Friday in the Netherlands, as officials continue tracking hundreds of potentially exposed individuals.
Speaking at Friday’s press briefing, the physician overseeing the National Quarantine Unit monitoring the American travelers reported none are displaying symptoms currently. However, Dr. Michael Wadman directed inquiries about whether these 18 individuals must complete the entire 42-day isolation period at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s specialized facility to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC remained silent Friday regarding plans for these travelers, who occupy accommodations resembling hotel suites equipped with personal exercise equipment and compact refrigerators. These quarters feature specialized negative-pressure air systems and waste sterilization technology to prevent germ transmission.
Hantavirus typically spreads through rodent waste and rarely passes between humans. However, the Andes strain identified in this cruise outbreak may occasionally transmit person-to-person. Symptoms typically emerge one to eight weeks following exposure. Officials recommended extended quarantine due to the virus’s incubation timeline.
Wadman explained that upon learning their extended stay duration, travelers began purchasing necessities since health authorities permitted only small plastic bags of personal items when departing the MV Hondius. With luggage left behind, delivery packages began flowing to the quarantine facility after passengers reached Omaha on May 11.
Between twice-daily health screenings, staff at the country’s sole dedicated quarantine facility work to help passengers occupy their time through special dining experiences featuring local food establishments and unique Nebraska specialties like Runzas, plus educational sessions about sandhill crane migrations that draw millions of these magnificent birds statewide each spring.
The quarters include high-speed internet access enabling virtual connections with loved ones. Jake Rosmarin acknowledged occasional loneliness being distant from his fiance in Boston, but says time passes quickly through family calls and creating content for his Facebook and Instagram travel channels. Rosmarin maintains optimism rather than dwelling on nearly another month remaining in isolation.
“Why am I going to harp on those negative aspects? The time’s just gonna go by slow if I kind of harp on the negatives,” he said.
Rosmarin expressed deep gratitude for nurses and physicians from the medical center and neighboring Nebraska Medicine hospital who volunteer at the quarantine facility, starting with deliveries of his preferred Starbucks iced horchata with oat milk and vanilla cold foam.
“They’ve just been amazing. Truly. Truly, truly, truly. I think they’ve gone above and beyond with making sure that we’re comfortable here,” said Rosmarin, who purchased a new mattress topper and pillows plus Mixtiles photos of himself and his fiance for wall decoration to create a homier atmosphere.
Rosmarin and several other passengers unexpectedly left their rooms briefly Sunday evening during a tornado warning for Omaha, maintaining masks and distance while medical personnel wore complete protective gear.
Hospital officials plan serving passengers Runza on Tuesday and Omaha Steaks Thursday next week. Rosmarin ordered a barbecue bacon Runza, combining meat, seasonings and sauce baked within bread. This fast-food chain known for these sandwiches operates almost exclusively statewide, though similar meals elsewhere might be called bierocks.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, who operates a large hog operation, mentioned at Friday’s briefing his hopes to arrange a pork tenderloin meal, provided hospital chefs prepare it properly.
Wadman noted quarantined passengers remain cooperative despite the CDC issuing formal orders this week preventing two from departing the facility.
“I think there’s many that would really like to be home,” Wadman said, though CDC approval before the 42-day period remains unclear. Individual cases will receive separate evaluation.
Twelve individuals worldwide from the MV Hondius have become ill, including one crew member confirmed Friday in the Netherlands. Three cruise passengers died, including a Dutch couple health officials believe were initially exposed while touring South America. No fatalities have occurred since May 2, according to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“We continue to urge affected countries to monitor all passengers and crew carefully for the remainder of the quarantine period. More than 600 contacts continue to be followed in 30 countries, and a small number of high risk contacts are still being located,” he said.
University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold stated new cases will influence public health officials’ quarantine duration decisions, though the CDC controls that timeline.
“Any case, any symptoms, any positive test anywhere gives us more information about the biology of this viral illness. And it as any good scientific approach would be, it influences our decision making,” Gold said.
Court documents reveal that one of two teenagers responsible for a deadly San Diego mosque attack this week had previously drawn police attention for troubling conduct and Nazi worship, leading authorities to remove his family’s firearms a year prior to the violence.
Law enforcement officials conducting a wellness visit at Caleb Vazquez’s residence documented that he was “involved in suspicious behavior idolizing nazis and mass shooters,” and secured a judicial order on Jan. 29, 2025, to confiscate 26 firearms through a 2014 California statute permitting weapon removal from individuals deemed threatening.
According to an affidavit from Marco Vazquez, the teen’s father, the family had willingly given up the weapons several days before the court action.
Law enforcement officials report that Vazquez, 18, connected with Cain Clark, 17, through internet platforms where both became radicalized. Investigators have not released additional information about their relationship or identified which weapons were utilized in the attack.
On Monday, Cain Clark’s mother contacted police about missing weapons from their residence, initiating an extensive manhunt for the teenagers before they carried out the assault at the Islamic Center of San Diego and subsequently took their own lives, authorities stated.
Legal documents indicate Vazquez’s parents chose to “secure all sharp knives in the home” and turn over firearms previously stored in a locked gun safe after learning of unspecified serious accusations against their son. He had also been previously subjected to involuntary mental health hospitalization. The court papers, initially disclosed by The New York Times, did not detail the reason for his psychiatric admission.
In a Thursday statement, the Vazquez family revealed that Caleb Vazquez was diagnosed with autism and had developed resentment toward certain aspects of his identity, though they did not elaborate on specific challenges.
“Coming from a diverse family that not only includes immigrants but Muslims as well, we always taught the importance of acceptance, compassion, and love for one another. We are proud of the different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and religions within our family and community,” their statement said.
“We believe this, combined with exposure to hateful rhetoric, extremist content, and propaganda spread across parts of the internet, social media, and other online platforms, contributed to his descent into radicalized ideologies and violent beliefs,” said their statement, released through their attorney Colin Rudolph.
The family encouraged him to pursue treatment and he attended rehabilitation facilities, according to their statement. Vazquez’s parents did not respond immediately to Associated Press interview requests. Legal counsel who represented Vazquez’s parents during the weapon confiscation also did not return calls.
Written materials from Vazquez and Clark containing white supremacist ideology showed Vazquez describing “some mental health issues” and romantic rejection. The documents indicate both teenagers admired previous attackers who died during mass shooting incidents. Their writings displayed animosity toward Jewish people, Muslims, Black people and various other communities.
Vazquez departed San Diego Unified School District in June 2018 following attendance at Washington Elementary through fifth grade, district spokesperson James Canning informed The Associated Press. His subsequent educational placement remains unknown.
Clark was registered in a virtual high school within the district, Canning confirmed.
The search for the teenagers began Monday when Clark’s mother reported her son was suicidal and had fled. She informed authorities he wore camouflage clothing, had stolen multiple weapons from their home, and was accompanied by an associate, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated earlier this week.
Officers were continuing to question the mother about potential locations when the shooting commenced at the county’s primary mosque.
In a 2025 court filing, Vazquez’s father described his family’s dedicated attempts to redirect Caleb Vazquez toward positive behavior. He explained that when they relinquished their weapons, they maintained contact with his educational institution, closely supervised his social media activity, and ensured he attended therapy sessions twice weekly.
“We observe all of his online activities, who he talks to, what he talks about, and who he is friends with,” Marco Vazquez wrote, stressing that he rejected his son’s beliefs.
Specialists note growing challenges in assisting individuals attracted to the type of extremism demonstrated by Vazquez and Clark.
Samira Benz works for the Violence Prevention Network, which conducts interventions when people are radicalized into believing in violent extremism. Benz said the work has become increasingly complicated as the internet blurs ideologies and creates niche, meme-based languages that can be fleeting and hard to decipher.
“Even if a parent is looking at the phone of their child, they don’t necessarily see something bad is going on,” Benz said.
WASHINGTON — Foreign nationals currently in the United States seeking permanent residency will be required to return to their home countries to complete their green card applications, according to a Friday announcement from the Trump administration that caught immigration advocates and attorneys off guard.
The policy reverses more than 50 years of established practice that allowed foreign nationals with legal status to pursue and finalize their permanent residence applications while remaining in the United States. This included spouses of American citizens, work and student visa holders, refugees, and asylum seekers.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated that temporary foreign nationals wanting to become lawful permanent residents must go back to their home countries to submit applications, unless “extraordinary circumstances” exist. USCIS officers will determine if applicants qualify for such exceptions.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process,” the agency stated.
The move represents another effort by the Trump administration to make legal immigration more challenging for foreigners currently in America and those seeking to enter.
“The goal of this policy is very explicit. Senior officials in this administration have said over and over that they want fewer people to get permanent residency because permanent residency is a path to citizenship and they want to block that path for as many people as possible,” said Doug Rand, a former senior advisor at USCIS during the Biden administration, who added that about 600,000 people already in the U.S. apply each year for a green card.
The agency has not specified when the policy takes effect, whether applicants must stay abroad throughout the entire process, or how it affects pending green card applications.
USCIS told the Associated Press via email that individuals providing an “economic benefit” or serving the “national interest” might be permitted to remain in the U.S., while others would need to apply from overseas.
This policy addition follows other administration measures restricting entry from numerous countries. Some nations face complete travel prohibitions, while others experience visa processing delays. Legal experts warn that requiring people from restricted countries to return home for green card applications could permanently prevent their return.
“If families are told that the non-citizen family member must return to his or her country of origin to process their immigrant visa, but immigrant visas are not being processed there, it’s a Catch-22. These policies will effectively create an indefinite separation of families,” wrote World Relief, a humanitarian and refugee resettlement organization.
USCIS characterized the modification as restoring “the original intent of the law” and eliminating a “loophole.”
However, immigration attorneys and advocacy organizations objected, arguing that status adjustment within the U.S. has been standard procedure for many groups, and numerous individuals cannot safely return home or lack embassy access for applications. The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan, for instance, has remained closed since the American withdrawal in August 2021.
“USCIS is trying to upend decades of processing of adjustment of status,” said Shev Dalal-Dheini, senior director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “This all applies very broadly to anyone seeking a green card”.
Those affected could include spouses of American citizens, immigrants with humanitarian protections seeking green cards, work visa holders including physicians and other professionals, plus student and religious visa recipients, the attorney explained.
Dalal-Dheini noted that visa appointment wait times at certain U.S. consulates overseas can exceed one year.
Immigration lawyers spent Friday afternoon analyzing the policy memorandum and announcement, attempting to understand its scope of application.
Organizations providing legal and support services to immigrants reported receiving calls from worried clients about how the new guidelines would affect them.
“It’s really hard to tell how this is going to be applied,” said Jessie De Haven, senior staff attorney with the California Immigration Project a non profit that provides legal services to low income immigrants. “I do think it might have a chilling effect on people applying.”
The immigration case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has become a lightning rod in discussions surrounding President Donald Trump’s border enforcement strategies since he first made headlines in March 2025 following his removal to El Salvador, which occurred despite a judicial order that should have stopped it.
Garcia’s complex legal battle has energized advocates on both sides of the immigration policy discussion. His situation involves two separate legal proceedings: a civil lawsuit in Maryland challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to send him to various African nations, and a criminal matter in Tennessee where federal prosecutors had accused him of human trafficking.
The Tennessee criminal case was recently thrown out by a judge who determined the Justice Department engaged in “vindictive prosecution.”
The following chronology outlines major developments in Garcia’s case:
Garcia departed El Salvador for the United States as a minor.
Law enforcement apprehended Garcia near a Maryland hardware store, alleging gang connections before transferring him to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
An immigration judge in Maryland determined Garcia could not be sent back to El Salvador due to gang threats against his relatives. He received employment authorization and was placed under federal monitoring.
ICE officers detained Garcia in Baltimore as he drove home with his young son, age 5.
Garcia was wrongfully removed to El Salvador and imprisoned in a facility known for harsh conditions.
The nation’s highest court directed the Trump administration to facilitate Garcia’s return to the United States.
Upon his return, Garcia faced human trafficking charges stemming from a 2022 traffic incident in Tennessee.
Federal immigration officials announced intentions to send him to multiple African nations, but a Maryland federal judge issued a restraining order preventing this action.
Garcia was released from the Tennessee detention facility where he had been held since June to rejoin his family in Maryland while awaiting court proceedings. ICE immediately issued a notice of their plan to deport him to Uganda following his release.
Garcia appeared at a Baltimore immigration facility and was taken into federal custody.
A Maryland federal judge ordered Garcia’s immediate release from ICE detention.
The same Maryland federal judge prohibited ICE from detaining Garcia again.
A Tennessee federal judge dismissed all human trafficking charges against Garcia, citing evidence that prosecutors engaged in “vindictive prosecution.”
George Russell claimed the top starting spot for Saturday’s Canadian Grand Prix sprint race, leading a Mercedes front-row sweep with teammate Kimi Antonelli securing second place during Friday’s qualifying session in Montreal.
Lando Norris of McLaren, the current reigning champion, earned the third starting position at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, while his teammate Oscar Piastri will begin the race from fourth place.
Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc claimed the fifth and sixth starting positions for Saturday’s sprint competition.
The 19-year-old Antonelli, who has claimed victory in the previous three grand prix events, currently holds the championship lead with a 20-point advantage over Russell following four completed race weekends, making him the youngest driver ever to lead the Formula One standings.
WELLINGTON, May 23 – The New Zealand government announced a major defense investment of NZ$1.58 billion ($924.62 million) as part of its 2026 budget, with maritime security taking center stage, according to Defence Minister Chris Penk on Saturday.
The country’s naval combat operations currently rely on two Anzac-class frigates, HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, which entered service in 1997 and 1999 respectively. These vessels, along with most of the nation’s fleet, are projected to reach their operational limits by the mid-2030s. Last year, the government committed to doubling defense expenditures to approximately 2% of GDP over an eight-year period to strengthen the nation’s military capabilities.
The funding breakdown includes NZ$880 million for additional operational expenses and NZ$700 million in capital investment for defense initiatives and priority projects outlined in the Defence Capability Plan.
Under the Maritime Fleet Renewal initiative, resources will support the development of two distinct drone platforms: extended-range surveillance aircraft for intelligence gathering across the South-West Pacific region, and specialized polar-capable units designed to operate from Royal New Zealand Navy ships in Southern Ocean missions.
The budget allocation will also support essential repairs and upgrades to the Anzac-class frigates and HMNZS Canterbury, extending their service life until replacement vessels become operational.
Penk noted that combined defense investments have totaled NZ$5.8 billion since the Defence Capability Plan’s introduction just over twelve months ago.
The complete budget details are scheduled for public release on May 28.
Bolivian officials announced Friday that law enforcement and military personnel will establish humanitarian corridors Saturday in the La Paz region to allow essential goods to bypass protest blockades that have disrupted supply chains.
The demonstrations have escalated over recent weeks as various groups including labor unions, mining workers, transportation employees, and rural communities demand that President Rodrigo Paz reverse austerity policies and tackle increasing costs of living. Several groups have demanded the president step down, signaling growing opposition to the current administration.
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story faces an extended absence from the field following Thursday’s surgical procedure in Philadelphia to address a sports hernia.
The Red Sox announced the operation on Friday without providing a specific recovery timeline. However, the 33-year-old infielder shared with media members last Saturday that “the basic prognosis is six to 10 weeks, give or take.”
The injury first surfaced during spring training when Story experienced discomfort but continued playing despite the pain. Team officials initially classified the problem as a groin issue until additional medical examinations revealed it was actually a hernia.
Story’s performance this season has reflected his physical struggles, posting a .206 batting average alongside three home runs, 19 RBIs and 57 strikeouts across 41 games. His slugging percentage sits at just .303, significantly lower than his career average of .483.
When discussing his declining statistics on Saturday, Story acknowledged the injury’s impact while taking responsibility. “I hate to (make excuses). I’m not going to be blaming it all on that, but it plays a part, for sure. I think the main thing is getting it right, and I’m not so much worried about what has happened, and I’m more worried about problem-solving it and moving forward with the next steps, whatever that may be,” he said.
Throughout his 11-season career spanning 1,106 games with the Colorado Rockies (2016-21) and Red Sox, Story maintains a .262 batting average with 207 home runs and 655 RBIs. He earned National League All-Star recognition twice during his time with Colorado in 2018 and 2019.
Boston manager Chad Tracy announced Friday that second baseman Marcelo Mayer will transition to shortstop starting Sunday and continue at that position during Story’s recovery period. Nick Sogard took over shortstop duties for Friday’s matchup against the Minnesota Twins.
A U.S. missionary who contracted Ebola is receiving experimental medications designed to combat the virus at a German medical facility, according to American health authorities who spoke Friday.
The rare Bundibugyo variant of Ebola currently spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo has no approved vaccines or established treatments. This outbreak has sickened nearly 750 individuals and claimed 177 lives.
Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declined to reveal the specific medications being administered to the patient, who the Serge Christian mission organization has named as Dr. Peter Stafford, citing medical privacy regulations.
The World Health Organization declared this outbreak a global health emergency and indicated Friday that an experimental antiviral medication called obeldesivir from Gilead Sciences shows potential. WHO estimates vaccine development could require six to nine months.
Thomas Geisbert, an Ebola researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston who contributed to creating Merck’s Ervebo vaccine for Zaire Ebola, has collaborated with Gilead on obeldesivir development.
Geisbert’s team evaluated the Gilead medication against Ebola Zaire and Ebola Sudan strains, along with the related Marburg virus in primate studies, though they haven’t tested it against Bundibugyo.
The medication completely prevented Ebola Sudan infection in test animals and provided 80% to 100% protection against Marburg and Ebola Zaire variants, Geisbert reported to Reuters.
No evidence exists regarding the drug’s effectiveness in patients already showing Ebola symptoms, and it hasn’t been evaluated against the current outbreak’s strain, according to Geisbert.
However, obeldesivir underwent testing in hundreds of COVID patients during advanced clinical trials and demonstrated general safety.
“I think that that’s something that potentially has some utility here,” he said.
Geisbert explained these treatments could serve as temporary measures to control outbreaks while vaccines are being developed.
Gilead representative Ashleigh Koss confirmed the company maintains communication with international and regional health officials, stating that laboratory research suggests obeldesivir should work against this Ebola strain.
An alternative treatment involves an experimental antibody combination designated MBP134, developed by Geisbert alongside Dr. James Crowe from the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center and licensed to San Diego’s Mapp Biopharmaceutical.
Mapp, creator of the ZMAPP antibody treatment used during the 2014-2016 West African Ebola crisis, is partnering with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to provide the treatment for high-risk cases, a U.S. official announced Wednesday.
This antibody mixture, derived from two antibodies found in an Ebola survivor’s blood, aims to combat various Ebola strains including Sudan, Zaire, and Bundibugyo variants.
Geisbert’s research team administered the cocktail to monkeys infected with Bundibugyo, waiting seven days until symptoms appeared before providing the antibody therapy.
“This is mimicking somebody that walks into a clinic,” he explained. “We were able to protect five or six of those from lethal disease, so that was pretty convincing,” he noted, expressing confidence in the product’s potential against Bundibugyo.
Mapp confirmed its collaboration with WHO and other agencies responding to the Congo outbreak. Company president Larry Zeitlin stated via email that he couldn’t reveal whether Americans in Europe are receiving this therapy.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re wrapping up Friday with steady rain moving across the peninsula, and this wet pattern isn’t going anywhere just yet.
Tonight, expect light rain to continue with temperatures holding steady around 50 degrees. We’ve got an east wind picking up at 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, so you might hear some blustery conditions outside your window. The good news? Rainfall amounts will stay light – less than a tenth of an inch expected.
Saturday brings more of the same with rain continuing and temperatures climbing to a more comfortable 60 degrees. The wet weather persists into Saturday night with lows around 56.
Looking ahead to Sunday, things get more interesting as temperatures jump to 74 degrees, but we’re tracking the possibility of showers transitioning to thunderstorms. It’s shaping up to be a soggy but mild weekend across Delmarva.
Keep those umbrellas handy and drive safely on wet roads. We’ll keep you updated as conditions develop. Stay dry out there, Delmarva!
Drivers on southbound I-295 are facing lengthy delays this morning as heavy congestion creates a 10 to 15 minute backup between Landers Lane and the Churchmans Marsh area.
The traffic slowdown is impacting the southbound lanes of the interstate, with vehicles moving at reduced speeds through the affected stretch.
Motorists planning to travel through this corridor should allow extra time for their commute and consider alternate routes if possible.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — May 22, 2026
DELMARVA — Soybeans and corn finished the day strong ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, with soybean prices climbing on short covering and technical buying. Commodity traders say crop planting and growing conditions look generally positive across farming regions, though markets continue watching for potential new Chinese purchasing activity.
Insurance
Farmer sign-ups for supplemental crop insurance have surged across Delmarva. A University of Delaware farm business specialist reports that participation in enhanced coverage programs jumped from just 170 policies last year to 1,440 policies this year.
That increase came after Congress boosted federal premium subsidies from 65% to 80% last July, cutting what farmers pay by about 43%. 1 Maryland grower cultivating nearly 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans called it simple mathematics, saying the program added a lot more coverage for not as much premium.
Pest Outlook
Late planting caused by dry weather may bring heavier insect pressure to soybean fields this season. An agricultural specialist says delayed planting creates a cycle where pest insects establish multiple breeding cycles, potentially leading to larger populations targeting soybeans as other crops dwindle.
Markets
Corn at Laurel Grain Company is bringing $5.02 a bushel for December delivery. Soybeans there are $11.38 for November.
Forecast
Expect rain through tomorrow with temperatures in the low 60s. Rain continues through the Memorial Day weekend with highs reaching the low 70s.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, May 22, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Delaware State Police’s Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (SOAR) has released public alerts regarding sex offenders who are wanted or currently without permanent housing.
Authorities are actively searching for several sex offenders who have failed to comply with registration requirements or update their current addresses. Among those being sought are Christopher Gartner-Hunter and Bruce Chandler.
Anyone with information about the location of these wanted individuals is urged to contact authorities at (302) 739-5882. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Police emphasize that the individuals highlighted in this alert represent just a fraction of those currently being sought. The complete list of wanted sex offenders can be found on the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website.
Additionally, SOAR has issued notifications about sex offenders who are currently homeless but are not wanted for registration violations. These individuals include Quentrae Carroll, Robert Cooper, Kevin Woods, and Moises Torres-Paddilla.
While these homeless individuals are not considered wanted, police ask the public to report any information if they believe these people are residing at a specific address. The same contact numbers apply for reporting this information.
Officials note that those listed as homeless represent only recently reported cases and make up a small portion of the total number of homeless sex offenders tracked by the registry. The full homeless sex offender list is available on the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website.
A federal judge has thrown out criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man, citing concerns about prosecutorial misconduct.
U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw determined that the Justice Department engaged in vindictive prosecution against Garcia, leading to the dismissal of the criminal case.
The ruling represents a significant legal victory for Garcia, who had previously attended a rally and prayer vigil before reporting to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Baltimore, Maryland in August 2025.
Democratic National Committee leadership is struggling to move forward following yesterday’s problematic release of their 2024 election analysis, while party chairman Ken Martin confronts growing demands for his resignation from fellow Democrats.
Martin, who leads the national committee, is receiving pressure from lawmakers and party operatives who believe he poorly handled a document meant to serve as a thorough review of the party’s shortcomings and potential blueprint moving forward. The chairman held the report back for several months, creating speculation about what it contained, before finally making it public this week while simultaneously declaring it too defective to provide value.
“There doesn’t seem to be a plan to turn things around and the clock is ticking. November is literally around the corner,” Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, told Semafor. “I believe it’s time for him to move on.”
“He should resign,” Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said to Axios.
And in a radio interview, Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc., said he agreed with a caller saying Martin should be replaced.
Despite the criticism, Martin retains backing from numerous state party officials who have received consistent financial support from the national organization since his appointment. During a Thursday discussion with committee staff members, Martin expressed regret for his management of the analysis and stated his commitment to remaining in his leadership role.
“This was a major mistake. I own it, and now it’s time for us to move forward at the DNC, and I hope that you’ll move forward with me,” Martin said, according to a person with knowledge of the call who was not authorized to disclose a private conversation.
Martin, who was relatively unknown as a Minnesota political operative before ascending to lead the national party’s official political apparatus last year, has previously drawn criticism for poor fundraising performance and his inability to build confidence among the party’s diverse membership.
However, there was no sign that a serious alternative was emerging. The Associated Press contacted a half dozen Democratic presidential prospects to gauge their support for Martin and all of them declined to weigh in.
The internal party conflict creates a significant distraction for Democrats who appear to be gaining political traction in their effort to challenge President Donald Trump’s control over Washington. The party aims to recapture control of both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate during November’s midterm contests, with Republicans potentially at risk due to Trump’s poor approval numbers, public dissatisfaction regarding the conflict in Iran, and ongoing economic concerns.
Martin’s supporters nationwide criticized Democrats who are contributing to the election-year turmoil, characterizing them as disgruntled consultants and backers of Martin’s former competitors for committee leadership.
Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna RePass described calls for the first-term chair to step down as “ridiculous and dangerous.”
“It is dangerous for Democrats to be playing politics with our leadership when these elections are five and a half months away,” she said. “The American people are counting on us.”
Janet Kleeb of Nebraska, who leads her state party and the DNC’s association of state committees, said the fighting “is nuts.”
“I haven’t had a single chair come to me saying I think Ken needs to resign,” she said. “Ken was elected by the DNC members to do a four-year term, and he has not violated any of our rules or bylaws where there would be a two-thirds vote, right? Because that’s what it would take to remove the chair.”
Kleeb added, “These reports are such distraction.”
The much-anticipated post-election analysis concluded that Kamala Harris “wrote off rural America” during the 2024 presidential campaign and failed to attack Trump with sufficient “negative firepower,” among other key findings.
Martin distributed the 192-page document only after experiencing significant internal pressure from party operatives. He had initially promised to make the analysis public before assuming committee leadership last year, but chose to withhold it due to concerns it would disrupt Democrats’ concentration on the November midterm elections.
“I didn’t want to create a distraction,” Martin wrote on Substack. “Ironically, in doing so, I ended up creating an even bigger distraction. And for that, I sincerely apologize.”
While the analysis criticizes Democrats’ emphasis on “identity politics,” it avoids addressing some of the most contentious aspects of the 2024 campaign. The document fails to examine former President Joe Biden’s decision to seek reelection, the hurried process of selecting Harris as his replacement after he withdrew, or the party’s bitter disagreement over the war in Gaza.
A former Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist plans to petition the U.S. Supreme Court following a federal appeals court decision that brings the government closer to removing him from the country, according to his legal representatives.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia rejected a request for a full court review by a narrow 6-5 margin on Friday. Earlier this year in January, a three-judge panel from the same circuit determined that a New Jersey federal judge lacked authority when he sided with Mahmoud Khalil and ordered his release from immigration custody last year.
Legal representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union, who are part of Khalil’s defense team, announced they will seek an emergency order from the 3rd Circuit to halt enforcement of the ruling and prevent Khalil’s detention or removal while pursuing Supreme Court review.
The high court petition is anticipated within the coming months, potentially by late summer.
“Today’s decision is not the final word, and we still strongly believe in our arguments going forward,” stated ACLU senior counsel Brett Max Kaufman.
The January appeals court ruling determined that Khalil’s legal challenge to his detention and subsequent federal court decisions were filed too early, as federal law mandates such disputes must first proceed through the immigration court system under the Justice Department rather than the judicial branch.
The ruling did not address the central constitutional question in Khalil’s situation: whether the Trump administration’s attempt to remove him based on his campus activism and criticism of Israel violates constitutional protections.
Judge Cheryl Ann Krause, who supported the court’s review of the decision, criticized the majority in her dissent, writing that the court was “abdicating our duty to meaningfully review Khalil’s constitutional claims.” She argued the Judicial Branch cannot serve as a proper check on other government branches “if we write ourselves out of relevance and leave the Executive Branch to check itself.”
The 31-year-old Khalil has simultaneously appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana, where he was held in custody, challenging the Board of Immigration Appeals’ decision to uphold his removal order.
Khalil’s legal team contends the immigration judge failed to properly evaluate relevant evidence and incorrectly upheld allegations that he provided false information on his permanent resident application. His attorneys maintain this charge was filed as retaliation for his protest activities.
The immigration court suggested Khalil could be sent to Algeria, where he holds citizenship through a distant family connection, or Syria, his birthplace in a refugee camp to Palestinian parents. His legal team warns he would face life-threatening dangers if returned to either location.
As a prominent voice in Columbia’s pro-Palestinian movement, Khalil was taken into custody in March 2025 and subsequently held for three months at a Louisiana immigration facility, causing him to miss his child’s birth.
Government officials have alleged Khalil led activities “aligned to Hamas,” though they have not provided supporting evidence and have not filed criminal charges. They also claim he omitted required information from his green card application.
Khalil has rejected these accusations as “baseless and ridiculous,” describing his arrest and detention as a “direct consequence of exercising my right to free speech as I advocated for a free Palestine and an end to the genocide in Gaza.”
The government based the arrest on a rarely invoked law permitting removal of non-citizens whose beliefs are considered threatening to U.S. foreign policy objectives. In June 2025, Judge Michael Farbiarz determined this justification would likely be found unconstitutional and ordered Khalil’s release.
The Trump administration challenged that decision, maintaining that deportation matters should be decided by immigration judges rather than federal courts. The 3rd Circuit sided with the administration in a 2-1 ruling.
Judge Emil Bove, who previously investigated student protesters as a senior Justice Department official, did not take part in the 3rd Circuit’s vote on whether to review the case. He subsequently denied a motion from Khalil’s lawyers requesting his recusal, declaring the request moot.
Federal tax authorities are contemplating whether to mandate that taxpayers reveal their citizenship status on upcoming tax documents, three sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Friday.
Officials at the Internal Revenue Service are reviewing two different versions of the standard Form 1040 that individuals use to report income and request tax benefits, according to the sources who requested anonymity due to concerns about workplace consequences.
One version features routine modifications reflecting updated tax regulations. The alternative includes these same changes plus an additional checkbox stating: “Check this box if you are a non-U.S. citizen or have dual citizenship.”
Treasury Department spokespeople, who oversee the IRS, refused to provide comment on Friday regarding the potential changes.
All immigrants, including those without legal documentation, must file annual tax returns using identical IRS paperwork as citizens. Filing taxes has historically served as an important pathway for undocumented individuals seeking to achieve legal immigration status.
Throughout 2025, the Treasury Department and Department of Homeland Security worked to establish data-sharing agreements, providing confidential taxpayer information to immigration authorities supporting the administration’s removal operations.
A federal court judge issued an order in November preventing the IRS from releasing such information, though the federal government has challenged this decision on appeal. In February, the IRS acknowledged to the court that it had mistakenly provided DHS with confidential data belonging to over 42,000 taxpayers.
WASHINGTON, May 22 – Two senior House Democrats sent a letter Friday demanding Secretary of State Marco Rubio provide answers about whether his top aide assisted in fast-tracking a visa that enabled a fugitive former Polish Cabinet official to escape to America from Hungary, dodging Poland’s extradition efforts.
“These events and decisions constitute a massive abuse of power and disregard for the legal immigration processes of the United States,” Representatives Gregory Meeks and James Raskin stated in their letter to Rubio, which Reuters obtained.
Both lawmakers hold ranking Democratic positions on the House foreign relations and judiciary panels.
The visa approval amounts to “an unprecedented level of interference in the domestic politics and judicial systems of two longstanding U.S. treaty allies,” the representatives stated, referencing Poland and Hungary, which are both NATO partners.
The Democrats’ correspondence referenced a Monday Reuters investigation revealing that Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau instructed high-ranking State Department personnel to process and fast-track a U.S. visa for former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro.
Polish authorities seek Ziobro on 26 criminal counts primarily connected to his purported mishandling of funds from a crime victims program. Ziobro maintains his innocence, claiming he faces a politically driven prosecution by Poland’s current pro-European Union governing alliance.
Neither the State Department nor White House provided immediate responses to comment requests.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s administration states it plans to prosecute Ziobro and that legal officials have drafted an extradition petition to the United States.
Ziobro escaped to Hungary in January and obtained refuge under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Warsaw anticipated that Orban’s electoral loss to pro-EU challenger Peter Magyar in April would result in Ziobro’s return to Poland. Magyar had pledged to extradite him immediately upon taking office.
However, Landau instructed senior personnel within the State Department’s Consular Affairs Bureau in Washington to direct the U.S. embassy in Budapest to provide Ziobro with a visa, according to three sources, with one indicating it was a journalist visa.
Ziobro obtained his visa before Magyar’s May 9 inauguration and, per Polish prosecutors, journeyed to Italy before reaching the U.S. using a refugee document since his Polish passport had been canceled.
In their correspondence, Meeks and Raskin highlighted that Ziobro could face up to 25 years imprisonment if found guilty on his charges, which include accusations he utilized crime victims compensation money to purchase surveillance software for targeting political opponents.
The legislators warned that approving Ziobro’s visa risked “invite a significant diplomatic crisis” with Poland. They insisted the Trump administration honor any extradition demands from Warsaw.
They requested Rubio provide written responses to questions regarding the matter and conduct an in-person briefing for their committees by June 21.
Their inquiries included whether U.S. President Donald Trump or his staff participated in authorizing Ziobro’s visa and the legal basis for its approval.
The duo also requested all documentation and correspondence involving Landau, the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the U.S. embassies in Warsaw and Budapest, and any materials concerning potential involvement by Tom Rose, the U.S. ambassador to Poland.
Lantheus Holdings is considering a possible sale following a takeover proposal from Curium Pharma that puts the company’s value at approximately $7 billion, according to a Bloomberg News report published Friday citing sources with knowledge of the situation.
According to the report, both companies have been engaged in talks regarding a possible transaction that could be finalized within weeks, though sources noted that no definitive agreement has been reached and negotiations may not lead to a completed deal.
The report indicated that Curium received a valuation of roughly $7 billion in the previous year when CapVest Partners, the company’s owner, secured funding for a continuation vehicle for the nuclear medicine business.
Neither Lantheus nor Curium provided immediate responses to requests for comment from Reuters.
The radiopharmaceutical company’s stock declined almost 2% during after-hours trading. The shares have climbed 54.8% year-to-date, bringing the company’s market value to approximately $6.15 billion.
MONTREAL, May 22 – Red Bull’s team leader Laurent Mekies maintained his position that Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will move to McLaren as team principal, even as current principal Andrea Stella insisted he would remain in his role.
Mekies initially made this claim during the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, prompting McLaren Chief Executive Zak Brown to respond that the Frenchman apparently “knows something I don’t.”
“Look, it’s certainly my understanding that GP (Lambiase) is going to McLaren to become a team principal,” Mekies stated during an FIA news conference at the Canadian Grand Prix on Friday, with Stella present when questioned about the matter again.
“That’s what I told you at the time (in Miami).”
“Obviously we had a number of conversations before he was going to make that decision. Now, don’t ask me if it’s going to happen. The timing of it is none of my business. I can just tell you the content of our conversations.”
McLaren revealed Lambiase’s transfer in April, setting his arrival for no later than 2028 when his current contract expires.
The team also stated he would take on the position of Chief Racing Officer, working in a support capacity alongside Stella.
Stella, leading a team that has captured two straight constructors’ championships and Lando Norris’s drivers’ title last season, has faced media rumors linking him to Ferrari, while speculation surrounds their Australian driver Oscar Piastri potentially moving to Red Bull.
Questions have also emerged about whether four-time world champion Verstappen might follow Lambiase to McLaren, though Mekies expressed no concern about this possibility.
Stella dismissed the various rumors on Friday, with the Italian affirming his complete dedication to McLaren, noting Piastri’s contentment and suggesting the ‘Silly Season’ had begun early.
“For us, it’s important to employ the best talents in Formula One because Zak and I want to build the strongest team,” he continued.
“I have been part of the Ferrari team in the early 2000s, and I know what level of seniority, expertise, leadership you need to be successful in the present and in the future.
“And employing GP is part of this vision … of creating additive leadership that can integrate with the present leadership and create a stronger and stronger team at McLaren.
“I very strongly wanted GP to join McLaren. I am personally very stretched in my role as team principal, and I need a strong group of leaders working with me. So, I think the plan is very clear. Any other speculation leads us back to the silly season.”
The New York Mets promoted right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, while simultaneously releasing veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to make room on the roster.
Tong, who is 22 years old, holds the distinction of being the organization’s second-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The team brought him up just before beginning a three-game series against the Miami Marlins.
Selected by the Mets in the seventh round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Tong made his major league debut during the previous season, where he compiled a 2-3 record with a 7.71 ERA across five starting assignments.
The organization may deploy the Canadian pitcher in a bulk relief role on Friday following Tobias Myers’ start in the opening game.
This season, Tong has been among the minor league leaders in strikeouts, entering Friday tied for sixth place with 55 strikeouts. Last season, he led all minor leaguers with 179 strikeouts. Through nine starts with Syracuse this year, he holds a 1-3 record and 5.68 ERA.
Meanwhile, Kimbrel, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on Thursday, struggled in his time with the Mets after signing a minor-league contract in January, posting a 6.00 ERA across 14 appearances.
The veteran reliever sits fifth on the all-time saves list with 440 career saves. During his peak years with the Atlanta Braves, he topped the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons beginning with his Rookie of the Year season in 2011.
Kimbrel achieved 39 saves with the San Diego Padres in 2015 and notched more than 30 saves in three consecutive campaigns with the Boston Red Sox from 2016-18, before his effectiveness began to wane.
Over the last seven seasons, he has played for seven different major league organizations. During the previous season, Kimbrel appeared in 42 minor league contests across the Braves, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros systems, while making only 14 major league appearances – 13 with Houston and one with Atlanta.
Throughout his career, Kimbrel has compiled a 56-50 record with a 2.65 ERA over 865 relief appearances.
A culture of volunteerism and community support continues to thrive in a Missouri town fifteen years after a devastating tornado brought widespread destruction to the area.
The powerful storm caused extensive damage throughout Joplin, Mo., destroying large portions of the community. In the disaster’s wake, close to 100,000 volunteers arrived to assist with reconstruction efforts.
That remarkable outpouring of support has left a lasting impact on the community, with the volunteer spirit that emerged during the recovery period continuing to shape how residents approach community service today.
Two separate Memorial Day observances have been organized by Delaware’s veterans organizations for this year’s commemoration.
The Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs (DDVA) working alongside the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA) will present ceremonies on different dates to honor fallen service members.
The initial observance is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. The Delaware Veterans Memorial Ceremony will serve as the venue for this event, located in Bear, Delaware.
Details regarding the second planned ceremony have not yet been released by the organizing veterans groups.
WASHINGTON — A group of President Donald Trump’s opponents filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to halt distributions from a newly established $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund designed to compensate Trump supporters who claim they were targeted by government persecution.
The legal challenge intensifies growing opposition to the Trump administration’s establishment of the settlement fund, which emerged from the Republican president’s legal dispute with the Internal Revenue Service concerning the disclosure of his tax documents.
Lawyers representing the challengers from Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy organization, are requesting judicial intervention to stop the fund’s operation and block the Trump administration from making any payments through the program.
The group bringing the lawsuit includes a dismissed prosecutor and a college professor who was cleared of charges related to allegedly attacking federal agents during a demonstration.
Additionally, two law enforcement officers who participated in defending the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 assault filed their own legal action this week aimed at preventing Capitol riot participants from accessing settlement payments.
When questioned during Tuesday’s congressional testimony, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to exclude the possibility that individuals who attacked police officers on January 6 might qualify for compensation from the settlement fund.
Federal immigration officials have no active agreements or connections with surveillance software company Paragon Solutions, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The agency clarified that Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains no existing contracts or business relationships with the spyware manufacturer.
Despite this denial, ongoing concerns remain about whether ICE utilizes commercial surveillance technology in its operations.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The current White House approach toward Cuba mirrors the tactics used against Venezuela: petroleum sanctions, increased American naval presence, criminal indictments and ongoing intervention warnings.
However, analysts caution that identical pressure strategies don’t guarantee identical outcomes, despite President Donald Trump frequently stating that “Cuba is next.”
“President Trump viewed the Venezuelan intervention as a fantastic success,” said Brian Finucane, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group and a former State Department lawyer. “And he’s sought to replicate the Venezuela model elsewhere, including in Iran. But obviously, Cuba, like Iran, is a very different country than Venezuela.”
Should Washington succeed in removing Cuba’s current government, no clear replacement exists who would collaborate with the Trump administration, Finucane noted. This contrasts sharply with Venezuela, where American forces apprehended leader Nicolás Maduro in January, allowing his deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, to assume control with Washington’s backing.
Cuban officials, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization for public statements, assert “there is no Delcy in Cuba.”
Current American military deployment in Caribbean waters remains significantly smaller and less intimidating compared to the extensive naval buildup preceding Maduro’s removal, Finucane observed. Additionally, prosecuting 94-year-old former Cuban leader Raúl Castro carries less weight than charging Venezuela’s active president with narcotics crimes to justify his detention.
The following outlines key parallels and contrasts between Washington’s pressure strategies targeting Venezuela and Cuba:
Following his established pattern, Trump established groundwork for American involvement in Venezuela — and potentially Cuba — through escalating warnings months ahead of any military intervention.
The president has cautioned Caribbean nation leaders to comply or confront American military power. Prior to the bold operation that removed Maduro from office, Trump appeared alongside senior national security officials in Florida, delivering what became his final public warning to the authoritarian ruler.
“If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’ll ever be able to play tough,” Trump declared in December. Following Maduro’s transport to America for prosecution, Trump redirected attention toward regional targets, particularly Cuba.
“Cuba is ready to fall. Cuba looks like it’s ready to fall. I don’t know if they’re going to hold out,” he informed reporters on Jan. 5.
Trump proceeded to threaten trade penalties against nations selling or providing petroleum to Cuba, suggesting America might have “the honor of taking Cuba” after military actions in Venezuela and Iran.
Thursday brought renewed warnings, with Trump labeling Cuba “a failed country.”
“Other presidents have looked at this for 50, 60 years, doing something,” Trump stated. “And, it looks like I’ll be the one that does it.”
American petroleum sanctions targeting Cuba and Venezuela aim for identical outcomes: applying severe pressure on governing authorities through completely opposite approaches.
Regarding Venezuela, the administration focused on blocking the nation’s oil sales to deprive Maduro’s regime of income. Post-Maduro, efforts shifted toward preventing Venezuela from shipping oil to specific nations — especially Cuba, which provided no monetary compensation — while demanding compliance with American terms for such exports.
Most Venezuelan crude now flows through American refineries.
Cuba faces restrictions on oil imports, though Washington has permitted limited shipments to reach the island nation, which recently announced depleted reserves. These petroleum sanctions, expanding the decades-old American trade embargo, have severely hampered the government’s ability to supply electricity and fuel to citizens.
Such measures risk going too far, Finucane warned, potentially driving many Cubans to attempt the 90-mile journey to Florida in improvised vessels, similar to 1990s exodus patterns.
“President Trump especially cares about immigration. And if they push too hard on Cuba and destabilize the island, there’s the possibility of some kind of a refugee crisis,” he explained.
Federal prosecutors charged Maduro with narco-terrorism conspiracy and additional counts during Trump’s initial presidency in 2020.
These charges justified Maduro’s capture, leading to his current detention in New York where he awaits trial after entering not guilty pleas. This action transformed Venezuela’s relationship with America, permitting previously banned Venezuelan oil sales to American companies and international markets — a dramatic reversal after years of blocked government and petroleum sector dealings.
The indictment targeting Castro for the 1996 destruction of civilian aircraft operated by Miami-based exiles represents another escalation step in the administration’s pressure strategy, according to William LeoGrande, an American University professor specializing in Latin American politics.
However, he noted that apprehending Castro on murder and aircraft destruction charges wouldn’t alter Cuban government operations.
Castro “still has influence and the leadership seeks his opinion on major decisions, but he is not running the government on a day-to-day basis,” LeoGrande explained.
Months before Maduro’s capture, Washington deployed naval vessels near Venezuelan waters in what became the largest Latin American military buildup in decades.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, America’s most sophisticated warship, was redirected from European operations to participate. Three amphibious assault vessels transported Marine expeditionary forces along with helicopters and Osprey aircraft.
American forces spent months targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in Caribbean and eastern Pacific waters — operations that continue — while fighter aircraft conducted flights over the Gulf of Venezuela.
Maduro’s actual capture involved over 150 aircraft deployed throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Current Caribbean Sea military presence remains smaller, including two amphibious assault ships carrying Marines. Officials highlighted the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier’s arrival with accompanying vessels coinciding with this week’s Castro charges announcement.
However, the Nimitz is conducting final regional maritime exercises before decommissioning.
“They’re very different situations, and it’s very difficult to see similar outcomes,” Finucane concluded. “A snatch-and-grab raid against Raúl Castro or someone who’s actually in a leadership position doesn’t seem like it’s going to have the same outcome in Cuba as in Venezuela.”
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from both political parties are confronting the Department of Defense over stalled distribution of $600 million in military assistance for Ukraine and eastern European partners, sending correspondence to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday demanding immediate release of the funds.
Tensions have escalated between Capitol Hill and the current administration in recent weeks as members of Congress seek answers about the status of $400 million designated for Ukraine and an additional $200 million earmarked for defense initiatives in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Congress approved this funding during the previous year. Even members of the president’s own party have expressed dissatisfaction as President Donald Trump’s administration distances itself from Ukraine and European partnerships.
“Ukraine has persistently and bravely repelled a four-year Russian onslaught, but its military needs and deserves continued American support,” said Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley in the joint letter.
Republican Sens. Kevin Cramer and Thom Tillis and Democratic Sens. Michael Bennet and Catherine Cortez Masto also signed onto the letter.
More than three weeks ago during congressional testimony, Hegseth informed legislators that the Ukraine assistance had been “released” and promised a distribution plan would be forwarded to lawmakers shortly. However, the senators indicate the Pentagon has not delivered on its commitment to provide that plan by the May 15 deadline.
“Any further delays — particularly as the Department reportedly plans troubling U.S. troops withdrawals from the region — risks our ability to adequately deter Russia,” the senators said.
This correspondence represents another indication of Senate Republican dissatisfaction with the current administration following a week where the president backed a primary opponent against Texas Sen. John Cornyn, creating widespread anger.
Through social media exchanges with the president on Friday, Tillis criticized Trump’s advisors for policies he claims are damaging the party politically, including, “Firing our very best generals and not holding Putin accountable for his systematic kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder of Ukrainian civilians.”
Multiple party members have also questioned Hegseth’s decision to dismiss Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George last month. George had advocated for restructuring Army combat tactics to include drone technology and had collaborated with Ukrainian forces to gain battlefield insights.
In the House, a proposal backed by opposition party members to implement comprehensive Russian sanctions and provide $1 billion in military support to Ukraine has gained traction. Although this aid package faces slim chances of becoming law, it’s contributing to renewed congressional momentum for backing Ukraine’s defense efforts.
The $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine represents a modest amount compared to the multi-billion dollar packages that Congress initially authorized in the months and years following Russia’s invasion, but for lawmakers, this provision has become symbolic of their ongoing commitment.
A traffic incident has resulted in lane restrictions on a major roadway, according to transportation officials.
The right lane of southbound Route 1 at Exit 95 is currently blocked following a vehicle collision. The closure is affecting traffic flow in the area as emergency responders and cleanup crews work at the scene.
Drivers traveling through this corridor should anticipate potential delays and may want to consider alternative routes until the roadway is fully reopened.
New Castle County police are working to piece together the details of a crash between a vehicle and pedestrian that occurred Thursday in the 3900 block of Old Capital Trail.
The collision has prompted authorities with the New Castle County Division of Police to shut down traffic along Old Capital Trail from Gray Avenue to Highland Avenue while the investigation continues.
Drivers planning to travel through the area are being urged to find alternative routes and stay away from the closure zone until further notice.
The condition of the pedestrian and additional details about the circumstances of the crash have not yet been released by police.
CONCORD, N.C. — Emergency dispatch recordings obtained Friday by The Associated Press reveal NASCAR star Kyle Busch suffered breathing problems, felt overheated, and was coughing up blood on the day prior to his passing.
The 41-year-old racing champion died Thursday. While no official cause of death has been announced, his family previously disclosed he had been receiving hospital treatment for a “severe illness” just three days ahead of his planned participation in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Sources with knowledge of the incident, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of undisclosed details, told the AP that Busch collapsed while working in a Chevrolet racing simulator facility in Concord on Wednesday and was rushed to a Charlotte-area hospital.
The emergency call, made that Wednesday afternoon from the General Motors training center, captured an unidentified person calmly reporting to dispatchers: “I’ve got an individual that’s (got) shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out, and is producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.”
Audio released by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office shows the caller described finding Busch on a restroom floor within the facility, noting “He is awake.” The caller provided location details for emergency crews and requested they arrive without sirens.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell has scheduled a press conference for later Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Busch’s sudden passing has devastated the racing community during one of motorsports’ most significant weekends, coinciding with the Indianapolis 500.
Thursday evening’s NHL conference final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens began with a moment of silence honoring the driver.
Vice President JD Vance posted on social media: “I had the opportunity to meet Kyle, one of NASCAR’s greatest racers, on the campaign trail in 2024. Usha and I are praying for him and his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
Richard Childress Racing, Busch’s team for the past four seasons, announced they will retire his No. 8 Cup Series car and switch to No. 33 starting with Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 race.
The team stated the No. 8 will remain available exclusively for Busch’s son, Brexton, when he begins his NASCAR career.
At 11 years old, Brexton Busch has already gained recognition for his racing abilities.
“Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for fans and the NASCAR community,” RCR posted on X. “No one can carry it forward to the level that he did.”
Overcast conditions and unusually cool temperatures created a somber atmosphere at the track Friday, complementing the memorial tribute to Busch displayed on the venue’s video screen.
Driver Christopher Bell plans to compete in Friday night’s NASCAR Trucks Series event, a race Busch was originally scheduled to enter.
Busch claimed victory in last week’s Trucks competition at Dover — his final career triumph — bringing his total wins across NASCAR’s three national divisions to 234, more than any other driver in history.
His most recent Cup Series performance was a 17th-place finish in Sunday’s All-Star race.
“It’s going to be very strange to be out there without Kyle in the field,” Bell said. “It’s going to take a long time before things feel back to normal.”
Bell described Busch’s death as creating a “gutwrenching feeling.”
He recalled speaking with Busch before the recent Trucks Series race, saying he appeared “normal, like completely normal.”
Just Monday, Busch shared a birthday celebration post for his son Brexton on Instagram, writing “Your mom & I are so proud who you’re turning out to be!”
The father and son had spent Tuesday evening in Durham, North Carolina, attending the launch of a go-kart facility with the Andretti family.
“I guess it is a very stark reminder of how fragile life can be,” Bell reflected.
A massive $7.25 billion settlement agreement intended to resolve thousands of cancer-related claims against the manufacturer of Roundup weed killer may face significant delays due to ongoing legal challenges.
Legal counsel opposing the settlement submitted documents on Friday seeking to transfer the proceedings from Missouri state court to federal jurisdiction, potentially disrupting the June 4 deadline for individuals to withdraw from the settlement agreement. This jurisdictional dispute over which court should oversee the proposed resolution may interfere with established timelines and postpone any final decision on approval.
This legal maneuvering occurs while the U.S. Supreme Court considers a separate case that might prevent thousands of state court lawsuits against Bayer, the agrochemical company that obtained Roundup through its 2018 purchase of Missouri-headquartered Monsanto. Bayer argues that state-level claims alleging inadequate cancer risk warnings should be prohibited since the company complied with federal labeling requirements that don’t mandate such warnings.
The German-based corporation also challenges claims that glyphosate, Roundup’s primary active component, causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that the substance is unlikely to cause cancer in humans when used according to instructions. However, plaintiffs reference a 2015 determination by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, which designated the chemical as “probably carcinogenic.”
The Supreme Court case represents John Durnell, who claims he developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma following more than two decades of applying Roundup in a St. Louis community garden. While Durnell isn’t included in the proposed class-action settlement, his lawyer, Ashley Keller, submitted objections withdrawing several other clients from the settlement before also filing documentation to transfer the settlement case to federal jurisdiction.
“This is a huge settlement that is extinguishing the rights of tens of thousands of cancer victims,” Keller stated on Friday. “It was rushed in to state court.”
The federal court transfer attempt will likely encounter resistance.
Christopher Seeger, the attorney designated as a potential claimants’ representative in the settlement, criticized the court transfer as “a baseless delay tactic that should be promptly denied.”
Bayer issued a statement calling the move one that “has no merit,” and indicated it would work to maintain the proceedings in state court.
The proposed nationwide settlement was submitted in February to St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri. The agreement aims to resolve most current Roundup litigation, plus any future cases filed by individuals exposed to Roundup in coming years. However, Bayer maintains the option to withdraw from the settlement if too many claimants choose to opt out.
A settlement hearing is set for July 9 in state court. The Supreme Court is anticipated to render its decision in Durnell’s case before the end of June.
Under the proposed settlement terms, Bayer would contribute annual payments to a designated fund for up to 21 years, reaching a maximum of $7.25 billion. Individual compensation amounts would differ based on Roundup usage patterns, age at diagnosis, and the severity of their non-Hodgkin lymphoma condition.
Agricultural, industrial, or turf workers with extensive Roundup exposure would receive approximately $165,000 if diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease before age 60, based on the proposed settlement structure. However, those diagnosed at 78 years or older would receive approximately $10,000.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A federal court has dismissed human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia on Friday, after his wrongful deportation became a flashpoint in immigration policy debates during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Garcia’s removal to El Salvador last year created significant problems for Trump administration officials when courts ordered his return to the United States. Garcia argued that both when the criminal charges were filed and inflammatory public comments made by senior Trump officials proved the case against him was retaliatory.
From Nashville, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw approved Garcia’s request to dismiss the case due to “selective or vindictive prosecution.”
The decision represented a significant criticism of a Justice Department that faced repeated allegations under President Donald Trump of pursuing defendants for political reasons. The Trump administration highlighted the charges against Garcia during a news conference last year where then-Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “This is what American justice looks like.”
“Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a victim of a politicized, vindictive White House and its lawyers at what used to be an independent Justice Department,” Garcia’s defense team said following Friday’s decision. “We are so pleased that he is a free man.”
The Justice Department promised to challenge the ruling, describing the judge’s decision as “wrong and dangerous.”
Crenshaw noted that without Garcia’s “successful lawsuit challenging his removal to El Salvador, the government would not have brought this prosecution,” while rejecting government claims of “new evidence” against him.
While Crenshaw didn’t conclude the government demonstrated “actual vindictiveness,” a difficult standard typically requiring evidence such as prosecutors admitting charges were filed for revenge, the judge determined sufficient evidence existed for “presumptive vindictiveness.” This included when the indictment was filed, public statements by then-U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and continued oversight by other senior Justice Department officials that thoroughly compromised the case against Garcia.
Crenshaw found the government’s explanations unconvincing.
Garcia faced charges of human smuggling and conspiracy to commit human smuggling, with federal prosecutors alleging he received payment to transport individuals who were illegally present in the United States.
The accusations originated from a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop for speeding. Body camera video from a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer captured a peaceful interaction with Garcia. Nine passengers were in the vehicle, and officers privately discussed potential smuggling concerns. Ultimately, Garcia was permitted to leave with just a warning.
In Friday’s decision, Crenshaw emphasized that when the charges were filed was key to presuming vindictiveness. Homeland Security knew about the traffic incident for two years and had concluded the case against Garcia when they deported him. After the U.S. Supreme Court determined he should return to the U.S., they revived the case. Though the government needed to counter the vindictiveness presumption, prosecutors failed to call the person who reopened the case to testify about their reasoning, providing only “secondhand testimony” instead.
Garcia’s deportation violated a 2019 immigration court ruling that protected him from removal to his native country, after the judge determined he faced threats there from a gang targeting his family. Garcia is a Salvadoran national with an American spouse and child who resided in Maryland for years despite entering the U.S. illegally as a minor. The 2019 ruling permitted him to live and work in the U.S. under Immigration and Customs Enforcement monitoring, though he didn’t receive permanent residency.
Current Trump administration officials have stated Garcia cannot stay in the U.S. They have pledged to remove him to a third nation, most recently Liberia.
WASHINGTON, May 22 – Two federal banking agencies have given their approval to emergency shutdown blueprints submitted by America’s biggest financial institutions, outlining procedures for safely dissolving operations during bankruptcy proceedings.
The Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation found no deficiencies in these emergency plans, known as “living wills,” from the country’s 8 biggest banks and 56 foreign banking organizations. On Friday, the regulatory agencies also revealed that previously identified problems in submissions from Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup have been properly resolved. These four institutions had received criticism from regulators in 2024 for failing to demonstrate adequate methods for safely dismantling their derivatives portfolios during potential bankruptcy scenarios.
A recently obtained 911 emergency call reveals that NASCAR champion Kyle Busch was suffering from severe breathing problems and coughing up blood just 24 hours before his passing, according to USA Today reports released Friday.
The racing legend, who claimed two NASCAR Cup Series championships and is regarded as among the sport’s greatest competitors, passed away Thursday at the age of 41.
His death was confirmed by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR officials, coming just hours after they had announced his hospitalization earlier in the week and his absence from Sunday’s upcoming Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The emergency call originated Wednesday from a General Motors facility located in Concord, N.C.
During the 911 call, an unidentified male caller described finding Busch collapsed on a bathroom floor in severe distress. The caller specifically requested that emergency vehicles arrive without sirens activated.
“I’ve got an individual that’s (experiencing) shortness of breath, very hot and thinks he’s going to pass out and he’s producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood,” the caller told the dispatcher.
Medical personnel transported Busch to a Charlotte-area hospital following the emergency response.
Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of death.
Busch leaves behind his wife Samantha, along with his 11-year-old son Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix. He was the younger sibling of NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, 47.
Throughout his career, Busch accumulated an impressive 234 victories spanning NASCAR’s three premier series: 63 Cup Series wins, 102 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victories, and 69 Craftsman Truck Series triumphs. His most recent victory came at Dover in the trucks division on Friday, just six days prior to his death.
The Las Vegas-born driver captured NASCAR Cup Series titles in both 2015 and 2019. While the Daytona 500 victory eluded him throughout his career, he earned his first pole position for the race this season before completing the event in 15th place.
His most notable victories included the 2008 Southern 500, back-to-back Brickyard 400 wins in 2015 and 2016, and the 2019 Coca-Cola 600.
Two top-level Walmart officials are stepping down in what represents significant organizational changes happening under CEO John Furner, according to reports from May 22.
Tom Ward, who serves as COO of the warehouse chain Sam’s Club, will be retiring from his position by month’s end. Meanwhile, Cedric Clark, who oversees store operations for the retailer’s U.S. business, is also exiting, though his departure has not received an official announcement.
The Wall Street Journal broke this story on Friday.
These executive departures come one day after the retail giant restated its cautious yearly sales and earnings projections.
The company had previously disclosed multiple leadership transitions earlier this year when CEO John Furner assumed control in February, taking over from Doug McMillon.
A federal judge has thrown out criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego, a Salvadoran migrant whose case became a focal point of immigration enforcement efforts during the previous administration.
The judge ruled on Friday that the charges would not have been brought if Abrego had not fought against his removal from the country, effectively dismissing the indictment.
Abrego had entered the country without authorization and later became a high-profile case when he was deported to a large detention facility in El Salvador this past March. His removal occurred despite an existing court directive that prohibited sending him back due to potential persecution risks.
Following a Supreme Court directive requiring the government to bring him back to American soil, Abrego was returned to the United States in June. However, his return came only after federal prosecutors had obtained criminal charges against him for alleged human smuggling activities.
Abrego entered a plea of not guilty to the charges and maintained through his legal team that the prosecution was launched as payback for his lawsuit demanding his return to the United States.
State transportation officials have issued an emergency road closure in New Castle County after infrastructure damage forced the immediate shutdown of a local roadway.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that Lorewood Road has been closed between Ratledge Road and Tami Trail following a significant structural failure.
Transportation crews responded to the scene on Thursday, May 21, 2026, after two large corrugated metal drainage culverts partially gave way beneath Lorewood Road where it crosses over Joy Run.
Department personnel were sent to the location right away to block off the affected area and evaluate the extent of the structural damage to the roadway infrastructure.
Drivers on Route 1 southbound are experiencing traffic backups this morning between US 9 and Camelot Drive.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that congestion in the area is causing delays of approximately 5 to 10 minutes for motorists traveling through this stretch of roadway.
Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes if possible while crews work to clear the congestion.
Weather officials have issued a high surf advisory for coastal areas, effective from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the advisory on May 22 at 3:54 PM EDT, with conditions expected to persist until May 24 at 8:00 AM EDT.
Residents and visitors in affected coastal areas should exercise caution near the water during this period.
Maritime safety advocates successfully extracted 10 derelict boats from Virginia waters during a coordinated three-day cleanup operation that ran from April 14-16. The BoatUS Foundation partnered with Lynnhaven River and TowBoatUS crews from Gwynns Island and Portsmouth to tackle the removal project in Gloucester and Portsmouth areas.
The cleanup represents part of a larger initiative targeting up to 100 abandoned vessels throughout the region. Lynnhaven River NOW spearheaded the collaborative effort, bringing together nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private sector partners to combat the mounting environmental and safety concerns created by derelict boats. The project receives backing from a 2023 grant awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program.
“Abandoned boats don’t just disappear. They become a burden on communities, the environment and local economies,” said Alanna Keating, Director of Outreach at BoatUS Foundation. “By connecting trusted partners, we are addressing the issue of ADVs and making real progress toward cleaner, safer Virginia waterways.”
The extraction of derelict vessels delivers immediate advantages for waterway health and surrounding communities. When left to deteriorate, these boats can discharge fuel into the water, create dangerous obstacles for navigation, and cause lasting harm to marine habitats and coastal areas. Successful removal operations improve safety conditions for boaters, protect natural environments, and prevent long-term ecological damage.
Two TowBoatUS operators handled the challenging removal work: Chris Parker from Gwynns Island and Donald Duck from Portsmouth. Both contractors donated considerable time and equipment while navigating the complexities of extracting vessels in various states of decay.
“Every removal is different, and often more complex than people realize,” Parker said. “Some vessels can be refloated and towed, while others need to be taken apart piece by piece. It takes time and coordination, but the impact on the community and the bay is significant once removed.”
“These boats pose real risks to navigation and safety,” Duck said. “We see how they can break free, damage property, or require emergency response. Prevention through proper insurance and responsible disposal can make a big difference.”
The BoatUS Foundation operates a comprehensive abandoned vessel program that includes the Turning the Tide Summit and maintains a national tracking database for derelict boats across the country.
Several local officials attended the cleanup activities, including Gloucester County Administrator Greg Gentry, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Coastal Zone Manager Jeff Flood, and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover.
Boaters who spot abandoned or deteriorating vessels in waterways are urged to file reports with appropriate authorities.
American tennis star Emma Navarro dominated her compatriot Ann Li with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory on Friday, securing her spot in the championship match of the Internationaux de Strasbourg tournament in France, where she’ll face top-seeded Victoria Mboko.
The American player demonstrated exceptional defensive skills by saving seven out of eight break point opportunities while capitalizing on five of her eight break point chances, wrapping up the WTA 500 clay-court semifinal match in just 77 minutes. Navarro is now pursuing her third professional title and her first victory since capturing the Merida Open championship in Mexico this past March 2025.
Mboko required nearly three hours to secure her finals berth, defeating Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in a grueling 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 battle that lasted two hours and 52 minutes. The 19-year-old Canadian player mounted an impressive comeback after trailing 4-1 and 5-2 in the first set. She’s also chasing her third professional title and first victory since winning the Hong Kong Open last November.
Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem
In Morocco’s capital city of Rabat, sixth-seeded Croatian player Petra Marcinko will square off against unseeded Ukrainian competitor Anhelina Kalinina in Saturday’s final of this tournament.
Marcinko advanced by defeating Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann with scores of 7-6 (2), 6-3 in their semifinal clash at this WTA 250 clay-court event. The Croatian player dominated her service game, winning 83.3% of first-serve points (30 out of 36), delivering four aces and successfully converting five of ten break point opportunities during the match that lasted one hour and 45 minutes.
Kalinina will be pursuing her first-ever WTA Tour championship after recording an impressive 6-0, 6-3 triumph in just 60 minutes against Hungary’s seventh-seeded Panna Udvardy. The Ukrainian player never allowed her opponent a single break point opportunity while successfully converting five of her eight break point chances.
A new survey from pollster Datafolha reveals Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has opened up a lead over opposition Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in this year’s presidential race, with the incumbent benefiting from recent news stories connecting his right-wing opponent to a discredited banking figure.
According to the poll released Friday, the leftist president would capture 47% of the vote compared to 43% for Flavio in a hypothetical second-round matchup. This marks a shift from a survey conducted May 16 that showed the two candidates in a dead heat.
The polling was conducted in Sao Paulo and released on May 22.
A Chinese technology company has initiated fresh legal proceedings against a Dutch semiconductor firm, seeking massive financial compensation in a dispute that could reignite international tensions over chip manufacturing control.
Wingtech Technology, along with a subsidiary, has taken legal action against Nexperia B.V. and five additional entities, claiming that restrictions on its authority over the Dutch chipmaker continue to impact operations. The company is provisionally requesting 8 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately $1.18 billion, to cover economic damages.
The legal filing was accepted by a court in China’s southern Guangdong province, according to documents submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Friday.
Nexperia responded to the lawsuit announcement, stating: “Nexperia has taken note of Wingtech’s announcement and understands that the relevant court has not opened the case for trial.”
The Dutch company expressed disappointment with the legal approach, adding: “We regret that Wingtech appears not to be interested at all in reaching a solution that would be beneficial to all stakeholders, including Wingtech’s shareholders, and continue to urge Wingtech to engage in an open dialogue.”
This renewed legal battle traces back to events that unfolded last September, when Dutch authorities assumed control of the Netherlands-based semiconductor company. Officials cited concerns that the firm was relocating operations and transferring intellectual property to China. The Dutch government subsequently reversed this decision.
The ongoing dispute has significantly impacted Wingtech’s financial performance. The company reported that its net losses expanded to 8.7 billion yuan in 2025, compared to a 2.8-billion-yuan loss the previous year, with the Nexperia control conflict contributing to the deteriorating results.
Earlier this year in January, Wingtech pursued international arbitration proceedings, seeking damages that could reach as high as $8 billion.
The current legal action references China’s anti-foreign sanctions law, which Beijing has been implementing with increased strictness. Wingtech Technology and Yucheng Holdings claim they are legally entitled to seek compensation under this framework.
In Friday’s court filing, Wingtech argued: “The defendants’ unlawful implementation of, or assistance in implementing, the discriminatory restrictive measures of the Dutch side has caused the plaintiffs irreparable and enormous losses.”
This latest lawsuit represents a potential escalation in a conflict that had remained relatively dormant since late last year. At that time, China agreed to reduce export restrictions on Nexperia semiconductor products in exchange for the Netherlands postponing its plans to seize operational control of Nexperia from Wingtech.
ISTANBUL — Internal turmoil within Turkey’s primary opposition political organization intensified Friday following a court decision that has created competing claims to party leadership.
A judicial panel in Ankara ruled Thursday to invalidate the Republican Peoples’ Party’s November 2023 leadership convention, where Ozgur Ozel won election to succeed former party head Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The court’s action has temporarily removed Ozel and current executive committee members from their positions. Kilicdaroglu and officials who served prior to the November 2023 gathering will assume control on an interim basis.
Party officials contend the judicial ruling stems from political interference.
Previously, a trial court had dismissed challenges regarding voting irregularities and improper conduct during Ozel’s selection, but Thursday’s appellate decision reversed that earlier judgment.
Government representatives supported the legal challenge against the Republican Peoples’ Party, stating that party members themselves raised the corruption allegations. The most prominent complainant was former Antakya Mayor Lutfu Savas, who faced party expulsion for disciplinary violations in December 2024 before filing his lawsuit two months afterward to invalidate the leadership convention.
The party quickly challenged Thursday’s decision, but the court denied their request Friday. An evening appeal to the Supreme Election Council also failed, though the Supreme Court agreed to hear Ozel’s petition.
Friday saw Kilicdaroglu dismiss three party attorneys who had submitted the appeals. News outlets reported he began contacting previous associates to form his leadership team and updated his social media profile from “7th chairman of the CHP” to “chairman of the CHP.”
The 77-year-old Kilicdaroglu stepped down after 13 years leading the organization during which it never secured national electoral victory. In contrast, Ozel achieved significant success against Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party in his first major test during 2024’s municipal contests.
Thursday’s decision represents another significant challenge for the struggling party as it confronts numerous legal proceedings targeting its members and elected representatives.
The country’s next presidential contest is scheduled for 2028, though Erdogan retains authority to schedule an earlier vote. His primary political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu from the Republican Peoples’ Party, has been incarcerated since March and faces corruption trial proceedings.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, who previously handled multiple cases against the party as Istanbul’s top prosecutor, characterized the court’s action as strengthening “our citizens’ trust in democracy.”
Political analysts widely view the legal actions against the Republican Peoples’ Party — primarily involving corruption accusations — as politically driven efforts to weaken the organization before upcoming elections. Government officials maintain that Turkish courts operate independently without political influence.
Erdogan has governed Turkey since 2003, serving first as prime minister then president. His electoral dominance faced challenges in 2019 when the opposition captured control of several major urban areas. Imamoglu’s victory in Istanbul established him as an appealing leader whom many believed capable of defeating Erdogan.
BOGOTA, Colombia — More than 500 Colombian military personnel flooded into the southwestern municipality of Silvia on Friday after deadly fighting erupted between two Indigenous communities over disputed land, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 100 others.
Military officials announced on social media that over 500 troops, supported by air units, would be sent to the region to secure the communities and stop further violence from breaking out.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez told reporters Friday that preliminary casualty figures show at least seven fatalities and more than 110 wounded — the majority suffering gunshot wounds. “This figure could rise,” he warned.
The violent confrontation occurred in a rural section of the Cauca department, where the Misak and Nasa Indigenous communities are fighting over the same piece of land that both groups say belongs to them.
According to a statement from Colombia’s government-run National Land Agency, officials have been working since April when conflicts first began to help resolve the dispute through mediation meetings and technical committees aimed at “providing clarity regarding the territorial boundaries of the two groups.” The agency called on both communities to continue participating in negotiations.
On Thursday, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia released a statement calling for peace between the communities and demanding that government officials investigate and bring charges against those who caused the deaths and injuries.
Criminal armed organizations operate throughout the area, including breakaway groups from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, that refused to accept the historic 2016 peace deal with the government.
Farmers across the nation saw a modest increase in what they earned for peanuts during the week that concluded on May 16, according to new agricultural data.
Growers received an average of 23.7 cents per pound for all farmer stock peanuts, representing an uptick of 0.8 cent from the previous reporting period.
The pricing information reflects what agricultural producers earned for their peanut crops during that specific weekly timeframe.
Dairy production showed strong growth last month across the country’s leading milk-producing regions, according to new federal data.
The 24 major milk-producing states generated a combined 19.2 billion pounds of milk in April, marking a 2.8 percent increase compared to April of the previous year.
The uptick in production reflects continued strength in the nation’s dairy industry during the spring season when output typically begins to rise.
The number of cattle being fattened in feedlots nationwide has grown by 2 percent, according to new federal agricultural data.
The increase reflects current livestock market conditions as ranchers and agricultural operations continue preparing cattle for eventual processing and sale to consumers.
Federal agriculture officials regularly track these numbers as part of ongoing monitoring of the nation’s livestock industry and food supply chain.
The poultry industry has recorded a notable increase in ready-to-cook weight, showing a 6 percent rise from the previous year’s numbers.
According to recently released data, this uptick indicates growth in poultry processing operations across the country.
The weight measurement represents birds that have been processed and prepared for consumer purchase, providing insight into industry production levels and market trends.
Refrigerated warehouse facilities across the country reported mixed trends in natural cheese inventory levels as of the end of April 2026, according to new data.
The total volume of natural cheese held in cold storage facilities showed a 1 percent increase compared to March levels, indicating a modest monthly gain in stockpiled dairy products.
However, when measured against the same timeframe in the previous year, the cheese inventory figures revealed a 1 percent decrease from April 30, 2025 totals.
The data reflects the ongoing fluctuations in dairy product storage levels that warehouse operators and industry stakeholders monitor to track market conditions and supply chain dynamics.
A pet food manufacturer has issued an expanded voluntary recall of dog food products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Raaw Energy announced it is alerting consumers about recalled items manufactured during a period spanning from July 17, 2025 through December 23, 2025. The company is also recalling its Beef and Turkey Medley product with a batch date of March 31, 2026.
According to the company’s notice, not every product manufactured during the specified timeframe has tested positive for the harmful bacteria. However, the recall is being implemented as a precautionary measure.
The recall notice appears to be incomplete in the original FDA safety alert, cutting off mid-sentence while explaining the reasoning behind the expanded recall action.
With summer arriving, Maryland state parks are showcasing significant improvements designed to enhance visitor experiences across the state’s public lands network.
Over the past year, teams of park rangers, construction crews, historians, and planning experts with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have worked to launch a new state park, construct additional trails, rehabilitate historic buildings, and create improved harbor facilities for public use.
The Maryland Park Service is currently operating two recreational challenges with prizes for participants – Miles for Maryland, which encourages visitors to complete 250 miles of hiking in state parks during 2026, and America in Miniature, featuring a photography treasure hunt throughout state parks to commemorate America’s semi-quincentennial celebration. Officials recommend purchasing an Annual State Park and Trail Passport for those interested in participating in these year-long outdoor activities.
Reservation System Grows
Following the effective implementation of a day-use booking and visitor management system at the state’s most popular parks in 2025, the Maryland Park Service will broaden day-use reservations during the current summer season.
Advance booking is required at Swallow Falls State Park daily from May 23 through Sept. 7.
Weekend and holiday reservations are mandatory at these locations: Greenbrier, Point Lookout, North Point, Newtowne Neck State Parks and Sandy Point. Bookings become available seven days ahead of time.
Additional public lands and attractions scheduled for inclusion in the reservation system are: Elk Neck – Turkey Point Lighthouse, Gunpowder Falls – Hammerman Area, Rocks, and Rocky Gap state parks, plus Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA).
Visitors should watch for further announcements throughout the year. To secure your reservation, visit the online booking system. Officials encourage advance planning and recommend using the Park Dashboard to verify if your chosen park is operational, closed, or has any special conditions or events.
New Park Chronicles African-American Family’s Journey from Enslavement
This May, DNR and the Maryland Park Service held the opening ceremony for Freedman’s State Park, a 1,000-acre facility in Montgomery County. The park sits on land previously owned and cultivated by Enoch George and Harriet Howard, along with their descendants, who played important roles in Maryland’s Civil Rights Movement.
The park takes its name from “freedman,” referring to someone who gained freedom from enslavement. The Maryland General Assembly established Freedman’s State Park in 2022 to honor all Marylanders who were liberated from slavery.
Renovated structures and new exhibits planned for the location will chronicle the African-American family’s journey from enslavement to becoming a successful and influential presence in northern Montgomery County, Baltimore, and Canada. Plans include a trail system connecting different areas of the park.
Earlier this year, the Maryland Park Service received a two-acre land donation that includes a historic African-American burial ground, where enslaved skilled laborers from the historic Catoctin Furnace were laid to rest. The cemetery and adjacent property now belongs to Cunningham Falls State Park.
Catoctin Furnace began operations in 1776, supplying iron for the revolutionary war effort and George Washington’s military forces. The furnace ruins already exist within Cunningham Falls State Park, and adding the workers’ burial ground will allow Maryland Park Service to present the location’s full historical narrative.
The Maryland Park Service recognizes the contributions of the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, which helped discover, document, and maintain the cemetery’s history while managing the property.
The related nonprofit Catoctin Furnace Friends Group Inc. is actively raising money on behalf of DNR and the Historical Society to create a conservation and preservation management strategy and perform a ground-penetrating radar study for a planned trail connection to the location.
North Point Trolley Station Pavilion Restoration
The Historic Trolley Station Pavilion at North Point State Park has reopened following major renovations. Deteriorated concrete flooring was replaced with new decorative concrete designed to resemble winding trolley tracks approaching the station.
The structure received a new roof and updated electrical systems, with fresh shingles and lighting fixtures that reflect the former amusement park’s early 20th century era. The walkway linking the station, a historic fountain and the visitor center was also rebuilt, with over 2,000 feet of new pavement installed.
Flexible Recreation Options
Those seeking hiking or biking trails with adaptable difficulty levels can explore new Western Maryland paths that opened recently, featuring connected routes that allow users to switch between easier and more challenging sections.
The Margraff Plantation Trails launched last July within Savage River State Forest, offering six miles of newly-built trail systems.
Located in the Western Maryland mountains near Accident in Garrett County, the Margraff features a 1.4-mile beginner route, a 1.4-mile intermediate path, a 1.2-mile advanced trail and a 2-mile intermediate-level adaptive trail.
The trail network traverses varied terrain including pine forests, deciduous woodlands, mountain laurel groves and open meadows. At 2,800 feet elevation, the location provides spectacular mountain vistas.
Further east at Dans Mountain State Park, a small connector trail has expanded options for hikers on the Lonacona Loop. The 4.5-mile Lonacona Loop travels through hardwood and conifer stands, and with 650 feet of elevation change, the complete circuit presents a significant challenge. A new quarter-mile connecting path through the middle now allows hikers to take a shorter route without retracing their steps.
Also in Allegany County, trail users seeking variety can experience the Bear Ridge Area of Rocky Gap State Park – four miles of pathway featuring two connecting loops. The red-marked trail is less demanding, the blue-marked trail is more challenging, and both are wide enough for adaptive mountain bike users, with consistent grade changes.
Boating Improvements
Rocky Gap visitors will notice an enhanced campground boat launch on Lake Habeeb. When operational, users will benefit from numerous ADA improvements including a vault restroom, boat trailer parking spaces, additional standard parking, beach access using MobiMat, a beach wheelchair, and an ADA compliant kayak launch. The facility is currently closed due to low water conditions from drought.
DNR has also finished major improvements to Rogues Harbor boat launch at Elk Neck State Park. A protective breakwater now shields users from wind and boat wakes, creating safer conditions for launching and retrieving watercraft. The breakwater will minimize seasonal maintenance requirements by protecting the ramp and pier from ice damage and floating debris.
The pier remains available for fishing and crabbing activities, continuing to serve as a popular venue for bass fishing tournaments with capacity for up to 50 boats.
Assateague Facility Upgrades
At the Atlantic coastline, Assateague State Park has completed extensive renovations to its beachside amenities, featuring completely new fixtures, updated restrooms, fresh changing areas and new shower facilities.
Key improvements include 12 new ADA-compliant showers positioned along the boardwalk for visitors to wash away salt and sand. The renovated restroom facilities feature abundant natural lighting through solar tube systems, highlighting new lighter-colored tile and durable non-slip flooring materials.
NCPR has announced plans for an upcoming community event called Play All Day VA, set to take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The organization is inviting residents to participate in what they’re describing as a passport-themed adventure that will span across Northampton County.
Details about specific activities and locations within the county have not yet been released, but organizers are encouraging community members to save the date for this summer adventure event.
Delaware’s legislature has approved new legislation that significantly strengthens the state’s stalking laws by expanding definitions and imposing harsher criminal penalties on offenders.
The legislation broadens what constitutes a “course of conduct” under Delaware’s stalking statutes, giving prosecutors more tools to address threatening behavior patterns. At the same time, the law includes safeguards requiring courts to exclude evidence if they determine the alleged conduct falls under constitutionally protected activities.
Under the new penalties, certain stalking violations will now carry much stiffer consequences. Offenses previously classified as class F felonies will be elevated to class D felonies, while other violations will jump from class G to class E felony status.
The measure also includes technical language updates to bring the stalking statutes in line with current Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual standards.
Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would rebrand a state government division focused on workplace culture and employee relations.
House Bill 254 would modify state code to rename the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, giving it a new title: the Division of People and Culture.
According to the bill’s language, the name change represents a shift toward a more expansive strategy for building an inclusive work environment. The proposed new title emphasizes the division’s role in shaping employee experiences and workplace culture across state agencies.
The legislation describes the rebranding as positioning the division to play a central role in both cultural transformation and organizational effectiveness within Delaware’s Department of Human Resources.
Delaware public schools will soon be required to include crisis hotline information on student identification cards under new legislation targeting grades 7 through 12.
The measure mandates that schools print specific contact information on student ID cards, including the Teen Dating Violence Hotline at 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522, and the Stop Bullying Now Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Previously, including this information was at the discretion of individual schools.
The legislation also eliminates previous application deadlines from earlier versions of the law that covered both middle and high school ID cards as well as college student identification cards. Lawmakers removed these dates to prevent confusion about whether the requirements were only temporary measures for specific academic years.
Under the updated law, the hotline requirements will become mandatory starting July 1, 2026. The bill also includes technical language adjustments to align with current legislative drafting standards.
Historical truth advocates are marking a significant milestone – two centuries and three decades since Ona Judge made her brave break from bondage under George Washington’s ownership.
Born into enslavement on Washington’s estate, Judge was just 22 when she made her bold move on May 21, 1796, fleeing from the president’s official Philadelphia home. She concealed herself aboard a vessel bound for New Hampshire, where she eventually wed and bore three children.
Philadelphia has officially recognized May 21st as Ona Judge Day, with Thursday’s demonstration held at the President’s House location. This site became a focal point of the Trump administration’s campaign to eliminate what it considered “disparaging” content about Americans from government properties. Rally attendees shouted “Tell the truth! Restore our history!” while listening to speakers involved in the battle to reinstate displays about Judge and others who were enslaved there.
The informational displays were suddenly taken down this past January after President Donald Trump issued an executive directive. While some exhibits returned following a court ruling, that restoration work stopped when the administration filed an appeal.
Judge’s display panel has been reinstalled, and her memory lives on through a series of bronze footprint markers placed in the pavement to represent her journey to liberty.
“We remember her courage, her passion, her determination, that we make sure that in no way, shape or form she is ever forgotten,” said Cindy Bass, a member of the Philadelphia City Council. “Each one, teach one. Everyone, tell someone.”
Dawn Chavous, a volunteer for the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, said it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of all people who shaped the country.
“You can’t love America without knowing the good, the bad and the ugly,” she said. “Slavery was part of our American story, and that is not something that we should hide or run away from.”
Meanwhile in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a large-scale artwork honoring Judge will be revealed Saturday – a 13-by-25-foot wall painting on property belonging to the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. This group has highlighted her narrative through guided tours and educational initiatives for many years.
“At a time when stories of struggle and freedom are being erased, New Hampshire is choosing something different: to make the quest for freedom visible, permanent, and undeniable,” the organization said in announcing the mural project.
WASHINGTON — The nation’s intelligence chief announced her departure on Friday, with Tulsi Gabbard stepping down from her position as director of national intelligence to care for her husband who is fighting cancer. Her exit marks the fourth Cabinet departure since President Donald Trump began his second term.
Through a resignation letter shared on social media, Gabbard informed Trump of her intention to leave her post on June 30. She explained that her spouse had received a recent diagnosis of an uncommon bone cancer type and “faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months.”
“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” she stated in the letter, which Fox News initially reported.
Trump acknowledged her departure through his own social media announcement, stating “Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her.” He named her principal deputy, Aaron Lukas, as the interim intelligence director.
Lukas previously worked as an intelligence assistant to the acting director of national intelligence, Ric Grenell, during Trump’s first presidency in 2020. The former policy researcher at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, also held the position of deputy senior director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council during Trump’s initial administration’s final year.
Speculation had emerged about potential tensions between Gabbard and Trump following the president’s choice to attack Iran, creating divisions within his administration. Joe Kent, who heads the National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down in March, stating he “cannot in good conscience” support the war.
The former Democratic representative from Hawaii and military veteran established her political reputation through her opposition to international military conflicts. This stance created complications when the United States partnered with Israel to launch strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
Her cautious remarks during a March congressional hearing stood out for their deliberate avoidance of endorsing Trump’s Iran strike decision. She consistently avoided answering questions about whether the White House received warnings regarding potential consequences from the conflict, including Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In written statements to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard reported that Iran had made no attempts to reconstruct its nuclear capabilities following U.S. attacks that “obliterated” its nuclear program the previous year. This assessment conflicted with Trump’s repeated claims that military action was essential to prevent an immediate threat from the Islamic Republic.
These differences led to uncomfortable moments with legislators who sought Gabbard’s assessment of Iran’s danger level in her role as the country’s chief intelligence officer. She consistently maintained that the strike decision belonged to Trump, not her.
“It is not the intelligence community’s responsibility to determine what is and is not an imminent threat,” she stated.
Her resignation comes after Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in late March amid growing criticism of her department leadership, particularly regarding immigration enforcement and disaster response management.
Attorney General Pam Bondi became the second Cabinet member to depart, responding to increasing frustration over the Justice Department’s management of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April following various misconduct investigations.
Despite her military background, Gabbard lacked intelligence experience, making her selection to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence unexpected. This office supervises the country’s 18 intelligence organizations. She pursued the presidency in 2020 with a progressive agenda centered on opposing U.S. participation in foreign military operations.
Drawing on her military service, she contended that American wars in the Middle East had created regional instability, reduced U.S. security, and resulted in thousands of American casualties. Gabbard eventually withdrew from the presidential race and supported the eventual victor, President Joe Biden.
She departed the Democratic Party two years later to become an independent, criticizing her former party as controlled by an “elitist cabal of warmongers” and “woke” ideologues. She subsequently supported several prominent Republicans and joined Fox News as a contributor.
Her endorsement went to Trump, who similarly criticized previous U.S. Middle Eastern wars and promised to prevent unnecessary conflicts and overseas nation-building efforts.
However, disagreements with the president emerged shortly after he started his second term and selected Gabbard to head ODNI, an agency established following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to enhance intelligence agency coordination.
Soon after assuming her role, Gabbard told lawmakers that no intelligence indicated Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons development. Following Trump’s June attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, he declared Gabbard incorrect and dismissed her assessments.
She seemed to regain Trump’s favor when she took a prominent role in his efforts to challenge his 2020 election defeat to Biden, whom Gabbard had previously endorsed. She participated in an FBI search of election offices in Fulton County, Georgia, despite her agency’s focus on foreign espionage rather than state elections.
This week, she testified during an annual threats hearing that last year’s Iranian nuclear site strikes had “obliterated” their nuclear program without subsequent rebuilding efforts.
Her statement appeared to contradict Trump’s ongoing claims about Iran’s immediate threat level, leading to uncomfortable exchanges with legislators seeking her professional opinion on Iran’s danger as the nation’s top intelligence official. She maintained that strike decisions belonged to Trump.
“It is not the intelligence community’s responsibility to determine what is and is not an imminent threat,” she reiterated during this week’s hearings.
Gabbard promised to end what she characterized as intelligence politicization by government insiders. However, she quickly utilized her position to advance Trump’s partisan arguments, including his claims of winning the 2020 election.
She also worked to undermine previous investigations into Trump’s Russian connections.
During her tenure, Gabbard supervised significant intelligence workforce reductions and established a new task force to consider major intelligence service modifications.
An intelligence sector whistleblower filed a complaint earlier this year alleging that Gabbard withheld intelligence for political purposes, prompting Democratic calls for her resignation.
The 44-year-old was born in American Samoa, grew up in Hawaii, and spent part of her childhood in the Philippines. She won election to Hawaii’s House of Representatives at age 21 but had to leave after one term when her National Guard unit deployed to Iraq.
As the House’s first Hindu member, Gabbard took her oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu devotional text. She also became the first American Samoan elected to Congress.
Throughout her four House terms, she gained recognition for challenging her party’s leadership. Her early backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 Democratic presidential primary campaign elevated her profile in national progressive politics.
WASHINGTON — Kevin Warsh officially became the new Federal Reserve chair during a White House ceremony on Friday, with President Donald Trump presiding over the oath-taking and expressing optimism about economic cooperation while stressing the central bank’s independence.
Trump had repeatedly criticized Warsh’s predecessor, Jerome Powell, for hesitating to reduce interest rates, with the Republican president contending that decreased borrowing costs would boost the economy. The decision to conduct the ceremony in the East Room rather than at Federal Reserve headquarters demonstrated Trump’s satisfaction with the leadership change.
Rising gas prices, unsettled financial markets, and inflation worries stemming from the war with Iran have created economic uncertainty. These factors have raised questions about whether Warsh might respond to Trump’s appeals and advocate for the Fed to reduce rates.
However, Trump expressed confidence that Warsh would focus on economic strength.
“Thankfully, unlike some of his predecessors, Kevin understands that when the economy is booming, it is, that’s a good thing,” the president said. Trump said it was not necessary “to go crazy. Just let it go. We want it to boom.”
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas conducted the oath administration. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Justice Brett Kavanaugh, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Cabinet members attended the event.
“I expect he will go down as one of the truly great chairmen of the Federal Reserve that we’ve ever had,” Trump said of Warsh.
Republican President Ronald Reagan conducted Alan Greenspan’s Fed chair swearing-in at the White House in 1987. Republican President George W. Bush participated in the 2006 ceremony at central bank headquarters when Ben Bernanke assumed the role.
However, hosting the event at the White House creates additional concerns about the Fed’s independence during a period when Trump has repeatedly attempted to influence the independent central bank according to his preferences.
Trump’s Department of Justice initiated an investigation into Powell and the Fed’s extensive building renovations. Lawmakers criticized this action and the department abandoned the investigation. The Fed’s internal watchdog now oversees the matter. Powell’s term as chair concluded last week, although he has chosen to continue serving on the Fed board for the time being.
Trump emphasized during his comments, “Honestly, I really mean this. This is not said in any other way: I want Kevin to be totally independent.”
“I want him to be independent and just do a great job,” Trump said. “Don’t look at me, don’t look at anybody. Just do your own thing.”
In the next breath, however, Trump said that “in the eyes of many, the Fed has lost its way in recent years” under his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump also suggested that Warsh is looking to lead policies that promote “positive economic growth” and that doing so did not have to mean higher inflation.
Trump also noted that the stock market had risen Friday. “That means they like you,” he said of Warsh.
Warsh once harshly criticized Fed’s policies, including its low interest rate policies coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, which he says contributed to the largest U.S. inflation spike in four decades in 2021-2022. More recently, he has sometimes echoed Trump’s demands for lower rates.
Warsh says productivity gains from artificial intelligence will help the economy grow more quickly without spurring inflation, enabling the Fed to reduce borrowing costs. Many Fed officials, however, disagree that AI’s development will support rate cuts, especially because the technology has also been blamed for large-scale layoffs in the computer sector and other parts of the economy.
On Friday, Warsh promised “to lead a reform oriented Federal Reserve, learning from past successes and mistakes, both escaping static frameworks and models and upholding clear standards of integrity and performance.”
He told Trump that he believes “these years can bring unmatched prosperity that will raise living standards for Americans from all walks of life. And the Fed has something to do with it.”
Warsh further noted that the Fed’s mandate “is to promote price stability and maximum employment. When we pursue those aims with wisdom and clarity, independence and resolve, inflation can be lower; growth, stronger; real take home pay, higher and America can more prosperous.”
As he left the ceremony, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced Trump’s message, predicting to reporters that Warsh will “do the right thing for inflation and growth.”
DOVER — Speed enforcement cameras monitoring northbound I-95 through the Churchmans Marsh construction area will begin issuing actual violations this Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and Delaware State Police launched the Electronic Speed Safety Program (ESSP) at this location on May 2, 2026.
For the initial three weeks of operation, drivers caught speeding received only warning notices without any financial penalties.
Starting this weekend, vehicle owners cited for their first violation will face a $20.00 base fine, plus additional charges calculated by how many miles per hour they exceeded the 55 MPH work zone speed limit, according to Delaware law.
The nation’s top intelligence official has announced her departure from the Trump administration, stepping down from her role as Director of National Intelligence due to her husband’s battle with cancer.
Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation marks another high-profile exit from the current Cabinet, joining what has become a pattern of departures from key administration positions.
The decision comes as Gabbard prioritizes her family during this challenging health crisis, choosing to leave her national security role to focus on personal matters.
Her exit continues a trend of Cabinet-level officials departing the Trump administration, though this departure appears to be driven by personal rather than political circumstances.
LIV Golf is presenting a streamlined 10-tournament international calendar to prospective investors as the organization searches for new financial backing, according to reports from Sportico and CNBC.
The professional golf circuit is actively pursuing between $250 million and $350 million in investment capital to sustain operations past the current season, following Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s announcement that its financial support will conclude when this season ends.
The reports indicate that LIV Golf’s presentation to investors centers on a strategy emphasizing global tournaments, highlighting strong attendance numbers from events in Australia and South Africa as examples of the league’s international appeal.
The organization’s original 2026 schedule included 14 tournaments, with five planned for the United States. However, a tournament that was set for New Orleans from June 25-28 has been delayed.
Earlier this week, Bloomberg published a report suggesting LIV Golf is making preparations for a possible bankruptcy proceeding.
A spokesperson for LIV Golf provided Golf Digest with an extensive response to that report.
“LIV Golf is firmly focused on securing a transaction that positions the organization for the long-term,” the statement said. “As we begin presenting our go-forward business plan to prospective capital partners, we are focused on achieving a sustainable future and there are multiple pathways under active exploration.
“We continue to see great momentum on the course and with support through the 2026 season and a clear plan to raise capital, leadership is focused on identifying the right long-term strategic partners who believe in our mission to grow the game of golf worldwide. These conversations are just getting underway, and as they progress, the company expects to gain further clarity around the structure and timing of a potential transaction.”
Beyond losing PIF funding, LIV Golf may also face challenges retaining players. Golf Digest has reported that representatives for multiple players have contacted the PGA Tour regarding possible routes for their clients to return to that organization.
The Chicago Cubs brought up highly-rated infield prospect Pedro Ramirez from Triple-A Iowa on Friday as the team continues to struggle on the field.
In a corresponding roster move, infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw was placed on the 10-day injured list due to mid-back tightness.
The Cubs are mired in a difficult stretch, having lost five consecutive games and nine of their last 11 contests as they prepared to begin a three-game home series against the Houston Astros on Friday.
The 22-year-old Ramirez has never appeared in a major league game. He was not included in Friday afternoon’s starting lineup at Wrigley Field.
MLB Pipeline ranks Ramirez as Chicago’s second-best prospect and 85th overall. This season at Iowa, he’s posted impressive numbers with a .312 batting average, .942 OPS, nine home runs, 40 RBIs and 19 stolen bases across 43 games.
In 2025, Ramirez earned a minor league Gold Glove award while playing both second and third base at Double-A Knoxville.
Shaw, 24, has struggled this season with a .242 batting average, three home runs and 12 RBIs in 42 games. The 2023 first-round draft selection has demonstrated versatility by playing every defensive position except catcher and shortstop this season.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will skip his eldest son’s wedding this weekend, citing urgent government responsibilities that require him to remain in Washington.
The president revealed his decision in a Truth Social post, explaining that he cannot attend Donald Trump Jr.’s marriage to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson due to official duties.
“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon to be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so,” Trump wrote in his social media announcement.
“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time,” the post continued.
According to CNN reports from Thursday, the ceremony is scheduled to occur this weekend on a small island in the Bahamas, with sources familiar with the arrangements providing the details. A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
During remarks to reporters Thursday, Trump indicated that his son wanted him present for the celebration, describing it as a “small private affair.”
Trump mentioned Thursday that he would attempt to attend the wedding but acknowledged the difficult timing.
“I have a thing called Iran and other things,” Trump said on Thursday.
The administration is currently participating in Pakistan-mediated diplomatic discussions aimed at reaching an agreement to conclude the conflict with Iran that the U.S. and Israel initiated on February 28, which has disrupted the worldwide economy.
This marks Donald Trump Jr.’s third engagement. His previous marriage to Vanessa, a former model and actress, lasted 12 years and produced five children before she initiated divorce proceedings in 2018. He subsequently became engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, a television personality, until their separation in 2024.
A massive $40 billion beauty industry merger crumbled Thursday evening when negotiations between American cosmetics giant Estée Lauder and Spanish fragrance company Puig suddenly collapsed after months of detailed planning.
The combination would have united major beauty brands including Tom Ford, Clinique and MAC with Carolina Herrera and Charlotte Tilbury, creating a luxury beauty powerhouse appealing to social media influencers and wealthy younger consumers.
However, information leaks, disputes between the influential founding families, and specific requirements from beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury caused the discussions to break down, according to five individuals with direct involvement in the negotiations who spoke to Reuters.
During Thursday evening Barcelona time and morning hours in New York, Puig executive Marc Puig contacted Estée Lauder chairman William Lauder by telephone to evaluate the worsening circumstances, one source revealed.
Following that conversation, representatives from both companies began sending messages back and forth, a second knowledgeable source reported. Among those communications was a skull emoji indicating the merger was finished.
Representatives from both Puig and Estée Lauder refused to provide statements.
The final obstacle involved requirements connected to Charlotte Tilbury, who established the beauty company bearing her name that Puig controls through majority ownership, concerning her minority ownership terms, all five sources confirmed.
Charlotte Tilbury’s company also declined to comment.
The five sources, who had access to both negotiating parties, requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.
Three individuals said both organizations had repeatedly approached the point of announcing their combination.
Estée Lauder had organized an advisory team that spent the previous weekend working on Puig’s valuation, which Spain’s securities regulator required for the planned deal, one source stated.
Conversations between the companies started in late 2023, according to one source.
After becoming publicly known in March, investors considered the potential agreement more beneficial for Puig than Estée Lauder. Puig’s stock price jumped while the American company’s shares declined.
The opposite occurred when negotiations failed, with Estée Lauder climbing approximately 10% Friday while Puig dropped 13%.
Estée Lauder shareholders’ opposition to the merger presented another challenge during talks, three sources indicated.
The company’s return to improved earnings performance in its latest quarterly report boosted its determination to stay independent, the same three sources noted.
The extended negotiations featured sessions in Paris, New York and Barcelona, reaching apparent preliminary agreements on matters including the new organization’s leadership structure.
Additional topics covered a potential stock exchange listing in both New York and Madrid, maintaining Barcelona as headquarters for the unified fragrance operations, and specifics for achieving the combined company’s cost savings, two people explained.
Both founding families, the Lauders and Puigs, sought to maintain influence in the merged organization, two knowledgeable sources said.
The companies also faced difficulties determining how to handle assets like Charlotte Tilbury and sun care brand Isdin – two of Puig’s primary revenue sources where the group lacks complete ownership, two sources revealed.
The Colorado Avalanche will be without their standout defenseman Cale Makar for Friday’s Game 2 showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.
Makar, dealing with an upper-body injury, was also sidelined during Colorado’s 4-2 defeat in the series opener on Wednesday. Despite participating in Friday morning’s optional practice session and working with the top power-play group, he remains unavailable for game action.
In the first game, Jack Ahcan saw 7 minutes and 34 seconds of action, finishing with a minus-1 rating. Defenseman Nick Blankenberg was held out as a healthy scratch, though coach Jared Bednar hasn’t revealed which defender will take the ice Friday night.
The Avalanche, who claimed the Presidents’ Trophy during the regular season, eliminated the Los Angeles Kings with a four-game sweep before defeating the Minnesota Wild in five contests. Throughout those nine playoff games, Makar contributed four goals and one assist while logging nearly 25 minutes per game.
During the Minnesota series, Makar left both the first and fifth games after taking heavy hits, though he managed to return in both instances.
The 27-year-old defender claimed the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman in both 2021-22 and 2024-25, and remains a candidate for this year’s award.
Four years ago, Makar earned the Conn Smythe Trophy when Colorado claimed the Stanley Cup championship.
Throughout his seven-year career with the Avalanche, Makar has accumulated 507 points on 136 goals and 371 assists across 470 games. This past regular season, he recorded 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign.
Delaware has enacted new legislation that will allow terminally ill patients to access medical marijuana while receiving care at healthcare facilities throughout the state.
The newly passed measure requires healthcare facilities to permit patients with terminal illnesses who hold valid medical marijuana registry cards to consume cannabis on facility grounds. The law establishes specific guidelines and limitations for this access.
Healthcare facilities retain the authority to restrict or halt medical marijuana use in certain situations. These include instances where medical professionals determine that cannabis consumption could negatively affect patient care or treatment, or when such use is medically inadvisable.
The legislation also includes provisions related to federal oversight. Facilities may prohibit medical marijuana use if federal agencies such as the United States Department of Justice or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services take enforcement action against the facility due to cannabis use on premises, or if these agencies issue rules or guidance banning marijuana use at healthcare locations.
The new law provides legal protections for individuals who follow its requirements, shielding them from civil or criminal penalties and professional sanctions. These protections do not apply in cases involving gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
Delaware’s legislation draws inspiration from a 2021 California statute referred to as “Ryan’s Law.”
Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would force electric utilities to modernize their procedures for connecting solar panels and other renewable energy systems to the power grid.
The proposed bill would mandate that electric companies update their connection standards to match the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Model Interconnection Procedures for net-metering customers. Under the legislation, utilities would have 12 months from when the national guidelines are published to bring their rules into compliance.
The measure specifically targets net-metering, a system that allows property owners with solar panels to sell excess electricity back to the grid. Currently, electric suppliers maintain their own interconnection requirements, which can vary between companies.
If passed, the legislation would standardize how renewable energy systems connect to Delaware’s electrical grid by requiring all utilities to follow the same nationally-recognized procedures.
Delaware lawmakers have enacted sweeping revisions to the municipal charter governing the Village of Arden, implementing changes that expand the community’s boundaries and update its administrative processes.
The legislation, which serves as a replacement for Senate Bill No. 220, incorporates two new areas into the village limits: the Sherwood Forest Addition and the Mill Race Addition. The measure also reinforces the state legislature’s authority to establish municipal boundaries.
Several governance modifications are included in the updated charter. Town Assembly regular meetings will now take place at the Gild Hall or another appropriate public location, whether in-person or virtual within the village. The legislation also streamlines procedures for calling special meetings and establishes new protocols for creating, modifying, and eliminating local ordinances.
Under the revised charter, referendums can be initiated through a majority decision at Town Assembly gatherings. The Board of Assessors will gain a non-voting alternate position, while election procedures for this board will be moved to ordinance rather than charter level. Additionally, the board must now evaluate community living standards alongside the traditional assessment of rental values for leased properties.
Budget-related changes transfer election procedures for the Budget Committee to ordinance status and establish a contingency plan: if voters reject a proposed budget, the previous year’s budget remains in effect until a replacement receives approval.
The updated charter modifies penalty structures and appeal processes for Charter and ordinance violations handled by Justices of the Peace. It also streamlines law enforcement provisions and requires a second village official to witness all municipal contracts alongside the Town Assembly Chair’s signature.
The legislation eliminates charter sections addressing fire safety, zoning, and housing regulations, as New Castle County already manages these areas. Throughout the document, gender-specific terminology has been replaced with gender-neutral language, and various minor linguistic updates have been incorporated.
Delaware lawmakers are updating the name of a key legislative committee to better match what it actually does day-to-day.
House Bill 287 would rename the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee to simply the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee, dropping the word “sunset” from its title.
The committee’s naming history shows how its role has evolved over more than four decades. Originally established in 1980 as the Joint Sunset Committee, lawmakers added “Legislative Oversight” to the name in 2016 because the “sunsetting” function was creating public confusion about the committee’s broader responsibilities.
The numbers tell the story of why the name change makes sense. During the past seven years, the committee has examined 40 different government entities but chose to eliminate only six of them. Before 2016, the committee had reviewed numerous organizations but “sunsetted” just two.
In January 2026, committee members voted to modify their name once again to more accurately represent their primary work. Delaware’s approach now mirrors that of similar oversight committees in other states, which have moved away from emphasizing the “sunsetting” process in favor of conducting performance reviews and general oversight.
The legislation makes clear that the committee retains full power to eliminate government entities when reviews show that step would serve the public interest best. The name change does not reduce the committee’s authority or alter its fundamental mission.
The bill also includes a minor technical fix to a chapter title in Delaware’s legal code.
Summer recreation gets a boost at Killens Pond Waterpark where DNREC has unveiled an expanded swimming pool complete with fresh aquatic features.
The upgraded facility now boasts a significantly larger pool area equipped with new spray attractions and floating lily pad elements for swimmers to enjoy. Additionally, thrill-seekers can experience the excitement of four towering water slides, each measuring 54 feet in length.
The enhanced waterpark amenities provide families and visitors with expanded options for beating the summer heat and enjoying outdoor water recreation.
Delaware lawmakers have enacted new legislation that will require the state’s developmental disability services division to produce yearly transparency reports about their programs and services.
The measure, known as HB 288, emerged from a comprehensive examination by the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee of adult day programs and employment services offered through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.
Under the new requirements, the division must compile annual documentation of their services to enhance public transparency and identify areas where service delivery falls short of community needs.
The legislation mandates that the division include specific data points in their yearly reports. They must provide information about the number of people served, incoming applications, demographic breakdowns of client populations, and details about the size and variety of service providers in the system.
The law also gives the division authority to show how their programs and access methods evolve over time. Additionally, officials will have the flexibility to report on service requests they cannot fulfill, explain the reasons behind service gaps, and identify other challenges within the service delivery system.
Beyond the reporting requirements, the legislation includes technical modifications to bring existing statutes in line with current Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual standards.
Delaware is overhauling its alcohol regulations through legislation that modernizes provisions dating back to the 1930s and introduces new licensing opportunities for businesses and events.
The comprehensive bill updates the state’s Liquor Control Act with technical corrections and creates two new permit categories: special event licenses for festivals and outdoor gatherings, and bottle club licenses for creative arts businesses such as painting studios, pottery workshops, and candle-making establishments.
Under the new special event licensing system, the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner can approve permits for festivals, arts and crafts fairs, and similar outdoor events. Property owners or tenants can obtain these licenses to serve and sell alcoholic beverages on their premises during approved events. Each applicant is limited to one special event license, and venues must have controlled entry and exit points plus adequate food service whenever alcohol is available.
Event organizers must submit applications at least 30 days before their planned gathering, and local government approval is required. Violations can result in license suspension, denial of future permits, or fines up to $10,000.
The bottle club license addresses creative arts businesses where customers already bring their own wine or other alcoholic beverages. This new permit formally allows patrons to bring alcohol onto business premises for personal consumption during activities like painting classes or pottery workshops, provided food is available.
The legislation makes numerous administrative updates, including changing terminology from “retailer” to “package store” throughout the code and modernizing reporting requirements. The state alcohol office will now post licensing information on its website rather than submitting annual reports to state officials.
Other changes streamline the hearing process for license applications. The office will only be required to hold public hearings when at least five people who filed protests pre-register to testify. This change aims to reduce costs and delays when protesters don’t follow through with testimony.
The bill removes production caps for distilleries and updates notification procedures, allowing protests to be filed by email. It also eliminates an outdated provision that allowed family members to request prohibition of alcohol sales to specific individuals.
New requirements mandate proper labeling of batched cocktails and infused beverages so customers understand ingredients. The legislation also adds beer garden license holders to the list of businesses paying fees for the state’s responsible alcohol server training program.
Implementation of the special event and bottle club licenses will be delayed up to six months to allow the alcohol control office time to develop regulations. The bill requires a three-fifths majority vote in both legislative chambers due to its creation of new license fees.
Delaware has updated its driver education certification requirements to accommodate changes in how high schools structure their academic schedules.
The new legislation addresses challenges created as many schools have transitioned away from the traditional seven-period school day to implement various block scheduling formats. Under the updated law, the Department of Education will be required to develop regulations that establish how equivalent credit gets calculated for classes taught using block scheduling or when courses run for less than a full academic year.
The legislation also expands the range of academic courses students can use to meet credit requirements by including world language classes among the approved options.
Additionally, the new law includes technical updates to bring existing statutes in line with current standards outlined in the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
NORFOLK, Va. — Delaware State University’s men’s track and field squad concluded their performance at the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships by capturing five conference titles along with numerous top-three finishes and establishing new marks in the program’s record books.
The Hornets competed in the three-day championship event that took place from May 14-16, showcasing their athletic prowess across multiple events during the outdoor season finale.
The strong showing at the conference championships highlighted the team’s preparation and competitive spirit as they faced off against other MEAC institutions in Norfolk, Virginia.
Economic pressures and rising prices dominated headlines this past week, affecting American families from shopping trips to major financial decisions. The combination of economic uncertainty and inflation continues to shape choices for both consumers and businesses nationwide.
Here’s what key economic developments from the week could mean for your finances.
Home loan rates jumped significantly this week, reaching their peak in almost nine months and making it more expensive for potential buyers during the spring housing season’s most active period.
According to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac’s Thursday report, the standard 30-year fixed rate mortgage increased to 6.51% from the previous week’s 6.36%. While this represents a notable jump, current rates still sit below the 6.86% level recorded one year ago.
Mortgage costs have generally moved upward since conflict with Iran started. Energy markets have been disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz closure, pushing crude oil prices significantly higher and fueling inflation concerns.
Rising oil price projections and concerns about expanding government debt levels have driven long-term bond yields upward, pushing mortgage rates in the same direction.
Retail companies across the nation have been managing challenging economic conditions for months, dealing with President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and the effects of rising fuel costs from the Iran conflict. AAA reported that regular gasoline averaged approximately $4.55 per gallon by Friday, marking another weekly increase. Current gas prices stand roughly 45% higher than the same period last year.
Financial earnings reports from major retailers including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s and TJX show consumers remain careful but continue purchasing, supported by larger tax refund amounts. However, many economists predict spending will decline once these refunds are exhausted. Since consumer purchases drive the majority of U.S. economic activity, any pullback would create widespread effects.
On Thursday, Walmart released current quarter projections that fell short of Wall Street predictions. Target increased its yearly revenue projections Wednesday, indicating expected continued momentum through year-end. However, even these improved sales forecasts remained below first quarter performance levels.
Unemployment benefit applications decreased last week as job cuts stay minimal despite ongoing economic uncertainties.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that U.S. unemployment benefit applications for the week ending May 16 dropped by 3,000 to 209,000. This figure came in below the 213,000 new claims that FactSet-surveyed analysts had predicted.
These weekly unemployment filings serve as an indicator for U.S. job losses and provide near real-time insight into employment market conditions.
While job losses remain historically minimal, economists describe the current labor market as being in a “low-hire, low-fire” phase. This situation maintains the unemployment rate at a low 4.3%, but creates difficulties for job seekers trying to find new positions.
The gap between Wall Street performance and typical American household experiences widened Friday, as U.S. stock markets climbed toward completing their eighth consecutive winning week, the longest such run since 2023. This occurred despite survey results showing declining consumer confidence about economic conditions.
Stock prices for Workday and Zoom Communications increased after both companies reported quarterly profits exceeding analyst predictions.
These companies join growing numbers that have surpassed profit expectations for early 2026. This series of positive earnings reports has helped maintain U.S. stock values near record levels. Over time, stock market performance typically aligns with corporate profit trends.
NORFOLK, Va. — Delaware State University’s women’s track and field squad delivered an outstanding performance at the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, capturing two conference championships while establishing new program records.
The Hornets wrapped up their competition at the three-day meet, which took place from May 14-16, with numerous athletes earning spots on the podium and adding their names to the university’s record books.
The strong showing included multiple top finishes across various events, showcasing the depth and talent of the Delaware State program during the championship competition held in Norfolk, Virginia.
Authorities are working to solve a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a teenager in Seaford Thursday evening.
Delaware State Police say they received a call about a vehicle crash in the 24000 block of German Road around 8:45 p.m. on May 21, 2026. Upon arrival, officers discovered the car’s driver – a 17-year-old male from Laurel, Delaware – suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Emergency responders immediately began life-saving measures and transported the teen to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are withholding the victim’s name pending family notification.
Given the circumstances surrounding the incident, Delaware State Police’s Homicide Unit has taken over the case. Initial findings suggest the teenager was shot by an unidentified gunman near the Concord Pond boat ramp area on German Road.
Investigators with the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit are continuing their work on this case. Officials are urging anyone who may have information to reach out to Detective B. McDerby at (302) 741-2821. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Those affected by crime or sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides around-the-clock assistance via their hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). The Victim Services Unit can also be reached by email at [email protected].
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Slovenia’s legislative body voted Friday to install right-wing populist politician Janez Jansa as the nation’s new prime minister, marking a political transition for the small European Union member previously led by a liberal administration.
Parliamentary members supported Jansa by a margin of 51-36 in the 90-seat legislature. The newly appointed prime minister must return to Parliament in the coming 15 days for an additional vote to approve his proposed Cabinet.
Jansa’s selection ends a political deadlock in Slovenia following parliamentary elections two months prior that resulted in virtually even results. Previous liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement secured victory by a narrow margin, but he could not secure enough parliamentary support to govern.
Jansa and his populist Slovenian Democratic Party finalized a coalition deal this week with multiple right-wing organizations. The incoming administration also receives support from a nonestablishment Truth party that originated as an anti-vaccination movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This upcoming term marks the fourth time in office for the experienced Slovenian politician. Jansa, 67, is an admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump and maintained close ties with former populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who suffered a decisive electoral defeat last month.
During his address, Jansa outlined the economy, anti-corruption efforts, reducing bureaucracy, and decentralization as primary objectives for his upcoming administration. He has pledged to reduce tax burdens for wealthy citizens and boost private education and healthcare sectors.
Criticizing what he called the outgoing government’s “inefficiency,” Jansa stated his new administration would transform Slovenia into “a country of opportunity, prosperity and justice, where each responsible citizen will feel safe and accepted.”
Similar to Orban, Jansa maintained strong anti-immigration positions during Europe’s major migration crisis in 2015. Also resembling Orban, Jansa has encountered criticism for allegedly restricting democratic institutions and media freedoms during his previous 2020-2022 tenure. These actions sparked public demonstrations and drew European Union oversight.
In his remarks, Golob characterized Jansa as “the greatest threat to Slovenia’s sovereignty and democracy.”
Claiming that Jansa had made threats of arrest against him, Golob stated that Jansa’s “idea of democracy is that anyone who dares speak a word against you deserves only the worst.”
Jansa, who supports Israel, has also been a vocal opponent of the Golob government’s 2024 decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
The March 22 election faced claims of foreign interference and corruption. The approximately 2 million residents of the Alpine country remain sharply split between liberal and conservative viewpoints.
