KYIV, Ukraine — A young Ukrainian woman who had returned home to build a life with the man she loved became one of 24 victims in what Ukrainian military officials are calling the war’s most devastating Russian bombardment.
Maryna Homeniuk, 24, had escaped Ukraine when Russia launched its full-scale invasion four years ago. While studying in the Czech Republic, she expanded her already remarkable language skills by learning Vietnamese. After completing her education, she came back to Ukraine in 2023, where she would eventually meet Yurii Orlov through a dating application.
The couple perished Thursday when a cruise missile destroyed their apartment building during what Ukrainian officials described as the most intense Russian assault of the conflict. Orlov, who was 30, served as captain of the Kyiv Floorball Club and had previously played hockey for teams in Ukraine’s capital city.
Friends and relatives gathered Saturday for Homeniuk’s funeral service. Orlov’s burial was postponed as his remains were not yet prepared for the ceremony.
“She was a very caring person. I feel very sorry, because she had so many dreams. She worked with children and wanted to have children herself someday, when times were safer,” her friend Olesia Yukhnovych told The Associated Press.
Those who knew Homeniuk described her as exceptionally gifted with languages, speaking approximately 10 different tongues with fluency in Korean and Chinese. As an English instructor, she worked with young students while harboring hopes of becoming a mother herself when circumstances improved.
Her compassionate nature extended to rescuing stray animals, and she had a passion for international travel, carefully saving money to explore different countries.
“This is a young person. This is a girl who had absolutely the whole future ahead of her,” said Anastasiia Petrushyna, a friend and colleague. “This future will no longer exist — our youth basically can’t have it. You never know what trouble awaits you.”
Despite their contrasting interests — his focus on athletics and hers on creative pursuits — friends observed the deep affection between the pair. Homeniuk attended all of Orlov’s Sunday matches as their weekly ritual. While he introduced her to floorball, a variant of floor hockey, she helped him learn English.
“It’s a shame. I should have been helping prepare for the wedding and I ended up helping prepare for the funeral,” said Yukhnovych. “It’s horrible.”
The tragedy occurred after a particularly harsh winter of continuous Russian bombardments targeting Kyiv. Yukhnovych revealed that the couple frequently discussed moving away from their Darnytsia neighborhood on Kyiv’s left bank, where electricity was restored more slowly than other areas, but lacked the financial means to relocate.
After Thursday’s attack, Yukhnovych attempted to reach Homeniuk through text messages but received no response.
“You never think something could happen to someone close to you, and you just message them as a precaution,” she said. “I never thought this would be one of those times when the message would remain unread.”
The Buffalo Sabres delivered a spectacular comeback performance Saturday night, rallying from behind to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 8-3 and extend their Eastern Conference semifinal series to a decisive seventh game.
Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin matched a franchise playoff record by recording five points on one goal and four assists, while Tage Thompson contributed four points with a goal and three assists in the road victory. The Sabres closed out the contest by scoring seven goals without answer from Montreal.
Jack Quinn found the net twice as part of a three-point night, while Zach Benson and Jason Zucker each contributed a goal and assist. Konsta Helenius and Zach Metsa also scored for Buffalo in the offensive explosion.
“It’s unreal to win this game. Now we have a chance to advance,” Dahlin told Sportsnet following the victory. “The whole group stepped up and played an ‘A’ game. Every individual had their best game. That’s what we need.”
Buffalo’s goaltending situation became a key storyline when starter Alex Lyon was removed after allowing three goals on just four shots. Relief netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stepped in to make 18 saves and steady the team during the comeback.
The goaltender switch marked the first time Buffalo had won a playoff contest after making a performance-based goalie change since Game 3 of the 1975 Stanley Cup Finals.
The series will conclude Monday night in Buffalo, with the victor advancing to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the conference championship round.
“That’s why I play hockey. That’s what I want to do. I live for this,” Dahlin added about the upcoming decisive game.
Montreal’s Lane Hutson remained confident despite the setback, saying: “There’s no panic or anything. I think we’re all excited. Just more hockey for us. We don’t like it easy. We like the challenge. They brought their best and we’ve got to answer the bell.”
For the Canadiens, Jake Evans recorded a goal and assist, while Arber Xhekaj and Ivan Demidov each found the back of the net. Goaltender Jakub Dobes was charged with six goals on 33 shots before being replaced by Jacob Fowler, who stopped one of two attempts in relief.
The turning point came early in the second period when Benson capitalized on a loose puck just one minute into the frame, tying the game at 3-3 with Buffalo trailing by a goal.
Montreal suffered its first franchise loss in a potential series-clinching home playoff game where it held a multi-goal advantage, as the game quickly slipped away in the middle period.
Quinn broke the deadlock with a power-play goal at 10:54 of the second period for his first career playoff tally, putting Buffalo ahead. Helenius extended the lead to 5-3 by converting on a 2-on-1 break at 12:59.
“We’re up a goal in the second period and in a good spot and lost control of the game there,” Montreal captain Nick Suzuki explained. “We were pushing in the third and they get that power-play goal that put it out of reach.”
The third period saw Quinn add his second goal of the night, Thompson score into an empty net, and Metsa cap the scoring with his first career playoff goal on a late power-play opportunity – Buffalo’s fourth man-advantage goal of the evening.
“I feel like every game’s had a lot of chaos to it, so I think we’re getting used to it,” Quinn told Sportsnet after the game. “We knew we played well in the first (period) in stretches and just had to stick with it.”
Montreal had appeared in control after taking a 3-2 advantage into the first intermission. Buffalo opened the scoring when Dahlin converted on the game’s first shot just 32 seconds in, but the Canadiens responded with three straight goals.
Xhekaj evened the score 68 seconds later on Montreal’s initial shot for his first playoff goal, Demidov gave his team the lead with a power-play marker at 8:12, and Evans extended the advantage to 3-1 with a short-handed goal at 10:14.
However, Zucker ignited Buffalo’s rally with a power-play goal at 13:56 of the opening period, shifting momentum in favor of the visiting team for the remainder of the contest.
Two major technology companies announced Saturday they will collaborate to establish India’s first front-end semiconductor manufacturing facility, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push to build its domestic chip production capabilities.
Tata Electronics and the Dutch chipmaking equipment manufacturer ASML revealed their partnership through a joint announcement, stating that ASML’s technology will enable Tata Electronics’ planned 300-millimeter semiconductor manufacturing plant in Gujarat state.
“India’s rapidly expanding semiconductor sector represents many compelling opportunities, and we are committed to establishing long-term partnerships in the region,” ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said.
The manufacturing facility is being developed by Tata Electronics in Dholera, Gujarat, requiring an $11 billion investment. According to the joint announcement, the plant will manufacture chips for various uses including automotive systems, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence applications.
The partnership agreement was formalized with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in attendance, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The ministry noted that both leaders also conducted meetings with executives from prominent Dutch corporations spanning energy, ports, and technology sectors.
During the discussions, Modi encouraged Dutch businesses to pursue investments in semiconductors, renewable energy, digital technologies, and healthcare sectors. Both prime ministers also advocated for swift progress on implementing a free trade agreement between India and the European Union.
India has committed billions in government subsidies to draw semiconductor manufacturing plants and associated production facilities to the country, with eight projects currently in development, including a separate $14 billion Tata Electronics operation in Gujarat.
At the same time, Dutch semiconductor companies are exploring new markets and expanding their geographic presence as they navigate export restrictions and trade limitations stemming from technology competition between the United States and China.
SEOUL, South Korea — For the first time in eight years, North Korean athletes have set foot in South Korea as a women’s soccer team touched down Sunday for an upcoming regional competition, despite ongoing political tensions between the neighboring countries.
The delegation of 39 players and staff members from North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC landed at Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul, after flying in from China. While the team remained silent upon arrival, activists welcomed them with shouts of “Welcome! Welcome!” as onlookers captured the historic moment on their cell phones.
The visiting North Korean squad is scheduled to take on South Korea’s Suwon FC Women this Wednesday in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League semifinals, which will be held in Suwon, located south of Seoul.
While sports have previously served as diplomatic bridges during periods of improved relations between the two Koreas, experts caution that this soccer match is unlikely to indicate any warming of their historically tense relationship, especially given North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s continued aggressive posture toward South Korea.
Lee Wootae, a senior research fellow at Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification, warned against reading too much into the visit in a recent analysis. “We should be cautious about interpreting their visit to South Korea as a sign of an improvement in South-North relations,” he stated. “It would be more accurate to view this as a limited South-North Korean contact within the framework of international sports.”
In recent times, Kim has consistently labeled South Korea as his nation’s main adversary and has worked to abandon concepts of shared Korean identity while promoting an antagonistic “two-state” approach to the Korean Peninsula. Analysts believe this shift reflects Kim’s concerns about South Korean cultural influence and his apparent belief that South Korea no longer serves a useful role in negotiations with the United States.
The last time North Korean athletes competed in South Korea was in December 2018 during a table tennis competition. That visit occurred during a period of active exchange and cooperation programs that followed North Korea’s participation in the Pyeongchang Olympics held in South Korea earlier that year.
This brief era of improved inter-Korean relations ended when American-led diplomatic efforts to address North Korea’s nuclear weapons program fell apart in 2019 over disagreements regarding international sanctions against the North. Since then, North Korea has conducted an aggressive series of weapons testing to build up its nuclear capabilities and has rejected overtures from both South Korea and the United States to resume diplomatic talks.
South Korea’s current liberal administration, headed by President Lee Jae Myung, supports reconciliation with North Korea. The government announced it will financially back civic organizations planning to organize a 3,000-person cheering section to support both North and South Korean teams during Wednesday’s game.
“We will enthusiastically cheer for them by chanting the names of both teams and their players, while faithfully adhering to AFC guidelines,” the civic groups said in a joint statement.
North Korea has established itself as a dominant force in women’s soccer, especially in youth competitions. The country has claimed the Under-17 Women’s World Cup title four times and the Under-20 Women’s World Cup three times. Naegohyang Women’s FC previously defeated Suwon FC Women 3-0 during group stage play in Myanmar last November.
The tournament’s other semifinal will feature Melbourne City FC against Tokyo Verdy Beleza on Wednesday. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday at a stadium in Suwon.
A veteran Nepali mountain guide has shattered his own world record by conquering Mount Everest for the 32nd time, officials announced Sunday.
Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, successfully reached the world’s tallest peak at 8,849 metres (29,032 feet) on Sunday morning, breaking the record he established just last year. The experienced guide was leading clients from the 14 Peaks Expedition company during his historic climb.
Nepal’s Department of Tourism praised the Sherpa for reaching this “historic milestone” and recognized his significant role in advancing mountain tourism in the region.
According to an official statement, he arrived at the summit at 10:12 a.m. (0427 GMT) on Sunday. The same statement noted that a Sherpa woman named Lakhpa, 52, completed her 11th successful ascent to the peak, establishing the record for most climbs by a woman. Additional details about the expeditions were not provided.
Kami Rita hails from Thame village in Solukhumbu district, the same birthplace as Tenzing Norgay. Norgay, alongside New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first climbers to successfully reach Everest’s summit in 1953.
The record-holder first conquered the mountain in 1994 and has continued climbing annually, with exceptions only in 2014, 2015, and 2020 when expeditions were suspended for various reasons. During some years, he managed to reach the summit multiple times.
Since Norgay and Hillary’s pioneering achievement, more than 8,000 climbers have successfully scaled Mount Everest, with many completing multiple ascents.
Among climbers who are not Sherpas, British guide Kenton Cool holds the record with 19 successful climbs, followed by American mountaineers Dave Hahn and Garrett Madison, each with 15 ascents. Both Cool and Madison are currently on Everest attempting to break their own records.
For many Sherpas native to the Solukhumbu district where Everest stands, serving as guides for international climbers on Everest and neighboring peaks represents an essential source of family income.
Officials have granted 492 climbing permits for Everest during this March-May climbing season, though three Nepali climbers have lost their lives on the mountain this month.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — A short break appears to have recharged Shohei Ohtani as the Los Angeles Dodgers star recorded a season-best five RBIs while facing his former team on Saturday evening.
Ohtani finished 2-for-4 with a pair of walks and crossed home plate twice during the Dodgers’ commanding 15-2 victory over the Angels — highlighted by a Little League home run during the eighth inning.
“We were hoping to get a reset with a couple days off,” manager Dave Roberts said, “and I think that’s what happened.”
Playing before another strong showing of Dodgers supporters during the second contest of the three-game Freeway Series, Ohtani returned to his spectacular form during the later innings.
During the eighth frame, he launched a ball toward the right field corner that took an unusual bounce off protective netting along the first-base line. Jo Adell initially hesitated on the play, anticipating a ground-rule double call. When no such ruling came, Adell scrambled to recover. His subsequent throw to the infield missed its mark, enabling Ohtani to cross home plate on the error following what began as a two-run triple.
The protective netting extending to both foul poles represents a recent modification to Angel Stadium this season and wasn’t present during Ohtani’s tenure with the Angels from 2018-23, when he captured two American League MVP honors.
“I just kept running,” Ohtani said through a translator in a postgame television interview.
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki unsuccessfully challenged the play, hoping officials would rule that a spectator had interfered with the ball when it struck the netting before returning to the field.
Ohtani later delivered a bases-loaded double during the ninth inning, prompting “MVP” cheers from the crowd while recording his first five-RBI performance since June 22, 2025. The showing marked his third extra-base hit across two games, including a fifth-inning double on Friday, after managing just one such hit during his first 12 May appearances.
His power decline began during a hitless stretch spanning 17 at-bats from April 29 through May 4.
“Just happy to be performing in front of both Dodger fans and Angels fans,” Ohtani said. “I’m really happy I was able to contribute a lot today.”
ROME (AP) — Irish scholars staring at their computer monitors couldn’t believe what they were seeing as they examined a centuries-old manuscript from a library in Rome. As they scrolled through the digital pages, they discovered an incredible find: the earliest known English poem still in existence.
“We were extremely surprised. We were speechless. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we first saw that,” Elisabetta Magnanti, a visiting research fellow at Trinity College Dublin’s school of English, told The Associated Press.
Even more remarkable, she explained, the poem appeared integrated into the primary Latin text: “It was extraordinary.”
Created in Old English by a Northumbrian farm laborer during the 7th century, “Caedmon’s Hymn” is found in certain versions of the “Ecclesiastical History of the English People,” a Latin work authored by a monk and saint called the Venerable Bede. This historical account ranks among the most frequently copied texts from medieval times, with more than 200 manuscripts existing, according to Mark Faulkner, Magnanti’s research partner and an associate professor of medieval literature at Trinity.
Faulkner views Caedmon’s work as the beginning of English literary tradition.
The manuscript discovered by the pair dates back to the 9th century, making it among the earliest versions. While two older copies include the poem in Old English, those versions were added as secondary elements — converted from Latin and written in margins by subsequent scribes or attached separately rather than incorporated into the main text, the researchers explained.
This finding reveals how widely the English language had spread much earlier than scholars previously believed, Faulkner explained during his visit to Rome, where both researchers traveled to examine the actual text for the first time.
“Prior to the discovery of the Rome manuscript, the earliest one was from the early 12th century. So this is three centuries earlier than that. And so it attests to the importance that was already being attached to the English in the early 9th century,” Faulkner said.
The fact that they located it at all seems almost miraculous.
According to tradition, Caedmon created the poem while employed at Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire, after dinner guests began sharing poetry, Faulkner explained.
“Embarrassed that he didn’t know anything suitable, Caedmon left the feast and went to bed,” he said. “A figure then appeared to him in his dreams telling him to sing about creation, which Caedmon miraculously did, producing the nine-line hymn.”
Nearly 1,400 years later, this version of his poem turned up in Rome’s primary public library — but only after journeying across the Atlantic Ocean multiple times and passing through numerous owners.
Religious scribes created this version of Bede’s historical work in the writing room of the Benedictine abbey of Nonantola, a major manuscript production facility during medieval times, situated near present-day Modena in northern Italy, explained Valentina Longo, who oversees medieval and modern manuscripts at Rome’s National Central Library.
During the 17th century, as the abbey lost significance, its extensive manuscript collection was transferred to another Roman abbey, then relocated to the Vatican and eventually to a small church.
During these moves, some texts disappeared, only to resurface in the early 1800s owned by famous international collectors, Longo noted.
This particular copy of Bede’s history ended up with well-known English antiquarian Thomas Phillipps. When he encountered financial difficulties and began selling portions of his collection, Swiss book collector Martin Bodmer acquired the manuscript. Through unknown circumstances, it eventually reached New York City as part of the collection belonging to Austrian-born rare book dealer H.P. Kraus during the 20th century.
Italy’s culture ministry had been searching globally for Nonantola abbey’s lost manuscripts, purchasing them at auctions and from collectors worldwide. The ministry acquired the Bede history copy from Kraus in 1972, Longo said, and since then this significant text has remained in Rome’s library — though it received little attention.
That changed when Magnanti, who had dedicated more than four years to studying Bede’s history while creating a catalog of surviving copies, entered the picture.
“I knew that the book was listed in the library’s catalog, so I was almost certain that the book was, in fact, still here,” she said. “I realized that, because of the very complex history of this book, no big scholar had really looked at it. So it had been virtually unstudied.”
She contacted the library via email, and staff confirmed the book remained in their collection. Three months afterward, she received digital photographs of the complete manuscript.
The library has converted the entire Nonantolan collection to digital format and made it freely available online, Longo said.
This represents part of an extensive library initiative to provide researchers worldwide with access to thousands of rare books and manuscripts, according to Andrea Cappa, who leads the library’s manuscripts and rare books reading room.
“The discovery made by the experts of Trinity College is just one starting point, a single manuscript that might pave the way for countless other discoveries, in countless other fields, through international cooperation like this,” Cappa said.
Cristopher Sanchez delivered a dominant performance Saturday, recording a personal-best 13 strikeouts while tossing his second career complete game shutout as the Philadelphia Phillies blanked the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0 on the road.
Bryce Harper launched a towering three-run home run while Trea Turner contributed two hits, scored twice and drove in a run for Philadelphia. The victory brought the Phillies to an even 23-23 record, marking their 14th victory in 18 contests since Don Mattingly assumed interim managerial duties late last month.
Pittsburgh’s offense struggled against Sanchez (5-2), managing just six hits with no walks drawn. Marcell Ozuna endured a difficult afternoon, going hitless in four at-bats with four strikeouts. Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (1-5) was tagged for five runs, four of them earned, surrendering three hits and issuing four walks across three innings of work.
Sanchez recorded two strikeouts in the eighth inning before establishing his career milestone with another punchout of Ozuna in the ninth. His 108th and final pitch of the contest resulted in Nick Yorke grounding out to end the game.
In other Saturday action, Daulton Varsho delivered a clutch one-out single in the 10th inning, driving home Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to give Toronto a 2-1 extra-inning victory over Detroit. Yohendrick Pinango connected for his first major league homer for the Blue Jays, while Matt Vierling went deep for the Tigers.
Kyle Leahy’s solid pitching performance guided St. Louis to a 4-2 home win against Kansas City. Leahy (5-3) earned his third victory in four starts, working six innings and allowing just one run. Alec Burleson knocked in two runs for the Cardinals.
Mickey Moniak drove in two runs as Colorado split their weekend series with Arizona, winning 4-2 in Denver. The contest marked just the third game this season at Coors Field without a home run hit by either team.
Miami erupted for eight runs in the 10th inning to defeat Tampa Bay 10-5 in St. Petersburg. Liam Hicks contributed a two-run single and Javier Sanoja added a three-run double during the decisive rally that snapped the Rays’ 11-game home winning streak.
Washington reached the .500 mark with a convincing 13-3 victory over Baltimore at home. Keibert Ruiz collected three hits including a homer and drove in five runs, while Jacob Young and Brady House each contributed two hits with a home run and three RBIs.
The Chicago White Sox powered past the Cubs 8-3 behind a five-homer attack led by Munetaka Murakami’s two long balls. In his rookie major league season, Murakami recorded his first multi-homer game to highlight the offensive showcase.
Houston prevented Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom from reaching his 100th career victory, hitting four home runs off the two-time Cy Young Award winner in a 4-1 triumph. Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez connected for first-inning homers to spark the assault.
Angel Martinez’s go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning lifted Cleveland to a 7-4 comeback victory over Cincinnati. The Guardians trailed 4-2 before scoring five times over the final three innings.
Willson Contreras crushed a two-run homer in the eighth inning to power Boston past Atlanta 3-2. The clutch hit made a winner of Peyton Tolle (2-2), who worked a career-high eight innings for the Red Sox.
Mark Vientos drove in three runs and the New York Mets received crucial relief pitching from Luke Weaver in a 6-3 victory over the Yankees in the second game of the Subway Series. Casey Schmitt had four hits including two home runs, leading San Francisco to a 6-4 win over the Athletics in West Sacramento.
Shohei Ohtani drove in five runs with a triple and double as Los Angeles routed the Angels 15-2 in the Freeway Series. Jackson Chourio hit his first home run of the season to help Milwaukee edge Minnesota 2-1, while San Diego improved to 5-0 this season against Seattle with a 7-4 victory featuring home runs from Gavin Sheets, Nick Castellanos and rookie Rodolfo Duran.
Jonathan Rodriguez delivered an exceptional individual performance in the Hawks’ final baseball game of the 2026 season, collecting four hits for a new personal best. However, his stellar effort wasn’t enough to secure victory as the Hawks dropped their season finale to New Haven by a score of 11-9.
The loss concluded what proved to be an improved campaign for the Hawks, who managed to add two additional wins to their record compared to their 2025 performance. Rodriguez’s four-hit showcase provided a bright spot in the season’s closing contest, highlighting his development as a key contributor to the team’s offensive efforts.
While the Hawks couldn’t cap off their season with a victory at New Haven, the team’s overall progress throughout 2026 demonstrated meaningful improvement from the previous year’s results.
Recent disease outbreaks on ocean liners haven’t dampened travelers’ enthusiasm for cruise vacations, according to travel industry analysts and cruise company representatives.
Travel experts predict a record-breaking year for cruise passengers worldwide, even after three travelers died from hantavirus following their voyage on the MV Hondius that made a stop in Argentina, and a separate norovirus incident occurred on a British vessel while docked in Bordeaux, France.
“The cruise consumer seems to be somewhat Teflon when it comes to stories like this,” said Rob Kwortnik, an associate professor at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration who closely watches the cruise industry.
The Cruise Lines International Association released projections in mid-April showing 38.3 million travelers are expected to sail on ocean vessels this year, representing a 4% increase from the previous record of 37.2 million passengers in the prior year.
Major cruise operators keep their sales data private. When questioned about possible effects from the MV Hondius incident, the trade association declined to discuss or speculate about booking trends. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding customer demand.
The Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the MV Hondius, stated it anticipates no operational changes. The company has a voyage departing from Keflavik, Iceland, scheduled for May 29.
Experienced cruise travelers indicated the recent outbreak wouldn’t alter their vacation plans.
“I have eight cruises booked, and I’ll absolutely be booking another,” said Jenni Fielding, who blogs and posts social media videos about cruise trips under the moniker Cruise Mummy. “Cruising is as safe as any other type of holiday, provided travelers follow sensible health advice and stay aware of official guidance.”
Scott Eddy, a hospitality influencer, is currently on a cruise and docked in Monaco. Fellow passengers have not mentioned the hantavirus outbreak, he said.
“The average traveler understands that this is an isolated health situation and not something unique to cruise travel itself,” Eddy said.
CruiseCompete.com, an online marketplace where consumers making vacation plans can compare offers from travel agents, booked 31.7% more cabins in the first half of May compared to the same period last year, CEO Bob Levinstein said.
“I can categorically say that we have not seen any drop in demand,” Levinstein said.
Levinstein explained that norovirus — a highly contagious stomach illness that spreads rapidly in crowded settings — becomes associated with cruises in many Americans’ minds because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control requires ships to disclose when 3% or more passengers report symptoms.
On a ship with 5,000 passengers, an illness impacting 3% of them “goes completely unnoticed by the vast majority of vacationers, and experienced cruisers know this,” he said.
Current news cycles rarely impact passengers’ decisions to join a cruise because the trips generally are booked at least 6 months — and often as much as a year – in advance, Kwortnik said.
“People who are booking cruises tomorrow are thinking about the holidays,” he said.
During a conference call Thursday with investors, Switzerland-based cruise line Viking said demand for its river cruises softened briefly during the first three months of this year after the Iran war began but then quickly rebounded.
Viking said 92% of its 2026 cruises and 38% of its 2027 cruises were booked. The company didn’t mention hantavirus or norovirus.
Andrew Coggins, a cruise industry analyst and professor in Pace University’s Lubin School of Business, said even if travelers set to embark on a cruise soon are unnerved by the latest news, they’re unlikely to get a refund.
“I think if there’s any impact on demand, it would be in the long term. If you’re cruising in the next few months, you’re past the point at which you can get your money back,” he said.
Coggins believes the hantavirus incident received significant media coverage because it brought back memories of the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined near Japan for two weeks in early 2020 after coronavirus was discovered aboard the ship during the early stages of what became a global pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely damaged the cruise industry, forcing many smaller companies out of business. Passenger numbers didn’t begin recovering until 2022, Coggins said.
Fewer cruise passengers from China and Japan are traveling compared to pre-COVID levels, according to CLIA. However, Coggins noted that demand in other markets is thriving.
“There are new ships on order out to 2037. The cruise lines are bullish. They see demand growing and they want to offer new bells and whistles, new ports, new destinations,” he said.
Cruising’s expansion stems partly from its broad appeal across different age groups and income brackets. A recent U.S. survey by Bank of America showed Generation Z respondents and millennials were most likely to indicate they planned to cruise within the next 12 months.
The survey also revealed that cruise spending increased for lower-income households even as those families reduced spending on airfare and lodging. Cruise companies have been targeting these customers recently with shorter, more budget-friendly trip options.
Kwortnik noted that cruising provides travelers with good value for their vacation investment.
“On average, it costs more just to stay at a hotel in Miami than it does to sail on a cruise out of Miami – and the cruise includes lodging, multiple destinations, food, entertainment, and transportation all in the fare,” he said.
The World Health Organization’s top official announced Sunday that an Ebola outbreak affecting Congo and Uganda has been classified as an international public health emergency, following reports of more than 300 suspected infections and 88 fatalities.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the declaration after reviewing the situation. In a social media statement, the World Health Organization clarified that this outbreak does not qualify as a pandemic-level emergency similar to COVID-19, and recommended against shutting down international borders.
The deadly virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids including blood, vomit and semen. While Ebola outbreaks are uncommon, the disease typically results in severe illness and frequently proves fatal.
Medical experts have identified the current outbreak as stemming from the Bundibugyo virus, an uncommon form of Ebola for which no authorized treatments or preventive vaccines are available. Despite more than 20 previous Ebola outbreaks occurring across Congo and Uganda, the Bundibugyo variant has only appeared twice before.
Nearly all cases have emerged in Congo, with just two confirmed infections in neighboring Uganda, according to WHO reports.
Health officials initially documented the disease’s spread in Congo’s eastern Ituri province, located near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan, on Friday. By Saturday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had tallied 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths.
“There are significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread associated with this event at the present time. In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases,” Tedros said.
Ugandan authorities confirmed Saturday that one patient who had traveled from Congo died at a medical facility in the capital city of Kampala. The WHO reported a second case also in Kampala. Both patients had journeyed from Congo, and officials found no connection between the two cases.
The Bundibugyo strain first appeared during a 2007-2008 outbreak in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district, affecting 149 individuals and causing 37 deaths. Its second occurrence was documented in 2012 in Isiro, Congo, resulting in 57 cases and 29 fatalities.
The WHO’s emergency status aims to mobilize international donors and governments to respond. Past emergency declarations have produced varying levels of global action.
When the organization declared mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African nations a global emergency in 2024, health experts noted the designation failed to rapidly deliver essential supplies including diagnostic equipment, medications and vaccines to impacted regions.
Former dual-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is scheduled to step back into the octagon on July 11 in Las Vegas, UFC President Dana White revealed during Saturday evening’s UFC event.
The Irish fighter will face off against Hawaiian competitor Max Holloway in the featured bout at UFC 329, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The match will occur in the lightweight/welterweight division. McGregor hasn’t competed since sustaining a leg fracture during his bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Known for his dynamic striking abilities and provocative promotional style, McGregor joined the UFC in 2013 and rapidly rose to become mixed martial arts’ most recognizable figure. In 2016, he captured the UFC lightweight championship while already holding the featherweight title, making history as the first fighter to simultaneously possess two UFC championships.
McGregor’s bold personality resonated with audiences worldwide, and he played a significant role in elevating MMA from a sport once criticized by U.S. Senator John McCain as “human cockfighting” into mainstream popularity.
His crossover boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather in August 2017 earned the Irishman substantial financial rewards, though he has competed in MMA only four times since defeating Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight championship on November 12, 2016, suffering defeats in three of those contests.
The 37-year-old McGregor was originally scheduled to face former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in June 2024, but that bout was canceled due to a toe injury sustained during training.
Subsequently, an Irish civil court jury determined he was liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in 2018.
In October 2025, McGregor accepted an 18-month suspension for “whereabouts failures” after missing three sample collection attempts by Combat Sports Anti-Doping in 2024. The suspension was applied retroactively and concluded in March.
Should McGregor compete against Holloway on July 11, it will mark exactly five years and one day since his leg injury against Poirier.
INGLEWOOD, California, May 17 – Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey made a spectacular return to mixed martial arts competition after nearly ten years away from the sport, defeating Gina Carano with her signature armbar submission move in just 17 seconds Saturday evening.
The 39-year-old fighter, who earned an Olympic bronze medal in judo in 2008, immediately went on the attack when the bout started at the Intuit Dome during the inaugural MMA event organized by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Rousey quickly brought down the 44-year-old Carano and transitioned into the armbar position, leaving her opponent with no choice but to submit or face a broken arm.
The armbar technique became Rousey’s calling card throughout her championship run as UFC bantamweight titleholder, and despite Carano anticipating the move after 17 years away from competition, she couldn’t defend against it.
“Gina is the person who brought me into MMA, she’s the only person who could have brought me back into MMA,” an emotional Rousey stated during her post-fight interview before speaking directly to her opponent.
“You brought me back home … you changed my world, and we changed the world. And I will never ever forget, and I will never be able to pay you back enough. I’m so glad we finally got to share this moment.”
Carano expressed frustration that the match concluded so rapidly, but acknowledged that simply returning to competition after building an acting career over more than fifteen years was an accomplishment in itself.
“I wanted that to last longer. I felt like I was so ready. I felt so good. I’ve never felt that good, but I haven’t been here for 17 years, so I mean I wanted to. I wanted to hit her,” she explained.
“You feel a little unfulfilled, just because you didn’t get a chance to at least show the world what you’ve been working on, you know. I’ll probably feel that later. Right now, getting in the cage was a victory. Getting here after 17 years is a victory.”
The night’s other featured bouts saw lineal heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou deliver a crushing knockout victory over Philipe Lins, while Mike Perry inflicted severe cuts on popular fighter Nate Diaz to earn a second-round stoppage victory.
MOSCOW, May 17 – Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow region during nighttime hours, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 12 people wounded, Russian officials reported Sunday.
The majority of those injured were hurt in the vicinity of a Moscow oil refinery entrance during the drone assault, according to authorities.
Moscow city Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that the refinery’s “technology” remained undamaged in the attack.
Houston Astros veteran infielder Jose Altuve is scheduled for medical imaging Sunday morning following a left side injury that forced his early departure from Saturday’s 4-1 victory against the Texas Rangers.
The injury occurred during the eighth inning when Altuve was taking a swing at the plate. While he made contact and sent the ball toward third base, he was unable to run to first base, showing visible discomfort as he returned to the dugout area.
“It’s not good he couldn’t even get out of the box and run,” said Astros manager Joe Espada.
Following an assessment by Espada and a Houston athletic trainer near the dugout, Altuve headed straight to the clubhouse. The veteran player chose not to discuss the injury with reporters after the game, stating he would wait for his MRI results before making any comments about his condition.
The 36-year-old Altuve has appeared in 41 games this season for Houston, batting .245 with three home runs and 11 RBIs. Throughout his 16-season career entirely with the Astros, he has maintained a .302 batting average while accumulating 258 home runs and 900 RBIs.
If Altuve requires placement on the injured list, it would compound Houston’s existing infield concerns. Third baseman Carlos Correa is sidelined following season-ending ankle surgery, while shortstop Jeremy Pena continues his recovery on the injured list due to a hamstring strain.
An international data center company with connections to China is reportedly preparing for a massive stock market debut across two continents, according to weekend financial news reports.
DayOne, a worldwide data center operator linked to China’s GDS Holdings, is preparing for simultaneous stock listings in Singapore and the United States that could generate $5 billion, the Financial Times reported Sunday.
The company has not yet responded to requests for confirmation of the report.
According to the Financial Times, DayOne originally explored listing exclusively on the New York stock exchange, but Singapore market officials convinced the company to pursue a dual listing approach. The report cited three sources with knowledge of the company’s strategy.
Earlier this year in February, reports indicated DayOne was targeting a $5 billion fundraising goal through a U.S. public offering, with sources suggesting the company could achieve a $20 billion valuation.
The company has undergone recent restructuring, with Shanghai-based GDS Holdings establishing GDS International in Singapore during 2022. The Singapore entity was later renamed DayOne this past January after separating from its parent organization.
A vehicle accident has resulted in the complete closure of Route 896 southbound at Old Baltimore Pike, according to traffic officials.
The roadway remains blocked as emergency responders work at the crash site. Drivers traveling in the area are advised to use alternative routes until the roadway can be reopened.
No additional details about the collision or potential injuries have been released at this time.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Two University of Delaware track and field competitors brought home championship victories from the Conference USA outdoor meet held May 14-16.
Lauren Leath, who competes in sprint events, and Olamide Ayeni, a specialist in throwing competitions, both captured first-place honors during the three-day championship event.
The pair’s victories highlight the strength of the University of Delaware’s track and field program at the conference level competition.
NEW YORK (AP) — Luke Weaver confessed to telling Clay Holmes a white lie and felt no shame about it.
Following his escape from a bases-loaded situation with no outs during the New York Mets’ 6-3 Subway Series victory against the Yankees on Saturday evening, Weaver made it a point to contact his teammate who had departed Friday’s game with a leg fracture.
“When I saw him I just was like: ‘That was in honor of you. I even had your name written in my hat,’” Weaver recalled saying.
However, the relief pitcher confessed he made up that motivational detail.
“I didn’t, but it just felt right to say,” he told reporters. “Kids, don’t lie to your parents.”
“Clay would probably be disappointed that I wasn’t thinking about him out there on the mound,” Weaver added, “but the situation obviously presented itself pretty quickly.”
One day after Holmes suffered a broken right fibula from Spencer Jones’ line drive back to the mound, the Mets held a 5-2 advantage when the Yankees filled the bases in the seventh inning following rookie right fielder Carsen Benge’s dropped catch of Cody Bellinger’s fly ball, which allowed Aaron Judge to cross home plate.
Weaver, who departed the Yankees in December for a $22 million, two-year contract with the Mets, rushed from the bullpen to replace Brooks Raley. Weaver focused on “not twisting an ankle or something.”
“I run in pretty fast. I just think that’s more of an adrenaline spike,” he said. “but the first few steps always are unpleasant and then the ankles start to loosen up a bit.”
He eliminated Amed Rosario and Trent Grisham with changeups after establishing 0-2 counts on both batters, then forced Anthony Volpe into a groundout that ended the inning.
“He was pretty fired up,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.
Weaver’s fastball velocity reached 96.1 mph on average, which was 1.4 mph higher than his seasonal norm.
“I don’t think he’s extra fired up. I think that’s who he is. I think that’s what he brings to the table every time,” said Juan Soto, who had a pair of hits and walked twice.
Weaver returned for the eighth inning, marking his first multi-inning appearance since May of the previous year. He concluded the eighth by getting Judge out on a fly ball.
“A little smirk,” Weaver revealed. “I did say I would acknowledge him at the plate. I didn’t do that a few years ago, and he let me have it. But yeah, it was a cool opportunity to finish that outing against one of the greatest we’ve ever seen and one of best people you’ve ever known.”
The crowd at Citi Field was energetic, particularly during Judge and Soto’s at-bats.
“I enjoyed every bit of it.” Soto said. “Definitely, there’s some weird words that they say out there. Most of them, I don’t understand it, but, yeah, it’s really cool.”
Having won four of their last five contests, the Mets moved to 19-26 but stayed in last place within the NL East division.
“I think tonight I wanted people to know, especially my teammates, that’s what we’re capable of,” Weaver said. “We could beat great teams in this league and it just takes some fundamental baseball. It takes big moments. It takes some mistakes that we bounce back from.”
Holmes, who joined the Mets from the Yankees following the 2024 season, will probably remain out of action until August at the earliest. Weaver doesn’t plan to actually inscribe Holmes’ name in his cap going forward.
“I certainly will not. That would violate a best friendship that I’m striving for and it would just be a little too much too quick,” he said. “He seems like a guy that’s got a lot of friends but not a lot of best friends, so that’s always a challenge, trying to just get something you can’t have.”
The surge in artificial intelligence technology is sparking political battles across multiple states as utility companies report soaring profits while consumers face mounting electricity costs, leaving cash-strapped families caught in what critics call a dysfunctional system.
Government leaders and legislators in at least six states — Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania — are taking unprecedented steps to prevent proposed utility rate hikes. Some are demanding utilities completely overhaul how they fund major infrastructure improvements.
This campaign unfolds during a midterm election cycle where affordability has become the central message for Democrats trying to reduce Republicans’ grip on Washington.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat running for reelection this year, is fighting two utility rate hike proposals before the state’s utility regulatory board.
“I felt like it’s never been more important to stand up against the blatant corporate greed of our monopoly utilities in Arizona,” Mayes said in an interview.
The massive energy requirements of AI data centers have pushed electricity costs higher in certain areas and triggered a profitable construction surge in the energy industry.
Consumer advocates have historically attempted to question utility investment returns before regulatory bodies. However, the current situation represents something different, these advocates note.
“We’ve entered into this era of expensive energy and (demand) growth, and we’re seeing utility profits at record highs and rising utility bills,” said Matt Kasper of the Energy and Policy Institute, which pushes utilities to keep rates low and use renewable energy sources.
Utilities have traditionally been considered a safe investment option, offering steady income and predictable consumer demand. Due to this reduced risk, utility sector investment returns typically fall below other industries, according to analysts.
Nevertheless, utilities — many owned by multibillion-dollar, for-profit parent corporations — have experienced particularly strong stock performance during the data center boom.
While regulatory investment returns aren’t the only factor driving consumer bill increases, researchers indicate they play a significant role. The Energy and Policy Institute released a March report showing profits for 110 for-profit utilities climbed from just under $39 billion in 2021 to over $52 billion in 2024.
Mark Ellis, a former utility executive-turned-consumer advocate, estimated approximately 10% of typical customer bills represents what he termed a for-profit utility’s “excess profit,” beyond what might be deemed reasonable under established Supreme Court precedent.
Rather than regulators establishing returns above market requirements, utilities should seek the lowest-cost investor funding, similar to shopping for the best loan interest rate, Ellis suggested.
Paul Ferraro, an economics professor at Johns Hopkins University, characterized targeting utility investment returns as political rather than economic action.
“That’s an action that’s aiming to address the deep social disagreements we have about who should benefit from essential infrastructure,” Ferraro said. “But it’s not going to address the key challenges that the electricity sector is facing.”
These challenges include investments in modernization, expansion, renewable energies and distributed power sources, Ferraro explained.
Travis Miller, an energy and utilities analyst for Morningstar, noted utility executives are highlighting cost-cutting efforts and protecting residential customers from data center electricity supply costs during earnings calls.
“Affordability is probably the number one issue that executives and investors are thinking about right now in the utility sector,” Miller said.
Without affordable current rates, utilities cannot secure necessary rate increases to boost earnings and investor dividends, Miller explained.
Utilities reference federal data indicating home electricity bills as a percentage of household income have decreased over recent decades. They defend regulatory-approved investment returns as essential for raising funds needed to properly maintain electrical grids and ensure reliable service for millions.
They also caution that investors will redirect their money to utilities in other states offering better returns.
Critics dismiss this as fearmongering.
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities initiated what its president, Christine Guhl Sadovy, described as one of the most significant regulatory reviews in a generation, examining how utilities “should earn revenue in a modern energy system.”
Recently, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pressured PECO, the Philadelphia-area utility subsidiary of Exelon Corp., to abandon a 12.5% rate increase, equivalent to $20 monthly for average residential customers. Shapiro, a Democrat seeking reelection this year, subsequently sent a letter to utility executives, criticizing utility profits and declaring the “20th century utility model is broken.”
“We can no longer simply prioritize corporate profitability to drive infrastructure development,” Shapiro wrote.
One analyst dubbed it “Quaker State Sticker Shock” in an investor note, and Pennsylvania-based utility company stock prices underperformed competitors in subsequent days.
Exelon — the Chicago-based parent of Commonwealth Edison, PECO, Baltimore Gas and Electric and several other utilities — stressed its recognition of affordability concerns.
Calvin Butler, Exelon’s president and CEO, informed analysts during the May 6 first-quarter earnings call that the company remained committed to justifying expenditures and minimizing energy bills. The decision to withdraw the rate increase request followed discussions with “stakeholders” who said, “Hey, if you could partner with us to address the affordability issue and lean in, timing is not the best right now,” Butler explained.
In Indiana, Republican Gov. Mike Braun selected new utility commissioners tasked with confronting rate increases.
Their initial major challenge involves AES Indiana’s request for a 10.1% increase, representing $193 million annually from ratepayers, according to Ben Inskeep, program director for the Indianapolis-based consumer advocate Citizens Action Coalition.
As part of this request, AES Indiana — whose parent company is being acquired privately in a $33.4 billion deal led by private investment giant BlackRock — requested a 10.7% return on its investment.
Inskeep calculated an 8% return — instead of 10.7% — would reduce the proposed rate increase by nearly half.
In Arizona, Mayes is contesting two proposed 14% increases that she believes could be substantially lowered if companies received only the cost to maintain reliable service.
“It’s becoming unbearable for the people in Arizona,” Mayes said. “And I think we have to fight back.”
WAIALUA, Hawaii — The thick, rust-colored mud that buried Bok Kongphan’s Hawaiian farm has baked solid under the intense tropical heat. Tangled irrigation lines mark where his lemongrass, cucumber and okra plants once thrived.
His niece, Jeni Balanay, also saw her harvest destroyed — including choy sum, bitter melon, and tomato crops. The foliage on her newly planted banana, coconut and mango trees has turned yellow, signaling they likely won’t make it.
Throughout Oahu’s North Shore, known worldwide for its massive surfing waves, small agricultural operations that help feed the island are fighting to survive following consecutive March storms that caused the state’s most severe flooding in 20 years. Authorities are urging farmers to persevere, emphasizing that homegrown agriculture remains vital for this remote island chain.
“In some cases entire farms have been wiped out,” said Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau. “These are farmers who were just days or weeks away from harvesting and now they have to start over.”
Information gathered by agricultural advocates shows more than 600 of Hawaii’s 6,500 farming operations documented close to $40 million in losses, affecting crops, animals and equipment. However, Miyamoto said the farm bureau believes the true scope of devastation reaches much wider — $50 million across nearly 2,000 farms.
During most of the late 1800s and 1900s, large-scale plantation farming controlled Hawaii’s agricultural landscape, with corporations like Dole and companies established by missionary families cultivating vast sugarcane and pineapple fields for overseas markets. These enterprises attracted numerous immigrants, mainly from Asia and Portugal.
This massive single-crop system declined by the 1990s due to global competition, prompting officials to encourage smaller operations — some, like Kongphan’s, covering just a few acres — growing diverse crops for local stores and farmers markets.
Global supply chain problems during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the value of local food production in Hawaii, leading the state to increase farm support in recent years. This assistance includes infrastructure funding, farm-to-school initiatives and loans for those rejected by traditional banks.
Yet challenges persist. Unlike many mainland counterparts, Hawaii’s farms are often too small and varied to afford or qualify for crop insurance.
Many farmers are immigrants who were barely surviving financially before the storms hit, Miyamoto observed.
Most Hawaii farms generate under $10,000 yearly, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The flooding, combined with strong winds and power failures, killed or harmed livestock while destroying equipment, vehicles and infrastructure.
Without insurance coverage, Kongphan, who immigrated from Thailand, has been seeking government assistance and determining how to level earth displaced by floodwaters. His niece has been helping him and other Thai farmers work through the application process. Available support includes federal disaster aid, one-time $1,500 emergency payments and long-term state loans, plus a charity fund that collected approximately $850,000 following the floods. Many farmers have also created online fundraising campaigns.
Speaking through Balanay’s interpretation, Kongphan described the floods as “very devastating,” but confirmed he will continue working the 5-acre plot he’s rented for five years, growing vegetables sold at farmers markets, swap meets, and shops and stands in Honolulu’s Chinatown.
Kongphan indicated a faint, thigh-high mark on a plywood wall showing the water level inside his home, constructed from a shipping container. A donated tent now sits inside, though he typically sleeps outdoors.
Swarms of flies buzzed around as he lifted a mud-covered generator he hopes to repair. A Toyota Yaris nearby was coated inside and outside with the same dried muck.
Balanay, who learned agriculture from her mother following the family’s move to Hawaii, questions whether she wants to continue farming. She remembered the rushing water reaching her waist within seconds and destroying her crops during the night.
“Will it happen again?” she asked. “When you look at the land and it’s all destroyed, you want to give up.”
This flooding represents the latest challenge for Hawaii’s agricultural community, following wildfires, pests and volcanic tephra — ash and debris from an active Big Island volcano, according to the state’s chief agriculture official, Sharon Hurd.
“These are the farms that we really need to get started again,” Hurd said. “We cannot have them give up.”
Officials have been running soil safety tests to reassure farmers while providing seeds and seedlings, she explained.
Several farmers haven’t been able to attend farmers markets, a crucial income source. Those who do attend have reduced inventory, Miyamoto noted.
Farmer Kula Uliʻi said her family now brings about one-fourth of their typical harvest. Rather than 200 pounds of tomatoes at weekend farmers markets, they might sell 60 pounds.
They lost seedlings scheduled for planting this month and expect months of reduced harvests, she explained. She’s uncertain about her farm’s grocery store contracts, given their inability to meet demand.
Even the taro, which normally grows well in water, was ruined after being covered in flood contaminants, she said.
“It’s all gone,” Uliʻi said. “We can’t use any of it.”
South Korean officials announced Sunday they will explore every available measure, including emergency arbitration procedures, to prevent a work stoppage at Samsung Electronics, the nation’s largest employer, and reduce potential economic damage should a strike occur.
The global leader in memory chip production and its domestic labor union are scheduled to restart wage negotiations Monday with government mediation, potentially reducing concerns about a damaging work stoppage at the technology company responsible for nearly one-fourth of the nation’s export revenue.
“Just one day of suspension at Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor factory is expected to incur direct losses of as much as 1 trillion won ($667.68 million),” Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated following an emergency cabinet meeting Sunday.
“What is more concerning is that a temporary pause on semiconductor manufacturing lines leads to months of inactivity,” Kim said, adding there were worries about economic damage ballooning to as much as 100 trillion won if materials had to be disposed of due to a strike.
Emergency arbitration procedures, which the labor minister can implement when officials determine a labor dispute threatens economic stability or public welfare, would immediately ban work stoppages for 30 days while the National Labor Relations Commission facilitates negotiations and arbitration.
Such measures are seldom used and would mark an unusual action for an administration that typically supports labor unions.
Union representatives indicated they would engage in sincere negotiations to reach a settlement with company leadership.
Samsung represents 22.8% of South Korea’s export economy and 26% of the national stock exchange, providing employment to more than 120,000 workers and partnering with 1,700 supply companies, Kim noted.
On December 8, 1980, the same day John Lennon was fatally shot, the music legend and Yoko Ono conducted an extensive interview with a San Francisco radio team from their residence at New York’s Dakota Apartments.
The couple was publicizing their latest album “Double Fantasy,” but their two-hour discussion covered numerous topics. Despite being told “no Beatles questions,” both Lennon and Ono spoke with remarkable openness. That same day, Annie Leibovitz captured the iconic photograph of an unclothed Lennon embracing Ono.
The conversation reveals intimate details as both artists, especially Lennon, discuss love, their partnership, artistic expression, post-Beatles life, parenting their young son, composing music in bed, and various other subjects. At 40 years old, Lennon appears to have achieved profound understanding.
“I feel like nothing happened before today,” Lennon remarked.
Steven Soderbergh has transformed these preserved recordings into “John Lennon: The Last Interview,” a documentary that strips away mystique from Lennon and Ono similar to how “Get Back” did for the Beatles. The movie premiered Saturday at the Cannes Film Festival.
“I was just so compelled by their generosity of spirit throughout the conversation,” Soderbergh explained during a Saturday interview in Cannes. “It’s like the world took place in one day, in this apartment.”
Creating the film presented a significant challenge. Soderbergh was determined to preserve the audio recording. While he discovered methods to provide visual elements for much of the documentary, a substantial portion remained where the discussion becomes more abstract.
“I worked on everything that could be solved except that for as long as I could,” Soderbergh says. “Then there was the inevitable moment of: OK, but really what are we going to do? We just started playing and ran out of time and money. That’s where the Meta piece came in.”
Soderbergh agreed to utilize Meta’s artificial intelligence technology to generate visuals for those segments, comprising approximately 10% of the documentary. When Soderbergh revealed this information earlier this year, it created significant controversy. One of the nation’s most respected directors was employing AI? In a Beatles member documentary, nonetheless?
The AI sequences (heavily criticized by Cannes reviewers) appear relatively ordinary and resemble standard visual effects. However, Soderbergh positioned himself at the center of an industry-wide discussion regarding AI applications in cinema. For Soderbergh, who has filmed movies using iPhones, this represents a dialogue he welcomes.
SODERBERGH: Transparency is so important (in) that the world outside of the creative context, we’re not aware of the extent that this is being used and used to manipulate us. We don’t know because they’re not telling. We find out after, by accident, by some whistle blower. I’m like my own whistle blower: “This is what he’s doing.”
SODERBERGH: I knew what was coming. I take it very seriously, and I understand why people have an emotional response to this subject. As I’ve said before, I feel like I owe people the best version of whatever art I’m trying to make and total transparency about how I’m doing it. But, yeah, you don’t say yes to Meta offering you these tools and offering to finish the film and not know you’re going to come in for some heat. That was part of the deal.
SODERBERGH: I think most jobs that matter when you’re making a movie cannot be performed by this tech and never will be performed by this tech. As it becomes possible for anybody to create something that meets a certain standard of technical perfection, then imperfection becomes more valuable and more interesting. We haven’t seen yet someone with a certain amount of creative credibility go full-metal AI on something, and see how people react. I think it’s necessary. How do you know where the line is until somebody crosses it? I don’t think what I’m doing crosses it. Some people may disagree. I don’t know where my line is yet. I’m waiting to see.
SODERBERGH: Circles of light that come out of nowhere, things like that. A black rose that turns into a Busby Berkeley thing and then a red rose. I wasn’t very articulate to the people I was working with. It was hard to describe the things I wanted to see. The good part about this technology was at least ability to have something in front of me quickly that I could respond to.
SODERBERGH: I’ve determined my rule is: It has to be necessary. Is it the only way to accomplish what I want to see? Is it truly the best way to do it? That’s the real question. You’re going to see a lot of people doing stuff with AI that fail those two challenges.
SODERBERGH: I needed a way to follow them in flight visually, or I’m not doing my job. It’s hard to judge how long it will take us to find homeostasis with this technology. I think we will. Just looking at this technology in the movie making business, each department has or will have a very different relationship with it. I’ll have a different relationship than a writer, than an actor, than the costume designer, the production designer, the sound effects people.
Each creative person is going to have their own prism and be affected by it in different ways. Our inherent desire to have a simple template for how this is to be approached is part of the problem. I don’t think that’s possible. I don’t think there’s a one-size fits all.
SODERBERGH: Especially his burning desire to destroy the male rock star myth — at a time when that was not the mood anyone else was in. That’s inspiring. What I hope young people who see it get out of it is: This guy told the truth about everything from the jump, right up through the last day of his life. He just was built that way. And he was constructive. He was very opinionated but also very thoughtful and all in the aid of: Can we do this better? Can we do a better version of human beings on this planet?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican efforts to secure $1 billion for White House security improvements hit a major roadblock when the Senate parliamentarian determined the proposal violates procedural requirements, preventing its inclusion in a three-year immigration enforcement funding measure.
Senate Democrats announced the parliamentarian’s decision late Saturday, explaining that funding for such an extensive and complicated project as President Donald Trump’s large-scale East Wing renovation exceeds the scope allowed in the narrow GOP budget legislation, which bypasses filibuster rules and requires only a simple majority for approval.
Republicans face uncertainty about whether they can quickly recover any portion of the billion-dollar Secret Service funding request, which was designed to cover security for Trump’s ballroom alongside other White House improvements, including a new visitor screening facility, enhanced agent training and additional support for major events. Republican leaders indicated Saturday evening they are modifying the legislation following the parliamentarian’s guidance.
Ryan Wrasse, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, posted on X that such developments are standard during the intricate budget process Republicans are employing to advance immigration enforcement and White House security funding without bipartisan support.
“Redraft. Refine. Resubmit,” Wrasse said in the post.
Democratic leaders have criticized the security funding request, claiming Republicans are allocating valuable federal money toward the ballroom project rather than addressing Americans’ concerns about increasing living expenses. Republican officials maintain that private contributions will finance the ballroom construction while federal funds target essential security improvements.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., claimed responsibility for the ruling after Democrats challenged the parliamentarian about whether the security funding belonged in the legislation.
“Republicans tried to make taxpayers foot the bill for Trump’s billion-dollar ballroom,” Schumer said Saturday evening. “Senate Democrats fought back — and blew up their first attempt.”
Schumer stated that Democrats “will be ready to stop them again” as Republicans announce plans to revise the bill.
While the Senate parliamentarian’s decision serves as guidance rather than a binding mandate, lawmakers almost never disregard such rulings when crafting legislation eligible for simple majority passage. Standard bills face filibuster procedures requiring 60 votes for approval — forcing Republicans to secure Democratic backing in the 53-47 Senate.
Republicans aim to pass approximately $72 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through Trump’s term conclusion after Democrats have prevented the funding for several months.
Within that package, Republicans incorporated $1 billion for White House security upgrades, partially linked to Trump’s new ballroom. The Secret Service had sought the funding following charges against a man for attempting to assassinate Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner last month.
The broader budget package provides additional support for Trump’s immigration and deportation initiatives, maintaining operations through September 2029. This supplements ICE and Border Patrol funding Congress approved last year in the comprehensive tax reduction legislation Trump enacted.
The parliamentarian preserved most immigration-related portions of the legislation, though several minor elements were rejected, including Customs and Border Patrol funds for hiring, training and compensating Border Patrol agents. Republicans characterized these as technical adjustments only.
Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, said Saturday evening that “Democrats are prepared to challenge any change to this bill.”
Americans shouldn’t spend “a single dime” on Trump’s “Louis XIV-style ballroom and throw tens of billions more at two lawless agencies,” Merkley said.
Senator Bill Cassidy has been defeated in Louisiana’s Republican primary election and will not move forward to a runoff, ending his bid for reelection.
Cassidy stands among the small group of remaining Republican senators who supported President Trump’s impeachment following the January 6th attack on the Capitol. In this primary race, Trump threw his support behind Cassidy’s challenger, Representative Julia Letlow.
The primary defeat marks the end of Cassidy’s current Senate term, as he failed to secure enough votes to advance to the next round of voting in Louisiana’s electoral process.
Officials from South Korea announced Sunday that the nation’s president, Lee Jae Myung, will host Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for a diplomatic summit this Tuesday.
According to Lee’s office, the gathering represents an important chance to strengthen diplomatic ties and build greater cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting will take place in Andong, Lee’s birthplace, following their initial summit held in Takaichi’s home city this past January. Officials plan to conduct the visit with full state honors, including a formal dinner and performances showcasing traditional culture.
A Senate parliamentarian has struck down security funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed $400 million White House ballroom from a major spending bill, according to Democratic lawmakers on Saturday. The ruling threatens Republican efforts to secure taxpayer dollars for the controversial construction project.
Elizabeth MacDonough, who serves as the Senate’s parliamentarian, made the decision that represents a significant setback for Trump and his administration’s push to obtain funding for ballroom-related security measures.
While Trump has stated that private donors will finance the ballroom’s construction, Senate Republicans have been pursuing $1 billion in taxpayer money for the Secret Service to cover security enhancements, including those for the ballroom.
The parliamentarian’s role involves interpreting Senate regulations, including determining which legislative elements are allowable. Although Republicans maintain control of the Senate, they retain the option to modify the legislation in an attempt to secure the parliamentarian’s endorsement.
Should their efforts fail, Republicans may find themselves unable to incorporate the ballroom-related funding into a $72 billion spending measure they intend to vote on, with approval anticipated along party lines as Democrats remain opposed. The majority of the legislation focuses on immigration enforcement.
Republicans are utilizing complicated budget procedures in an effort to achieve passage without Democratic backing. Democrats have resisted funding Trump’s signature immigration enforcement initiatives without reforms they have demanded following incidents where federal immigration agents killed U.S. citizens in Minnesota in January.
With a 53-47 Senate majority, Republicans lack the 60 votes typically required to advance most legislation under chamber regulations.
Democratic critics have denounced the ballroom as a costly and unnecessary project by Trump during a period when Americans are grappling with increased expenses like higher fuel costs. Trump, who transitioned from real estate development to politics, has posted on social media that the facility will be “the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World.”
Republican supporters argue the ballroom-related expenditures they’re advocating are essential for presidential security, pointing to an April event where a gunman attempted to breach a formal media event in Washington that Trump was attending.
Administration officials have stated the ballroom will update infrastructure, strengthen security, and reduce pressure on the White House, which frequently depends on temporary outdoor installations for large gatherings. Trump has indicated the ballroom will be finished around September 2028, close to the conclusion of his second presidential term.
Democrats, who hope to gain congressional control in November’s midterm elections, are using Republican ballroom support to characterize Trump’s party as disconnected from Americans’ cost-of-living struggles amid rising energy prices caused by the Iran war he initiated in February.
Trump previously directed the destruction of the White House’s East Wing — initially built in 1902 during Teddy Roosevelt’s administration and enlarged four decades later under Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency — to create space for his ballroom.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit organization, subsequently filed legal action against the project, contending that neither the president nor the National Park Service, which oversees White House grounds, had authority to demolish the historic building or construct a major new facility without explicit congressional authorization.
A U.S. appeals court in April permitted construction to proceed after the judge overseeing the National Trust case issued a stop-work order for the project.
SALISBURY, Md. — Municipal crews will shut down a portion of Riverside Road this weekend as they work to enhance the city’s water infrastructure system.
The Department of Waterworks Utilities Division plans to install a 12-inch insertion valve in the 800 block of Riverside Road as part of ongoing water distribution system upgrades and maintenance efforts.
The installation project is scheduled to start Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. and run through Monday, May 18, 2026, wrapping up around 3:30 p.m., weather and conditions permitting.
Throughout the work period, Riverside Road will be blocked to through traffic between Riverside Drive and Monticello Avenue.
City officials said they have alerted all utility locators and Central Alarm about the scheduled work. Officials are asking residents for their understanding and cooperation while the infrastructure improvements are completed.
Residents with questions about the project can reach the Utilities Division at 410-548-3103.
ESPN reports that Aaron Rodgers has committed to continuing his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026, with plans to sign a one-year contract valued at up to $25 million, according to Saturday night reports.
The network indicates he will earn between $22 million and $23 million in guaranteed base compensation, with performance bonuses potentially bringing the total package to $25 million.
The report states that Rodgers is anticipated to attend Pittsburgh’s organized team activities session on Monday.
The 42-year-old quarterback has spent time in Pittsburgh during recent weeks, and throughout much of the offseason there was widespread expectation that he would ultimately decide to continue with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh’s decision to bring in Mike McCarthy as head coach was considered a major influence in Rodgers’ choice. The two worked together during McCarthy’s tenure leading the Green Bay Packers from 2006-18, when Rodgers helped guide the team to victory in the 2010 season Super Bowl.
The veteran signal-caller, who has earned MVP honors four times, will be beginning his 21st season in the NFL. He has been selected for the Pro Bowl on 10 occasions.
During the previous season with Pittsburgh, Rodgers posted a completion percentage of 65.7% while throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
In NFL history, Rodgers holds the fifth position for career passing yards with 66,274 and ranks fourth in touchdown passes with 527. His career total of 123 interceptions gives him a 1.4 interception percentage, which stands as the league’s all-time best mark.
Rodgers spent 18 seasons playing for the Packers and two years with the New York Jets before joining the Steelers last season.
Pittsburgh’s current quarterback depth chart also includes veteran Mason Rudolph, second-year player Will Howard and 2026 third-round selection Drew Allar.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell is scheduled for surgery Tuesday to have loose bodies removed from his left elbow, though the team anticipates the two-time Cy Young Award winner will be back on the mound this season.
The left-handed pitcher made his first appearance of the season last weekend, allowing four earned runs over three innings after being sidelined at the season’s start due to left shoulder fatigue and inflammation. He was pulled from his planned Friday start against the Los Angeles Angels.
The procedure is set for Tuesday.
“It’s going to be to take out those loose bodies, and it’s supposed to be a lot quicker recovery, so we’re encouraged about that,” manager Dave Roberts said Saturday before the second game of the three-game Freeway Series at Angel Stadium.
The 33-year-old missed the majority of the 2025 regular season due to a shoulder problem, limiting him to 11 starts, though he managed six playoff appearances. He posted a 3-2 record in the postseason, contributing to the Dodgers’ second straight World Series championship.
The elbow issue was identified Thursday, and Roberts suggested the pitcher might have a procedure similar to what Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal recently underwent to speed up his recovery. Skubal had a more aggressive minimally invasive operation on May 6, allowing him to begin playing catch and soft tossing just over a week afterward.
While Roberts said it’s premature to establish a timeline for the pitcher’s return to baseball activities, “I think just with the MRI, the scans and everything, we feel good about getting back to play sooner than later,” he said.
The team is already dealing with the absence of closer Edwin Diaz, who underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow in April, and starter Tyler Glasnow remains on the injured list with back spasms.
Motorists traveling on northbound Route 1 should expect delays due to a lane closure on the Roth Bridge caused by a disabled vehicle.
The right lane is currently blocked as authorities work to address the situation. Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and allow extra time for their commute.
Traffic conditions are being monitored and the lane is expected to reopen once the disabled vehicle is cleared from the roadway.
San Francisco Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos has been sidelined on the 10-day injured list following a right quadriceps strain he sustained Saturday.
The injury occurred during Friday evening’s 6-2 defeat against the Athletics in West Sacramento, California. Ramos received an MRI examination on Saturday.
Giants manager Tony Vitello indicated the recovery timeline will be substantial. “It will be at least a couple weeks and probably more than that,” Vitello stated. “We’ll see how things go for him. It’s obviously painful for (Ramos) and it stinks.”
Drew Gilbert will take over left field duties and bat in the seventh position for Saturday’s matchup versus the Athletics.
The team brought up outfielder Will Brennan from Triple-A Sacramento while sending right-handed pitcher Tristan Beck down to the same club. Additionally, San Francisco activated left-handed pitcher Erik Miller from the injured list after recovering from a back issue.
The 26-year-old Ramos sustained the injury while attempting a diving catch on Jeff McNeil’s base hit during the fifth inning. He managed to bat in the sixth inning before being pulled from the game.
Infielder Casey Schmitt took over Ramos’ position in left field, marking his debut as a professional outfielder. Schmitt also had no outfield experience during his three college campaigns from 2018-20 at San Diego State, where he was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft.
Ramos recorded one hit in three at-bats Friday and currently maintains a .267 batting average with four home runs and 20 RBIs across 44 games this season. He achieved more than 20 home runs in both of the previous two seasons and earned National League All-Star recognition in 2024.
Brennan, 28, went hitless in nine at-bats during five earlier games with the Giants this season, while the 29-year-old Beck contributed three shutout innings across two appearances.
Miller, 28, posted a 3.18 ERA through 12 relief outings before his injury. His most recent appearance for the Giants was on April 30.
Two campaign staff members working for Colombian right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella were fatally shot just two weeks ahead of the nation’s presidential election, according to his political party Defenders of the Homeland on Saturday.
The victims, Rogers Mauricio Devia and Fabian Cardona, were gunned down Friday evening in a countryside location in Cubarral, Meta province. According to the party, four masked individuals riding motorcycles stopped the men and began shooting.
Devia, who previously served as mayor of Cubarral, was responsible for managing De La Espriella’s regional campaign efforts, while Cardona handled logistical support. The pair had been traveling back from Villavicencio on a motorcycle carrying campaign supplies when the attack occurred.
“They were cowardly murdered in cold blood,” De La Espriella stated in a recorded message. While officials have not attributed the killings to any specific armed organization, De La Espriella pointed fingers at a breakaway group from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, though he offered no supporting evidence.
In polling data, De La Espriella holds the second position behind leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda before the May 31 initial voting round. His campaign platform emphasizes aggressive tactics against guerrilla fighters, criminal organizations and narcotics operations, including bombing rebel locations and restarting airplane spraying of coca plantations.
De La Espriella has previously claimed there was a sniper plot targeting his life that involved members of government intelligence services.
Colombian voters will choose the replacement for President Gustavo Petro. Should no candidate secure over 50% of the vote, a second round of voting is scheduled for June 21.
The World Health Organization announced Sunday that it has designated an Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a “public health emergency of international concern.”
Health officials stated that while the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, it does not qualify as a pandemic emergency under current criteria.
According to the U.N. health agency’s statement, as of Saturday there have been 80 suspected fatalities, eight laboratory-confirmed infections and 246 suspected infections documented in the DRC’s Ituri province spanning at least three health districts, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.
Health officials from the DRC announced Friday that 80 individuals had perished in this new outbreak occurring in the nation’s eastern province.
The WHO reported that in Uganda’s capital city of Kampala, two seemingly unconnected laboratory-confirmed infections were documented Friday and Saturday, including one fatality, involving individuals who had traveled from the DRC.
Health authorities also confirmed a laboratory-verified case in the DRC’s capital city of Kinshasa involving someone who had returned from the Ituri region, according to WHO officials.
Napoleon Solo, with jockey Paco Lopez in the saddle, captured the 151st Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, holding off a challenge from Iron Honor to claim the victory.
The triumph marked the colt’s first win of the current racing season. The absence of Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo from the race created an open competition among the field of 14 horses vying for the second jewel of the Triple Crown series.
Lopez guided Napoleon Solo to the front of the pack in the stretch run, successfully defending against Iron Honor’s late charge to secure the prestigious victory at the historic Maryland track.
The NASCAR All-Star race is making history this weekend as it heads to the Northeast for the first time ever. Dover Motor Speedway will host the event on Sunday, featuring a unique format where all 36 drivers compete in the initial two segments before the field narrows to 26 drivers for a final 200-lap showdown. Nineteen drivers have already secured their spots in that decisive segment. Notably, the winner’s payout has remained unchanged at $1 million since the race’s inception in 2003.
In golf news, Alex Smalley has positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard at the PGA Championship in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The 29-year-old from Rochester, New York, carded a 2-under 68 on Saturday, featuring six birdies on the back nine at Aronimink Golf Club. His late surge with three birdies in the final four holes gave him a two-stroke advantage heading into the final round. A crowded field of contenders remains close behind, including Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg just one shot back, while Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Reed trail by two strokes.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler faces an uphill battle after struggling on the greens, missing six putts from inside 10 feet and falling five shots behind the leader. The five-time major winner acknowledged his putting woes but expressed confidence in his ability to mount a comeback, drawing on his experience from last month’s Masters where he finished second to McIlroy.
Horse racing saw Napoleon Solo claim victory in the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland, defeating Iron Honor by 1 1/4 lengths. The race was relocated from its traditional home at Pimlico in Baltimore due to ongoing reconstruction. With Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo sitting out, the field of 14 horses was wide open. Taj Mahal entered as the betting favorite at 9-2 odds, marking the longest odds for a Preakness favorite since the race adopted its current 1 3/16-mile distance in 1925. Napoleon Solo, who went off at 7-1, secured his first win of the year after two fifth-place finishes.
In baseball, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell will undergo surgery Tuesday to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The two-time Cy Young Award winner, who made his season debut last weekend after dealing with shoulder issues, was scratched from his scheduled Friday start against the Los Angeles Angels. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Snell’s potential for a quick recovery and return this season.
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol is embracing fan enthusiasm in a unique way. After a group of college baseball players from Stephen F. Austin’s club team energized the crowd during Friday’s victory over the Royals by removing their shirts and leading chants from the right-field seats, Marmol announced he would purchase tickets for fans wanting to continue the spirited atmosphere in the “right field Loge.” The Lumberjacks accepted his offer and returned for Saturday’s win over Kansas City, earning a postgame meeting with Marmol and Cardinals players.
Across the pond, Manchester City captured the FA Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley. Antoine Semenyo provided the decisive moment with a spectacular back-heeled goal in the 72nd minute, keeping Pep Guardiola’s squad in contention for a domestic trophy treble. City has already secured the English League Cup and sits second in the Premier League, trailing Arsenal by just two points with two matches remaining.
International hockey action featured teenage captain Macklin Celebrini leading Canada to a 6-0 shutout victory over Italy at the world championship in Switzerland. Celebrini netted twice, including his tournament-opening goal via one-timer in the first period and another early in the second. Dylan Holloway, Fraser Minten, Evan Bouchard and Ryan O’Reilly also found the net for Canada, which improved to 2-0 in Group B play.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have secured their veteran quarterback for another season, with Aaron Rodgers committing to a one-year contract to remain with the team.
Sources familiar with the agreement confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday that the four-time NFL MVP has ended his lengthy deliberation process and will return to Pittsburgh. The sources requested anonymity as the team has not yet made an official announcement.
At 42 years old, Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North championship during his first season with the franchise, recording 24 touchdown passes against just seven interceptions. The veteran quarterback appeared to connect with Pittsburgh’s rich football tradition, similar to his earlier years in Green Bay, and will now enter what could be his 22nd and potentially final NFL season.
The signing brings Rodgers back together with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who was brought in to helm the Steelers in January after Mike Tomlin concluded his 19-season tenure with the organization.
The quarterback and coach previously collaborated for 13 seasons in Green Bay, where Rodgers developed into one of football’s premier talents after taking over as the starter in 2008. During their time together, Green Bay captured its fourth Super Bowl championship while Rodgers claimed two of his four MVP awards under McCarthy’s offensive system.
The partnership will continue in Pittsburgh, though both men find themselves in different stages of their careers. This season likely represents Rodgers’ final chapter, while the 64-year-old McCarthy appears to be concluding his coaching career close to the Greenfield neighborhood where he was raised.
Pittsburgh had expressed interest in bringing Rodgers back, though several self-imposed deadlines passed without a signature – including the March start of free agency and last month’s NFL draft held in Pittsburgh.
The organization took the uncommon step of placing an unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers, a procedural move that provided some protection if the quarterback had chosen to join another team before training camp begins in late July.
Whether other teams pursued Rodgers remains unclear, though the point is now moot. Last year, he delayed his decision until early June before joining Pittsburgh, then spent the following months fully embracing his role and earning praise from teammates for his commitment and leadership qualities.
Rodgers returns to a quarterback group that has grown during his decision-making period. The Steelers selected Penn State’s Drew Allar in the third round of the draft, joining veteran Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, who was chosen in the sixth round of 2025.
Both Howard and Allar are viewed as developmental prospects, and Rodgers’ return allows them time to progress while learning from a quarterback who spent three seasons as Brett Favre’s understudy in Green Bay before becoming the starter.
Pittsburgh has also bolstered its receiving corps this offseason, acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. through trade and drafting Germie Bernard. These additions could give Rodgers additional deep-threat options after opposing defenses focused heavily on stopping DK Metcalf last season.
While Rodgers’ return seemed more a matter of timing than uncertainty, questions remain about when he’ll join team activities. Pittsburgh’s organized team activities begin May 18.
Although OTAs are technically voluntary, they typically carry greater importance with new coaching staffs. However, Rodgers’ experience with McCarthy’s offensive system and Pittsburgh’s desire to give Allar and Howard extensive practice repetitions could allow Rodgers to remain at his Malibu, California home until mandatory minicamp runs from June 2-4.
Regardless of his spring participation, Rodgers will be with the starters when the team gathers for training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe in late July, with the goal of guiding the Steelers back to the playoffs and pursuing the franchise’s first postseason victory in ten years.
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm positioned himself as a serious contender for the PGA Championship title after firing a third-round 67 on Saturday, though he made clear his attention remains fixed on claiming another major championship rather than addressing concerns about LIV Golf’s prospects.
The two-time major winner, who captured the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters titles, carded five birdies against two bogeys to reach four under par at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia. He momentarily held a share of the lead before dropping a stroke at the final hole, leaving him one shot off the pace.
Improved course conditions led to better scoring throughout the field on Saturday, enabling Rahm to temporarily reach the top of the leaderboard before settling into a crowded group of contenders entering Sunday’s final round.
While LIV Golf players continue drawing scrutiny, Rahm dismissed questions about whether a championship victory at Aronimink might help the tour’s standing as it grapples with financial uncertainty ahead.
The Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund, which has invested over $5 billion in LIV since the circuit began in 2022, announced last month it will discontinue funding after the 2026 season concludes, forcing the tour to seek alternative financial support.
“Honestly, in a week like this one, I’m thinking more about myself,” Rahm explained to reporters when questioned about whether winning could assist LIV Golf in securing new investors.
“I’m not going to take on anything outside what I can control when it comes to competing tomorrow.”
Rahm noted that claiming another major championship would hold special meaning for his country’s golf legacy and his own quest to complete the career Grand Slam.
“But what it would mean for Spain as well in the Grand Slam tally and being the last leg of the Grand Slam for us as well, there’s a lot of things that would mean a lot,” he said.
Following a series of disappointing major championship results since switching to LIV Golf in late 2023, Rahm’s solid performance this weekend has him positioned for his strongest finish in one of golf’s premier events since his Masters victory.
Former President Donald Trump issued a warning Saturday that he would back a primary opponent against Representative Lauren Boebert, a previously loyal supporter, following her decision to campaign for Representative Thomas Massie in his Kentucky race.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump criticized Boebert’s choice, stating: “Boebert is campaigning for the Worst ‘Republican’ Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie, of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, and anybody who can be that dumb deserves a good Primary fight!”
The Colorado representative fired back on X, writing: “Yes, I saw the President’s post. No, I’m not mad or offended. I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie. I was, and will be, America First, America Always, and MAGA.”
Trump has made removing Massie from office a priority, targeting the Republican lawmaker who has opposed the president on significant legislation and matters related to Iran war policy, while also spearheading efforts within his party to make public government documents concerning deceased financier and sex crime convict Jeffrey Epstein.
The former president’s campaign to remove Massie represents a challenge to his influence within the Republican Party.
Trump’s online statement followed Boebert’s campaign events supporting Massie, who is competing against Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, in Tuesday’s Republican primary election in Kentucky.
In a follow-up post, Trump asked: “Is anyone interested in running against Weak Minded Lauren Boebert in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District? Just let me know, or announce your Candidacy, and I will be there for you!”
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager will be absent from Saturday’s starting lineup when his team faces the Houston Astros after experiencing back spasms upon waking up, manager Skip Schumaker announced.
The veteran player is currently enduring a career-worst offensive drought, going hitless in his last 27 at-bats. While Seager also sat out Friday’s contest, Schumaker explained that absence was part of a planned rest day.
“He wanted to see if he could loosen up when he got here,” Schumaker explained. “It just didn’t loosen up, so just wanted to play it smart and not push him.”
In his most recent appearance Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seager failed to record a hit in four trips to the plate while striking out twice.
Ezequiel Duran, a five-year veteran currently hitting .274, will take over shortstop duties for the second straight game and occupy the fifth spot in the batting order.
Throughout the 2026 season, Duran has demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions including second base, third base, and both corner outfield positions.
The five-time All-Star Seager is currently posting a .179 batting average with seven home runs and 20 RBIs across 42 games this season.
This marks Seager’s fifth campaign with Texas following his signing of a 10-year, $325 million contract before the 2022 season. He previously spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2015-2021.
VIENNA, May 16 (Reuters) – Bulgaria secured its first-ever Eurovision Song Contest victory Saturday during a competition that saw five nations boycott the event due to the Gaza conflict.
The winning entry “Bangaranga,” performed by artist Dara, topped the scoreboard when public voting and national jury points were combined, placing Bulgaria ahead of Israel which finished in second place.
The Los Angeles Angels promoted outfielder Jose Siri from the minors on Saturday before their home matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team also sent outfielder Bryce Teodosio down to Triple-A Salt Lake and moved right-handed reliever Ben Joyce to the 60-day injured list.
Siri brings five years of major league experience and is recognized for his quickness and outfield skills, though he hasn’t played in the majors this season. During 2023, he had his best professional year with the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting 25 home runs and swiping 12 bases across 101 contests.
The previous season saw Siri’s hitting numbers plummet with the New York Mets after he was sidelined for five months due to a fractured tibia. He managed just 2 hits in 36 at-bats over 16 appearances, with zero home runs and one RBI.
The 30-year-old has been performing well this year for Salt Lake in the offense-friendly PCL. Through 140 plate appearances, he’s recorded five homers, 27 RBIs, four steals and is hitting .288.
Teodosio possesses comparable talents. The quick defensive player was hitting .213 without any home runs but with four stolen bases through 34 appearances for the Angels this year. The 26-year-old will receive additional development time in the farm system.
Joyce hasn’t taken the mound in a big league contest since April 8, 2025, following labrum surgery last May. The 60-day IL placement makes sense as he works through his rehabilitation with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.
A traffic collision has forced the closure of three right lanes on northbound Route 13, positioned north of Route 273, according to transportation officials.
The crash has created significant traffic disruptions in the area, with vehicles being diverted to the remaining open lanes.
Drivers traveling through this corridor should anticipate delays and may want to consider alternative routes while emergency responders and cleanup crews work to clear the accident scene.
No additional details about the nature of the collision or potential injuries have been released at this time.
Venezuelan authorities announced Saturday they have sent a key associate of Nicolás Maduro to the United States to face criminal charges, marking a dramatic shift for Alex Saab, who was freed less than three years ago through a prisoner exchange involving President Joe Biden.
This represents a complete turnaround for Saab, whom Maduro had previously fought vigorously to protect following his international detention in 2020. The Colombian-born entrepreneur, whom U.S. authorities have characterized as Maduro’s “bag man,” could now potentially provide testimony against his former ally, who faces drug trafficking charges in Manhattan following his capture during a surprise U.S. military operation in January.
Venezuelan immigration officials released a brief statement Saturday without specifying Saab’s exact destination, noting the action was taken due to multiple active criminal cases in the United States. The statement’s description of Saab solely as a “Colombian citizen” appears to reference Venezuelan legal restrictions against extraditing Venezuelan nationals. During his previous detention, Maduro and acting President Delcy Rodríguez had argued that Saab held Venezuelan diplomatic status and was unlawfully seized during a fuel stop while traveling to Iran on humanitarian business.
The Associated Press previously reported that federal investigators have spent months examining Saab’s involvement in an alleged corruption scheme related to Venezuelan government food import contracts.
This probe connects to a 2021 Justice Department case targeting Saab’s business partner, Alvaro Pulido, according to a former law enforcement source. That Miami-based prosecution focuses on the CLAP program established by Maduro to distribute basic goods including rice, corn flour, and cooking oil to impoverished Venezuelans during a period of severe inflation and economic collapse.
The 54-year-old Saab built substantial wealth through Venezuelan government deals. However, he lost standing with the new administration that assumed control after Maduro’s removal. Since Rodríguez took leadership on January 3, she has reduced Saab’s influence, removing him from her Cabinet and ending his position as the primary liaison for foreign investors seeking Venezuelan opportunities. Reports have circulated for months suggesting he was either jailed or confined to his residence.
The Justice Department has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
Venezuela’s government will maintain authority to determine royalty and tax rates for international and private investors in petroleum and natural gas ventures on an individual project basis, according to draft regulations for new hydrocarbons legislation reviewed by Reuters on Saturday.
The legislation, which became law in January, established a royalty ceiling of 30% and introduced a maximum integrated hydrocarbons tax of 15%. Industry analysts had expected the accompanying regulations would outline the precise rates below those limits that international and private partners would be required to pay.
However, the draft document indicates that the Ministry of Hydrocarbons will examine each operating company’s business plan to establish the particular tax and royalty rates.
Venezuela is working to draw foreign investment and reconstruct its economy after the U.S. removed President Nicolas Maduro at the beginning of the year. Under acting President Delcy Rodriguez, the draft framework formally concludes decades of state control by permitting private companies to secure licenses for heavy crude oil processing, refining and international trading — operations that previously only state-owned PDVSA could conduct.
The 63-page regulation still requires publication in the Official Gazette before becoming effective.
Under the new legal structure, the National Assembly no longer approves energy joint ventures.
Rather, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons possesses nearly complete power to execute contracts and alter their conditions, including taxes and royalties. Oil analysts and economists have condemned the ministry’s extensive discretion as a possible obstacle to foreign investors who fear the government could make one-sided modifications to negotiated terms.
The establishment of the integrated tax generated doubt about whether Caracas planned to substantially lower the state’s share, which has traditionally been among the highest in Latin America.
A Kansas state court has issued a temporary injunction preventing enforcement of legislation that would have prohibited gender-transition medical care for minors throughout the state.
State District Judge Carl Folsom III approved the injunction following a request from parents of two teenagers seeking to maintain their children’s gender-transition medical care. The court order suspends implementation of the recently enacted state legislation that would have banned these treatments.
In Friday’s court decision, the judge agreed with the parents who filed the lawsuit to stop the law’s implementation, determining they possessed the authority to make healthcare choices for their children, based on legal documents and a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union representing the families.
“This is an enormous relief to our clients and families across the state of Kansas,” ACLU attorney Harper Seldin said in a statement.
Kansas Attorney General Kris W. Kobach plans to appeal the decision, according to local media reports. If Folsom’s injunction is upheld, it would last for the duration of the lawsuit.
Kobach, a Republican, called the ruling “a stark example of judicial activism,” according to The New York Times.
The Kansas law, which the Republican-controlled state legislature passed in January over Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s veto, prohibits gender-affirming medical treatments such as hormone therapies and pubertal suppressants for transgender youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Although the U.S. Supreme Court last year ruled that states can ban gender-affirming care for minors, the lawsuit that prompted Friday’s injunction argues that the Kansas law violates the state constitution.
Folsom, a Kelly appointee, sees a “substantial likelihood” that the lawsuit will succeed.
“Specifically, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs are likely to prevail … based on the right to personal autonomy set out in Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights and a parent’s fundamental right to make medical decisions for their children,” Folsom wrote.
A Venezuelan government official with close ties to former President Nicolas Maduro has been returned to the United States, according to an announcement Saturday from Venezuela’s immigration authority SAIME.
The official, Alex Saab, is a Colombian-Venezuelan businessman who was taken into custody in Caracas in February during a coordinated effort between American and Venezuelan law enforcement, a U.S. law enforcement official reported at the time.
Born in Colombia, Saab had previously been held in Cape Verde starting in 2020 before being brought to the United States to face bribery charges. In 2023, he received clemency as part of an agreement that secured the freedom of Americans who had been held in Venezuela.
FIFA’s top official expressed confidence about Iran’s participation in this year’s World Cup following what he described as productive discussions with Iranian football leadership on Saturday.
Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom met with Iran’s FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj during a visit to Istanbul, addressing ongoing concerns about the team’s involvement in the June 11 to July 19 tournament.
“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom told Reuters. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”
Iran’s World Cup participation has faced uncertainty since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February. The situation became more complicated when FFIRI’s Taj was denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month due to his connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Both the U.S. and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup alongside Mexico, designate the IRGC as a “terrorist entity” and refuse entry to individuals with ties to the elite military organization.
While Grafstrom would not discuss specific visa arrangements for Iran’s players, he indicated that operational matters were addressed during the meeting and characterized the exchange as positive.
Taj also spoke favorably about the discussions with FIFA leadership.
“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” he said.
When pressed about whether FIFA had obtained guarantees regarding entry and visa procedures for Iran’s squad, Grafstrom remained tight-lipped.
“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he stated. “Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”
Iran had requested that their World Cup fixtures be moved to Mexico, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintains that all matches must take place at their originally designated venues.
The Iranian national team is set to depart Tehran on Monday for a training camp in Turkey before relocating to their U.S. headquarters at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona in early June.
Iran’s World Cup journey begins with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The team is also slated to face Belgium and Egypt in Group G competition.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios will have surgery on Wednesday to repair a stress fracture in his elbow, manager John Schneider announced Saturday.
The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher has been absent from major league action since September and was unable to participate in Toronto’s World Series run last season or represent Puerto Rico in this spring’s World Baseball Classic due to what was initially identified as inflammation in his right elbow.
Following four minor league rehabilitation outings this season, additional elbow pain revealed the stress fracture diagnosis.
Medical staff will determine a recovery timeline after Wednesday’s surgical procedure, though there’s a chance Berrios could be sidelined for all of 2026.
Last season, Berrios compiled a 9-5 record with a 4.17 ERA across 31 games, starting 30 of them. Throughout his decade-long major league career, the two-time All-Star has posted a 108-82 record with a 4.08 ERA in 275 appearances (273 starts) while playing for the Minnesota Twins from 2016-21 and the Blue Jays.
Motorists traveling northbound on North Adams Street should expect delays today as construction crews have closed the left lane between West 10th Street and West 11th Street.
The lane closure is currently in effect and is expected to continue until 3 PM this afternoon. Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and allow extra time for their commute.
The construction-related closure affects the northbound direction of travel only. Officials have not provided details about the specific nature of the construction work being performed.
Technology companies are turning to religious communities for help in developing ethical artificial intelligence systems. A first-of-its-kind roundtable called the “Faith-AI Covenant” was held in New York last month, brought together by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities. The initiative aims to establish ethical standards drawing from diverse religious perspectives.
Companies such as Anthropic are actively participating in discussions with religious leaders. However, critics raise concerns that these efforts might serve as a distraction from more comprehensive AI challenges. Questions remain about whether these conversations are genuine attempts at reform and how effectively they address core AI ethics concerns. It remains uncertain how much companies are actually implementing the recommendations they receive from faith communities.
A political scientist specializing in religious demographics is raising concerns about America’s largest Protestant denomination. Ryan Burge warns that the Southern Baptist Convention could face ongoing membership losses despite recent increases in baptisms and church attendance. The denomination experienced a three percent membership decline last year, losing nearly 400,000 members – equivalent to the entire membership of smaller denominations.
Burge, who teaches at Washington University, explained the underlying challenge: “The SBC has a baby boomer problem. Structurally speaking, it’s hard to outrun that demographic cliff.”
Traditional Catholics are expressing worry about potential changes in Vatican policy regarding homosexual members during the Pope Leo papacy. A Vatican committee has published a document that includes statements from two married gay Catholics who criticized the church’s established positions on sexuality. During a recent in-flight press conference, Pope Leo indicated that the church’s social justice, equality and freedom teachings hold greater significance than its sexual morality doctrines. Religious observers believe the pontiff may choose to avoid addressing sexuality topics.
The Trump administration is examining Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts for potential Title IX violations related to its admission policies. Over the last ten years, most women’s colleges across the country have modified their enrollment criteria to include men who identify as women. The Education Department released a statement declaring: “An all-women’s college loses all meaning if it is admitting biological males.” Graduates from women’s colleges have voiced worries that accepting male students could damage these institutions’ distinctive character and standing.
A large-scale humanitarian mission carrying emergency supplies and volunteers has left the Libyan city of Zawiya, making its way toward Egypt’s Rafah crossing to bring assistance to Gaza.
The mission, called “Sumud 2” or “Resilience 2,” brings together more than 350 volunteers from 30 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Algeria, and Spain.
The volunteers include medical professionals, engineers, aid workers, and representatives from civil society groups who are traveling in buses and trucks filled with emergency supplies and temporary housing structures.
According to organizers, the mission includes 50 containers total – 30 loaded with emergency relief materials, 20 portable housing units, and five completely equipped ambulances.
The mission started its route in Algeria about one week ago, gathered additional resources in Libya, and has been moving eastward. Organizers report the convoy cleared security and immigration checkpoints successfully before advancing past Zliten.
The goal is to reach Gaza through Egypt’s Rafah crossing within the next few days.
Mission coordinator Ahmed Ghniya stated that organizers have been collaborating with humanitarian organizations as the convoy moves toward the Egyptian border.
“We’re now setting off in coordination with them to deliver the relief aid, as well as to deploy the medical specialties, in coordination with the Red Crescent,” Ghniya stated, according to Africa News. He noted that the convoy was in the “advanced stages” of coordination efforts with the Red Crescent.
VIENNA (AP) — Saturday evening’s 2026 Eurovision Song Contest finale showcased performers from 25 nations competing at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena in an energetic competition for Europe’s most coveted pop music title. While talent was abundant throughout the evening, the quality of musical entries varied significantly.
For Eurovision enthusiasts and newcomers alike seeking to discover the competition’s standout musical moments, here are the evening’s top 10 performances, listed without ranking.
Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu delivered “Choke Me,” a track that channels what a Lady Gaga nu-metal fusion might sound like. Beyond her spoken segments and her delivery of “All I need is your love” that echoes Gaga’s “I Want Your Love,” the song’s intense sound and undeniable stage presence set it apart.
Italy’s “Per Sempre Sì” started with piano accompaniment before evolving into surprisingly rhythmic production, featuring classical vocalist Sal Da Vinci pouring emotion into lyrics about newfound romance. This entertaining throwback appeals to fans of Eurovision’s traditional style, with Da Vinci displaying natural Italian charisma during Saturday’s performance.
Cyprus representative Antigoni may seem recognizable to viewers familiar with “Love Island UK,” where she previously appeared as a contestant on the popular reality dating program. While her television appearance was brief, her uplifting “Jalla” promises lasting impact in 2026. The summery pop track incorporates traditional Cypriot instruments like çifteli and lute, creating ideal mental vacation soundtrack material.
Finland met expectations with their electrifying performance, having been early competition favorites. Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen’s “Liekinheitin” (“Flamethrower”) combines Parkkonen’s emotional vocals with Lampenius’ passionate violin work. The collaboration pairs an “Idol” finalist with an internationally acclaimed classical musician in a successful partnership.
Moldova’s Eurovision contribution featured rapper Satoshi delivering the playfully patriotic “Viva, Moldova!” with complete dedication, performing in multiple languages with an irresistibly catchy chorus reminiscent of Irish hip-hop group Kneecap’s anthemic style. Built on persistent flute melodies, breakbeats, and continuous electronic elements, the performance was impossible to ignore, guaranteed to leave “Welcome to Moldova!” echoing in listeners’ minds.
Bulgaria’s Dara, an experienced pop artist with appearances on “The Voice,” “The X Factor,” and “Dancing with the Stars,” deserves broader international recognition. Her energetic pop anthem “Bangaranga,” featuring Nicki Minaj-inspired elements, ranked among the year’s most spirited tracks and provided an uplifting stage experience.
Every Eurovision contest traditionally includes a pop metal entry, and Serbia fulfilled this expectation with Lavina’s atmospheric “Kraj Mene.” The performance balanced heavy guitar work with gospel harmonies, featuring restrained screaming and minimal breakdowns while delivering welcome intensity worth acknowledging.
Australia’s Delta Goodrem brought significant international recognition to the 2026 Eurovision lineup. Her credentials include judging Australia’s “The Voice,” starring in Australian soap “Neighbours,” and receiving mentorship from Olivia Newton-John, even writing “Eyes on Me” for Celine Dion. (Dion famously won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988.) Goodrem’s powerful vocal approach peaks on her power ballad “Eclipse,” featuring layered harmonies, skilled piano work, and a strong synthesized conclusion with an extended note, embodying classic Eurovision style. This strategic selection from the Australian performer clearly connected with Saturday’s audience.
The performance opened with cinematic chanting and church-like choir vocals enhancing the dramatic presentation. Alis, performing “Nân,” delivered what resembled a blockbuster film’s emotional transitional music. The stage presentation maintained this impact: he appeared in sequined chainmail before a screen while a woman representing a mother moved around him.
Belgium’s Essyla presented “Dancing on the Ice,” featuring cool vocal delivery and Billie Eilish-influenced production that succeeds both within and beyond Eurovision context. (Consider her similar to Ava Max’s style.) Her runner-up finish on “The Voice Belgique” rather than winning seems unjust given this quality. Her final performance appeared designed to demand justice and recognition.
Motorists traveling on northbound Interstate 95 are facing significant delays this morning due to a vehicle accident at Churchmans Marsh that has forced the closure of the left lane and left shoulder.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials are advising drivers to exercise caution in the area and expect extended travel times as traffic is being funneled into fewer available lanes.
The crash has created a bottleneck effect for commuters, and authorities recommend using alternate routes when possible until the roadway can be fully reopened to normal traffic flow.
The New York Mets have sidelined right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes for at least 15 days after he suffered a broken right fibula during Friday’s matchup against the New York Yankees when a batted ball struck him.
To fill the roster spot, the team brought up right-hander Joey Gerber from their Triple-A Syracuse affiliate.
The injury occurred when Holmes was struck by a blistering 111.1-mph liner off the bat of Spencer Jones during the fourth inning. Despite the impact, Holmes continued pitching and threw to seven additional batters before leaving the game. Medical imaging at the stadium confirmed the bone fracture.
“It’s a huge blow,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’s been one of the most consistent guys that we had in that rotation.”
The 33-year-old Holmes has compiled a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA across nine starts this season. Throughout his major league career spanning appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2018-21), New York Yankees (2021-24) and Mets, he holds a 40-34 record with a 3.53 ERA over 353 total appearances, including 44 starts.
Gerber, age 29, previously appeared in one relief outing for the Mets last month. His major league career includes 20 relief appearances with the Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays and Mets dating back to 2020, posting a 3.27 ERA.
The Oakland Athletics released second baseman Michael Stefanic on Saturday while completing a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring in minor league infielder Alika Williams.
The 30-year-old Stefanic had just joined Oakland’s roster this past Tuesday and recorded two hits in five at-bats with one run scored across two appearances after spending 34 games with Triple-A Las Vegas. Over his five-year major league career spanning three different clubs, Stefanic holds a .231 batting average with 14 RBIs across 101 games.
Williams, age 27, will get another shot at the majors after last appearing in 2024. This season with Pittsburgh’s Triple-A Indianapolis team, he posted a .317 batting average along with two home runs and 18 RBIs over 34 contests.
During his time with Pittsburgh from 2023-24, Williams appeared in 83 games and batted .202 with 11 RBIs.
To finalize the transaction, Oakland sent minor league right-handed pitcher Kyle Robinson to Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old Robinson compiled a 7-13 record with a 4.52 ERA across 34 outings, including 27 starts, within Oakland’s farm system.
Oakland also announced Saturday they shipped minor league outfielder Junior Perez to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league left-handed pitcher Jackson Nove.
The National Football League’s diversity accelerator initiative will welcome 34 coaching staff members and front office personnel, with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel among the participants, according to ESPN’s Saturday report.
League leadership launched these accelerator sessions during spring meetings beginning in 2022 following observations that team owners were overlooking well-qualified minority candidates for open positions. The program did not take place in 2025.
McDaniel, currently working as the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator, previously led the Miami Dolphins from 2022 through 2025 and is one of 16 coaches participating in the program.
During his tenure with Miami, McDaniel guided the team to consecutive playoff berths in his initial two campaigns. His four-year run with the Dolphins produced a 35-33 regular season record alongside an 0-2 playoff mark.
Eric Bieniemy of the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, and Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich represent other participants who have interviewed for head coaching opportunities recently.
The program will also feature 18 front office professionals, including Glenn Cook and Catherine Hickman from the Cleveland Browns, James Liipfert with the Houston Texans, Mike Bradway representing the Chiefs, Brandon Brown of the New York Giants, Josh Williams from the San Francisco 49ers, Mike Greenberg with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Lance Newmark from the Washington Commanders.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — May 16, 2026
DELMARVA — Spring planting is moving along at a strong pace across Delmarva, with the region receiving essential rainfall earlier this week. According to commodities analyst John Hall, Delmarva may have been among the few crop-growing areas nationwide that actually needed more moisture.
Planting Progress
National numbers show robust advancement in fieldwork. The crop progress report showed corn planting at 57% completion as of last Sunday, just behind last year but 5 points above the 5-year average. Soybeans hit 49%, well ahead of the 36% average.
The fast soybean pace has some analysts wondering if farmers will push acreage beyond 85,000,000 acres nationwide as fertilizer costs stay high.
Markets
July corn closed yesterday at $4.76/bu. New crop corn finished at $4.99/bu. May soybeans closed at $11.97/bu, with November new crop at $11.96/bu. July wheat ended at $6.79/bu.
On Delmarva, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is paying $5.01/bu for July corn delivery and $11.17/bu for July soybeans.
Livestock had a strong finish to the week at Chicago. June live cattle jumped $1.82 to close at $253.90. August feeders climbed $3.45 to $361.45.
Trade Policy
China and the U.S. reached preliminary agreements today to cut farm tariffs and boost agricultural commerce. The details are still being finalized, but industry observers expect a 10% reduction in soybean tariffs.
Forecast
Sunny skies are expected this afternoon with a high of 76°F. There is a chance of rain showers tonight, then mostly sunny conditions tomorrow with a high near 80°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, May 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
The production crew from NPR’s Wild Card program has shared insights into their methods for creating compelling interviews that capture authentic human experiences.
According to the team, thorough preparation serves as the foundation for conducting interviews that uncover meaningful and unexpected personal stories from guests.
The Wild Card staff explained that their meticulous groundwork enables them to facilitate conversations that go beyond surface-level discussions, ultimately revealing genuine and surprising moments that resonate with listeners.
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pennsylvania, May 16 – Rory McIlroy mounted an impressive comeback at the PGA Championship, firing a third-round 66 on Saturday at Aronimink to surge back into title contention after struggling in his opening round.
The Masters champion, who started the tournament with a disappointing 74 before posting a bogey-free 67 on Friday to stay in the hunt, capitalized on improved course conditions and more favorable pin placements to reach three under par and share the clubhouse lead with Xander Schauffele.
McIlroy recorded six birdies against two bogeys in what ranked among the day’s finest performances, appearing much more at ease on a layout that had faced harsh criticism from multiple top players earlier in the tournament due to its challenging setup.
Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and overnight co-leaders Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley stayed in contention as the later groups worked through their rounds, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler also remained within reach despite experiencing difficulties converting scoring opportunities on the putting surfaces.
The more favorable Saturday weather conditions led to improved scoring after Aronimink had tested players severely during the opening two rounds with deep rough, gusty winds and controversial pin placements that created a tightly bunched leaderboard entering the weekend.
McIlroy’s dramatic turnaround completely altered the tournament dynamics after the Northern Irishman began Thursday’s play with four consecutive bogeys before rekindling his pursuit of back-to-back major championships following his Masters victory last month.
YPSILANTI, Mich. – The University of Delaware rowing program achieved its best postseason performance in more than 15 years by capturing second place at the first-ever 2026 MAC Women’s Rowing Championship held in Michigan.
The Blue Hens’ runner-up finish represents their strongest postseason showing since they claimed second place at the ECAC Championships during the 2010-11 season. The team demonstrated consistent excellence throughout Saturday’s competition, securing podium positions in each of the four races they entered.
The strong performance at the MAC Championships highlights the continued growth and success of Delaware’s rowing program as they competed against conference rivals in this inaugural championship event.
Israeli military officials confirmed Saturday the death of Capt. Maoz Israel Recanati, a 24-year-old officer who served as a platoon commander with the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion from Itamar, following a drone attack that targeted military personnel in southern Lebanon.
The captain’s death brings to 20 the total number of Israeli soldiers who have died in Lebanon during Operation Roaring Lion, and marks the seventh military death recorded since the ceasefire went into effect.
This latest fatality follows the previous day’s loss of Staff Sgt. Negev Dagan, 20, from Dekel, who died in southern Lebanon when Hezbollah forces launched mortar attacks.
According to the Samaria Regional Council, Recanati leaves behind his parents and six siblings. The council revealed that he was set to wed his fiancée Rani, whom he met during their studies at a local seminary, with their wedding planned for approximately one month from now.
Following word of the officer’s death, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan issued a tribute to Recanati.
“Maoz was among the best of our sons, a brave officer and devoted fighter who dedicated his life to the security of the people of Israel,” Dagan said.
Dagan further described Recanati as “the son of a pioneering family deeply rooted in Itamar, raised on the values of love of the land and devotion to the state.”
Israeli military forces announced Saturday they had eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, described as the commander of Hamas’ armed wing, during a precision operation in Gaza City targeting a high-ranking official involved in overseeing military operations and reconstructing Hamas’ fighting capacity. Al-Haddad represents the highest-ranking Hamas official eliminated since the ceasefire took effect last October.
Military officials stated the operation focused on al-Haddad’s location in Gaza City. Reports from Reuters indicated his spouse and child also perished during the strike.
The IDF released a statement Saturday explaining that despite ceasefire terms requiring Hamas to surrender weapons, al-Haddad had recently “acted to rebuild the capabilities of the terrorist organization’s military wing and to plan numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops.”
Images from AFP captured mourners transporting al-Haddad’s remains on a stretcher covered with a Hamas banner through the debris of a destroyed structure.
Military sources revealed that within the previous two weeks, they had also eliminated two Hamas operatives connected to the October 7 invasion. These individuals were named as Iyad Muhammad Al-Matouq and Khaled Muhammad Salem Jouda.
In related developments, Hamas leadership voting concluded without a decisive outcome, leading to arrangements for additional balloting, according to Ynet’s reporting. Neither candidate achieved success in the initial voting round between Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashal, the primary rivals for organizational leadership.
New statistics from Toronto law enforcement reveal a disturbing pattern of religious hate crimes, with Jewish residents bearing the brunt of targeted attacks throughout 2025.
According to the Toronto Police Service 2025 Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report released this week, anti-Jewish incidents made up 82% of all religiously motivated hate crimes documented in the Canadian city. Anti-Muslim incidents comprised 14% of such crimes.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative responded Thursday with concern about the findings, particularly noting that overall hate crimes have jumped 40% in 2026 when compared to the corresponding timeframe in the previous year.
Despite acknowledging some improvement in overall hate crime numbers during 2025, the organization emphasized that the recent uptick demonstrates ongoing dangers from antisemitism and radical messaging.
“The sharp increase underscores that antisemitism and extremist hate remain a serious and growing threat to public safety and social cohesion,” the organization said.
Toronto authorities documented over 375 protests and rallies connected to Middle Eastern conflicts during 2025, according to the police data.
Avi Abraham Benlolo, who founded and leads the organization, emphasized that the statistics reveal the magnitude of dangers confronting Jewish residents and highlighted the need for robust law enforcement responses to hate-motivated crimes and inflammatory speech.
“AGPI has consistently advocated for the strong enforcement of the law against antisemitism, hate crimes, extremism, and incitement,” Benlolo said. “These statistics confirm both the seriousness of the threat facing the Jewish community and the importance of proactive policing, arrests, and meaningful criminal consequences.”
The data also showed improved police response rates, with arrests occurring in roughly 32% of hate crime cases in 2025, up from 25% the year before. Officials noted this arrest rate has doubled since 2023.
Law enforcement took 73 people into custody for hate-motivated crimes, resulting in 217 criminal charges filed.
The organization praised the Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Unit, Counter-Terrorism Security Unit, and Chief Myron Demkiw for enhancing investigative procedures and reporting mechanisms, but cautioned that synagogue shootings, threats against Jewish facilities, and extremist language demand nationwide focus.
“Antisemitism is not simply a Jewish problem — it is a threat to democracy, public safety, and the stability of our society,” Benlolo said.
A 42-year-old government worker named Saeed in Sanaa hasn’t received steady pay in years. Every morning, he looks at his cell phone not hoping for work or wages, but to check what little money he has left. What he usually finds is a text from his phone company asking him to donate 100 rials “to support the Missile and Drone Force” by texting code 180.
Throughout regions under Houthi control, millions of Yemenis face what opponents call an organized digital fundraising operation. While many families from the middle class can’t afford basic groceries, the phone industry has turned into a key funding source for military activities.
Though 100 rials might seem like a small amount, when collected from millions of phone users, it creates significant revenue that helps pay for weapons manufacturing and combat operations. For Saeed, that money could buy another loaf of bread for his family. The Houthis frame it as a “popular contribution” for missiles and drones used in battles and regional conflicts.
What officials call a “voluntary donation” appears to be much more extensive. It shows a planned approach to managing resources in Houthi-controlled areas, taking money from financially struggling Yemenis to fund military expenses while increasing the divide between humanitarian requirements and defense spending.
The problem goes beyond the text messages on Saeed’s phone. Behind the 100-rial donation request linked to code “180” and similar numbers is a daily fight for survival.
“When I receive a message asking me to support the ‘missile force,’ I feel like my phone is no longer a communication tool—it has become a mandatory piggy bank for the Houthis,” Saeed said bitterly. “They do not ask whether I can afford food for my children. Instead, they force me into a war I have nothing to do with. How can I donate to missile production when I cannot even buy a sack of flour?”
A United Nations Panel of Experts report, S/2023/833, shows these collections aren’t random but part of what the document calls a “resource extraction system” that brings in hundreds of millions of dollars each year without financial oversight or transparent government budgeting.
The document details how money from this essential industry gets redirected to weapons production, essentially making regular phone customers unwilling funders of military actions that reach beyond Yemen’s borders into the Red Sea and other areas.
Abdulwasea, a technical engineer at a mobile phone company, explained how this “money printer” works in the industry: “We are not running marketing campaigns—we are implementing technical military orders.”
“As soon as a military operation against targets in Saudi Arabia or Israel is announced, we receive instructions to send the messages. These codes are linked to a direct deduction system, and the money is transferred at the end of each day to designated accounts.”
This system targets millions of customers with relatively small amounts—about 100 rials each—which can create billions in available cash within hours. The engineer said this quick money flow helps fund drone programs and missile development by taking advantage of complete control over phone infrastructure and turning technology meant to connect people into a financing tool for extended conflicts.
Street conditions reflect what’s happening to mobile phone accounts.
In his retail store on a busy Sanaa street, Abdulwahid observes not only his customers but also the changes forced on his business with each new event introduced by the Houthis.
“My shop has shifted from being a source of income into a channel for funneling money to supervisors,” Abdulwahid said. “We do not pay zakat and taxes just once—we pay them repeatedly, under labels such as ‘supporting the frontlines’ or ‘Martyr’s Week.’ Even cleaning fees, municipal charges, and business licensing costs have multiplied several times over, without any improvement in services.”
These actions aren’t isolated incidents by individual people, but part of a planned strategy designed to drain the private sector and reshape the economy to benefit the war authority. A report by the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies indicates the Houthis gathered nearly $1.8 billion annually in taxes and fees from areas under their control.
This alternative system doesn’t stop at current taxation; it also goes after companies and banks retroactively, demanding financial records going back to when they were established to collect taxes supposedly unpaid for decades, with the money directed toward funding the “war effort” rather than paying government worker salaries.
The reports also show that these practices have damaged the regular business sector in favor of a new group of “war profiteers” connected to the Houthis, who use the system to expand their power. Meanwhile, independent small business owners like Abdulwahid face two harsh choices: accepting the collection system or risking financial ruin and leaving the market.
A field study conducted for this report included a random group of 50 people, including phone users and wholesale and retail merchants in markets throughout the capital.
The results showed the severity of the crisis. About 98% of participants—48 people—said the ongoing collections directly contributed to higher prices for essential goods and declining buying power, claiming that war effort fees consume money that would otherwise be spent on food and medicine for their families.
Fear also influenced the responses. Two participants refused to talk or share any views, worried that the survey team could be connected with the Houthis and assigned to watch for opposing voices. Their refusal showed widespread distrust and fear of punishment.
In the end, Saeed’s battle to get bread and Abdulwahid’s fear of losing his business meet at the same place.
After more than ten years of war that destroyed Yemen and made the “government sector salary” a distant memory from a more stable time, Yemenis now find themselves caught in a new pattern of collections that goes beyond funding domestic battle lines to supporting broader regional conflicts.
Yemen, once a nation seeking a political answer to its crisis, has increasingly become, critics say, a testing site for a “trench economy”—a financial system that thrives on crises and uses religious and nationalist feelings to justify taking citizens’ savings.
While missiles fired across the region send political and military messages, the clearest message for people like Saeed and Abdulwahid shows up on a phone screen or payment receipt: Even the fight for daily bread has become fuel for wars that ordinary Yemenis neither chose nor expect to benefit from and may lead to more poverty.
Drivers heading north on Route 1 are facing delays this morning due to heavy traffic congestion between the Route 1A Rehoboth Beach intersection and US Route 9.
According to DelDOT traffic reports, the backup is adding approximately 5 to 10 minutes to normal travel times through the affected stretch of highway.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their commute or consider alternate routes while crews work to manage the congestion.
Delaware State Police have taken into custody a 56-year-old Wilmington resident named Michael Reynolds in connection with armed robberies targeting two New Castle County convenience stores this month.
The first incident occurred on May 3, 2026, around 8:15 p.m., when law enforcement officers were called to Shore Stop at 796 South Old Baltimore Pike in Newark following reports of a robbery. According to investigators, a masked individual armed with a knife entered the store and confronted the employee. The perpetrator ordered the clerk to hand over cash from the register, which the employee did, and the suspect escaped with an unspecified sum. No one was hurt during the incident.
The following evening, May 4, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m., officers responded to another robbery call at the Shell gas station on 3001 New Castle Avenue in New Castle. Police determined that a male suspect carrying a knife confronted two employees and ordered them to give him money from the cash drawer. After the workers complied, the individual took an undetermined amount of cash and drove off in a white Ford Taurus. Again, no injuries occurred. Officers soon spotted the Ford in Wilmington and tried to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to pull over and initiated a short chase. While troopers temporarily lost track of the vehicle, they later discovered it abandoned close to Wilson Street and East 13th Street.
Using investigative techniques, detectives determined that Michael Reynolds was responsible for both crimes and secured an arrest warrant. Investigators also discovered that Reynolds was suspected in other cases being handled by the New Castle County Police Department and the Wilmington Police Department during the same period.
Reynolds was formally charged on May 15, 2026, while already in Wilmington Police custody. Following his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 11, he was sent to the Delaware Department of Correction with bail set at $420,000 cash.
The charges against Reynolds include:
Robbery First Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
ROME, May 16 – Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina demonstrated her preparation for the upcoming French Open by defeating world number four Coco Gauff 6-4 6-7(3) 6-2 during Saturday’s Italian Open championship match, capturing her first clay court tournament victory this season before Roland Garros begins.
The Ukrainian competitor recovered from being behind twice in the opening set to even the score at 4-4, then maintained her composure during grueling exchanges to take the lead in the ninth game through aggressive shot-making.
Several poorly-timed double faults by Gauff during the following game handed Svitolina the first set, and the 31-year-old increased her aggressive play late in the second set as she approached her third Rome championship.
The current Roland Garros titleholder Gauff persevered until the score reached 5-5 in the second set, then secured a break with an instinctive net volley after a ball that touched the net cord disrupted Svitolina’s positioning and caused an unsuccessful return.
Gauff’s momentum proved brief as Svitolina immediately broke serve again, though the American elevated her performance during the tiebreak to force a third and final set, where both players remained closely matched through the first four games.
A backhand mistake by Gauff allowed Svitolina to capture a crucial break in the fifth game, and the Ukrainian struck again for a second break advantage before maintaining her composure during a dramatic conclusion to claim victory on her third match point.
Svitolina will next attempt to capture her first Grand Slam championship at the French Open, which begins in Paris on May 24.
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Saturday’s third round at the PGA Championship brought a dramatic shift in scoring conditions, with three golfers carding matching 5-under 65s by early afternoon.
Chris Kirk, Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan, and England’s Justin Rose all posted the low rounds before 2 p.m., matching the total number of rounds at 65 or better from the tournament’s first two days combined.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland was also making a strong move, recording six birdies against one bogey through 15 holes to reach a tie for the 36-hole lead at 4 under par.
The improved scoring came after two days of player complaints about extremely difficult pin placements and challenging weather conditions at the Pennsylvania course near Philadelphia.
Kirk came tantalizingly close to golf history, needing just one more birdie to record what would have been the sixth 62 in major championship history. However, his approach shot at the 18th hole came up short of the green, and his lengthy putt from the fringe rolled 8 1/2 feet past the hole. He missed the comeback putt when it caught the lip, resulting in a double-bogey that drew gasps from spectators.
“When I’m not playing particularly well, I tend to play more conservative. When I’m having a nice day and making putts, I’m going to try to keep the pedal down as long as I can,” Kirk explained. “I was trying to make that putt from the front fringe on 18. It just doesn’t always work out that way.”
The aggressive approach made sense given the circumstances. All three players who shot 65 began the day at 3 over par, just one shot inside the cut line and needing to make significant moves.
“I’m hoping the lead doesn’t stretch more than 6 or 7 (under),” Rose commented. “That’s kind of what I’m kind of sitting here hoping. I think, if you don’t get off to a fast start, then you’re going to kind of get to, let’s say, the seventh hole, eighth hole, and you’re going to be like, geez, you know the easy holes are running out.”
Both Kirk and Rose built their strong rounds primarily on the front nine holes. Rose posted a 5-under 30 on the outward nine, recording consecutive birdies at holes 3, 4, 5, and 6, plus another at the ninth. Kirk managed five birdies over a six-hole span before stumbling with a bogey at the challenging par-3 eighth hole.
Reitan took a different path to his 65, making eagles on both the par-4 13th and par-5 16th holes. Tournament officials moved the tee forward on the 13th hole Saturday, reducing it to a drivable 292 yards. Reitan’s tee shot struck the flagstick with force before settling just 6 feet away for an easy eagle putt.
The 28-year-old Norwegian, fresh off his first PGA Tour victory at last week’s Truist Championship, joined Rose and Kirk in identifying two key factors that made scoring easier: more reasonable pin positions and warmer, calmer weather compared to Thursday and Friday.
“I think they’re probably halfway responsible, both of those two factors,” Reitan observed, though he cautioned that conditions might change as the day progressed.
“I don’t know how it’s going to look like this afternoon, but happy to get out early and try to take — or take advantage of the early morning conditions.”
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler had harshly criticized Friday’s pin placements as “absurd,” saying they were the most difficult he’d encountered since becoming a professional. Many pins were positioned on narrow shelves or steep slopes within the greens.
“Pin locations is a big difference, for sure,” Kirk noted Saturday. “There’s a handful of really tough ones out there still, but for the most part, they’re much, much more accessible than they have been the last few days.”
“It is warming up, and I think that makes a big difference,” Rose added. “Suddenly the ball is going a bit further. I think players feel a little bit better in T-shirts, and the body works a bit better, people start hitting the ball a little bit further.”
The tournament’s 36-hole co-leaders, Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley, were scheduled to begin their third rounds at 2:40 p.m. local time. Other players making significant moves included Xander Schauffele, who was 4 under for his round and 3 under for the tournament, and Spain’s Jon Rahm, who stood at 3 under for the day and 2 under overall.
Salisbury University’s nationally-ranked baseball squad secured their spot in the NCAA Regional championship game with an 11-6 victory over Hobart on Saturday afternoon.
The Sea Gulls, currently ranked seventh in Division III, jumped out to a commanding eight-run advantage during the early innings before weathering a late surge from the Statesmen. The win came on day two of NCAA Tournament Regional action at Donnie Williams Sea Gull Baseball Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland.
Saturday’s triumph moves Salisbury one step closer to advancing beyond regional play in the 2026 NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament. The Sea Gulls will now compete for the regional championship as they continue their postseason run on their home field.
A traffic accident has forced authorities to shut down VanDyke Greenspring Road in both directions, creating a significant detour for drivers in the area.
The road closure extends from Caldwell Corner Road to Van Dyke – MD Line Road, blocking all traffic from passing through this stretch of roadway.
Motorists are advised to find alternate routes while crews work to clear the scene and investigate the crash. No timeline has been provided for when the road might reopen to normal traffic flow.
President Trump has labeled Iran’s most recent nuclear proposal as “garbage,” rejecting what sources describe as an offer containing some nuclear concessions. The President maintains his position that highly enriched uranium must be removed from Iran and that the nation must be prevented from developing nuclear weapons. Iran continues to assert that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only.
Diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran have reached an impasse amid a fragile ceasefire, with escalating tensions threatening to plunge the Middle East back into active conflict and extend the global energy crisis that emerged from the ongoing dispute.
In related developments, President Trump announced that the United States maintains close surveillance of Iran’s nuclear materials through Space Force technology capable of tracking individual movements near storage facilities in real-time. He emphasized that securing these materials represents a top priority and issued warnings of decisive military intervention should Iranian forces attempt to access them, calling on Tehran to honor existing nuclear agreements.
These developments unfold against a backdrop of failed negotiations, continued Iranian provocations, and American efforts to counter Iran’s aggressive maritime operations.
The situation comes as President Trump has recently returned to Washington following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China has announced its active involvement in mediating the Iranian conflict, working with Pakistan to develop a peace proposal designed to establish a ceasefire and reopen crucial waterways, especially the Strait of Hormuz. This effort demonstrates China’s ambition to expand its influence in Middle Eastern diplomatic affairs.
Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that previously handled one-fifth of global oil transport before the conflict began, while the United States continues blocking Iranian ports.
Authorities with the Delaware State Police are looking into a break-in that took place Friday morning in Georgetown.
Law enforcement officers were called to the 24000 block of Lawson Road in Georgetown around 10:30 a.m. on May 15, 2026, following a panic alarm triggered by a home security company. When officers arrived, they discovered that an 83-year-old woman had set off her alarm after a male intruder broke into her residence while she was answering her front door. After entering the home, the intruder brandished a firearm and asked to see someone else he thought was inside the house. The woman managed to barricade herself in a bedroom and trigger her panic alarm as the intruder went through the home before departing in an unknown direction. The woman sustained no injuries.
Authorities describe the intruder as a white male dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt, who may have been driving a black pickup truck.
Investigators with the Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit are continuing their work on this case. Officials are requesting that anyone who observed unusual activity in the vicinity or possesses pertinent information reach out to Detective L. Coleman at (302) 752-3813. Tips can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
The St. Louis Cardinals skipper Oliver Marmol is embracing a “shirts optional” philosophy after witnessing an electrifying fan display during Friday evening’s victory.
A contingent of college baseball players seated in the right-field area stripped off their shirts and waved them enthusiastically while singing and chanting, inspiring other spectators to join their spirited demonstration.
The manager is eager to see this energy return to the ballpark.
“Last night’s atmosphere was electric. Let’s run it back this weekend,” Marmol wrote on social media. “I’ll buy tickets for fans who want to sit in the right field Loge and bring the energy.”
The spontaneous celebration originated when members of the Stephen F. Austin club baseball squad known as the Lumberjacks attended the game. These 17 players were visiting nearby Alton, Illinois, for the National Club Baseball Division II World Series when the Cardinals provided them with complimentary tickets.
When Yohel Pozo delivered the decisive RBI with a walk-off hit in the 11th inning, the Lumberjacks had successfully recruited additional supporters — including team mascot Fredbird — to participate in their topless celebration.
“Whoever started that in right field, I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure they come every game,” Marmol commented after Friday’s contest. “Because that was awesome. Not only them, but everybody that showed up today. That was a fun environment.”
While the “tarps off” celebration — removing and waving one’s shirt — has become common in various sports venues, it marked a first for Busch Stadium.
Friday evening’s supporters may have inadvertently established a fresh ballpark custom.
The visiting players performed soccer-style chants and called out individual player names. Stadium organist Dwayne Hilton provided musical accompaniment and encouraged broader participation in the festivities.
“It creates an environment where, it’s not only filling this place up, it’s making it a tough place for other teams to come in and play,” Marmol stated Friday. “That was pretty damn cool. I’ll sign up for that, any day.”
The second contest of the three-game matchup against the Kansas City Royals commenced Saturday following approximately 45 minutes of weather-related delays.
The NASCAR All-Star race is making history this weekend as it comes to the Northeast for the very first time. Dover Motor Speedway will host the event on Sunday, marking a significant milestone for the region’s racing fans.
Despite being more than two decades old, the race’s top prize has remained frozen in time. The winner will still take home $1 million, the exact same amount that was established when the event debuted in 2003.
The competition format will feature all 36 drivers competing in the opening two segments before the field narrows for the final stretch. The concluding 200-lap portion will include 26 drivers, with 19 already guaranteed spots in that decisive segment.
Meanwhile, other major sports stories are developing across the country. At the PGA Championship in Pennsylvania, Rory McIlroy mounted a strong comeback during Saturday’s third round. After expressing frustration with the course setup at Aronimink Golf Club following Friday’s play, McIlroy responded with four birdies and a 3-under performance on the front nine. His early tee time on moving day allowed him to climb into the top 10 on a packed leaderboard, cutting into the five-shot deficit he faced behind early leaders Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy.
Soccer fans witnessed drama at Wembley as Manchester City claimed the FA Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea. Antoine Semenyo delivered the decisive moment in the 72nd minute with a spectacular back-heeled strike that sealed the trophy for City. The victory keeps Pep Guardiola’s squad in pursuit of a domestic treble, having already captured the English League Cup while sitting second in the Premier League, just two points behind Arsenal with two matches remaining.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, hundreds of California women are chasing an unprecedented opportunity. With Los Angeles set to host the Games, the U.S. women’s handball team will compete for the first time since 1996. Many of the tryout participants had never experienced handball before, but they’re now relocating to Florida for national team training. While handball enjoys popularity throughout Europe, it remains largely unknown in America. The team faces significant financial hurdles, as they receive no funding from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
Horse racing took on a different atmosphere Saturday at Laurel Park, where the Preakness Stakes found a temporary new home. The second jewel of the Triple Crown moved from its traditional Pimlico location in Baltimore due to ongoing reconstruction work. Unlike previous years featuring large crowds and energetic infield entertainment, this year’s running maintained a more restrained environment. Attendance was limited to 4,800 spectators, and there’s no Triple Crown possibility since Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo opted not to compete. Iron Honor entered as the morning-line favorite at 9-2 odds. Laurel’s own future remains uncertain, with potential conversion to a training facility under consideration despite its rich racing heritage.
St. Louis Cardinals skipper Oliver Marmol embraced fan enthusiasm in an unconventional way. After a group of college players energized Friday night’s victory by removing their shirts and leading crowd chants from the right-field seats, Marmol took to social media Saturday offering to purchase tickets for supporters wanting to continue the celebration in the “right field Loge.” Saturday’s second game against the Kansas City Royals faced a rain delay.
Tennis action in Rome saw Jannik Sinner extend his remarkable winning streak to 28 matches by defeating Daniil Medvedev to reach the Italian Open final. After weather interrupted play, Sinner completed his 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory Saturday and will face Casper Ruud in the championship match. Sinner aims to join Novak Djokovic as only the second player to capture all nine Masters 1000 titles, with Rome being the lone tournament missing from his collection. He holds a perfect 4-0 record against Ruud. Sunday’s men’s final will welcome Italian President Sergio Mattarella as an attendee, while Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina will contest the women’s championship later Saturday.
Basketball playoffs continued with dramatic results as Stephon Castle powered the San Antonio Spurs past the Minnesota Timberwolves 139-109 in Game 6. Castle’s 32 points and 11 rebounds led another outstanding showing from San Antonio’s backcourt, with Victor Wembanyama and company eliminating Minnesota to advance to the Western Conference finals against defending champion Oklahoma City. De’Aaron Fox contributed 21 points and nine assists for the Spurs. Anthony Edwards paced the Wolves with 24 points, receiving additional support from bench players Terrence Shannon and Naz Reid, but Minnesota couldn’t solve San Antonio’s aggressive switching defense.
The Eastern Conference features its own winner-take-all drama as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons prepare for Game 7 Sunday night. Detroit will host the decisive contest, with the victor advancing to face New York in the East finals beginning Tuesday. Both franchises bring strong Game 7 histories to the matchup – Detroit holds a 6-1 record in such games since 1990, while Cleveland has won all five of its Game 7 appearances since 2016.
Injury news struck the New York Mets as pitcher Clay Holmes suffered a broken right leg after taking a 111 mph line drive to the mound. The incident occurred during the fourth inning of the Subway Series opener against the Yankees at Citi Field, when rookie Spencer Jones’ leadoff single struck Holmes just above the right foot. Despite the impact, Holmes continued pitching until being removed with one out in the fifth inning. Following the 5-2 defeat, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed X-rays revealed a fractured right fibula that will sideline the team’s top performer indefinitely.
A 91-year-old man facing charges related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide has died at a hospital while being held in custody in The Hague, Netherlands, according to a U.N. court announcement made Saturday. This comes three years after judicial officials determined he was mentally incompetent to proceed with his trial.
Félicien Kabuga faced allegations of funding and promoting the systematic slaughter of Rwanda’s Tutsi population. Legal proceedings against him commenced in 2022, almost thirty years following the 100-day period of violence that claimed 800,000 lives.
Court officials ruled in 2023 that he could not continue facing trial due to his dementia diagnosis, announcing they would create a framework to proceed with evidence collection while removing any possibility of a conviction.
The U.N. International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals announced Saturday that Kabuga passed away during his hospital stay in The Hague, with the medical officer at the U.N. Detention Unit receiving immediate notification.
Officials have launched an inquiry to determine the specific circumstances surrounding his death, according to the court’s statement.
Authorities issued a warrant for Kabuga’s arrest in 2013 and offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. French authorities apprehended him in 2020, leading to the start of his trial two years later.
The charges against Kabuga included genocide, promoting genocide, plotting genocide, along with persecution, extermination and murder. He entered a plea of not guilty. A conviction would have resulted in a potential life sentence.
Following the court’s determination of his mental incompetence, he continued to be detained while officials worked to resolve questions about his potential release to any nation willing to accept him.
His legal representative stated that he would not agree to return to Rwanda, despite that country’s willingness to receive him, citing concerns about potential mistreatment.
The court’s ruling declaring him unfit for prosecution frustrated numerous genocide survivors in Rwanda, who believed his alleged crimes warranted the harshest possible punishment.
The mass killings began on April 6, 1994, following the downing of an aircraft carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana, which crashed in Kigali, the capital city, killing the leader who belonged to the ethnic Hutu majority like most Rwandans. Kabuga’s daughter had married the president’s son.
Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest finale kicked off in Vienna despite heightened security measures and wet weather that couldn’t dampen spectator excitement — though controversy continued to swirl around Israel’s participation in the competition.
Following days of anticipation, performers representing 25 nations appeared on stage at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena, vying for Europe’s most prestigious pop music title. Global audiences tuned in to witness the 70th anniversary celebration featuring diverse acts including a Finnish violinist with fiery performances, a folk rapper from Moldova, and a metal group from Serbia, among others.
Political tensions overshadowed the milestone event for the third consecutive year, with activists demanding Israel’s removal due to ongoing Gaza conflicts and other military actions. Five nations with long Eurovision histories — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — chose to skip this year’s competition as a form of protest.
The evening began with a cinematic opening sequence highlighting Austria’s stunning landscapes, featuring a paper boat journeying toward Vienna — a nod to 2025 Eurovision champion JJ’s tempestuous rendition of “Wasted Love.”
Last year’s victor, Austrian vocalist JJ who received operatic training, launched the live show, followed by an Olympic-style procession displaying flags of all 25 competing nations. The musical performances then commenced, with each artist having a brief 3-minute window to captivate millions of global viewers who join professional music industry juries in selecting the champion.
Saturday’s spectacular event featured hosts Michael Ostrowski, an Austrian performer recognized for his work in German-language comedic cinema, alongside Victoria Swarovski, who works as a model, vocalist, television personality, and represents the Swarovski crystal and luxury brand dynasty.
Eurovision’s leadership encouraged audiences to set aside political concerns and focus on enjoying what the director called the “brilliant, wonderful, heartfelt show” that defines the competition’s championship round.
While the contest marked its 70th year amid demands to remove Israel over its Gaza war conduct and the five-nation boycott, Eurovision director Martin Green described the event as an opportunity to “close the curtains to the outside world and dream that something else is possible” for several hours.
During a press briefing, he emphasized that Eurovision has spent seven decades providing “voice to the voiceless” and honoring marginalized groups.
The federal government on Saturday chose not to extend a sanctions exemption that had permitted nations including India to purchase Russian oil transported by sea vessels, following a one-month extension designed to address oil supply concerns and elevated prices caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had indicated earlier that he would not extend the general license permitting the acquisition of Russian oil held on tanker ships.
By Saturday afternoon in Washington, no extension announcement had appeared on the Treasury Department’s website. A department representative refused to provide additional comments.
On Friday, two leading Democratic senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren, called on the administration to reject renewing the exemption, contending that it was generating funds for Russia to support its military operations in Ukraine, while showing no signs of reducing fuel expenses for American citizens.
The previous extension was among the administration’s strategies to manage worldwide energy costs that have risen significantly during the Iran conflict, including releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and a temporary suspension of a maritime regulation called the Jones Act. Furthermore, President Donald Trump has expressed support for temporarily halting the 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal gasoline tax.
These actions have had minimal impact on American gasoline costs, which currently stand at approximately $4.50 per gallon, representing the highest levels since 2022. Both national and global oil prices have remained near or above $100 per barrel since hostilities commenced on February 28.
On Friday, while returning from Beijing, Trump informed reporters that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about potentially removing sanctions on Chinese firms that purchase Iranian oil and would reach a decision shortly.
India represents the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude oil, with its acquisitions reaching near-record levels during April and May due to earlier sanctions exemptions.
A Canadian passenger has been confirmed to have contracted hantavirus following their departure from a luxury cruise vessel that experienced an outbreak of the Andes strain, according to British Columbia government authorities on Saturday.
Hospital staff in Victoria, B.C. conducted testing that confirmed the individual’s positive status for the virus, officials reported.
The New York Yankees have sidelined left-handed pitcher Max Fried by placing him on the 15-day injured list Saturday, while bringing up right-handed pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez from their Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre affiliate.
The decision regarding Fried dates back to Thursday and came following MRI and CT scan results that showed a bone bruise in his left elbow.
Following an outstanding beginning to the 2026 season, Fried (4-3, 3.21 ERA) encountered difficulties during May, surrendering 11 earned runs and 17 hits across 14 1/3 innings in three outings. He departed Wednesday’s game against Baltimore after just three innings, giving up three earned runs on 61 pitches.
The 32-year-old Fried posted a 4-1 record with a 2.09 ERA during his first seven starts (47 1/3 IP) in March and April.
Following an eight-season tenure with the Atlanta Braves (2017-24), Fried inked an eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees before the 2025 season. He earned his third All-Star selection with New York, compiling a 19-5 record and 2.86 ERA across 32 starts.
Throughout his 10-year major league career, Fried holds a 96-44 record in 210 appearances (194 starts) with a 3.04 ERA.
The 22-year-old Rodriguez first appeared in the majors on April 29, surrendering two runs on four hits while walking four batters in four innings during a 3-0 loss to the Texas Rangers. He returned to Triple-A on May 6.
Rodriguez carries a 0-1 record and 5.19 ERA in two games (both starts) with the Yankees this year, while maintaining a 1-2 record and 1.38 ERA in five Triple-A appearances (all starts).
The University of Delaware baseball team closed out their season on a high note, defeating WKU 6-3 to claim the decisive third game of their series. The Blue Hens offense came alive with 10 hits in the victory.
Anthony DeCesare provided power at the plate, launching a home run to help fuel the team’s offensive attack. The win marked Delaware’s second consecutive home series victory as they wrapped up their season at home.
The Blue Hens took the rubber match after the teams split the first two games of the three-game set, giving Delaware the series win heading into the offseason.
The University of Delaware’s men’s basketball team has wrapped up its recruiting for the 2026-27 season by adding freshman Favour Egbuna to the roster, according to an announcement made Saturday by head coach Martin Ingelsby.
Egbuna will be joining the Fightin’ Blue Hens after completing his prep career at Putnam Science Academy, located in Connecticut. The signing completes the team’s roster construction for the upcoming season.
The announcement was made from Newark, Del., as the program finalizes its preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.
A traffic collision has resulted in the shutdown of several lanes on Bear Christiana Road at the intersection with Springwood Drive, according to transportation officials.
The crash has impacted traffic flow in the area, with multiple lanes currently blocked to allow emergency responders to work at the scene.
Drivers traveling through the Bear area should anticipate delays and consider using alternative routes until the roadway can be fully reopened.
A 93-year-old man suspected of playing a role in the 1994 Rwanda genocide has died while in custody at a United Nations detention facility, according to a UN court announcement on Saturday.
Lucien Kabuga had been captured in France during 2020 following more than 20 years as a fugitive before being transferred to The Hague. Court officials later determined he was mentally unfit for trial due to dementia and too sick to be sent back to Rwanda.
Since no nation agreed to take him in, Kabuga continued to be held at the UN detention facility in The Hague. Court officials have announced they will investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
The deceased man, who previously operated businesses and owned a radio station, was considered one of the final wanted fugitives connected to the genocide. During that period, Hutu extremists murdered over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus within a span of 100 days.
Legal authorities had charged Kabuga with spreading hate speech via his radio station Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines and providing weapons to ethnic Hutu militias.
The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, which announced his death, handles ongoing cases from previous UN tribunals dealing with Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
Stargazers across North America can expect a dazzling celestial show this weekend as the aurora borealis is predicted to paint the night sky with vibrant colors.
The natural light phenomenon will reach peak visibility during Saturday and Sunday evening hours, offering optimal viewing conditions for those hoping to witness the spectacular display.
The aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, creates brilliant streaks of color across the darkness when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
A French court will move forward with examining allegations against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman concerning his involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office announced Saturday.
The prosecutor’s office, referred to as the PNAT, stated that an investigating judge from the crimes against humanity unit will now handle the matter following a May 11 decision by the Paris Court of Appeal.
Trial International and Reporters Without Borders submitted the legal filing. These organizations allege the Saudi crown prince participated in torture and enforced disappearance related to Khashoggi’s death, a Saudi opposition journalist and Washington Post writer who was violently murdered at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul during October 2018.
Khashoggi’s remains were cut apart and have never been recovered.
The PNAT explained that the Paris Court of Appeal determined the allegations were acceptable because the potential for classifying the matter as a crime against humanity — which could encompass the related offenses of torture and enforced disappearance — could not be dismissed at this point.
The prosecutor’s office acknowledged the court’s determination while noting that the decision did not contradict its own understanding of French criminal procedure laws regarding whether the organizations had standing to submit the complaint as civil parties.
The French legal action was originally submitted in 2022, while Prince Mohammed was visiting France. The crown prince had experienced international ostracism following Khashoggi’s murder but has subsequently been welcomed again by Western officials and leaders.
The initiation of a French judicial investigation does not indicate Prince Mohammed has been formally accused or that French courts have determined his guilt. It signifies an investigating judge will review whether the allegations can proceed to additional legal action.
Prince Mohammed has rejected claims that he ordered Khashoggi’s murder but has acknowledged it occurred during his leadership as Saudi Arabia’s effective head of state.
U.S. intelligence services had previously determined that he authorized the mission that resulted in the killing.
Saudi Arabia conducted a private trial regarding the murder and claimed it penalized those accountable, but human rights organizations condemned the legal process as secretive and inadequate.
ROME (AP) — Eight people sustained injuries when a vehicle struck pedestrians on a sidewalk in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday, with four victims in critical condition, local officials reported.
Mayor Massimo Mezzetti confirmed that while no fatalities occurred in the incident, four individuals suffered severe injuries. One woman became trapped against a storefront window and required both legs to be amputated, he stated.
According to Mezzetti, the operator of the vehicle is a 31-year-old man who was born in Bergamo and grew up in Modena’s province. Authorities have taken him into custody and are conducting interviews at police facilities while working to establish if he was impaired by substances or if his actions were intentional.
The mayor described how the vehicle moved onto one of the city’s primary roadways and “mounted the sidewalk, launching multiple individuals into the air,” before colliding with the store window.
A minimum of eight individuals sustained injuries, with four experiencing very severe trauma, the mayor confirmed. Medical facilities in both Modena and Bologna received the victims, with helicopter transport used for the most critical patients.
The operator tried to escape but was first restrained by some of the people affected by the incident, then by law enforcement officers who transported him to headquarters for interviews.
People at the scene reported that the man was carrying a knife, though he did not succeed in stabbing anyone, the mayor noted, explaining that investigators continue working to establish if the incident was intentional or connected to other factors.
“Regardless of the motivation, this represents a very grave incident,” Mezzetti stated. “Should this prove to be an attack, it would be even more severe.”
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni described the occurrence as “extremely serious” in a social media statement and voiced support for the victims and their loved ones.
Meloni expressed appreciation to citizens who stepped in to help apprehend the suspect and commended law enforcement officials, noting she was communicating with local authorities and anticipated the suspect would face complete accountability.
Emergency responders, including police, carabinieri and financial police, arrived at the location, which was sealed off while ambulances provided care to victims on the street.
A Palestinian advocate claims French officials are working to remove him from the country, alleging he represents a security risk and targeting him because of his pro-Palestinian organizing efforts.
Ramy Shaath, age 54, released an online video statement on May 14 claiming the deportation attempt represents part of what he called a wider effort to suppress Palestinians and those supporting Palestinian causes within France.
Following the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Shaath co-founded the pro-Palestinian group Urgence Palestine. He claims French officials are pursuing him after previous legal actions were unsuccessful.
The French Interior Ministry has not yet provided a response to requests seeking comment.
In his video statement, Shaath indicated the deportation effort came after previous challenges in renewing his French residency documentation, despite having family connections in France. He further claimed his banking account was terminated without notice and his health insurance coverage was canceled, stating these actions impacted his capacity to work, travel and obtain medical treatment.
Shaath indicated he and his family plan to fight the legal proceedings in both French and European judicial systems.
Born in Egypt and Palestine, Shaath previously led the Egyptian division of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. He has consistently connected his Palestinian advocacy with resistance to authoritarian governments throughout the Arab region.
During a 2022 Associated Press interview following his freedom from Egyptian imprisonment, he characterized his advocacy work — spanning Egypt’s 2011 democracy movement to his involvement with the Palestinian-led boycott campaign against Israel — as “civil, nonviolent action against injustice, against inhumane treatment and against occupation as well as dictatorship.”
In 2014, Shaath established the Egyptian division of the BDS movement. Egyptian authorities detained him in 2019 and freed him in January 2022, following more than two and a half years in custody.
He stated at that time that Egyptian officials never officially filed charges against him and that he had been confined in an overcrowded, insect-infested cell before subsequently being placed alone in a room without windows.
French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated Shaath’s freedom from Egyptian imprisonment in 2022.
Shaath’s wife holds French citizenship and he has a daughter who is both French and Palestinian.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s women’s lacrosse team secured a decisive 10-5 win over York College (Pa.) during Saturday’s NCAA Sweet Sixteen Regional Semifinal matchup at Sea Gull Stadium.
The triumph sends the Sea Gulls to the Regional Final for the third year in a row, continuing their strong postseason performance in recent seasons.
The second-ranked Sea Gulls controlled the game against the 14th-seeded York squad throughout the afternoon contest, building on their successful campaign this season.
Kansas City has moved left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm to the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right knee, while bringing back left-hander Bailey Falter from his stint on the IL.
The 34-year-old Strahm holds a 1-1 record with a 3.86 ERA across 17 relief outings since rejoining the Royals, the organization that drafted him in 2012.
Throughout his 11 seasons in the majors, Strahm has compiled a 35-39 record with a 3.37 ERA across 412 appearances, including 35 starts, playing for Kansas City (2016-17, 2026), the San Diego Padres (2018-21), Boston Red Sox (2022), and Philadelphia Phillies (2023-25).
The 29-year-old Falter struggled early this season with a 13.50 ERA in two relief appearances before being sidelined with inflammation in his left elbow. During his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Omaha, he posted a 1-0 record and 2.70 ERA over nine relief outings.
Across six major league campaigns, Falter carries a 25-30 record with a 4.64 ERA in 116 appearances, including 83 starts, having played for Philadelphia (2021-23), the Pittsburgh Pirates (2023-25), and Kansas City.
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story will be placed on the 10-day injured list, according to a Saturday report from the Boston Globe.
The publication also indicated that utility player Nick Sogard will be called up from Triple-A Worcester to take Story’s place on the roster.
The 33-year-old Story has reportedly been managing a minor groin strain throughout much of the current season.
This season, he has posted a .206 batting average with three home runs and 19 RBIs across 41 games, while his six defensive errors tie him for the second-highest total in the American League entering Saturday’s games.
Throughout his career with the Colorado Rockies and Red Sox, Story has maintained a .262 batting average with 207 home runs and 655 RBIs over 1,106 games.
The 28-year-old Sogard has appeared in 61 games over the past two seasons with Boston.
This season with Worcester, he has recorded a .269 batting average along with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 36 games.
Thousands of educators flooded the streets of Portugal’s capital on Saturday, voicing their frustration with the centre-right government over inadequate compensation, slow career advancement, and poor working conditions.
The demonstration was coordinated by the FENPROF teachers’ union, which criticized government officials for failing to address concerns about insufficient wages, career stagnation, and excessive workloads. Union representatives reported thousands of participants, though law enforcement has not yet provided crowd estimates.
Last May, government officials reached an agreement with union representatives to incrementally restore over six years and six months of career progression that had been suspended following Portugal’s 2011 financial rescue package. This arrangement enabled more than 100,000 educators in public schools to advance on the salary scale, increasing their monthly earnings by several hundred euros, though no retroactive compensation was included.
Numerous educators believe these steps are insufficient. Entry-level public school teachers receive approximately 1,714 euros monthly before taxes, positioning Portugal among the lower-compensated OECD nations for beginning educators.
“I lost 60,000 euros that I will never recover. They are giving us back just a few crumbs, and we’re supposed to be happy with that? No. We need to be properly valued,” said geology teacher Catarina Pinheiro, 47, during the demonstration.
Throughout an entire career, educators’ compensation can fall 15% to 25% beneath the OECD average. Although maximum earnings reach approximately 3,700 euros monthly before taxes, achieving this level can require nearly four decades. Public sector compensation also establishes standards for private educational institutions.
Educators participating in the rally expressed that inadequate pay and sluggish advancement opportunities were creating widespread discontent throughout the profession, especially among newer staff members, and cautioned that public education systems were facing significant pressure.
Hundreds of citizens gathered in Tunisia’s capital city on Saturday to voice their opposition to President Kais Saied, charging him with eroding civil liberties while overseeing a deepening economic and social crisis.
The demonstration took place under the rallying cry: “The people are hungry and prisons are full”.
Those who gathered demanded an end to authoritarian leadership and displayed signs condemning the detention of political figures, media workers and community activists, as worries grow about an expanding campaign against opposition voices.
Rally participants also condemned what they characterized as Saied’s inability to address the nation’s economic troubles, while employing courts and law enforcement to suppress opposition.
The North African nation is experiencing severe economic difficulties, including stagnant economic expansion, rising costs, medical and food supply shortages, budget constraints, and declining government services.
Saied, who disbanded the legislative body and started governing through executive orders in 2022, has encountered increasing condemnation from human rights organizations regarding what they describe as the destruction of the democratic framework established after 2011.
Saied dismisses these charges, stating his actions are essential to rescue the nation from disorder and corruption.
The legal profession has announced work stoppages in upcoming days over the weakening of court independence, while the media workers’ organization is planning demonstrations against the imprisonment of reporters and limits on news media freedoms.
Government officials maintain they are upholding legal standards and deny claims of political persecution.
SAO PAULO, May 16 – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro would finish in a statistical dead heat if they faced each other in an October runoff election, new polling data from Datafolha revealed Saturday.
The survey shows both candidates would capture exactly 45% of voter support in a head-to-head matchup. Flavio is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
This represents a slight shift from April’s polling, which had given Flavio a narrow 46% to 45% edge over Lula – though that difference fell within the survey’s two percentage point margin of error, making it essentially tied.
In first-round voting scenarios, the poll of 2,004 voters found Lula would capture 38% support, with Flavio finishing second at 35%.
Most interviews for this latest survey were completed before Intercept Brasil broke a story detailing Flavio’s connections to former banker Daniel Vorcaro.
The report alleges Flavio worked to secure 134 million reais ($26.5 million) from Vorcaro, who previously owned Banco Master, to fund a biographical film about his father.
Vorcaro remains behind bars as authorities investigate the scandal surrounding Banco Master’s financial collapse.
Flavio has rejected any claims of impropriety regarding his dealings with Vorcaro. Legal representatives for Vorcaro have previously refused to provide statements about the Intercept Brasil investigation.
With rising temperatures bringing more outdoor enthusiasts to recreational areas, law enforcement officials are issuing safety reminders for those operating all-terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicles.
State regulations govern how these recreational machines can be used, and authorities emphasize that all operators must follow safety protocols and act responsibly while riding.
Officials stress that these vehicles are manufactured specifically for off-road terrain and should not be operated on public roadways or other unauthorized areas.
A vehicle collision has forced authorities to shut down all northbound traffic lanes on Limestone Road at the intersection with Ochletree Lane.
The roadway closure remains in effect as crews work to clear the accident scene. Drivers traveling in the area are advised to find alternative routes to avoid delays.
No additional details about the crash or potential injuries have been released at this time.
Romanian defense officials announced Saturday that they discovered an unexploded device containing explosives in a village located in the southeastern part of the country, close to its border with Ukraine.
The NATO and European Union member nation has a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine. Unmanned aircraft from Russia targeting Ukrainian ports along the Danube river have repeatedly entered Romanian airspace, with debris occasionally landing on Romanian soil when Ukrainian defenders intercept them.
Defense ministry officials identified the device as an unguided reactive projectile, which was located in the yard of an empty residence in Pardina village within Tulcea county, according to their official statement. Authorities did not specify where they believe the projectile originated.
“Technical verifications confirmed the presence of 2 kg worth of explosives in the projectile’s body,” the statement said, adding that the area’s perimeter had been secured.
In the previous month, an explosive unmanned aircraft crashed into a residential backyard in the city of Galati, representing the initial occurrence since Ukraine’s conflict began where such an event caused property damage within Romania.
Leaders from NATO’s 14 eastern member countries stated this week that Russia’s continued airspace violations demonstrate the critical importance of strengthening the alliance’s defensive capabilities against missiles and unmanned aircraft.
Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy maintains positive spirits while recovering from a gunshot wound to his leg sustained during a weekend concert, with his head coach Eli Drinkwitz expressing optimism that Hardy could be discharged from the hospital Monday.
The All-American athlete returned to Columbia, Missouri, this week after the May 10 incident occurred at an outdoor music event in Mississippi.
According to Drinkwitz’s comments to ESPN on Saturday, Hardy continues his hospital stay for post-surgical wound monitoring, though he is ambulatory and participating in physical therapy sessions three times daily.
Law enforcement officials apprehended Rashodrick Harris on Thursday in Paducah, Kentucky, regarding the shooting that took place in Laurel, Mississippi.
The 20-year-old Hardy hails from Mississippi and initially played college football at Louisiana-Monroe, where he earned 2024 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year recognition after leading the conference with 1,351 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns across 237 carries.
Following his transfer to Missouri, Hardy achieved remarkable success last season, accumulating 1,649 rushing yards that placed him second nationally among FBS players while establishing a new Tigers single-season rushing record. His outstanding performance earned him SEC Newcomer of the Year recognition, Doak Walker Award finalist status, and consensus All-American honors after scoring 16 touchdowns and maintaining a 6.4-yard average on 256 rushing attempts.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios is scheduled for elbow surgery on Wednesday to repair a stress fracture and examine possible ligament damage or loose bodies in his pitching arm, according to MLB.com reports from Saturday.
The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher has been battling the injury since the beginning of spring training and has not appeared in any major league games this season.
“There may be some ligament stuff going on,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said on Saturday. “They’re going to figure that out when they’re in there.”
The elbow inflammation was first detected during a standard MRI scan conducted for insurance reasons while Berrios was still considering participation with Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Last season, Berrios compiled a 9-5 record with a 4.17 ERA across 31 appearances, including 30 starts. This marked his first career placement on the injured list in late September due to elbow inflammation. The injury forced him to miss the entire postseason as Toronto fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven-game World Series.
Throughout his major league career with the Minnesota Twins from 2016-21 and the Blue Jays, Berrios holds a 108-82 record with a 4.08 ERA over 275 games, including 273 starts.
