Maryland’s Best has launched its summer initiative with the introduction of a campaign titled “Eat Well. Buy Local.” alongside the unveiling of a redesigned logo on June 2, 2026.
The program aims to encourage Maryland residents and tourists to support local agricultural businesses and food establishments throughout the summer months. The initiative promotes shopping at farms, farmers markets, restaurants and retailers that offer locally-produced items.
As people plan their summer dining experiences and backyard barbecues, the campaign urges them to consider purchasing from local sources to support the state’s agricultural community and food industry.
CLEVELAND (AP) — When Myles Garrett inked his record-setting contract extension last year, he made it clear that financial security wouldn’t soften the blow of missing the playoffs.
“If it’s about the money, then I can just pack it in and not go out there and give my best effort. But I plan to be the best leader possible as well as dominating on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays,” Garrett stated last March.
This perspective explains why Garrett’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns concluded Monday when the organization sent him to the Los Angeles Rams, just over a year after he penned a $204.8 million, four-year extension with $122.8 million in guaranteed money.
Cleveland shipped the two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year to Los Angeles in exchange for pass rusher Jared Verse and three future draft selections.
Garrett had requested a trade during last year’s Super Bowl week, though he ultimately agreed to the extension a month afterward that established him as the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at that time.
General manager Andrew Berry had previously insisted that Garrett would complete his entire career in Cleveland and eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame representing the franchise. However, consistent quarterback struggles, organizational turmoil, and the catastrophic Deshaun Watson acquisition have left the Browns in perpetual rebuilding mode.
“We were sincere in that desire as we entered this offseason and did not envision a world where Myles was not a Cleveland Brown,” Berry stated Monday. “However, as we embark on a new era of Browns football with a young core and a replenished asset base, we felt this move was important to our transition.”
Berry successfully completed the transaction after Cleveland and Garrett modified his contract in March, postponing option payments scheduled for the 2026-28 seasons. The initial payment of approximately $10 million was originally due March 28 but was pushed back to near the regular season’s start.
The trade will still result in a salary cap impact of $15.53 million this season and $25.56 million next year for Cleveland.
The renewed relationship between Garrett and the Browns following his contract extension proved brief.
“To lose the same way every time, it’s frustrating as hell,” Garrett expressed on Oct. 12 following a 23-9 defeat at Pittsburgh, where Cleveland’s offense failed to reach the end zone.
Rookie Dillon Gabriel was making his second start at quarterback after taking over for veteran Joe Flacco, who had been dealt to AFC North division rival Cincinnati.
Following the Pittsburgh defeat, Garrett recorded at least a half-sack in nine consecutive contests. He established a franchise record with five against New England in Week 8, collected four versus Baltimore in Week 11, and added three more the next week at Las Vegas. He surpassed the single-season record of 22½ sacks previously held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt during the fourth quarter of his final Browns appearance in the season finale at Cincinnati.
Following Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal, numerous defensive players advocated for coordinator Jim Schwartz to receive the head coaching promotion.
“I’m committed to winning, and as long as the team (and) organization are doing so and they’re committed to that same thing, then I’m all on board. But if we’re thinking anything other than winning — tanking or rebuilding, that’s not me,” Garrett said on Jan. 2.
The organization passed over Schwartz and chose Todd Monken in late January. Schwartz departed after three seasons in Cleveland one week later.
Monken revealed two weeks ago that he had not encountered Garrett in person since his hiring.
Garrett — who holds a minority ownership in the Cavaliers — made several visits to Cleveland during the NBA playoffs but avoided stopping at the Browns’ facility.
Cleveland selected Garrett with the first overall pick in 2017. He experienced the NFL’s second 0-16 campaign during his rookie season, the initial year of five double-digit loss seasons he would endure.
Garrett contributed to Cleveland’s first playoff victory since the 1994 season, a 48-37 triumph over Pittsburgh in an AFC wild-card game during his fourth year in 2020. The Browns qualified for the playoffs again in 2023, falling to Houston in the opening round, but compiled an 8-26 record over the most recent two seasons.
Since 2017, Cleveland holds the league’s sixth-worst record at 58-90-1.
The 30-year-old Garrett — a five-time All-Pro selection — became the first NFL player to achieve at least 12 sacks in six straight seasons (2020-25) and remains the only player with double-digit sacks in each of the past eight years. His 125½ career sacks rank tied for 20th in league history.
“What I can say with complete honesty is this; I gave this city everything I had. I suited up and wore those colors with pride, and I don’t regret a second of being part of this storied franchise. Every Sunday. Every offseason. Every play, Every down. Every moment. You gave me more in return than I can ever repay,” Garrett wrote in a social media message to Browns supporters. “The best days for this franchise are ahead, Thank you for letting me grow here. Thank you for believing in me.
“Loving you is easy, leaving you is the hard part. Thank you for nine unforgettable years.”
The Browns have utilized 42 different quarterbacks for at least one start since their 1999 return, including 15 during the past nine seasons.
The constant quarterback changes represent a primary reason Cleveland has achieved just four winning seasons since returning and why Monken becomes the seventh head coach hired by Jimmy and Dee Haslam since purchasing the franchise in 2012.
Jimmy Haslam acknowledged last year that the Browns “took a big swing and miss” when they traded three first-round selections to Houston for Watson in 2022 and awarded him a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract that stands as the worst in NFL history.
Nevertheless, Watson appears favored to start Week 1 at Jacksonville despite not playing since Week 7 of the 2024 season due to two Achilles tendon injuries. Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders, who started the final seven games as a rookie last season, posting a 3-4 record with seven touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, and a 68.1 passer rating.
Should Cleveland continue struggling at quarterback, they will possess two first-round picks in 2027.
While Garrett’s trade didn’t yield three first-round selections, it did secure a young pass rusher in Verse. Along with the 2027 first-round pick, Cleveland obtained a second-round selection in 2028 and a third-rounder in 2029.
Verse’s arrival provides the Browns with the past two AP Defensive Rookies of the Year. Carson Schwesinger captured last season’s honor after leading NFL rookies with 156 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
Verse, selected 19th overall in the 2024 draft, recorded 4½ sacks as a rookie and 7½ sacks last season, plus three forced fumbles.
The head of the National Football League has received a congressional invitation to testify as federal lawmakers examine the organization’s television contracts and its growing use of subscription-based streaming platforms for game broadcasts.
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, delivered a letter on Monday to the commissioner requesting his participation in a June 10 hearing focused on the league’s media agreements and their adherence to the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
This decades-old legislation provides professional sports organizations with specific antitrust protections, enabling them to combine their broadcasting rights and conduct negotiations collectively while shielding them from certain legal challenges.
However, the statute’s coverage extends solely to traditional broadcast television. Previous court decisions have determined that cable, satellite, and streaming platforms fall outside its scope. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed support for modernizing the legislation, with president Donald Trump joining those criticizing the NFL’s movement toward streaming services.
Jordan’s correspondence states that the upcoming hearing will “examine the extent to which the antitrust exemption created by the SBA has been used by the professional sports leagues to harm consumers and whether potential legislative remedies may be needed to address that harm.”
A league representative has not yet provided a response regarding the congressional letter.
This congressional action coincides with an ongoing Justice Department investigation into possible anticompetitive behavior by the NFL. When the inquiry became public in April, a government source not permitted to speak publicly about active investigations described it as being “about affordability for consumers and creating an even playing field for providers.”
Earlier this year in March, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, contacted both the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission requesting they examine whether the league’s content distribution methods align with the 1961 legislation. The FTC has also solicited public input regarding the migration of live sporting events from traditional television to streaming platforms.
League officials maintain that 87% of their games remain accessible through free television, noting that contests shown exclusively on cable or streaming remain available through over-the-air broadcasts in the home regions of participating teams.
The organization maintains broadcasting and streaming partnerships with CBS/Paramount+, NBC/Peacock, ABC/ESPN/ESPN+, Fox, NFL Network, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube TV. Thursday evening games transitioned to Prime Video in 2022, with the league subsequently moving playoff wild-card contests, Christmas Day matchups, and a Black Friday game to streaming services.
During the upcoming season, Netflix will broadcast an opening-week matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams from Melbourne, Australia, along with a Green Bay Packers-Rams game scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving.
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have officially parted ways with star wide receiver A.J. Brown, completing a trade Monday that sends him to the New England Patriots in exchange for two draft selections.
The long-expected transaction brings to a close Brown’s four-year run with the Eagles, during which he established himself as potentially the franchise’s most talented receiver ever — though also one of its most challenging.
Brown’s relationship with the organization, particularly with Super Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts, deteriorated alongside his declining performance in 2025 as the team faced a June 1 deadline when his contract would become less burdensome on the salary cap. Philadelphia will save as much as $133 million in total cash.
The financial impact still carries some pain.
Philadelphia can now distribute $43.4 million in dead money across the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The arrangement — including the 2028 first-round selection and 2027 fifth-round pick obtained from New England — appears beneficial in theory.
In practice, the Eagles will certainly feel Brown’s absence, as he recorded 339 receptions for 5,034 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns across four seasons with Philadelphia. Brown, who will celebrate his 29th birthday later this month, joined the team through a trade with the Tennessee Titans during the 2022 draft and signed a four-year, $100 million contract.
Brown posted 106 receptions for 1,456 receiving yards in 2023 following his 88-catch, 1,496-yard debut season with Philadelphia in 2022, earning him one of the franchise’s most lucrative deals.
He committed to a three-year extension in April 2024 featuring $84 million in guaranteed compensation.
Philadelphia captured the Super Bowl during the 2024 season — Brown was spotted reading a motivational self-help book on the sidelines during their playoff run — but the positive atmosphere didn’t persist much longer.
Brown served not only as Philadelphia’s primary wide receiver but also ranked among the franchise’s all-time great pass catchers. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his four Eagles seasons — including back-to-back campaigns exceeding 1,400 yards — and played a vital role on two Super Bowl teams.
“It is hard to find great players in the NFL and A.J.’s a great player,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said at the end of the season.
Brown expressed gratitude to the Eagles, staff and supporters through a social media message, stating, “Playing for this city has been an honor. And I’m thankful for every moment in midnight green.”
However, Brown grew frustrated last season as Philadelphia’s offense struggled, ultimately resulting in a coaching change at offensive coordinator.
Brown and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni engaged in a heated sideline argument during their wild-card defeat to the 49ers, requiring chief security officer Dom DiSandro to step in. Brown angrily removed his helmet and continued shouting toward Sirianni.
Brown remained silent following that game, maintaining a pattern of avoiding media interviews throughout the season’s final weeks.
Brown had expressed displeasure about his statistical output — or lack thereof — last season and openly discussed his desire for an expanded role in the offensive scheme.
He frequently shared mysterious messages on social media, including a September update that read: “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”
Brown is now headed to New England, where he’ll reconnect with head coach Mike Vrabel, who previously coached him in Tennessee.
Philadelphia foreshadowed Brown’s departure during April’s draft by selecting Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round. Lemon earned the Biletnikoff Award as college football’s premier receiver after hauling in 79 passes for 1,156 yards — leading all Power Four conferences — and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans.
Philadelphia had previously acquired receivers Dontayvion Wicks, “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore to potentially complement top receiver DeVonta Smith.
Brown never had the opportunity to meet his new teammates in the locker room after missing last week’s voluntary organized team activities.
“For us, we’re focused on learning the offense,” Hurts said last week. “It really doesn’t change in terms of our approach to improve.”
Hurts and Brown reportedly experienced relationship issues in 2024 when Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham mentioned that “things have changed” in their connection. Both players minimized any conflict, but speculation about their partnership continued through last week’s organized team activities.
Selected 51st overall from Mississippi in 2019, Brown had been Tennessee’s most successful receiver draft pick since the franchise relocated to Tennessee in 1997. He earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2020 and accumulated 185 career receptions for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns before Philadelphia acquired him for a first-round pick in the 2022 draft.
Brown seeks the satisfaction, production and financial success in New England that eluded him at his previous two destinations.
“It’s going to be a hard time for me to say anything bad about A.J. Brown,” Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said at OTAs. “I’m a big fan of A.J. Brown, one of my really good friends, one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever been around, just respect him as a man. But this is the business.”
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A political crisis is brewing in Senegal after dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko declared his majority party will refuse to join the newly formed government following months of disputes with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, creating concerns about governmental paralysis in a nation already struggling with overwhelming debt burdens.
Sonko and Faye were once political partners within Pastef, which stands for Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Éthique et la Fraternité in French. Under Sonko’s leadership, the party commands a commanding parliamentary presence with 130 seats in the 165-member legislature.
“We are entering a real opposition dynamic,” stated Babacar Ndiaye, a political analyst at the Senegal-based Wathi think tank on Tuesday, noting that Pastef could pursue a no-confidence vote against the newly installed government, potentially triggering a governance crisis.
The cabinet unveiled Monday by newly appointed Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo excludes any prominent members from the majority party or Sonko’s close political allies, who had previously controlled important ministerial positions.
According to Sonko, who stated that Pastef would “not participate in this government due to points of disagreement” with both Faye and Lo, he was dismissed along with all cabinet members in May after prolonged friction with the president.
Despite their previous alliance when they assumed power in April 2024, Faye and Sonko have publicly clashed over crucial policy matters in recent months, particularly regarding negotiations for International Monetary Fund financing.
The West African nation confronts an escalating debt emergency and increasing living costs, ranking among Africa’s most indebted countries by debt-to-GDP ratio. An official government review conducted last year uncovered previously unreported obligations totaling $13 billion left by the former administration.
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday his selection of federal housing finance Director Bill Pulte to serve as acting director of national intelligence, stepping in for Tulsi Gabbard.
The president revealed the unexpected choice on Truth Social, highlighting Pulte’s current role leading the Federal Housing Finance Agency and overseeing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. “has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac,” Trump stated. Pulte will maintain his existing responsibilities while taking on the intelligence role, following Gabbard’s departure last month after she disclosed her husband’s cancer diagnosis.
Meanwhile, financial markets are sending warning signals about inflation that could complicate Trump’s political outlook ahead of the midterm elections. Rising energy costs from the Iran conflict have pushed up government bond prices, driving interest rates higher and making everyday purchases more expensive for Americans. While Trump believes a fraud task force could generate enough savings to balance the federal budget, economists view that goal as unlikely given the current deficit size. The higher borrowing costs are making it more difficult for people to purchase homes, buy vehicles, or manage credit card payments.
In the technology sector, artificial intelligence firm Anthropic is preparing for a public stock offering after filing confidentially with securities regulators. The company, which developed the Claude chatbot, recently secured $65 billion in private investment that values the five-year-old startup at $965 billion, establishing it among the world’s most valuable emerging companies.
Israeli defense exports hit unprecedented levels in 2025, reaching over $19 billion and representing a 30% jump from the previous year, according to the country’s Defense Ministry. More than half of last year’s transactions were large contracts worth $100 million or above. The sales figures have more than doubled over five years, even amid international criticism of Israel’s military actions against Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran. Defense Minister Israel Katz noted the numbers strengthen Israel’s standing as a major defense technology leader, with officials planning to focus on drone defense innovation.
Wall Street’s remarkable winning streak showed signs of cooling Tuesday as Alphabet’s stock decline weighed on broader market performance. The S&P 500 dropped 0.1% following Monday’s record high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 121 points and the Nasdaq remained unchanged. Market watchers suggest the rally may be due for a pause after nine consecutive weeks of gains for the S&P 500. Alphabet shares declined after the company announced plans to raise $80 billion through stock sales to fund artificial intelligence projects, while AI chip manufacturers saw their shares rise.
American job opportunities surged in April despite economic disruption from the Iran conflict, with employers posting 7.6 million open positions compared to 6.9 million in March. The Labor Department figures exceeded economist predictions of 6.8 million openings, demonstrating labor market strength amid geopolitical uncertainty. Both layoffs and voluntary job departures decreased, indicating worker confidence in employment prospects. The job market is rebounding from a challenging 2025 when employers added fewer than 10,000 positions monthly, the weakest performance outside a recession since 2002.
The British government announced its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 87% from 1990 levels by 2042, maintaining its net-zero objectives despite global energy supply disruptions. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the administration will follow recommendations from the independent Climate Change Committee for upcoming emissions targets. While scientists support the goal’s alignment with 2050 carbon neutrality plans, they emphasize the need for specific implementation strategies. Opposition lawmakers advocate for increased domestic oil and gas production to reduce energy imports.
Scottish court proceedings revealed details of how former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband embezzled over 400,000 pounds from the Scottish National Party through fraudulent invoices and falsified records. Peter Murrell faced charges Tuesday in Edinburgh’s High Court for purchasing hundreds of personal items with party money between 2010 and 2022, including a motorhome and Nintendo games. Murrell entered a guilty plea while Sturgeon, who led the SNP for ten years, denies involvement and was cleared after her 2023 arrest. Sentencing is scheduled for later this month.
Florida’s attorney general filed suit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman Monday, alleging the company deliberately hid ChatGPT’s dangers while promoting the product to consumers. Attorney General James Uthmeier accused the firm of suppressing internal safety concerns and misleading users about potential risks. The legal action references two recent criminal incidents where suspects reportedly used OpenAI technology for planning attacks. OpenAI responded that its systems consistently directed users toward professional help, including mental health resources, and confirmed cooperation with law enforcement in both cases.
Nvidia introduced advanced processors designed to bring sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities to Windows computers, with CEO Jensen Huang announcing the chips will power new laptop and desktop models from Microsoft and Dell starting this fall. Speaking at the Nvidia GTC conference in Taipei Monday, Huang described efforts to transform personal computing through locally-running AI agents. Industry analysts believe Nvidia’s innovation could reshape the PC marketplace, expand home AI applications, and provide consumers with additional technology options.
A Scottish political party executive admitted to stealing more than $540,000 from party funds to finance personal purchases including gaming systems, luxury timepieces, and a recreational vehicle, according to court proceedings Tuesday.
Peter Murrell, 61, who previously served as chief executive of the Scottish National Party and was married to former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon, appeared at Edinburgh’s High Court where prosecutors outlined his elaborate theft scheme. Prosecutor Alan Cameron explained how Murrell fabricated invoices and altered financial records to conceal his crimes.
The stolen funds, taken from an account containing membership dues and member contributions, financed an extensive array of purchases. Court documents showed Murrell bought two vehicles, a recreational vehicle, and high-end merchandise including timepieces and crystal glassware. His shopping list also included ordinary household goods such as yard equipment, electric dental care devices, and bathroom cleaning tools.
Cameron explained that Murrell exploited his authority over the party’s financial accounts to conduct his spending scheme. To avoid detection, he mislabeled his purchases in the party’s financial tracking system — including recording a $4,136 robotic grass-cutting machine as “legal fees.”
Last week, Murrell entered a guilty plea to embezzlement charges covering the period from 2010 through 2022. Sturgeon, who headed the SNP for ten years, has firmly denied any involvement in Murrell’s criminal activities, stating she was “deceived, misled and betrayed.” The couple announced their divorce last year.
Authorities arrested Sturgeon in June 2023 during the financial investigation, though police later cleared her of wrongdoing. Murrell awaits sentencing later this month.
Prosecutors detailed Murrell’s purchases by category, revealing the scope of his spending. He acquired a recreational vehicle that was incorrectly invoiced as a “van” and never made available to other party members. His luxury purchases included $57,474 worth of Amazon orders using SNP credit cards, encompassing PlayStation and Nintendo gaming systems, a Super Mario video game, cutlery sets, kitchen equipment, and premium Montblanc writing instruments.
Additional high-end purchases included luxury leather products and office supplies from London’s Smythson store, an ornate silver wine coaster falsely categorized as “leadership expenses,” two premium Bremont timepieces recorded as “event merchandise,” and salt and pepper mills from Lalique.
Murrell’s vehicle purchases involved buying a Volkswagen Golf in 2016 with $22,220 in party money, later trading it for a Jaguar while claiming the expense supported party events. In 2021, he sold the luxury car and kept approximately $63,844 for himself.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s leadership announced Tuesday its commitment to maintaining net-zero objectives while facing energy supply challenges from international conflicts, establishing a plan to slash the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by 87% compared to 1990 levels over the coming 15 years.
Britain established a legally mandated objective in 2008 to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Legal requirements force the administration to create emission limits for upcoming five-year periods following a rigid schedule.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced the administration will follow recommendations from its independent Climate Change Committee regarding the 87% objective for the upcoming period spanning 2038 through 2042.
Officials contend that transitioning toward renewable energy sources will shield the nation from fuel cost volatility experienced during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle Eastern tensions.
“As Britain faces the second fossil fuel shock of the decade, the only way to protect family and business finances is to drive for clean homegrown power that we control,” Miliband said.
Researchers indicated the objective positions Britain to achieve its 2050 net zero commitment, although Tuesday’s declaration lacks specific implementation details.
“I think this is very good news as a milestone to net zero at 2050. But, alongside the ambition, we need both a coherent joined-up plan to achieve it and a delivery board — independent of government, politics and the (Climate Change Committee) — tasked with making it happen,” said Martin Siegert, professor of geosciences at the University of Exeter.
Opposition Conservative and Reform UK parties contend the administration should reduce renewable energy objectives and increase North Sea oil and gas extraction to decrease Britain’s reliance on foreign energy sources.
Conservative Party energy spokeswoman Claire Coutinho said that the emissions target “will make us weaker, poorer and send everyone’s energy bills even higher.”
The nation’s job market demonstrated remarkable strength in April, with employers advertising 7.6 million open positions despite ongoing economic challenges stemming from the Iran conflict, according to new federal data.
The Labor Department announced Tuesday that April’s job vacancy numbers represented a substantial increase from March’s 6.9 million openings and marked the highest level recorded since May 2024. The figure significantly exceeded economist predictions of 6.8 million available positions.
While companies reduced layoffs during the month, fewer Americans chose to leave their jobs voluntarily — an indicator that workers feel optimistic about their employment opportunities.
The nation’s employment sector has been bouncing back from a challenging 2025. During that period, employers across companies, nonprofits and government agencies created less than 10,000 positions monthly, representing the weakest job creation outside of a recession since 2002.
Employment trends have improved this year, with monthly job creation averaging 76,000 positions from January through April. Substantial tax refunds resulting from a comprehensive tax reduction measure passed during the previous year have provided economic momentum in 2026, helping to counterbalance the effects of dramatically increased energy costs following the February 28 military action by the United States and Israel against Iran. However, these refund payments are nearly complete and their economic stimulus effect is diminishing.
The country’s job creation needs have also decreased compared to previous years. Immigration enforcement measures and Baby Boomer workforce exits mean fewer individuals are seeking employment. Consequently, the break-even threshold — representing monthly job creation required to maintain steady unemployment rates — has declined to approximately zero from 155,000 monthly positions needed two or three years earlier, based on research from Federal Reserve economists Seth Murray and Ivan Vidangos published in April.
The Labor Department plans to release May employment statistics on Friday. Economic forecasters anticipate the data will reveal employers created 100,000 new positions during that month.
Law enforcement officials in Iowa are examining a deadly shooting spree that left six family members dead, allegedly carried out by a relative who ended his own life during an encounter with officers on Monday.
Police discovered four victims who had been shot to death after responding to a residence in Muscatine, located approximately 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, according to Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies during a press briefing.
Law enforcement personnel subsequently located the suspected gunman, 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland from Muscatine, on a walking path within the city limits, Kies reported.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” the police chief said.
Investigators later discovered two additional male victims, also believed to be McFarland’s relatives, who had been fatally shot at separate locations throughout the community, Kies explained. One victim was located inside a residence while the other was found deceased at a commercial establishment, he noted.
Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of those killed or provided additional information about the victims.
“Today I simply do not have the words, this act of evil and what it has done to our community,” Kies said.
The municipal police force continues examining the shootings, working to analyze multiple crime scenes and conduct witness interviews. Investigators are requesting anyone with relevant information to reach out to the department’s major crimes division.
Kies acknowledged that McFarland had previous criminal charges on his record, though he declined to provide specific information about his past offenses.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
WILMINGTON, Del. (June 2, 2026) – Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view fresh artwork from artist Milton Downing as the Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery unveils his solo exhibition called A Good Tree.
The exhibition will run from June 5 through July 3, 2026, featuring Downing’s latest creations. Gallery visitors can attend the opening reception this Friday, June 5, between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Mezzanine location.
The show represents a showcase of Downing’s newest artistic works in the state-operated gallery space.
Five American citizens who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship during a hantavirus outbreak have been discharged from medical monitoring and allowed to return to their home states, officials announced Tuesday.
The passengers had been under observation for three weeks at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center following the disease outbreak on the vessel.
Health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had mandated that these individuals remain at the facility until May 31 for monitoring purposes.
Medical center officials stated that the released passengers will undergo continued surveillance for an additional 21-day period under the supervision of their respective local and state health agencies.
The CDC reports that a total of 41 American citizens are currently being watched for potential infection. Of these individuals, 18 were passengers aboard the cruise ship who had already returned to the United States prior to health authorities identifying the hantavirus outbreak.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday his selection of Bill Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as interim director of national intelligence, stepping in for Tulsi Gabbard.
The unexpected decision was revealed by Trump on Truth Social, highlighting Pulte’s role as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and his oversight of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In his announcement, Trump praised Pulte’s qualifications, stating he “has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago.”
According to Trump’s announcement, Pulte will continue in his current roles while temporarily serving as intelligence director, following Gabbard’s departure last month when she stepped down after disclosing her husband’s cancer diagnosis.
Defense exports from Israel soared to an unprecedented $19 billion in the past year, representing a 30% jump from the previous year, according to Tuesday’s announcement from Israel’s Defense Ministry.
The ministry reported that over half of last year’s transactions were large-scale agreements worth $100 million or higher, with total sales more than doubling over the past five years. This growth occurred amid international condemnation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and conflicts with Hezbollah and Iran.
The ministry declined to reveal the identities of purchasing nations.
Industry officials indicate that nations publicly committed to avoiding Israeli defense contractors are still discreetly making purchases. Analysts explain that governments seek Israeli equipment because it has been proven in combat situations, allowing them to witness the effectiveness of weapons and systems in active use.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “There is a clear and unmistakable thread connecting the (army’s) battlefield achievements across all fronts, the extraordinary capabilities of Israel’s defense industries, and the success of Israeli defense exports around the world.” He emphasized that these rising numbers strengthen Israel’s standing as a major defense technology leader while creating an obligation to continue advancing innovation.
The Defense Ministry highlighted anti-drone technology as a key area for future development, noting challenges faced during conflicts with Iran. These unmanned aircraft present detection difficulties for radar systems designed to track fast-moving missiles and can be confused with birds or aircraft.
The recent Defense Tech Expo held in Tel Aviv demonstrated increasing global demand for Israeli military equipment, with companies displaying weapons and gear influenced by recent military engagements. However, the event also exposed tensions between military technology promotion and political controversy over its application, as demonstrators criticized Gaza’s extensive damage as experimental testing for Israeli armaments.
Israel’s Defense Ministry maintains that its equipment serves to protect the nation and its citizens, rejecting claims that combat zones are used as testing facilities.
Missile, rocket, and air defense systems comprised over 25% of last year’s sales, matching the previous year’s pattern, according to ministry data. The ministry also noted significant growth in observation and optronics systems sales. Optronics involves electronics using optical, infrared, or ultraviolet radiation for applications including rifle targeting systems.
Research from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published in March revealed that Israel has overtaken the United Kingdom in global arms export market share for the first time, establishing it as the world’s seventh-largest weapons supplier.
Nine students charged with orchestrating a fatal fire at a girls’ boarding school in central Kenya faced a judge Tuesday as authorities requested additional time to complete their investigation into the deadly incident.
The High Court in Naivasha, located 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Nairobi, the capital, announced it would decide Wednesday whether to allow the detention of the accused students for an additional month while the probe continues.
The devastating blaze occurred on May 28 at Utumishi Girls School, sweeping through a dormitory that housed 202 students. According to investigators, the school matron was unable to unlock an emergency exit, forcing all students to flee through just one door.
The nine accused students have remained in police custody for five days. During questioning, authorities learned the fire began when someone used a matchstick and paraffin to ignite a mattress near the dormitory exit. Officials have not yet disclosed any motive for the attack.
DNA testing results to identify some victims whose bodies were severely burned are scheduled to be released Wednesday.
Security camera footage recovered from the destroyed dormitory captured six students igniting the fire just before other students awakened and rushed to escape the flames that ultimately injured 79 people.
Following this tragedy, five additional school fires have broken out across the nation, and the Kenya Red Cross has responded to 37 school fires since January began. None of these other incidents resulted in deaths or injuries.
School fires occur frequently in Kenya, where educational facilities often suffer from overcrowded classrooms and dormitories while lacking accessible firefighting equipment. The most devastating incident happened in 2001 when 67 students perished in Machakos County, while the latest fatal fire occurred in 2024, claiming 21 children’s lives in Nyeri County.
Previous cases have involved students deliberately setting fires at their schools due to disciplinary conflicts.
Northampton County has unveiled a new self-guided driving tour designed to showcase the area’s historical significance and attractions. The initiative is part of the county’s US250 program, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the region independently.
The driving tour provides participants with a structured route that highlights key points of interest throughout Northampton County. Visitors can follow the designated path at their own convenience, making stops at various locations along the way.
This new tourism offering represents the county’s efforts to promote local heritage and encourage exploration of the area’s historical landmarks and scenic destinations.
The United States has approved travel authorization for Woodensky Pierre, allowing the sole member of Haiti’s national soccer squad who remains in the Caribbean nation to join his team for World Cup preparations, according to an official announcement Tuesday.
Pierre was set to depart for Florida on Tuesday, confirmed Thecieux Jeanty, who serves as spokesperson for Haiti’s soccer federation, in comments to The Associated Press.
“It was a great moment for him, a moment of happiness,” he said.
The rest of the squad arrived in Florida the previous week to begin World Cup preparations. This marks Haiti’s second qualification for the tournament, with their previous appearance occurring more than fifty years ago.
While waiting for his travel documents, Pierre had been practicing with local athletes in an affluent section of Port-au-Prince. Security concerns at the team’s regular stadium in Haiti’s capital forced the national team to conduct their “home” qualifying matches in Curaçao instead.
Pierre hails from Cite Soleil, a coastal community that has faced ongoing challenges with food insecurity and criminal gang activity.
The team is set to face New Zealand in a preparation match on Tuesday, followed by Peru on Friday.
Haiti’s World Cup campaign begins June 13 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where they will face Scotland. Their schedule continues with a match against five-time champion Brazil on June 19 in Philadelphia, and concludes group play against Morocco on June 24 in Atlanta.
Cambodia’s leadership has submitted formal documentation to a United Nations maritime authority requesting mandatory mediation in a sea boundary conflict with Thailand, the country’s Prime Minister Hun Manet announced Tuesday.
The contested waters are thought to hold substantial reserves of natural gas and other valuable energy resources that both nations claim.
Cambodia’s move to involve the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, known as UNCLOS, follows Thailand’s decision last month to cancel a 25-year-old agreement between the two countries designed to address competing maritime boundary claims.
Thailand withdrew from the pact unilaterally in May as diplomatic relations deteriorated following significant military confrontations along their shared land boundary last year.
The armed conflicts from the previous year generated nationalist sentiment, creating political demands for Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to end the maritime agreement.
During a live television appearance on TVK state broadcasting, Hun Manet announced that his administration had provided official notification to both Thailand and the U.N. secretary-general to initiate mandatory mediation procedures under UNCLOS protocols.
“Cambodia has never violated the sovereignty of other states,” he said.
“At the same time, we are unwaveringly determined to defend Cambodia’s sovereignty. Today, we continue to honor that responsibility, not through force, but through international law; not through unilateral action, but through peaceful engagement.”
The timeline for when the dispute might be resolved remains uncertain.
Anutin addressed the development by informing media representatives that Cambodia’s initiative did not pose concerns for Thailand. He had earlier stated that Thailand would pursue maritime boundary solutions following UNCLOS frameworks, though he disagreed with Cambodia’s approach of forcing mediation.
UNCLOS decisions do not legally bind participating nations, despite both countries having signed the international treaty.
Thailand has historically opposed allowing external parties to resolve territorial matters rather than handling them through direct bilateral negotiations. The country has maintained that a 1962 International Court of Justice decision granting Cambodia control of the mountaintop Preah Vihear temple near their border was unjust, contributing to persistent tensions between the neighboring nations.
Two prominent news organizations have disclosed their investigative approach used to examine claims of inadequate medical treatment within immigration detention facilities operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the second Trump presidency.
The news outlets examined thousands of immigration-related court filings to uncover healthcare allegations from individuals held in ICE custody. Due to the absence of a complete, publicly accessible database containing medical grievances from those detained by ICE, the organizations turned to immigration court documents to locate healthcare-related accusations presented in federal court proceedings.
While these court filings are primarily intended to contest the lawfulness of someone’s detention rather than address confinement conditions, they occasionally contain claims about insufficient medical attention.
However, these legal documents aren’t always accessible to the public. Federal regulations limit public access to these petitions filed by immigration detainees. Most case information available on court websites includes only judicial orders and case summaries describing other documents. The original petitions can only be obtained through physical visits to federal courthouses nationwide. A nonprofit organization called the Immigration Justice Transparency Initiative operates Habeas Dockets, which organizes volunteers across the country to collect these documents and publish them online.
The news organizations examined case records from approximately 33,000 cases submitted by detainees between Jan. 20, 2025, and March 2026. Most cases contained only basic procedural details, including filing dates and court decisions. Only around 4,400 cases included the original petitions.
The organizations also collected several dozen additional case files from courthouses, attorneys, and the Massachusetts federal district court website, which publishes most petitions under a special court order.
Reporters conducted keyword and computer-assisted searches of court documents, including petitions, motions, and orders, looking for terms potentially indicating medical neglect, including surgery, medications, insufficient medical care, and treatment for ongoing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The search identified approximately 500 cases that potentially contained medical neglect allegations. Multiple reporters manually examined each case, resulting in more than 300 cases that included specific accusations in sworn court documents of delayed, refused, or inadequate healthcare.
To maintain strict standards, the organizations excluded dozens of cases that claimed insufficient medical care but provided no specific details, such as a petitioner stating they were sick but not receiving proper treatment, or a judge noting that a petitioner complained about ICE ignoring medical issues. Cases were also excluded when petitioners only claimed they were denied special diets, exercise, or other health-related accommodations, such as someone with Parkinson’s disease unable to exercise properly or claims that provided food was unsuitable for diabetic patients.
The organizations noted that their analyzed cases were not randomly chosen and do not represent all immigration court filings nationwide. The allegations were not independently confirmed. Many court documents remain unavailable to the public, and not all detainees present medical concerns in court proceedings, meaning their findings provide only a partial view of the overall situation rather than a complete assessment.
A comprehensive investigation by KFF Health News and The Associated Press has uncovered widespread claims of insufficient medical treatment at immigration detention centers spanning at least 33 states.
Those held in detention report missing essential medications or receiving them late for serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and HIV. Pleas for medical assistance went ignored for weeks at a time. Blood sugar levels climbed dangerously high. Infections worsened without treatment. Cancer cases went unaddressed. Some detainees experienced collapses and seizures.
Immigration detention centers and U.S. jails have historically faced challenges in addressing the healthcare requirements of those in their custody. However, the system is now overwhelmed by a surge in detentions following President Donald Trump’s return to the presidency: Immigration and Customs Enforcement was holding more than 75,000 immigrants by mid-January, a significant increase from approximately 40,000 one year prior.
The Department of Homeland Security was contacted by KFF Health News and AP six days prior to publication for a response to these findings but provided no statement. The DHS acting chief medical officer, Sean Conley, has previously stated “it is both policy and longstanding practice for aliens to receive timely and appropriate medical care from the moment they enter ICE custody” and noted the department hires healthcare professionals to uphold high standards. “This is better, more responsive healthcare than many aliens have ever received in their entire lives,” he has stated.
Detention facilities and private prison companies under contract with DHS that responded to inquiries about this investigation claimed they adhere to ICE standards and provide proper medical treatment when needed. Some indicated they were not aware of the allegations detailed in legal documents; others placed responsibility on the detainees for gaps in their healthcare.
The news organizations examined thousands of legal cases filed since Trump’s second inauguration using habeas corpus petitions to challenge what they argue are illegal detentions by ICE. These records provide an unusual glimpse into how detainees claim — often under oath — ICE is managing their healthcare needs. Reporters conducted interviews with more than 50 detainees, relatives, and attorneys.
The investigation found that claims of medical neglect span the extensive detention network, including facilities not intended for housing people, county jails, and hastily established locations with informal names like “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Vermont attorney Andrew Pelcher explained that previously, detainees with severe medical conditions would typically have been released on humanitarian parole, partly to avoid the expense of their treatment.
Currently, under “mandatory detention” policies, individuals remain incarcerated with serious and costly medical conditions.
A citizen of Romania who had undergone multiple heart procedures, including an emergency triple bypass in April 2025, was arrested in July. The 52-year-old required 16 daily medications as part of his recovery. Court documents allege that while held by ICE in Baltimore, he went without any medication for two days before being transferred to a New Jersey facility.
AP and KFF Health News are not identifying individuals mentioned in court records without their permission.
He was admitted to hospitals three times for chest pain, partly because the detention facility failed to supply all his medications despite “countless requests,” according to medical records and court filings. Hospital discharge documents referenced by his attorney show he received only eight of his 16 medications following his second hospital release.
Several weeks later in August, he suffered a stroke during a video call with his daughter, court filings state. “He was struggling to breathe, and was pointing at his chest where he was again experiencing pain, and suddenly stopped speaking.” His daughter called for help through the video screen, the petition states. “Eventually an officer came in to assist him and cut the feed.”
The man was unable to speak for four days, according to the document. He was sent back to detention, where he stayed until a federal judge ordered his release in November.
Detainees who receive poor healthcare have limited options for recourse. The Department of Homeland Security eliminated most functions of the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman last year. In early May, they closed the office completely, claiming Congress failed to provide funding.
Immigration attorney Matt Boles from Georgia noted that ombudsman staff previously helped coordinate medical care or looked into neglect complaints. Now, he explained, there is no one to contact for assistance.
Meanwhile, families of detainees report feeling powerless, making frantic calls to facilities, government offices, and elected officials while witnessing their relatives’ health decline.
Riya Khan watched her mother’s condition worsen at the California City Detention Facility, operated by CoreCivic, a private prison corporation. During a visit one week after her mother’s arrival at the Mojave Desert facility, Riya observed that the 64-year-old woman was trembling as she walked unsteadily to her chair. Her breathing was difficult.
Masuma Khan arrived in the U.S. from Bangladesh in 1997. Like 70% of detention population, Khan has no criminal record. She was detained in October during her routine ICE check-in appointment.
Throughout the month she was held, her daughter reports, she only sporadically received medications for various conditions including high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and prediabetes.
CoreCivic spokesperson Brian Todd stated that the company manages chronic conditions according to relevant medical standards.
“Nothing matters more to CoreCivic than the health, safety and well-being of the people in our care,” Todd stated.
Khan reported receiving her asthma medication for the first time just two days before her release, and her glaucoma eye drops never arrived. Staff members informed Khan she needed to purchase some medications from the commissary, but those items were not available there, her daughter explained.
Dora Schriro, a former ICE employee who now works as a special adviser to the American Bar Association, explained that legal precedent requires the government to provide people in immigration detention with the same level of care given to those in regular jails awaiting trial. However, administrators have discretionary authority and medical care standards differ.
Detainees are often relocated across the nation without advance notice, disrupting their treatment. A woman from El Salvador reported missing a week of HIV medication when transferred from Colorado to a Wyoming county jail.
A man from Russia documented that while held in Texas, he consulted with a gastroenterologist regarding painful gallstones and arranged a surgical consultation. “Unfortunately, I never got to see him, due to my being moved around various detention centers.”
Advocacy groups report that even clear disabilities, such as legal blindness, are overlooked.
One detainee who had lost one eye and suffered from severe glaucoma in the remaining eye needed eye drops twice daily to preserve his remaining sight. However, he reported that some days the medication was not provided.
He documented that his vision was rapidly declining, and he feared complete blindness would prevent him from ever seeing his infant son again.
A nationwide investigation has uncovered disturbing allegations of medical neglect affecting immigration detainees held in facilities across the United States, with some individuals resorting to desperate measures like extracting their own teeth due to untreated pain.
An investigation conducted by KFF Health News and The Associated Press discovered that detainees in at least 33 states have filed federal lawsuits claiming immigration detention centers are providing inadequate healthcare. The investigation analyzed thousands of court cases and interviewed more than 50 detainees, family members and attorneys.
The allegations include stories of an Albanian man who removed his own tooth after enduring months of pain at a New Mexico facility, a Honduran mother who required hospitalization for heart issues after being denied blood pressure medication in Florida, and a Venezuelan man whose leg became infected with flesh-eating bacteria when staff failed to transport him to a scheduled medical appointment in Vermont.
Detainees report missing critical medications for serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and HIV. According to court documents, requests for medical assistance have gone unanswered for weeks, leading to rising blood sugar levels, worsening infections, untreated cancers, and incidents of collapse and seizures.
The detention system is experiencing significant strain as the detained population has surged to more than 75,000 immigrants as of mid-January, compared to approximately 40,000 one year prior.
Research published in JAMA in April indicated that ICE custody has become more deadly than it has been in two decades. The Department of Homeland Security has reported 51 deaths in detention since the start of the current administration, with suicides reaching unprecedented levels.
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment made six days before publication. However, the department’s acting chief medical officer, Sean Conley, has previously stated that “it is both policy and longstanding practice for aliens to receive timely and appropriate medical care from the moment they enter ICE custody” and emphasized that DHS recruits healthcare professionals to maintain high standards. “This is better, more responsive healthcare than many aliens have ever received in their entire lives,” he said.
Individual facilities and private prison companies contracting with DHS that responded to inquiries said they adhere to ICE standards and provide medical care when required. Some claimed unfamiliarity with the allegations detailed in court documents, while others attributed medical care gaps to the detainees themselves.
Vardan Gukasian, a political dissident and former paramedic who spent years imprisoned in Armenia, described his experience in a March court declaration while contesting his 13-month detention in Henderson, Nevada. “I have never seen such disregard or medical neglect like this anywhere,” he wrote.
Madeleine Skains, a spokesperson for the city of Henderson, stated that medical care is always available at the facility and that the court had not ordered changes to his care.
In June, when Gukasian experienced symptoms of uncontrolled high blood pressure including dizziness, nosebleeds and headaches, his cellmate attempted to get help by banging on their door. “When it did not arrive, the rest of the block banged on their doors,” he wrote. Gukasian was hospitalized that same day.
The current administration’s mass deportation efforts have resulted in hundreds of thousands of people being detained during routine immigration check-ins, traffic stops, at their homes and in hospitals. Approximately 70% of detainees have no criminal conviction, and their immigration proceedings are civil rather than criminal in nature.
A father of six in Georgia described being injured while shackled during transport to an Atlanta facility when the vehicle jolted, throwing him into a metal armrest. “I couldn’t understand why they treated me so harshly,” he said. His wound became infected with E. coli, he reported, because he had to sleep on a dirty concrete floor amid leaking toilets.
Court records indicate that staffers at Stewart Detention Center in rural Lumpkin, Georgia, did not adequately respond to that man’s medical requests until he lost consciousness and was transported to a hospital approximately one hour away. There, he said, a doctor informed him he had narrowly avoided amputation of his left leg. Brian Todd, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, the private prison company operating the facility, said medical staff found no records of a case matching this description.
The 48-year-old man, who moved to the U.S. from Guatemala more than two decades ago, was released in October and is now a legal permanent resident. However, he remains uncertain about returning to his construction job because he says he can no longer lift heavy objects due to his injury.
Some detainees and their attorneys report being denied even basic care, including gauze for open foot wounds, prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies, pillows to ease pain for those with advanced stomach cancer, and sanitary pads for postpartum bleeding.
During an October hearing concerning a 70-year-old woman who alleged the government lost her glasses during arrest, Judge Benita Pearson, a federal judge in Ohio, stated: “I would like to believe the government has the best interest of those it holds in detention for whatever period of time. If one is unable to see due to the loss of glasses when detained, that should be fixed.”
Dora Schriro, who previously worked for ICE and now serves as a special adviser to the American Bar Association, explained that case law requires the government to provide people in immigration detention with the same care afforded to those in traditional jails awaiting trial. However, administrators have discretion and medical care standards vary.
Frequent transfers of detainees across the country, often without warning, interrupt ongoing treatment. A woman from El Salvador reported missing a week of HIV medication when she was transferred from Colorado to a county jail in Wyoming.
A Russian man wrote that he consulted with a gastroenterologist about painful gallstones while detained in Texas and scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. “Unfortunately, I never got to see him, due to my being moved around various detention centers.”
Advocates say even obvious disabilities, such as legal blindness, are being ignored. A detainee who lost one eye and had severe glaucoma in the other required twice-daily eye drops to preserve his remaining vision. However, he said some days the drops never arrived.
“Now, I can only see a little bit straight in front. It now often looks like I’m seeing through gauze,” the man wrote in a court declaration. “This makes me very afraid that one of these times I am going to open my eyes and not be able to see anything at all.”
He expressed fear that he wouldn’t be able to see his infant son grow up.
“It’s just sort of brazen indifference to really obvious problems, things you would have thought absurd a decade ago — like the fact that you can’t see,” said the man’s attorney, Brian Hoffman. “Before, you could attempt to work with folks on the government side and maybe shame them into doing the right thing. Now, it’s sort of like anything you want done you have to go to court and sue over.”
Even court orders don’t always guarantee compliance. One California judge ordered the government to take a man showing signs of prostate cancer to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment, but records show they failed to do so. Lawyers representing ICE told the judge that officials missed the appointment due to an “internal scheduling error.” CoreCivic, which operates that facility, said it was unable to comment on active litigation.
When immigrants file habeas corpus petitions, they exercise a right to challenge unlawful imprisonment that dates back to medieval times. More than 40,000 such petitions have been filed during the current administration, driven by decisions last year to deny bond to many people held on immigration charges. Judges are divided on whether this practice is legal, and the question appears headed to the Supreme Court.
Many habeas claims have succeeded, but judges typically cite reasons unrelated to the medical neglect described in the petitions, such as being held too long before deportation.
The more than 300 medical neglect claims identified in this investigation represent only a fraction of the problem. Details of habeas corpus cases are often hidden due to a federal rule preventing public online viewing of such documents. KFF Health News and AP obtained some documents directly and received records on 4,400 cases from Habeas Dockets, a project of the nonprofit Immigration Justice Transparency Initiative. However, tens of thousands more remain largely inaccessible.
Some judges have written that the habeas process is not the appropriate venue for raising medical neglect allegations and have declined to release detainees based on those claims. Not every detainee who believes they experienced medical neglect files a habeas petition or mentions their medical issues if they do.
Jose-Antonio Segismundo’s petition made no mention of being unable to see an oncologist for abdominal cancer while detained for more than seven months at the Florida detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz and Folkston D Ray ICE Processing Center in Georgia. Medical records in his court filings show he was arrested approximately five weeks before his scheduled appointment with a cancer specialist.
His wife, Maria Jose Gonzalez, said he received no treatment despite her sending his medical records and explaining his condition to officials at Folkston. When his stomach pain erupted, often suddenly and intensely, she said they provided him with Tylenol.
Christopher Ferreira, spokesperson for Geo Group which operates Folkston, said the company follows ICE standards and provides healthcare and access to off-site medical specialists when needed.
This spring, Segismundo, 48, was deported to Mexico, a country he left nearly 30 years ago, Gonzalez said. Now, she said, he will have to restart his search for care in the Oaxacan village where he grew up.
Detainees receiving inadequate healthcare have limited recourse. DHS last year eliminated most functions of the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman and shut the office entirely in early May, citing lack of funding from Congress.
Previously, ombudsman staff could facilitate medical care or investigate complaints of neglect, according to Matt Boles, an immigration attorney in Georgia. Now, he said, there’s no one to contact.
Meanwhile, detainees’ families report feeling helpless, making desperate calls to facilities, the government and their legislators while watching their loved ones deteriorate.
Riya Khan watched her mother become sicker at the California City Detention Facility, owned by CoreCivic. When she visited a week after her mother arrived at the Mojave Desert facility, Riya said the 64-year-old woman stumbled into her seat, shaking with labored breathing.
Masuma Khan came to the U.S. from Bangladesh in 1997. She has no criminal history according to her records and was detained in October when she appeared for her regular ICE check-in.
During the month she was detained, according to her daughter, she only intermittently received medications for conditions including high blood pressure, hypothyroidism and prediabetes.
Todd said CoreCivic treats chronic conditions in line with applicable medical standards. “Nothing matters more to CoreCivic than the health, safety and well-being of the people in our care,” Todd said.
Khan said she received her asthma medication for the first time two days before release and her glaucoma eye drops never arrived. Staff told Khan she needed to purchase some medications from the commissary, but it didn’t stock them, her daughter said.
Before ICE detained Masuma Khan, she made friends with everyone, her daughter said. She had worked for years at Lucky Boy, an iconic Pasadena fast-food restaurant, and in her free time fed birds and left out fruit for bees that visited her apartment’s balcony.
Now she’s too scared to go outside. She still must regularly check in with ICE, and she’s terrified each time.
Previously, detainees with serious medical needs would likely have been released on humanitarian parole, partly to avoid the cost of their care, said Vermont attorney Andrew Pelcher.
In fiscal year 2023 — before the detained population soared — ICE spent more than $390 million on healthcare for detained noncitizens, according to its most recent annual report to Congress. At a May conference, then acting director Todd Lyons said ICE has spent “almost half a billion dollars” on detainee healthcare this year.
Now, under “mandatory detention,” attorneys say people are remaining locked up with serious — and expensive — conditions.
A Romanian citizen underwent several heart surgeries, including an emergency triple bypass in April 2025, before his July arrest. As part of his recovery, the 52-year-old was required to take 16 daily medications. While at an ICE field office in Baltimore, his court filings allege, he went two days without any medication before officials moved him to a New Jersey facility.
He was hospitalized three times while detained, complaining of chest pains — partly because, according to medical records and court documents, despite “countless requests,” the detention center did not provide all his medications. Hospital discharge papers cited by his lawyer show he received only eight of the 16 medications after his second hospital release.
“Can you please talk to the ICE facility to make sure they give him his medications?” his treatment providers wrote in medical records included in his court filings. “He was admitted last week for chest pain and today he was readmitted again for chest pain secondary to non compliance for medications.”
Several weeks later in August, he suffered a stroke while on a video call with his daughter, according to court filings. “He was struggling to breathe, and was pointing at his chest where he was again experiencing pain, and suddenly stopped speaking.” His daughter screamed for help through the video monitor, according to his petition. “Eventually an officer came in to assist him and cut the feed.”
The man lost his ability to speak for four days, the document states. He was returned to detention, where he remained until a federal judge ordered his release in November.
Cassandra Amador waits for the phone to ring every morning, desperate to ask her husband the question that has awakened her every night for months: “Did you get your medicine?”
Her husband, Pedro Javier Amador Gutierrez, 36, has high blood pressure and depends on the state-run Florida facility nicknamed “Deportation Depot” to administer the prescriptions that have kept him alive for years. Many mornings, he tells his wife he did not receive them.
When she talks to him, she said, he sounds weaker and more frightened every day, unlike the upbeat man who would take her kids out for ice cream.
“You can hear in his voice how he feels,” she said.
Now, she said, he’s considering returning to Cuba, which he fled due to political persecution, out of fear that he will die in detention without his medicines. Amador and her children would accompany him, she said, even though she was born in New Jersey, has never been to Cuba and doesn’t speak much Spanish.
He has already collapsed twice at the Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, Florida, his wife said. She’s terrified that next time, he won’t get up.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to appear before Congress on Tuesday, where lawmakers are expected to grill him on the Trump administration’s foreign policy initiatives worldwide, particularly regarding Iran, marking his first Capitol Hill testimony since the Iran war commenced.
Republican senators are planning to convene Tuesday to determine their next course of action following the Justice Department’s announcement that it would honor a court directive temporarily halting the rollout of a $1.776 billion compensation fund intended for President Donald Trump’s political supporters.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is also scheduled to appear on Capitol Hill Tuesday for testimony before the House Appropriations Committee. While the session was originally planned to address the Justice Department’s budget matters, congressional members will likely concentrate their inquiries on the compensation fund issue.
Former First Lady Expresses Shock at Former Vice President’s Election Criticism
The former first lady revealed Tuesday her astonishment that the former vice president documented in her personal memo that Joe Biden’s pride and political aspirations essentially harmed Democratic chances in the 2024 presidential race.
“I was a little surprised she wrote that,” Jill Biden said on MSNOW’s “Morning Joe,” adding that “Joe and Kamala, me, Doug (Emhoff), I thought we were a great team.”
She continued by stating that “when Joe got out, he handed over the reins to Kamala” and “had full confidence in her.”
The television appearance is part of Jill Biden’s promotional campaign for her recently published memoir documenting the Bidens’ White House experience.
The former first lady indicated that her spouse and Harris maintain a positive relationship and that Harris “just called two days ago” to inquire about his well-being.
Federal Court Strikes Down Military’s Transgender Service Ban
A federal appeals court panel determined Monday that a Pentagon regulation unlawfully prohibited transgender individuals from serving in the military, marking another judicial defeat for President Donald Trump’s comprehensive policy agenda.
The prohibition continues to be enforced. The U.S. Supreme Court permitted the Pentagon to begin implementing it last year while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
The majority decision from a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit determined that the Trump administration’s regulation was crafted to bar individuals from military service based on their gender identity.
The panel’s recent decision would prevent the military from discharging current service members identified in the legal case, but would not permit new transgender individuals to enlist. However, the judges suspended their ruling to allow the administration to pursue additional review.
Tuesday Primary Elections Feature California Governor Race and Iowa Democratic Hopes
Despite being the entertainment capital’s home state, California’s gubernatorial contest lacks notable celebrity involvement. Los Angeles presents a different scenario, where a reality TV figure is seeking the mayor’s office as the city prepares for Olympic hosting duties.
Additional primary contests are occurring Tuesday. Democrats are counting on an unusual opportunity to recover territory in Iowa, a predominantly rural state that has consistently eluded their grasp in recent election cycles. Republicans are confronting challenges with a New Jersey congressman whose unexplained absence could jeopardize their narrow majority.
Defense Department Restricts Media Access to Press Office
As part of a series of actions limiting media access at the Pentagon, the Defense Department has designated its press office as a classified area off-limits to journalists.
Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez confirmed the change on X, stating there was “nothing controversial” about the decision and explaining it resulted from speechwriters who handle classified materials now using the space.
“The Pentagon Press Office has been redesignated as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility due to speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of War sharing the facility,” Valdez wrote.
“These speechwriters routinely handle classified material … as a result, journalists will no longer be permitted to enter the office space. There’s nothing controversial about that.”
GOP Senators Seek Clarity on Settlement Fund as Trump Weighs Options
Senate Republicans plan to meet Tuesday to plan their response after the Justice Department announced it would honor a court directive suspending implementation of a $1.776 billion compensation fund created for victims of political lawfare.
GOP senators who opposed the settlement before departing for a Memorial Day break two weeks prior indicate they want additional details from the administration regarding the fund’s future, which could potentially benefit Trump supporters who assaulted police and stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Sources familiar with his thoughts suggest Trump is reconsidering whether to proceed with the plan.
Immigration enforcement funding legislation has become entangled in the controversy, providing three years of funding for Trump’s immigration agencies. Republicans suddenly departed without approving it after Democrats threatened amendments to eliminate or reduce the settlement fund, which would force Republicans to take public positions and potentially threaten funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is returning to Capitol Hill following the Trump administration’s indication it was suspending controversial plans for the nearly $1.8 billion fund that could compensate victims of political lawfare. Tuesday’s House Appropriations Committee hearing was originally planned to discuss the Justice Department’s budget, but lawmakers will likely concentrate on questioning about the fund’s creation, which was established to settle the Republican president’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service regarding his tax return leak. Numerous Republican senators have urged the administration to impose restrictions or abandon the concept entirely.
SRN News has created a daily audio program called “Global Landscape” that focuses on religious news from around the world. The two-minute segment offers listeners a quick overview of the day’s most important faith-related stories and developments.
The program covers significant happenings, cultural changes, and major events where religion intersects with world affairs. According to SRN News, this brief audio feature serves as an efficient way for audiences to stay informed about religious developments occurring globally.
A new leader has taken control of the Chaldean Church, a major religious institution in the Middle East, beginning his role in Baghdad. Polis the Third formerly held the position of Archbishop in Mosul, a city in northern Iraq. His installation occurs during a period when Iraq’s Christian community has experienced severe population decline following the 2003 American-led military action that removed Saddam Hussein from power, and the subsequent emergence of ISIS. The extremist organization established a caliphate across significant portions of Iraq, causing immense suffering for Christians. Current estimates place Iraq’s Christian population at 150,000, a dramatic decrease from the 1.5 million believers present in 2003.
In Washington, President Trump is implementing changes to increase administrative oversight of the billions in federal grant funding distributed by government agencies, aiming to eliminate wasteful spending and fraudulent activities. The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest advocacy organization for gay rights, has criticized the president’s initiative because it will eliminate funding for programs supporting abortion, transgender issues, or LGBT causes. Mr. Trump maintains that taxpayers should not be compelled to fund such initiatives. His planned regulatory changes would mandate that senior political appointees examine grant funding to ensure compliance with legal requirements and administration objectives.
Legislators in Ghana have approved legislation imposing prison sentences up to 10 years for individuals who advocate for LGBT activities, reviving a measure long championed by religious organizations in the West African nation. The law, anticipated to receive approval from President John Mahama, would also establish three-year prison terms for those participating in LGBT behavior. Ghana enacted similar legislation two years prior, but the president never signed it into law. Following that, advocacy groups and religious organizations continued promoting a revised version of the bill, and Mahama has signaled his intention to support it.
Jewish community leaders throughout New York City and the nation are voicing disappointment that Mayor Zohran Mamdani skipped the annual celebration honoring Israel this past weekend. He departed from a longstanding political tradition in the city due to his pro-Palestinian stance. Manhattan’s Israel Day parade on Sunday has historically attracted mayors and elected officials for many years. The event also draws thousands of participants waving blue-and-white flags while celebrating Israel’s establishment in 1948. Mamdani’s non-attendance was anticipated, but it has angered critics who consider his opposition to Israeli policies as anti-Semitic.
A well-known Washington DC institution is preparing to commemorate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with special programming focused on the nation’s religious heritage. The facility will launch “The Bible and America 250,” a comprehensive celebration featuring fresh exhibitions, educational presentations, and a theatrical performance exploring George Washington’s religious beliefs.
Museum spokesman Anthony Schmidt explained to the Christian Post the significant role scripture played during the nation’s early years. “The Bible was just such an immense cultural authority during the Founding Era. Writings of that time just dripped with Biblical imagery and allusions,” Schmidt stated.
Motorists traveling on southbound Route 15 should expect delays due to ongoing construction work that has forced the closure of the right lane.
The lane restriction affects the stretch of roadway between Route 10 (Willow Grove Road) and Bison Road, with crews expected to complete their work by 4 PM today.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and to consider alternate routes if possible to avoid potential traffic backups.
SALISBURY, Md. — City crews will shut down a section of East William Street on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to replace aging water infrastructure as part of Salisbury’s continued efforts to upgrade and maintain its water distribution network.
The Department of Waterworks Utilities Division will install new water service lines in the 800 block of East William Street. During the construction, the street will be blocked to through traffic from Naylor Street to Long Avenue starting at 9:00 a.m. Officials expect the work to wrap up around 3:30 p.m., unless unexpected issues arise.
City officials are asking drivers to find alternative routes and exercise caution near the construction zone. Both utility locators and Central Alarm have received advance notice about the scheduled project.
City leaders expressed gratitude for residents’ understanding while crews carry out these essential infrastructure upgrades.
Questions about the project can be directed to the Utilities Division at 410-548-3103.
Teenage tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva crushed veteran Sorana Cirstea 6-0, 6-3 at the French Open, advancing to her second career semifinal appearance. The 19-year-old completely outplayed the 36-year-old Cirstea, who was making her first quarterfinal appearance in 17 years. Tuesday’s match took place under the closed roof at Court Philippe-Chatrier due to rain in Paris, where Andreeva’s powerful baseline shots and aggressive net play proved too much for the experienced opponent.
In a stunning NFL move, the Cleveland Browns shipped two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in a major trade. Cleveland received pass rusher and linebacker Jared Verse along with future draft picks: a first-rounder in 2027, a second-round selection in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2029. Garrett is scheduled to arrive at the Rams’ training facility Tuesday for a press conference about the deal. The star defender was notably absent from Cleveland’s offseason workouts, and Coach Todd Monken revealed two weeks ago that he hadn’t met face-to-face with Garrett since his hiring in late January.
The Philadelphia Eagles made another splash by sending wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. In return, Philadelphia will get a 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection for the three-time Pro Bowler. Brown’s departure follows a disappointing 2025 campaign where he became frustrated with Philadelphia’s lackluster offensive performance as the team struggled to repeat as Super Bowl champions. His move to New England reunites him with coach Mike Vrabel, under whom Brown played for three years after Tennessee selected him in the 2019 draft.
The Stanley Cup Final features two teams with contrasting roster-building philosophies. Since their founding, the Vegas Golden Knights have pursued an aggressive approach, taking advantage of their expansion draft and making bold moves to create the most expensive lineup possible under salary cap rules. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have taken a more measured strategy, focusing on drafting and acquiring players who mesh well with coach Rod Brind’Amour’s tactical approach. Both franchises have defied traditional team-building wisdom, but only one will claim the championship trophy this spring.
Baseball’s labor tensions are escalating as the players’ union chief vows to resist management’s salary cap demands. Major League Baseball introduced a salary cap proposal last week and appears ready to implement a lockout when the current agreement ends December 1. Interim executive director Bruce Meyer declared that the union “has never been broken” and never will be. He stressed that baseball players maintain the strongest solidarity among professional athletes, which explains why they’ve successfully avoided salary restrictions. No future bargaining sessions have been arranged between the sides.
The NBA Finals begin Wednesday with an intriguing matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, highlighting the meteoric rise of Victor Wembanyama. The promotional focus mirrors a historic 1949 event at Madison Square Garden, where the marquee advertised “Geo Mikan vs Knicks” rather than “Minneapolis Lakers vs. New York Knicks,” showcasing the NBA’s first transformational big man. Today’s series could similarly be billed as “Wemby vs Knicks” given Wembanyama’s global appeal and continued ascension to basketball’s biggest stages.
Pope Leo XIV has maintained his passion for tennis since his election last year, incorporating the sport into his weekly routine as part of his Augustinian beliefs about combining physical activity with spiritual practice. The Pope’s tennis enthusiasm gained attention during a meeting with top-ranked player Jannik Sinner. Leo typically reserves Mondays and Tuesdays for tennis at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo outside Rome, where he plays with his secretary. Former U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic praised the Pope’s love of tennis, noting it’s “amazing to hear that Pope Leo loves tennis” and describing it as a game best enjoyed “without pressure of time, without pressure of tournaments.”
Ten years after Muhammad Ali’s passing, his widow reflects on the boxing icon’s enduring impact. Lonnie Ali says his legacy of compassion continues, noting that he “showed up every day with kindness and empathy in his heart for people who are in need.” The Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is hosting a “Day of Compassion” this week to encourage acts of service and caring. Ali passed away June 3, 2016, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Earlier this year, his image appeared on a U.S. Postal Service stamp for the first time.
Soccer passion in Latin America transcends the boundaries of stadiums and takes on almost religious significance. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, supporters throughout the region describe rituals, beliefs and emotional connections to their teams that mirror forms of collective worship. Argentine fans practice “cábalas” — repetitive behaviors they believe can influence match results. In Brazil and Chile, supporters discuss clubs and players using terminology typically associated with faith and community. From Boca Juniors tattoos to Maradona memorabilia treated as sacred relics, soccer fandom provides identity, belonging and shared happiness.
BYU freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa leads The Associated Press’ early 2026 NBA mock draft projections. The first-team AP All-American has consistently been favored for the top selection, currently held by the Washington Wizards. Joining him among elite one-and-done candidates are Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. The next group features promising freshman guards including Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, Arizona’s Brayden Burries, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. and Houston’s Kingston Flemings. Michigan could see three Wolverines selected in the first round following their first NCAA championship since 1989. The draft’s opening round is scheduled for June 23.
RALEIGH, N.C. — As the Stanley Cup Final approaches between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes, the contrasting philosophies that built these championship contenders have come into sharp focus.
Speaking before the series, one general manager outlined his team’s approach to roster construction. “We want to be aggressive off the ice,” the GM explained. “When you have a chance to add really high-end players, we never want to miss out on it.”
Surprisingly, those words came from Carolina’s Eric Tulsky, whose organization has traditionally been viewed as more cautious in their moves. Meanwhile, Vegas under Kelly McCrimmon has built a reputation for pursuing every elite talent on the market.
Since Tulsky assumed control two years ago, the Hurricanes have become more aggressive, though his challenge remains identifying players who mesh with coach Rod Brind’Amour’s intensive system. The Golden Knights have continued their pattern of adding marquee names in their quest for a second championship in their brief franchise history.
Only one strategy will conclude with a Cup celebration.
“It probably should be more fun than we appreciate in the moment,” McCrimmon reflected. “We have made a lot of big decisions over our time in the league — very bold. I always say that to be big or bold is one thing. You’ve got to make good decisions, and I think that we’ve collectively through our hockey ops have done a good job of that. It’s exhilarating to win.”
Carolina’s roster features six homegrown players who came through their development system, including top defenseman Jaccob Slavin, key forwards Seth Jarvis, Sebastien Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, plus emerging winger Jackson Blake.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen joined as a free agent, while secondary scorers Taylor Hall and Logan Stankoven arrived via trades. Tulsky, who holds a Harvard degree and Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley, apprenticed under former GM Don Waddell before completing the roster construction on his own.
McCrimmon praised Waddell’s influence and commended his opponent for shrewd drafting and trading decisions.
“They’ve consistently been building their team, and they’ve done it different ways,” McCrimmon observed. “Looking at it from the outside, they’ve been aggressive in their way of doing that. They have an idea what they want it to look like, the type of players that their organization will make good use of and they go out and get those guys.”
Not every acquisition succeeds. Tulsky made a significant wager in January 2025, trading young forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury in a complex three-team deal that brought big winger Mikko Rantanen and veteran Taylor Hall to Carolina.
When Rantanen showed no interest in extending his contract, Tulsky pivoted and dealt him to Dallas in exchange for young Logan Stankoven and draft picks.
“Sometimes it doesn’t go the way you hoped, and you’ve got to be ready to figure out how you’re going to move forward from there,” Tulsky acknowledged. “One of the strengths of our organization is we’re not afraid to take those swings, but we’re confident that if we just keep staying aggressive, some will work out, some won’t (and) we’ll end up ahead of where we would be if we just stayed passive the whole time.”
Stankoven, free-agent addition Nikolaj Ehlers and other newcomers like Eric Robinson and Mark Jankowski have seamlessly adapted to Brind’Amour’s system. Tulsky, who began as a hockey blogger before entering management, applies analytical thinking while relying on his scouting staff for talent evaluation suited to their coach’s demands.
“We’ve really focused on finding people who fit the way we want to play,” Tulsky explained. “We ask players to play a very distinctive style, and our scouts have done a great job finding players who can come in and look their best playing the way Rod needs them to play.”
Vegas was constructed for immediate success from inception. Original GM George McPhee maximized the expansion draft, selecting talent from all 30 existing teams while negotiating additional deals to acquire even more assets.
That initial group delivered a shocking Final appearance during the franchise’s first season in 2017-18, anchored by goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and featuring forwards William Karlsson and Reilly Smith plus defensemen Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb. Karlsson, Theodore and McNabb have remained throughout the franchise’s existence, while Smith returned after a short departure.
Throughout their history, McPhee and McCrimmon have embraced blockbuster transactions. They’ve acquired Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin through trades, signed Alex Pietrangelo in free agency, and completed a sign-and-trade for Mitch Marner.
“We appreciate how George and Kelly operate,” McNabb said. “They’re always trying to build a winning team, and they’ve done a great job for the nine years.”
The Golden Knights have reached the playoffs in eight of their nine seasons, captured the Cup in 2023, and remained consistent championship threats.
“It’s a privilege,” McCrimmon stated. “We don’t take it for granted. We work real hard. You have to get lucky along the way at times, also. That’s kind of been our objective right from the opening season.”
McNabb believes McCrimmon is fulfilling his responsibilities. Players have no objections to Vegas constantly pursuing elite talent.
“I don’t know if he’s in on every player, but he’s trying to make the team better and that’s what you want and you appreciate,” McNabb noted. “You want to be on a team that’s trying to get better and have the best team going into playoffs and performing in playoffs.”
A distinct top group of college players expected to leave after one season has emerged for this month’s NBA draft.
BYU’s AJ Dybantsa had been extensively mentioned as the top selection before earning first-team Associated Press All-American honors. His primary competition for the number one spot is Kansas combination guard Darryn Peterson, with Tobacco Road forwards Cameron Boozer from Duke and Caleb Wilson from North Carolina following close behind.
The initial major decision point appears to be at the fifth position with a group of one-and-done guards available.
With the opening round scheduled for June 23, the AP’s first mock draft begins with the long-standing frontrunner:
The 6-foot-9, 217-pound Dybantsa led the nation with 25.5 points per game by challenging defenses through his shot creation ability, free throw success (leading nationally with 229 makes and 296 attempts) and teammate assistance (3.7 assists). Synergy gave him “Excellent” ratings in analytics as the ball handler in pick-and-roll situations (87th percentile) and post-up plays (94th). He scored 26.9 points in seven contests against top-10 opponents, including 35 points in a defeat to Final Four participant Arizona and nearly achieving a triple-double (29 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) in defeating sixth-ranked Iowa State.
The talent and athletic ability are unquestionable, along with his playmaking and scoring capabilities. The 6-5, 199-pound Peterson scored 20.2 points per game through drives and transition play, connected on 38.2% of three-point attempts and made 82.6% of free throws. The primary concerns centered on his availability. He experienced full-body cramping requiring hospitalization before the season began, missed 11 contests due to injury or illness and often had restricted playing time due to daily health uncertainties.
The 6-8, 253-pound son of former Duke and NBA player Carlos Boozer became the fifth freshman to receive AP men’s national player of the year honors. He posted 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, able to score through contact (55.6% field goal percentage) or from distance (39.1% on threes). Synergy gave him “Excellent” ratings against man-to-man defense (94th percentile), post-up situations (86th) and catch-and-shoot opportunities (95th). He’s an effective passer (4.1 assists) when facing double-teams and running offense, notably setting up Isaiah Evans’ crucial three-pointer to defeat defending national champion Florida.
Wilson became an instant standout with dynamic athletic ability and a personality that embraced the spotlight. The second-team AP All-American scored 19.8 points and grabbed 9.4 rebounds while excelling near the basket and in fast-break situations with his relentless energy. He’ll need to add muscle to his thin build (6-9, 211) and develop his three-point shooting (25.9%). Wilson had a national-leading 66 dunks before suffering a broken left hand in mid-February, then broke his right thumb during practice when close to returning in March.
The 6-5, 188-pound freshman progressed from four-star recruit to second-team AP All-American while guiding Illinois to its first Final Four appearance since 2005, scoring 17.9 points with 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He made 39.7% of three-point shots, including nine threes in a 46-point showing against Purdue. He earned the Jerry West Award as the nation’s top shooting guard, though he has a slight build and lacks elite athletic ability.
The 6-4, 215-pound freshman combination guard possesses a solid frame and two-way capabilities. He led scoring (16.1) for a 36-win Final Four squad, shooting 49.1% overall and 39.1% from beyond the arc. He ranked fourth at the combine in standing vertical leap (35 inches).
The 6-2, 186-pound freshman is an explosive point guard who finished third nationally in scoring (23.5) and 14th in assists (6.4). His notable performances included 49 points in a double-overtime defeat at Alabama, plus a three-game stretch (91 points, 12 three-pointers) during the Razorbacks’ first Southeastern Conference Tournament championship in 26 years.
The 6-3, 183-pound freshman earned third-team AP All-American recognition as a point guard with disruptive defensive skills. Flemings shot efficiently (47.6% overall, 38.7% on threes, 84.5% on free throws) while pressuring opponents in transition and off the dribble. He maintained nearly a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio and set a Cougars freshman record with 42 points in a defeat to Texas Tech.
The 6-5, 180-pound guard scored 18.2 points with 4.7 assists, but demonstrated his scoring capability with 45 points and 10 three-pointers against N.C. State in February. He also had three other 29-point performances. The main concern was back problems, which kept him out for eight games at midseason then returned to sideline him for the final six games, including two March Madness contests.
There’s an appealing combination of versatility and smooth athleticism with the 6-10, 211-pound freshman, a playmaking passer and second-leading scorer (16.7) for a team that advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight. He’ll need to gain strength and relies heavily on his jump shot, with catch-and-shoot attempts representing nearly 19% of his usage according to Synergy. However, a month-long stretch in the SEC (22.8 points with 39.1% three-point shooting from Jan. 10 to Feb. 20) demonstrated his potential.
The UAB transfer earned first-team AP All-American status while helping the Wolverines capture their first national championship since 1989. He has a strong build (6-9, 241) and impressive wingspan (better than 7-3). He also shot 37.2% from three-point range in the highest volume of his career and displayed competitive toughness while playing through ankle and knee injuries during the Final Four against Arizona and in the championship game against UConn.
He was prominent in the large lineup that powered Michigan’s title run and projects as a defensive presence. The 7-3, 255-pound junior from Spain scored 12.1 points with 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists while ranking sixth nationally in blocks (2.6). He led all combine participants in standing reach (9-9) and finished second in wingspan (7-6).
The lean 6-3, 176-pound sophomore excelled as a scorer (22.0) and facilitator (5.0) as a third-team AP All-American, improving his shooting efficiency (50.1% overall, 39.9% on three-pointers). He performed well as the ball handler in pick-and-roll situations (94th percentile in Synergy) and consistently defeated man-to-man defenses in halfcourt sets (90th).
Another key contributor to Michigan’s NCAA championship run, the 6-9, 251-pound sophomore is a versatile player with physicality, and his strong frame could allow him to play small-ball center. He averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He has better than a 7-3 wingspan and excelled as a cutter, in post-up situations and finishing near the rim.
The 6-5, 184-pound sophomore transferred after two seasons at Tennessee and flourished in a leading role with the Bears, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 49.4% overall and 37.4% on threes. He ranked among combine leaders in standing vertical leap (second at 38 inches) and maximum vertical leap (third at 42.5 inches).
The 6-8, 222-pound native of Mexico has completed two seasons in the National Basketball League’s “Next Stars” development program that produced lottery selections LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr. The 19-year-old averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last season with his versatility, athleticism and nearly 7-foot wingspan.
Health represents the biggest concern for the 6-9, 253-pound sophomore. The former McDonald’s All-American was a physical, athletic force at Arizona State before tearing his right knee’s anterior cruciate ligament in February 2025. He transferred to Kentucky but appeared in only four games due to ongoing issues in that knee. He ranked fourth among all combine participants in wingspan (better than 7-5).
The 6-10, 248-pound native of Germany tied Duke star Cameron Boozer for the national lead with 22 double-doubles after averaging 18.5 points and a nation-leading 11.8 rebounds in his only college season. Steinbach shot 57.7% from the field, made 18 three-pointers (34.5%) and averaged 1.2 blocks with his better than 7-2 wingspan.
The 6-3, 186-pound point guard progressed from Division II to Drake and then to Iowa, where he guided the Hawkeyes to their first NCAA Elite Eight appearance since 1987. He averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals, becoming the first player to lead Iowa in those three statistics in 26 years. Synergy rated him as “Excellent” as the ball handler in pick-and-roll situations (91st percentile), working in isolation (84th) and finishing at the rim (90th).
The 6-11, 240-pound freshman came as a McDonald’s All-American with lengthy skills and perimeter shooting that earned him MVP honors at the NBPA Top 100 camp in summer 2024. He accepted a supporting role for a top-10 team, averaging 9.5 points and a team-leading 7.9 rebounds. He made 30 three-pointers (33.3%) to demonstrate inside-outside ability, received positive ratings at the rim from Synergy and ranked fifth at the combine in wingspan (7-5).
The 6-7, 211-pound wing played two seasons at Xavier before succeeding in a primary role with the Longhorns, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He also showed active defense by averaging 1.6 steals. He’ll need to develop his perimeter shooting after making just 34.4% last season and 29.3% through three seasons.
The 6-8, 226-pound Graves was the West Coast Conference’s freshman of the year and top sixth man in a supporting role. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 51.2% overall and 41.3% from three-point range. He also demonstrated defensive potential by averaging 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks.
The 6-7, 245-pound freshman was an important part of a Final Four team that spent nine weeks at number one in the AP Top 25 poll. He scored mainly in transition, on post-ups or as the roller in pick-and-roll situations while averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He hasn’t demonstrated much range (7 of 20 on threes). Peat tied for fifth at the combine in standing vertical leap (34.5 inches).
The 6-1, 180-pound sophomore was a third-team AP All-American who averaged 18.5 points while ranking fifth nationally in assists (7.4). He projects as a scoring facilitator who shot 40% on three-pointers over two seasons. He excelled as the ball handler in pick-and-roll situations (93rd percentile in Synergy) and as a catch-and-shoot option (90th).
The second-team AP All-American and senior utilized his strong build (6-8, 246) to average 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds. His passing stands out; he averaged 4.8 assists with the ability to run offense and create open shots for teammates while maintaining nearly a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
The 6-1, 186-pound freshman was an unexpected star, ranking seventh nationally in scoring (23.2). He’s somewhat undersized but had the quickness to score in transition or halfcourt sets. He recorded eight 30-point games, including 40 in a victory against Georgia Tech.
The 6-11, 227-pound junior fits today’s preferred style of big men who can shoot from outside. The 22-year-old from Estonia succeeded (17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds) in a breakthrough season that included shooting 42.6% on threes (40 of 94) after making just 31.6% (19 of 60) in two seasons at Arizona.
The sophomore offers game-changing ability to get hot from outside, shooting 38% on three-pointers through two college seasons and making at least four threes in 14 games last year. He’ll need to add weight to a thin 6-6, 186-pound frame to handle physical contact.
The 6-10, 264-pound senior with a better than 7-4 wingspan developed into an interior presence as the Huskies advanced to the NCAA championship game. He posted career-high averages of 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 blocks while showing soft touch in the paint.
The 6-3, 190-pound freshman is a perimeter-stretching scorer (15.6) playing alongside top professional prospect Darius Acuff Jr. He shot 47.9% from three-point range (56 of 117) after Christmas, a 25-game period covering the Razorbacks’ run to the SEC Tournament championship and the NCAA Sweet 16.
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The necklace hanging around Santiago García’s neck bore no religious symbols or holy images, but it held profound spiritual meaning for him.
Years earlier, when García’s grandmother was hospitalized in critical condition, the Argentine supporter removed his treasured Boca Juniors pendant and gently placed it around her neck.
“Boca will save you,” García whispered to his grandmother. “And it did. So now it’s hers.”
García’s unwavering belief in his team reflects the sentiment of countless fans throughout Latin America as the region looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup. Across nations from Argentina to Mexico, dedication to soccer frequently extends into daily life, creating customs and convictions centered around the sport.
“There has been an emotional connection between the public and their soccer teams for a long time,” said Mexican analyst Erick Fernández. “It fosters identity and bonds that make us feel part of a sporting process that represents us.”
In Argentina, where Lionel Messi was born, sporting fervor typically passes down through generations while allegiance to teams grows stronger with time. Pope Francis himself — an Argentine native and devoted San Lorenzo supporter — expressed agreement with those who call soccer the world’s most beautiful game.
García inherited his Boca Juniors allegiance from his father. He explained that his mother originally followed a different team, but switched to Boca after meeting his father.
“You usually support your mother’s or father’s club,” García said. “Soccer is the backbone of it all, but you develop a sense of belonging to a team and carry it with you everywhere.”
Though he gave away his Boca pendant and the power he felt it possessed, the team’s influence had already become permanently marked on his body.
When García turned 17, he had lyrics from the club’s anthem tattooed across his chest. Fourteen years have passed, yet those words hold the same significance today as when the tattoo was completed.
“It belongs to a song that is like a chant of war for us,” he said. “It’s like saying: ‘No matter the storm, no matter what happens, we will always be there for you.’”
Pope Francis once addressed an audience by saying soccer is a team sport whose appeal stems from its collaborative nature.
Among supporters as well, enthusiasm grows through community bonds. Singing team songs, crying after wins or losses, and hugging strangers in stadiums create experiences that can resemble forms of group worship.
“Each person can support a team, but the sense of togetherness that generates ‘communitas’ — a word associated with religion — is only possible when people gather,” said Argentine anthropologist Eloísa Martín.
This collective identity can produce both harmful and beneficial outcomes. A supporter who believes a fellow fan has been attacked by opponents might respond aggressively in ways he normally wouldn’t. However, the same force can build solidarity, prompting fans to assist strangers simply because they root for the same team.
“Soccer creates a community even for those who lack one,” Martín said.
Recently, among thousands of supporters walking toward Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro was Adilvania Santos. Wearing Fluminense’s maroon and green uniform, the 27-year-old explained that following the team had sustained her during challenging personal times.
“I get emotional talking about Fluminense,” said Santos, who described the passion for her club as the most important aspect of her life, apart from her family. “Some people come together to go to church. For us, accompanying Fluminense is also sacred.”
Santos attempts to attend every match despite residing nearly 100 kilometers (about 60 miles) from Rio. When watching games at home, she isolates herself in her bedroom to prevent disruptions from family members who might not share her team loyalty.
“Soccer deeply moves Brazilians because it creates a sense of belonging, identity and hope,” said Jeferson Mengali, a Catholic priest in the Bragança Paulista diocese and a lifelong fan of Corinthians. “People suffer, work hard and face difficulties, and soccer becomes a space for collective joy.”
Mengali served as a chaplain for Corinthians for many years. He conducted religious services with the team and attended practice sessions and games.
“I have always liked praying before important games,” he said. “Asking more for serenity than victory.”
Though not every soccer enthusiast prays, many follow rituals they think can affect game results. In Argentina these behaviors are called “cábalas.” According to Martín, they became common during the 1990s.
Cábalas take many forms. Supporters might use the same cup, occupy the identical seat, or put on the same undergarments for every game. Others insist on viewing matches with particular people, while some refuse to watch entirely after deciding they curse their team.
Customs continue if the team succeeds and stop if it fails. For certain fans, skipping a match can feel like a personal sacrifice made to help ensure victory.
In García’s household, his father occupies a particular chair when Boca performs well. If opponents score, he switches seats. His mother tidies the house rather than watching the game, pausing periodically to inquire about the score.
García’s present cábala involves wearing identical jerseys throughout the season and keeping a small Diego Maradona image with him constantly.
“After he died, he was rapidly sanctified by the people,” García said. “He became a figure bigger than sports.”
Argentines seldom use his surname Maradona. He’s simply “El Diego,” as one might reference a relative or longtime neighborhood friend.
“Maradona is the player, while ‘El Diego’ is the one people turn to like a family member when they need help,” Martín said. “Sacredness only works when there’s a community behind it.”
Icons like “El Diego” or Brazil’s “The King” Pelé enjoy worldwide recognition. But other Latin American soccer fans worship personal heroes of their choosing.
In Chile, Héctor Hermosilla displays a black-and-white photograph of Colo Colo club founder David Arellano in his residence.
“He founded Colo Colo in 1925 and before every match I always say goodbye to him and ask him to watch over us,” Hermosilla said.
He vividly recalls going to his first game in 1986 and becoming captivated by the energy within the venue. From that moment forward, he devotedly began supporting his team, journeying from Chile’s northern regions to Puerto Montt, regarded as the entrance to Patagonia.
To fund his travels, he and his wife transcribed Colo Colo’s famous songs and sold copies to supporters, earning him the nickname “Nano Fotocopia.”
“There were around 20 songs and I would make photocopies and sell them for 100 pesos,” he said.
Typewriters and copying machines eventually became outdated. Hermosilla now sells jewelry, accessories and other items to pay for trips he takes with his wife and teenage son.
While in Chile, Hermosilla continues attending Sunday matches and performing a ceremony he has maintained since the 1980s. Under Arellano’s photograph, he requests the founder’s blessing, gathers his merchandise for sale, and travels to a grilled chicken restaurant where fans congregate.
“He is like our God,” Hermosilla said. “He is the one who guides us.”
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Multiple ceasefire agreements have been declared with considerable publicity across Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Yet military operations persist throughout these regions.
Over recent weeks, Israeli military units have seized additional territory in Gaza while eliminating two senior Hamas leaders and more than a dozen other individuals. In Lebanon, Israeli forces took control of a Crusader fortress during the weekend in what represents their furthest advance in 26 years, while Hezbollah continued launching rockets toward northern Israel.
Combat in Lebanon displayed no signs of diminishing Tuesday, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that both parties had committed once more to reducing tensions.
The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes, including incidents on Monday, while attempting to negotiate a more permanent peace agreement. Iran continues controlling the Strait of Hormuz, sustaining a worldwide energy crisis, as the U.S. works to strengthen its maritime blockade of Iranian harbors.
While none of the combating factions have formally abandoned their ceasefire commitments, the concept is quickly becoming meaningless.
Trump promoted the October Gaza ceasefire as a significant diplomatic achievement that might lead to Middle Eastern stability. However, despite ending two years of comprehensive warfare and securing the freedom of all remaining captives from Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault, no additional advancement has occurred.
Hamas continues to maintain its weapons, while Israeli forces have moved forward instead of retreating. An international peacekeeping force remains absent, a replacement Palestinian government stays uncertain, and rebuilding the extensively destroyed region has not commenced.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue living in deplorable temporary shelters, enduring sewage odors and rodent problems, while fearing Israeli military strikes.
The U.S. and Israel hold Hamas responsible, claiming its unwillingness to surrender weapons has delayed progress. Hamas charges Israel with repeatedly breaking the ceasefire, including through consistent strikes that have resulted in at least 932 Palestinian deaths, including women and children, since implementation, according to local medical authorities.
Throughout Gaza and Lebanon, Israel maintains it reserves the authority to attack when facing perceived dangers or when suspected fighters attempt to cross sometimes unclear battle lines — boundaries that shift as forces capture additional ground.
Israel currently occupies approximately 60% of Gaza, up from roughly half when the ceasefire was established, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced plans to capture more territory.
A Lebanon ceasefire established in April has minimally affected combat between Israel and the Iran-supported Hezbollah, especially in southern Lebanon, where they continue exchanging fire as Israel expands its control of Lebanese land.
During the weekend, Israeli forces planted their flag atop Beaufort castle, representing their furthest penetration into southern Lebanon since concluding the 1982-2000 occupation. Hezbollah retaliated with extended rocket strikes into northern Israel.
Israel had maintained conducting attacks following an earlier 2024 ceasefire. Hezbollah had stopped firing until the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Feb. 28, triggering the broader conflict. Hezbollah never formally endorsed the April ceasefire but promised compliance if Israel stopped its attacks and departed Lebanon.
Israel declares it will continue military operations until rocket and drone threats against its northern communities are eliminated, either through its own efforts or by the Lebanese government disarming Hezbollah. This appears increasingly unlikely as fighting has intensified, despite ongoing Israeli-Lebanese talks.
Iran has simultaneously requested a Lebanon ceasefire as part of any agreement with the United States.
A broader ceasefire established in early April involving the U.S., Iran and Israel aimed to conclude the regional conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route whose blockade caused petroleum prices to surge, creating economic hardship well beyond the area.
Iran initially declared the strait’s reopening after the ceasefire agreement, but decided to close it again following the U.S. naval blockade implementation. Trump demands Iran reopen the waterway and make substantial compromises regarding its controversial nuclear program, while Iran seeks a permanent war conclusion, blockade removal and sanctions relief.
Both parties seemed near an agreement last week but failed to finalize one. Trump has consistently threatened to restart warfare if Iran doesn’t abandon its highly enriched uranium reserves, while Iranian representatives state they won’t discuss nuclear matters until achieving a more stable truce.
The parties have continuously exchanged attacks in the strait, with the U.S. responding to what it describes as threats to commercial vessels or its own personnel, and Iran retaliating with missile and drone strikes on Gulf nations hosting American troops.
On Monday, the U.S. reported bombing radar and drone facilities in Iran after Tehran destroyed an American drone over the weekend. Iran subsequently claimed it attacked American personnel in Kuwait with missiles, which the U.S. says it intercepted.
In a statement published on X, U.S. Central Command declared it “will continue to protect our forces from Iranian aggression while supporting the ongoing ceasefire.”
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV made a significant appointment Tuesday in his effort to restructure Vatican media operations by selecting Maria Montserrat Alvarado, the Mexican-American leader of Catholic media giant EWTN News, to head the Holy See’s communications division.
Alvarado will take over from Paolo Ruffini as the prefect of the Dicastery of Communications, which oversees the Vatican’s broadcasting, radio, digital, publishing and print media outlets. The department operates with one of the largest budgets among Vatican offices.
Leo’s decision to appoint both a woman and a layperson to lead such a significant Vatican office continues a trend established by Pope Francis, who elevated multiple women to senior positions within the Holy See’s administrative structure, which continues to be primarily led by male clergy.
The pontiff, who was born in Chicago, has signaled his intention to transform how the Catholic Church and Vatican share their message globally. As part of this initiative, he has called cardinals to Rome this month for discussions to “reassess the effectiveness of ecclesial communication, including at the level of the Holy See, from a more explicitly missionary perspective,” along with other matters.
Alvarado currently serves as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, an organization that describes itself as the world’s largest Catholic media network. Based in Washington, D.C., the company operates television, radio, digital and publishing platforms in seven languages. The EWTN network, which typically takes conservative positions, encompasses the Catholic News Agency, National Catholic Register and ACI Group news services, among other divisions.
A Mexico City native, Alvarado came to EWTN as a news presenter following executive roles at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, an organization that has pursued church-state litigation in the United States to defend religious freedom.
Throughout Pope Francis’ tenure, EWTN’s programming frequently showcased English-speaking detractors of the Argentine pontiff. In 2021, Francis condemned such media criticism as “the work of the devil” in remarks that many understood as targeting EWTN.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to appear before Congressional committees on Tuesday, marking his initial testimony since the Iran conflict commenced, where he will address questions regarding the Trump administration’s struggling diplomatic initiatives worldwide.
Republican senators plan to convene Tuesday to determine their next course of action following the Justice Department’s announcement that it will honor a court directive halting the execution of a $1.776 billion settlement fund intended to provide compensation to President Donald Trump’s political supporters.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is also scheduled to appear on Capitol Hill Tuesday for a session with the House Appropriations Committee. While the meeting was originally planned to address the Justice Department’s budget proposals, legislators are expected to concentrate their inquiries on the settlement fund controversy.
In other developments, a federal appeals court panel ruled Monday that a Pentagon directive prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military violated federal law, delivering another judicial blow to President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
The majority decision from the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit determined that the Trump administration’s directive was crafted to bar individuals from military service based on their gender identity.
The prohibition continues to be enforced. The U.S. Supreme Court permitted the Pentagon to begin implementing it last year while legal challenges proceed.
The panel’s latest decision would prevent the military from dismissing current service members identified in the case, though it would not permit new transgender individuals to enlist. However, the judges suspended their ruling to allow the administration to pursue additional review.
In election news, several states are conducting primary elections Tuesday. Democrats see an opportunity to make gains in Iowa, a predominantly rural state that has consistently favored Republicans in recent cycles. Republicans face challenges in New Jersey where a congressman’s unexplained absence could jeopardize their narrow majority.
The Defense Department has implemented another restriction on media access, designating its press office as a classified area where journalists are no longer permitted.
Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez confirmed the change on X, stating there was “nothing controversial” about the decision, explaining that speechwriters who handle classified materials now work in the space.
“The Pentagon Press Office has been redesignated as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility due to speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of War sharing the facility,” Valdez wrote.
“These speechwriters routinely handle classified material … as a result, journalists will no longer be permitted to enter the office space. There’s nothing controversial about that.”
This development, initially reported by The Washington Post, occurs amid growing friction between news organizations and the second Trump administration, with conflicts emerging in public forums and courtrooms.
Regarding the settlement fund, GOP senators who opposed the measure before departing for Memorial Day recess two weeks ago are seeking additional details from the administration about the fund’s future. The fund could potentially benefit Trump supporters who assaulted police officers and stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump is reportedly reconsidering whether to proceed with the fund, according to someone familiar with his deliberations.
The controversy has complicated legislation that would provide funding for Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies over three years. Republicans departed Washington without approving the measure after Democrats threatened to propose amendments eliminating or reducing the judgment fund, which would force Republicans to take public positions on the issue and potentially threaten funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.
During Tuesday’s hearings, the former Republican senator will appear before House and Senate committees to present the State Department’s annual budget proposal. However, attention will likely turn to the unstable ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, which has faced additional strain from recent retaliatory strikes.
Cabinet officials, including Rubio, have supported Trump’s choice to initiate the conflict despite previous commitments to avoid “forever wars” in the Middle East. This defense has become more challenging due to Trump’s changing objectives for the conflict.
Since the war’s beginning two months ago, a small but increasing number of Republicans have joined Democrats in questioning the enormous costs and broader economic impact of the conflict as they approach fall midterm elections.
A decade after Muhammad Ali’s passing, his widow is reflecting on how the boxing legend’s impact reached far beyond his athletic achievements and into the realm of humanitarian service, she shared in a recent interview.
Lonnie Ali spoke with reporters this week as the 10th anniversary of her husband’s death approaches on June 3, 2016, following his lengthy fight against Parkinson’s disease.
“He transcended boxing into every space you can imagine,” she told The Associated Press this week ahead of the 10-year anniversary of Ali’s death on June 3, 2016, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Speaking from The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, where she serves as lifetime director, Lonnie Ali shared her late husband’s guiding philosophy. “Muhammad lived by this mantra: service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth,” she explained. “He showed up every day with kindness and empathy in his heart for people who are in need.”
The heavyweight champion, nicknamed the “Louisville Lip” in his birthplace, gained fame during the 1960s not only for his bold personality and boxing prowess but also for his advocacy on civil rights matters. He captured the heavyweight championship on three separate occasions and is considered by many to be boxing’s most significant and influential figure.
To mark Wednesday’s anniversary, The Ali Center is hosting a “Day of Compassion” designed to encourage acts of kindness and community service. Lonnie Ali expressed hopes that this could become a yearly tradition celebrating volunteer work and charitable efforts.
She emphasized that the event focuses on “the core values that made up Muhammad Ali” during a time when the nation faces increasing division.
“Today, we are in a place where we are losing touch with our humanity and with each other,” she said. “It’s causing rifts, not just in families and communities, but in this nation. We’re becoming increasingly polarized and separated, and sort of retreating to people who think like us, look like us, and not really reaching out.”
Lonnie Ali also called on elected officials to govern with greater compassion, referencing recent Supreme Court decisions that have weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
“We should always be thinking about how we can uplift a community, not how we can make it harder for them,” Lonnie Ali said. “We want equal representation in this country. You can’t have equal representation when you’re denying people voting rights, you can’t do that.”
Despite current challenges, she remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from how Louisville united during the week-long tribute to Ali in 2016. The commemoration culminated with a funeral procession that passed by the champion’s humble childhood residence in the downtown area. Former President Bill Clinton and actor Billy Crystal delivered eulogies, while Will Smith, who played Ali in a 2001 film, served as a pallbearer.
The memorial service in Ali’s hometown was broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide. Recently, Ali’s image appeared on a U.S. Postal Service stamp for the first time, demonstrating his lasting cultural significance.
“We’re talking about people who traveled thousands of miles to come here, who had never met the man, never laid eyes on him personally, but wanted to … give their last respects to him: kings, princes, presidents, heads of state, celebrities, sports figures,” Lonnie Ali said.
Economic conditions in Iran have deteriorated to levels not witnessed since the 1940s, as the nation’s Central Bank released data Monday showing inflation has skyrocketed to historic proportions.
The bank’s report marks the first time officials have formally recognized what Iranian citizens already experience daily when shopping for groceries, paying taxi fares, or seeking medical care: their currency has been devastated by ongoing warfare and the uncertainty surrounding potential escalation.
According to the Central Bank data, consumer prices for a standard basket of goods and services climbed 77.2% in May compared to the previous year. The monthly increase from April alone was 8.5%. Essential items including medicine, transportation, tobacco, and communication services saw even steeper price jumps of 113.8% year-over-year.
The last time Iran experienced comparable economic hardship was in 1942, when British and Soviet forces occupied the country and seized control of its railway system, creating severe food shortages. Combined with poor agricultural yields, this led to widespread hunger and disease outbreaks that claimed many lives.
A domestic research organization, the Bamdad Institute of Economic Studies, characterized the current inflation figures as “an unprecedented rate since World War II.” The Central Bank itself did not comment on the historical significance of these numbers.
The economic deterioration stems from multiple factors, including military strikes that have damaged Iranian businesses and oil facilities this year. Additionally, a U.S. naval blockade continues to intercept Iranian oil shipments bound for international markets, cutting off a crucial revenue stream. Tax collections have also declined as businesses struggle even during periods when fighting has paused.
The Iranian rial has experienced catastrophic devaluation, falling from 32,000 per dollar in 2015 to more than 1.7 million per dollar currently.
“We will definitely have higher prices,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioned in May. “We are fighting and we must accept this hardship.”
Historical precedent suggests such economic pressure could trigger widespread civil unrest. Food price increases in 2017-2018 led to demonstrations that resulted in over 20 deaths and hundreds of arrests. Later protests over gasoline subsidies reportedly killed more than 300 people. Earlier this year, currency-related demonstrations became the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.
Despite efforts by hardline groups to maintain morale through weapons training and public ceremonies, experts warn that new protests could emerge if families can no longer afford basic necessities.
“I have no doubt that if Trump leaves (Iran without a formal peace deal) … most probably, we will see something like January by the end of summer because of the economic and social situations,” analyst Mohsen Jalilvand said in a video published by Iran’s Fararu news website.
Tehran-based economist Saeed Leilaz, speaking to The Associated Press, warned that annual inflation in Iran could reach 80%.
“Iran’s society cannot tolerate above 25%” annual inflation, he said.
The Washington Nationals have terminated Sean Hudson from his position as Director of Community Relations following his admission that he deliberately targeted pitcher Trevor Williams due to personal disagreements with the player’s religious beliefs. Hudson acknowledged in an interview with the O’Keefe Media Group that he intentionally kept Williams out of community outreach activities and prevented his inclusion on the team’s social media platforms. The pitcher, who practices the Catholic faith, has previously posted criticism of drag queens on his social media accounts. Hudson stated that his opposition to Williams’s viewpoints motivated him to systematically exclude the player from various team-related opportunities and promotional activities.
The nation’s highest court faces a busy period ahead as justices prepare to announce decisions on more than 20 pending cases before their summer break begins in July. Among these upcoming rulings, one case stands out as particularly significant regarding transgender issues.
The court will determine whether states possess the authority to prevent biological males from participating in female athletic competitions at both high school and college levels. This decision could have far-reaching implications for student athletics across the country.
The upcoming ruling follows a previous significant decision from last year, when the justices issued a major ruling supporting state legislation that prohibits minors from receiving gender transition surgeries.
Members of the Yazhong Church are left without a place of worship after Chinese officials demolished their building. Authorities first forced out the congregation before using bulldozers to destroy the structure located in China’s mountainous southern region.
According to China Aid, the demolition took place after church members declined to hang the Chinese flag within their sanctuary. The incident is part of a broader campaign by the ruling Communist Party targeting Christian communities across the nation.
A dramatic increase in gang violence involving children has prompted Sweden to consider an unprecedented response: imprisoning 13-year-olds convicted of serious crimes.
The Scandinavian nation has witnessed a dramatic escalation in gang-related violence over the past ten years, with criminal organizations increasingly using minors to carry out shootings and bombings. This trend has distinguished Sweden from other European nations and created a challenging dilemma for officials dealing with violent juvenile offenders.
The current administration, which took office in 2022 and faces a competitive election this September with crime as a central concern, argues that previous lenient policies have proven ineffective. Their solution involves lowering the age of criminal accountability from 15 to 13 and placing convicted minors in specialized detention facilities instead of social services programs.
Criminal organizations in Sweden generate approximately 185 billion Swedish crowns ($20 billion) annually through drug trafficking, large-scale fraud, and theft operations. Law enforcement officials estimate these groups include 17,500 active members and 50,000 associates. These networks exploit social media platforms to recruit teenagers and sometimes children as young as 11 to execute violent crimes throughout the Nordic region.
The proposed legislation would establish Sweden’s criminal responsibility age below that of most European nations. Young offenders convicted of the most severe crimes would be housed in specialized facilities, including one designed specifically for female inmates.
“We have an emergency,” Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer declared in April.
“Last year, 52 children under the age of 15 were involved in legal trials suspected of murder or attempted murder. So we’re not talking about theft, not even assault or robbery. We’re talking about murder.”
Parliamentary representatives will decide on this legislation, which includes a five-year review provision, on June 15.
Reducing the accountability age represents just one strategy in combating gang violence, alongside extended prison terms and enhanced law enforcement authority.
The conservative administration claims its aggressive approach is producing positive outcomes. Fatal shootings decreased to 44 in 2025 from a high of 62 in 2022, while more gang members face incarceration.
However, preventing criminal recruitment of children presents a greater challenge. Officials believe imprisonment will serve as a deterrent while intensive rehabilitation programs will reduce repeat offenses.
Rosersberg prison, located north of Stockholm, is among three facilities being modified to house the most violent teenage criminals. Daily life will emphasize education, with recreational time allocated for television, video games, and gymnasium activities. Cell doors will be secured at 8 p.m. nightly.
Prison Governor Gabriel Wessman anticipates receiving the first young inmates following the summer months. The primary challenge compared to adult inmates will involve providing comfort and support to teenagers, some experiencing their first separation from parents.
“They will grow up in here,” he explained, noting the facility must guide them through adolescence. While phones are prohibited, chess instruction will help develop focus. However, emotional support remains essential.
“It’s not that uncommon in the outside world that boys at this age have soft toys,” Wessman observed. “Maybe we should see that we have one in every cell.”
Sweden’s current approach places its most serious juvenile offenders under social services supervision, but this system faces widespread criticism. According to a Swedish National Audit Office report, nine out of ten young gang members in youth facilities reoffend, with eight out of ten eventually serving adult prison sentences.
The majority government argues that imprisonment will safeguard the public, deliver justice for victims, and sever gang connections. Parliamentary voting on the legislation is scheduled for June 15.
Opposition voices express concern about the impact on these children.
“A 13-year-old is a child — one who is not even legally old enough to purchase energy drinks,” stated opposition Centre Party spokeswoman Wilma Roth. “Children under 15 who commit serious crimes should be taken into care and provided treatment, rather than being imprisoned.”
Sweden’s law enforcement and correctional officials have also expressed reservations about the proposal.
Britain and Northern Ireland, where criminal responsibility begins at age 10, are currently considering raising their threshold.
Denmark previously lowered its criminal responsibility age to 14 in 2010, but researchers determined this change had no impact on crime rates.
Stockholm University Criminology Professor Felipe Estrada Dorner acknowledged that incarcerating already disadvantaged youth could damage their future prospects, while recognizing society’s need for protection.
“We cannot have murderers walking our streets,” he stated.
A spacecraft manufacturing company announced Tuesday it has secured $500 million in new investment funding, highlighting growing financial interest in the commercial space industry.
Impulse Space, which creates vehicles capable of transporting satellites and other cargo within orbit following launch, completed what the company calls a Series D funding round. According to someone with knowledge of the deal, this investment places the company’s worth at $4.26 billion.
The business was established by Tom Mueller, who served as the initial employee at SpaceX and worked as the propulsion engineer responsible for developing rocket engines that helped transform Elon Musk’s enterprise into the leading global launch service provider.
Venture capital firms 137 Ventures and Banner VC jointly led the investment round, pushing the total funding received by the Redondo Beach, California-based business beyond $1 billion, according to Impulse.
This fundraising demonstrates significant investor interest in companies developing infrastructure for the commercial space economy’s next stage, moving beyond traditional launch rockets.
With decreasing launch expenses and increasing satellite deployments, there’s growing demand for vehicles capable of moving spacecraft between different orbits, transporting payloads further into space, and maintaining satellites already positioned in orbit.
“Launch has pretty much been solved. The challenge now is getting everywhere else beyond low Earth orbit,” Mueller, who serves as CEO of Impulse Space, told Reuters.
The company creates orbital transfer vehicles and propulsion systems engineered to relocate satellites more rapidly once they’ve reached space.
According to Impulse, the company has completed three missions and obtained customer contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Their product lineup includes Mira, a maneuvering spacecraft currently operating in orbit, and Helios, a larger transfer vehicle scheduled for its inaugural flight in 2027.
“For Helios, commercial customers can launch on a Falcon 9 and take six, eight or 10 months to reach their final orbit. Our pitch is: ‘launch with Helios and we’ll get you there the same day,’” said President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Romo.
Investment excitement surrounding the space sector has increased following SpaceX’s filing last month for what could become the largest IPO in history. The filing detailed ambitious expansion plans covering Starlink satellite internet services, artificial intelligence infrastructure and reusable Starship rockets.
The anticipated SpaceX IPO has heightened investor attention toward a new generation of startups created by former SpaceX executives and engineers who are developing satellite, spacecraft and orbital logistics businesses.
Other investors participating in the Impulse funding round included Founders Fund, Lux Capital and Linse Capital, the company reported.
Drivers using northbound DuPont Boulevard should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews have closed the right lane between W North Street and Bridgeville Road.
The lane restriction on Route 113 northbound is expected to remain in effect until 4 PM today while work continues in the area.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when passing through the construction zone.
Motorists should expect traffic delays on Christiana Road (State Route 273) where it crosses over Interstate 95 southbound due to construction activities causing periodic lane restrictions.
The temporary lane closures are affecting traffic flow in the area and are expected to remain in place until 5 PM today.
Drivers are advised to plan for extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible while the construction work continues.
Motorists traveling on DE-4 westbound are experiencing lane restrictions due to a fallen tree blocking traffic.
The obstruction is located on the stretch of roadway between Marrows Road and DE-72, with the right westbound lane currently closed to traffic.
Drivers in the area should expect delays and are advised to use caution while navigating around the closure. Crews are working to remove the tree and restore normal traffic flow.
Motorists traveling northbound on US-202 should expect delays as construction crews have shut down the right shoulder between Righter Parkway and Rocky Run Boulevard.
The lane closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 5 PM today as work continues in the area.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the construction zone.
The Department of Justice has announced it will follow a federal court ruling that temporarily halts its $1.8 billion anti-weaponization initiative.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche previously testified during a Senate Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on May 19, 2026, regarding the program.
In addition to the court ruling, six states are conducting primary elections today, with political observers monitoring several important contests across the nation.
California conducted primary elections Tuesday that will determine the final two candidates for governor and Los Angeles mayor, while simultaneously evaluating redrawn congressional districts that might alter the balance of control in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The primary contest centers on the open gubernatorial race, as the current governor faces term limits and is widely viewed as positioning for a potential White House bid in 2028. Sixty-one candidates are vying for position under the state’s jungle primary system, where the top two vote recipients proceed to the general election regardless of their party affiliation.
Recent polling indicates that Democrat and former cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra holds the lead, while Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer and Republican television figure Steve Hilton are also contending for advancement to the November 3 general election.
Tuesday’s outcomes will reveal whether Democrats can prevent internal division and if a Republican can take advantage of a split voter base. Additionally, the primary represents the initial evaluation of new congressional boundaries that could transform the midterm competition into a crucial fight for Congressional control.
Following encouragement for Texas to create new district boundaries aimed at securing five Republican seats last year, the current governor responded by guiding a voter initiative designed to shift five California seats toward Democratic control. Under California’s previously independent redistricting process, Democrats already maintained a 43-9 majority within the state’s congressional delegation.
Despite California’s strong Democratic lean, early polling in the governor’s race indicated two Republicans might secure the top positions, as Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco were leading.
However, Democrats may now be positioned to claim both spots, according to current polls showing Becerra and Steyer near the front.
Since implementing the jungle primary in 2014, California has not nominated two Democrats for governor, although this outcome has occurred in other contests, including a U.S. Senate election in 2016.
Among Republicans, Hilton, a former television news host, gained separation from Bianco after receiving an endorsement from a former president.
The Democratic field seemed to unite behind Becerra after previous frontrunner Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race and resigned from the U.S. Congress in April amid sexual assault allegations from a former staff member. Swalwell has denied these claims.
Mark Baldassare, survey director at the Public Policy Institute of California, indicated that voters appeared to value Becerra’s experience, viewing him as a reliable choice following Swalwell’s exit.
“His message about his time as attorney general defending California, particularly around issues involving the Trump administration, seems to have resonated with many Democratic voters who overwhelmingly are disapproving of President Trump’s job performance,” Baldassare said.
Steyer, who has presented himself as the most progressive among the Democratic frontrunners, has maintained strong polling position after investing approximately $200 million of personal funds in his campaign. He has pledged to increase taxes on billionaires, including himself.
In other races across the state, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confronts more than a dozen opponents amid voter worries about homelessness, housing costs, and consequences from the 2025 Palisades fire.
She faced competition from within her party by city Councilmember Nithya Raman, while surveys indicate the top Republican contender is reality television figure Spencer Pratt.
Regarding congressional races, political analysts consider the 22nd district contest in the agricultural Central Valley the most competitive, with Republican Representative David Valadao pursuing reelection against two Democrats, state Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains and educator Randy Villegas.
Democrats are targeting the 48th district as a potential pickup opportunity, after liberal Palm Springs was relocated from its Riverside County district to inland San Diego County, where Republican incumbent Darrell Issa chose not to seek reelection.
Voting locations operated from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, though final results in tight contests may require several days as California permits voters to submit mail-in ballots through Election Day.
Discount chain Dollar General boosted its yearly earnings outlook Tuesday as customers continue turning to affordable options during ongoing economic pressures.
The retailer’s stock climbed approximately 3% during premarket trading following the announcement.
Increasing fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict are adding strain to household budgets already facing challenges from U.S. import tariffs and AI-driven employment market volatility, creating advantages for discount chains such as Dollar General.
Competitor Dollar Tree similarly increased its earnings projection the previous week.
Dollar General projected fiscal 2026 earnings per share between $7.20 and $7.45, an increase from its previous estimate of $7.10 to $7.35, noting the forecast excludes potential effects from tariff refund payments.
The company maintains its expectation for yearly same-store sales growth of 2.2% to 2.7%.
Following the release of his comprehensive statement demanding strong oversight of artificial intelligence, the pontiff found himself at the center of internet buzz when Saint Hoax, an Instagram account with over 3 million followers, shared content about his call to “disarm” AI technology. The post’s caption declared: “Love my woke pope (I’m not even Catholic).”
Another social media user on X referenced a popular internet joke in response to the religious document, posting: “The atheism leaving my body the moment the pope starts talking about how AI is an affront to God and the new Tower of Babel.”
Such responses to the papal leader’s inaugural encyclical, titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), have flooded social platforms since its publication last week. The widespread excitement stems partly from a belief, particularly among younger generations, that few political or international figures truly understand or seriously address the known and possible consequences of AI’s swift advancement. Many leaders have typically worked to support the technology sector, pointing to economic growth needs while critics argue they’ve grown too close to affluent executives.
“People have really been looking for a response to AI,” commented Isabel Thurston, a 27-year-old comedian from Boston. “This was the first — at least in my sphere of the world — world leader to make an announcement to this magnitude.”
The first pontiff born in the United States has shown readiness to adopt elements of modern culture. He was recently seen wearing Nike sneakers beneath his religious robes, and in his encyclical, the pope referenced the wise wizard Gandalf from the “Lord of the Rings,” a work by Catholic writer J.R.R. Tolkien.
“It’s clear that this is written by an American pope. There’s a spirit breathing through this document of an emphasis on individual freedom, on human happiness and human dignity,” stated Robert Orsi, a professor of religious studies and history at Northwestern University, regarding the papal document. “At times, I thought the language really resonates with the Declaration of Independence.”
This particular type of cultural understanding may help clarify some of his internet fame as head of the centuries-old faith.
Just weeks before, a group of young visitors to the Vatican persuaded the 70-year-old religious leader to perform a popular hand movement on camera called the 6-7 meme — a nonsensical “brain rot” joke among youth. While the video clearly shows the pontiff, like most older adults, doesn’t grasp what they’re requesting or its meaning, he complies anyway and receives excited applause. Seven days later, he repeated the gesture while smiling and greeting crowds from his vehicle.
The image emerging from these moments shows both playfulness and purpose. The religious leader emphasizes throughout “Magnifica Humanitas” that the church must address current questions and difficulties.
“Her mission has a historical scope and entails a responsibility for the way in which social relations are built,” the pope wrote about the Catholic Church. “She cannot consider herself a stranger to the forces shaping society. On the contrary, the Church actively participates in the processes by which society grows and is organized.”
Since his selection last year, the pontiff has made efforts to directly communicate with — and sometimes criticize — various elements of society, from politics to entertainment and athletics.
Orsi examines the connection between Catholicism and modernity, which he notes have frequently clashed throughout history. He explained that the pope’s encyclical and his overall leadership, similar to his predecessor’s, draws heavily from the still-controversial Second Vatican Council, which introduced modernizing changes to the church over 60 years ago.
“It’s speaking with a Vatican II voice to the modern world. So, it’s not a voice of condemnation, but it’s a voice of respect,” Orsi said about the papal document. “Pope Francis, in a sense, was the necessary prelude to this kind of encyclical. I think Francis gave a really strong encouragement to take a clear critical voice on these urgent questions.”
However, not everyone has supported the pope’s methods. Some criticized his choice to unveil his encyclical alongside Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah. The Vatican chose to include the technology company as part of its ten-year initiative to engage Silicon Valley in discussions about AI’s human impact.
In the approximately 42,300-word document, the religious leader urges all “men and women of goodwill” to not fear getting their “hands dirty on the ‘construction site’ of our time.”
This readiness has occasionally resulted in careful but public criticism of policies, actions and leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and the continuing conflict in Iran. Some conservatives including Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism, have referenced “just war” theory in response to the pope’s criticisms.
Church doctrine has historically permitted “just wars” — using force to prevent unjust aggression — when specific requirements are satisfied. But the pontiff directly challenged this teaching in his encyclical, labeling it “outdated.” “Humanity possesses far more effective and capable tools for promoting human life and resolving conflicts, such as dialogue, diplomacy and forgiveness,” he wrote.
Last November, the religious leader held a “World of Cinema” event at the Vatican with performers and directors including Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, Gus Van Sant and Spike Lee, who presented him with a personalized New York Knicks jersey featuring the number 14 and the name Pope Leo on the back.
“Cultural facilities, such as cinemas and theaters, are the beating hearts of our communities because they contribute to making them more human,” the pope told his Hollywood guests. “The logic of algorithms tends to repeat what ‘works,’ but art opens up what is possible.”
He has also openly expressed his affection for the Chicago White Sox, occasionally wearing baseball caps or posing with bats — the latter inspiring a category of papal memes. “POV: you’re a priest who just asked ChatGPT to write your Sunday homily,” the Rev. Harrison Ayre shared on X with a photo of the pope holding a bat and smiling.
Soon after “Magnifica Humanitas” was published, Thurston, who is Catholic, uploaded a video of herself and a friend drinking margaritas while carefully examining and discussing printed copies of the encyclical. The content has accumulated over 3 million views on Instagram.
“An aspect that made the video going viral really joyful for me was to represent all of the Catholics or lapsed Catholics or adjacent interested parties as really celebrating what Pope Leo is saying in his encyclical,” she explained.
Orsi noted this approach arrives at a critical moment for the Catholic Church after years of confronting its history of clergy sexual abuse. “I think a lot of people who moved away from the church are now saying, ‘Wait, maybe the church does have something to say to the modern world,’” he said.
WASHINGTON — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will face lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday as the Trump administration takes a step back from controversial plans for an almost $1.8 billion compensation fund designed to pay allies of President Donald Trump who claim they were wrongfully investigated and prosecuted.
While the House Appropriations Committee hearing was originally scheduled to discuss the Justice Department’s budget, legislators are expected to focus heavily on questioning about the proposed fund that has generated fierce criticism due to concerns that violent pro-Trump demonstrators who attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, might qualify for compensation.
The Republican president is now having second thoughts about proceeding with the fund, which was created to settle his legal case against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the disclosure of his tax documents, according to someone with knowledge of his considerations who spoke Monday. This reconsideration comes amid Republican criticism and court challenges. The Justice Department announced Monday it would follow a Virginia court’s temporary prohibition of the administration’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” essentially agreeing to suspend the program for a minimum of two weeks.
A separate judge in Florida suggested potentially reopening the IRS legal case due to “grievous allegations” of inappropriate conduct leveled against the administration by those opposing the settlement.
The Trump administration has justified the fund as a proper remedy for what officials claim was a politicized Justice Department under President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration, an accusation the Biden administration firmly rejected. While some Trump supporters, including those involved in the Capitol demonstration, have welcomed the announcement, Congressional Republicans have responded with considerably more opposition, putting Blanche in the position of trying to calm a GOP base that typically supports the administration closely.
The controversy has particularly created problems in the Senate, where Republicans boldly departed Washington 10 days ago without approving funding legislation for Trump’s immigration enforcement departments. Republicans who came back to Washington on Monday indicated they lack sufficient votes to approve the Homeland Security spending measure until the White House collaborates with them to establish restrictions on the fund. Many have urged the administration to impose limitations or abandon the concept entirely.
During a Senate budget hearing last month, Blanche declined to eliminate the possibility that those who committed violence on Jan. 6 might qualify for compensation and has consistently stated in interviews that anyone who believes they were targeted by the criminal justice system may submit an application. A five-member commission selected by Blanche will determine compensation awards.
However, he appears to have adopted a more cooperative approach in private discussions when facing Republican frustration.
Blanche faced significant resistance last month during a heated closed-door session with GOP senators, where more than half expressed concerns, including by yelling at the Justice Department’s top official, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas revealed in a recent podcast episode.
“There were fireworks at an epic level — and I’ve got to say, it’s one of the roughest meetings I’ve seen in my entire time in the Senate,” Cruz said.
In private discussions, Blanche was “adamant” that no one who attacked police at the Capitol would receive money, according to Cruz.
“He said not just ‘no,’ but ‘hell no,’” the senator recalled.
Despite gasoline costs climbing well above $6 per gallon in Los Angeles following recent military actions involving Iran, drivers in the traffic-heavy metropolitan area continue using the highways at typical levels, according to government transportation data.
The California Department of Transportation conducted an exclusive study for Reuters examining approximately eight weeks of traffic information through April 23, focusing on major roadways including Interstates 405, 10, and 5 following the February 28 U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran.
The analysis revealed no meaningful decrease in vehicle miles driven across Los Angeles-area highways, despite fuel costs that have created significant financial strain for motorists.
Traffic patterns on most major highway segments remained relatively stable, with some areas experiencing increases approaching 9% while others saw decreases reaching nearly 3% during the study timeframe.
“I think we’re immune,” commented 44-year-old Los Angeles resident Marco Falcon when informed about the research findings.
These results align with more than twenty years of studies demonstrating that American gasoline consumption remains largely inelastic, indicating drivers typically maintain their habits regardless of price fluctuations.
Research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2006 revealed that motorists modified their driving patterns far less during fuel price increases in the 2000s compared to the oil crisis of the 1970s.
According to automobile club AAA, regular gasoline averaged $6.07 per gallon in Los Angeles on Monday, representing a nearly 28% increase from the previous year and standing 36% higher than the national average.
Falcon acknowledged that while increased fuel costs are unwelcome, Los Angeles motorists recognize that the country’s highest gasoline prices are simply part of life in car-dependent California.
“You just gotta figure out what your priorities are,” Falcon explained, noting he continues driving because alternative bus transportation would require three to four times longer travel periods. “Time is money for me.”
Public transportation usage showed modest gains, with combined weekday bus and train ridership increasing 1.6% year-over-year during March and April, while passenger miles grew 0.8%, according to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
An agency spokesperson noted that while elevated fuel prices may have influenced these increases, the transit system has also added new stations and expanded service to additional areas.
“People don’t change their behavior much,” observed Brian Taylor, a research fellow at the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Taylor explained that when Los Angeles traffic appears lighter, it results from small vehicle reductions on nearly capacity-filled freeways creating disproportionately large improvements in traffic flow.
“A 10% drop in traffic can result in a 40% or 50% drop in delay,” Taylor stated.
Financial markets appeared calm Tuesday morning despite significant developments in the artificial intelligence sector and ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts.
AI company Anthropic made headlines Monday by revealing it had quietly submitted paperwork for a public stock offering, potentially getting ahead of competitor OpenAI and riding the momentum of the massive SpaceX public offering planned for this month.
The move comes as tech giants are seeking enormous amounts of new funding for AI projects. Alphabet revealed plans to secure approximately $80 billion in stock financing, which includes a $10 billion private investment from Berkshire Hathaway. News of the fundraising caused Alphabet shares to drop roughly 2% in after-hours trading.
Technology companies have already borrowed tens of billions through debt offerings to finance their AI initiatives, but turning to stock sales represents a new approach. Market watchers are questioning whether investors have the appetite for all this new equity given the extremely high company valuations, or if the market will experience some difficulty digesting these offerings.
The financial figures are remarkable. Anthropic’s most recent funding round valued the company at approximately $965 billion, surpassing OpenAI’s valuation, while SpaceX’s proposed $75 billion offering puts its worth at $1.75 trillion.
This raises important questions about how these valuations will affect company rankings, index compositions, and the concentration of AI companies in major stock benchmarks. Historical precedent suggests that massive waves of initial public offerings have sometimes coincided with peak periods of market speculation.
Beyond Wall Street, actual AI demand continues showing strength. European semiconductor company STMicroelectronics surged 10% Tuesday to its highest level since 2000 after the company doubled its data-center revenue projection for this year to $1 billion.
The extent to which AI expansion and semiconductor shortages are influencing input costs and consumer prices is becoming an increasing worry, particularly as investors navigate unclear signals regarding energy markets amid stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Oil prices pulled back slightly from Monday’s 5% jump after President Donald Trump suggested that discussions with Iran would proceed and possibly reach resolution this week. However, similar situations have occurred before, and Monday’s concern centered on continued military confrontations and Iran maintaining its firm positions.
Although oil prices declined somewhat today, year-end contracts have shown little movement over the past week and remain more than 30% above pre-war levels.
The intersection of energy concerns and AI developments was reflected in strong U.S. manufacturing data from the ISM survey for May. While the main factory activity measure reached its highest point in four years, questions arose about whether precautionary inventory building inflated the results. The input price component decreased slightly but stays at historically elevated levels.
In Europe, inflation in the euro zone climbed to an anticipated 3.2% in May, with a European Central Bank interest rate increase now broadly expected later this month.
STMicroelectronics helped drive gains in Europe’s primary stock indices early Tuesday, while Asian markets again benefited from Monday’s technology sector enthusiasm on Wall Street.
Before Tuesday’s market opening, Wall Street stock futures had retreated from Monday’s latest record closing high, long-term U.S. Treasury yields were slightly lower, and foreign exchange markets remained subdued.
The S&P 500 software sector index recorded its best monthly performance since October 2002 in May and finished last week at its highest point since late January following strong earnings from Dell and Snowflake.
Following a sharp decline earlier this year due to fears that AI technology could disrupt traditional business operations, the sector has nearly recovered all losses for the year. Companies including ServiceNow, IBM, Adobe, Salesforce and Workday all extended their rallies this week, with the index gaining another 4% on Monday.
Key events scheduled for Tuesday include U.S. April job openings data at 10 a.m. and remarks from Cleveland Fed’s Beth Hammack.
British law enforcement officials are facing intense criticism following the death of an 18-year-old student who was restrained with handcuffs while dying from knife wounds after his attacker made false claims about a racist assault.
Henry Nowak lost his life following a stabbing incident in Southampton, a city in southern England, this past December. On Monday, his killer Vickrum Digwa, age 23 and of Sikh faith, received a life sentence after providing false information to authorities claiming Nowak had attacked him.
Body-worn camera recordings show Nowak on the ground stating “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe” while a responding officer replies “I don’t think you have mate”.
Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform party that currently tops polling data, characterized the incident as evidence that ethnic minority rights are prioritized over those of white British citizens.
“The fear of being called racist was greater than dealing with Henry Nowak’s murder,” he stated.
“We should respond to this with pure cold rage.”
During Monday’s court proceedings, Judge William Mousley recognized that the case has generated racial tensions throughout Britain. A demonstration is planned for Tuesday evening in Southampton, with additional protests scheduled online for this week.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds described the body camera video as “harrowing” during a BBC Radio interview, stating: “The conduct of the police when you look at it at the scene is shocking”.
Digwa used a knife to attack Nowak, claiming he was allowed to carry the blade under religious exemptions that permit Sikhs to possess ceremonial daggers.
Upon police arrival, Digwa reported that his turban had been removed and that he sustained an eye injury.
The victim’s relatives described his treatment by officers as “inhumane and degrading,” though his father stated outside the courthouse that his son’s death should not be “used to create further division, hatred or tension.”
Farage drew comparisons to the 2020 death of George Floyd in the United States, which ignited the Black Lives Matter movement. Floyd had also said “I can’t breathe” while an officer pressed a knee against his neck for several minutes.
Nowak passed away shortly after being placed in handcuffs. Officers removed the restraints and began CPR once they recognized his injuries.
Hampshire Police, the responding agency that has issued an apology, is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
“The details of the police response raises serious concerns about police impartiality, fairness and judgement,” stated police commissioner Donna Jones, who added that investigation results would be released promptly.
Stock prices for Fulcrum Therapeutics dropped by half during premarket trading Tuesday following the company’s announcement that it would halt development of an experimental medication for sickle cell disease due to cancer risks identified by federal regulators. The firm also stated it would explore strategic alternatives including a possible sale or merger.
The oral medication, pociredir, was undergoing testing as a treatment for sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood condition that causes pain, anemia, organ damage and shortened life spans.
This development represents another obstacle in the ongoing effort to develop sickle cell treatments. Last year, Pfizer pulled its approved medication Oxbryta from the market and halted associated research due to safety issues.
Pociredir was engineered to boost fetal hemoglobin levels by affecting a specific component of the PRC2 protein complex, which typically prevents its production.
Fulcrum’s choice came after receiving guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding safety issues connected to medications that target the protein complex, following the global withdrawal of Ipsen’s cancer treatment, Tazverik, earlier this year due to secondary blood cancer risks.
The company explained it had provided information contending that pociredir, which affects a different part of the PRC2 complex compared to Tazverik, presented a unique risk assessment. However, the FDA determined that all medications affecting the complex carry comparable cancer risks.
Truist analyst Gregory Renza noted that the regulatory agency did not distinguish between different components of the PRC2, instead considering the entire complex as presenting a comprehensive cancer threat.
The FDA also referenced previous preclinical cancer indicators associated with pociredir, according to Fulcrum.
The company’s stock has declined approximately 43% so far this year, based on LSEG information.
The firm additionally announced it would evaluate strategic options, including a possible sale or merger, and has started reducing expenses to maintain cash reserves. It held $333.3 million in cash and investments at the end of March.
Fulcrum stated that no additional safety issues had appeared in clinical studies and that the medication had demonstrated improvements in fetal hemoglobin, which could help lessen disease severity for sickle cell patients.
PARIS – Nineteen-year-old Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva secured her spot in the French Open semifinals Tuesday, delivering a dominant 6-0, 6-3 performance against Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea during rainy conditions at Roland Garros.
With defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time winner Iga Swiatek already eliminated from the tournament, Andreeva has emerged as one of the top contenders for her first Grand Slam championship. Her next opponent will be determined by the outcome of an all-Ukrainian matchup between Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk.
Playing under the Court Philippe Chatrier roof before a limited audience, Andreeva dominated from the start with aggressive tactics, completing the opening set in just 24 minutes.
“I’m super happy I was able to play aggressive,” Andreeva commented after the match. With her victory, she set a record as the teenager with the most Paris main draw wins this century, reaching 16 total victories.
“The last time I played her, it was a very tough battle. Every practice with her is very tough. We’ve practised 10 times already this year and we know each other well,” she explained.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy and I’d have to 200% of my intensity and focus, as she would look to be aggressive and pressure me whenever she could.”
The 36-year-old Cirstea, competing in her third Grand Slam quarter-final during her final season, showed resilience in the second set by recovering a break at 3-3. However, she couldn’t stop Andreeva’s momentum.
Andreeva, who previously reached the semifinals two years ago, secured another break by forcing an error from her opponent. She sealed the victory with a powerful forehand shot before approaching the net to embrace Cirstea in a display of sportsmanship.
Iran’s preparation for their fourth consecutive World Cup has faced major obstacles due to ongoing military conflicts with the United States and Israel, creating significant challenges for coach Amir Ghalenoei as he works to get his veteran-heavy roster ready for competition.
The disruption has been particularly severe because nearly all of Ghalenoei’s players except six compete in Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League, which has been on hold for several weeks due to the ongoing hostilities.
Ghalenoei has recognized that this World Cup marks the end of an era for many of his veteran players.
“We hope to put on acceptable performances at the World Cup, and then prepare for the Asian Cup, because after the World Cup we will also undergo a generational change,” he said recently.
The team will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in group play during the June 11 to July 19 tournament, which offers what may be the final opportunity for success for many squad members who were previously anticipated to finally break through to the knockout rounds but fell short.
Throughout Iran’s six World Cup participations dating to their first appearance in 1978, the nation has been eliminated during group play every time, managing just three victories across 18 total matches.
The most heartbreaking exits occurred during the previous two tournaments, when Iran secured victories against Morocco in 2018 and Wales in 2022 but still failed to advance to the round of 16.
Several standout players from those campaigns under former coach Carlos Queiroz are still on the roster, with 16 players now 30 or older, including defenders Shoja Khalilzadeh (37) and Ehsan Hajsafi (36).
Veteran striker Mehdi Taremi, who previously starred as a prolific goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League while playing for Porto, remains part of the squad at 33 but no longer poses the same offensive threat he once did.
Taremi will be without his usual attacking partner Sardar Azmoun, who was not chosen for the squad, while captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh prepares for his fourth World Cup tournament.
Even with an older roster showing signs of wear, Iran believes they have a realistic chance of advancing to the round of 32 in the expanded tournament format, where finishing third in their group could be sufficient to continue playing.
Drivers traveling on Bryants Corner Road should prepare for traffic delays as construction crews continue work that requires intermittent lane closures.
The affected stretch runs from Hazlettville Road to Westville Road, where workers are causing periodic lane restrictions throughout the day.
The construction-related closures are scheduled to remain in effect until 6PM today. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time when using this route.
Egypt’s national soccer team enters the 2026 World Cup with unprecedented expectations as the country seeks its first tournament victory in nearly a century of competition.
The team’s coach, who previously helped Egypt reach the 1990 World Cup as a player by scoring the decisive goal against Algeria, now leads the squad with different pressures. While past World Cup qualifications sparked massive celebrations throughout the soccer-loving nation, this year’s qualification was received with more reserved enthusiasm as fans set their sights on actual performance rather than just participation.
The increased allocation of World Cup spots for African nations has shifted expectations dramatically. Egypt’s track record shows early exits in 1934, 1990, and 2018, a disappointing history for a country that has claimed seven Africa Cup of Nations championships.
The team has been placed in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, presenting what many consider a genuine opportunity to advance beyond the opening round for the first time in the nation’s World Cup history.
“I see the ambition in the players. They want to achieve more than what Egypt did in past World Cups,” Hassan told CAF’s official website. “We need to perform better at the World Cup. This is my main goal.”
Mohamed Salah continues to anchor Egypt’s offensive strategy, though the 33-year-old forward is no longer considered at his prime following a disappointing final season with Liverpool. Salah, who netted Egypt’s only two goals during their 2018 World Cup campaign, remains just two goals away from breaking the national scoring record.
The squad will also count on Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush to provide additional scoring power, with these Premier League players leading a roster predominantly filled with domestically-based athletes.
In a surprising roster decision, Hassan selected 18-year-old striker Hamza Abdelkarim, currently on loan with Barcelona’s U19 squad, while excluding Nantes frontman Mostafa Mohamed from the team.
“I trust my players because their level is very high, whether it’s Mohamed Salah, Marmoush, or the players in the Egyptian league. They have great ambition,” Hassan said.
Egypt’s tournament schedule begins with a match against Belgium on June 15, followed by games against New Zealand one week later and Iran on June 27.
Investment management companies across the nation are supporting a federal initiative that would permit retirement accounts to include alternative investments such as private credit and digital currencies, potentially directing a portion of the $14.2 trillion currently held in 401(k) plans and similar retirement products toward these investment vehicles.
The Department of Labor’s proposed regulation drew more than 33,000 responses from both individuals and organizations, including financial industry groups and investor advocacy organizations, before the public comment deadline concluded on Monday.
While some respondents expressed concerns that the change could expose workers to heightened risks and costly fees on their retirement funds, others highlighted potential advantages for both investors and fund companies.
Jennifer Han, chief legal officer of the Managed Funds Association, a trade organization representing the alternative assets sector, stated: “Including those funds and assets should alleviate certain regulatory burdens and litigation risk that interfere with the ability of American workers to achieve, through their retirement accounts, the competitive returns and asset diversification necessary to secure a comfortable retirement.”
However, numerous commenters questioned whether the proposed changes would truly serve individual investors or primarily benefit asset managers seeking access to a substantial new funding source.
The suggested regulation would provide employers with legal protection from investor litigation, provided they “objectively, thoroughly, and analytically consider, and make determinations on factors including performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, performance benchmarks, and complexity” before making investment decisions, according to the Labor Department’s announcement in late March.
A Labor Department representative explained at that time that the rule wasn’t designed to encourage or discourage specific investments, but rather to provide providers with “the toolkit so that they can follow an analytical, thorough and objective process.”
The comment period has concluded, according to the Labor Department’s official website.
Federal officials will now examine the thousands of submissions received, potentially modify the regulation, and must obtain White House approval before any final version can be released. The process could move quickly, as it originated from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in August.
The Investment Company Institute (ICI), representing asset managers who have been establishing new partnerships in preparation for such policy shifts, broadly endorsed the initiative. The organization recommended “modest private market allocations” within target-date funds, which serve as standard investment options for most employer-sponsored 401(k) programs.
Several financial advisers expressed support for the proposal’s potential benefits to savers.
Jarrod Winkcompleck, CEO of Gap Financial Services in Austin, Texas, wrote: “The American economy increasingly lives in private markets and most workers have no access to it,” as he encouraged policymakers to proceed with the proposal.
Approximately 57% of working Americans not covered by government retirement plans participate in some form of employer-sponsored retirement savings program, such as a 401(k) plan, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The ICI estimated this capital pool reached $14.2 trillion as of last year.
The CFA Institute, an investment industry educational organization, noted that while institutional investors gain access to low-cost, high-quality investment options due to their market influence, retirement savers would lack “direct control over manager selection, deal access, valuation, liquidity terms or fee arrangements.”
Multiple comment letters examined by Reuters highlighted writers’ concerns regarding the structure of funds they would be able to access.
Michael McCormick, chief investment officer at Centric Wealth Management in Chicago, observed that alternative asset investment vehicles, including interval funds, “often promise more liquidity than their underlying assets can actually support, a mismatch that becomes dangerous in a market downturn.”
BEIRUT (AP) — Eight people lost their lives in Israeli drone attacks across southern Lebanon on Tuesday, coming just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hezbollah had reached an agreement to reduce military operations.
On Monday, Israel had issued warnings about potential strikes on Beirut’s southern neighborhoods, sparking widespread fear in Lebanon’s capital city. Thousands of residents evacuated to more secure locations while Hezbollah launched rocket attacks toward northern Israel. Israeli military forces conducted their most significant advance into Lebanese territory in over two decades, though the capital had largely avoided attacks during the previous six weeks, except for two specific operations targeting southern Beirut neighborhoods in May.
Following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and communications with the Lebanese militant organization through intermediaries, Trump later declared that “there will be no Troops going to Beirut.”
According to Lebanon’s State-run National News Agency, an Israeli drone attack struck a vehicle traveling on the route connecting the southern town of Marjayoun with Nabatiyeh city on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of James Karam, a dentist from the neighboring Christian community of Qlayaa, and his daughter and son. Lebanese military officials reported that two soldiers sustained minor injuries when another drone attack targeted their position on a road outside the city.
The news agency documented that a drone attack on Jibchit village resulted in the deaths of two Syrian workers employed at a plant nursery, while a separate strike on the adjacent village of Toul claimed two additional lives. A fourth attack targeted a vehicle near Harouf village, killing one person.
The National News Agency also confirmed that an Israeli airstrike on Monday resulted in six fatalities in the southern village of Marwaniyeh.
Hezbollah announced Tuesday that its forces launched anti-tank missiles against Israeli troops advancing into the southern village of Hadatha, located approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the Israeli border. Warning sirens activated across multiple areas in northern Israel, according to military officials, who stated that “a suspicious aerial target” was detected in the region where Israeli forces are conducting operations in southern Lebanon, with no casualties reported.
Even after a Washington-mediated ceasefire agreement established in April, both parties have maintained their exchange of attacks following Israeli operations in Lebanon, which Israel characterized as defensive measures.
These recent confrontations occurred as a second series of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon was set to begin Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington, where Lebanese representatives plan to pursue a comprehensive ceasefire agreement to prevent future hostilities. The Israel-Lebanon discussions that commenced in April marked the first such talks in over thirty years between the nations, which maintain no official diplomatic ties.
The ongoing conflict creates a significant challenge for the developing agreement to extend the ceasefire in the Iran war that began after the United States and Israel conducted strikes against the Islamic Kingdom on February 28. Tehran seeks any deal to incorporate a complete cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.
Hezbollah has declined direct negotiations, relying instead on Iranian influence.
The current cycle of violence between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in 3,433 deaths in Lebanon and forced over 1 million people from their homes. Data from Netanyahu’s office indicates that at least 27 Israeli soldiers and one defense contractor have died in or around southern Lebanon. Two civilians in northern Israel have also been killed.
Israeli military officials reported late Monday that one soldier was killed in southern Lebanon, with seven additional soldiers wounded in the same incident, three critically.
Hezbollah’s deployment of difficult-to-detect fiber-optic drones has proven particularly lethal against Israeli forces, who continue to face challenges in developing effective countermeasures.
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — In the epicenter of Congo’s Ebola crisis, Arlette Basekawike dedicates her days to cooking meals for patients and medical staff from a modest shelter beside a healthcare center.
Wearing a pink head covering, Basekawike works as a volunteer with the United Nations food agency, creating breakfast dishes like porridge, eggs and bread for those receiving care at the Evangelical Medical Center. For other meals, she might serve fresh fish alongside fufu, a traditional dish made from mashed plantains, topped with fruit.
“Even though the patients have this disease, they still feel better when they eat, and the doctors have the energy to treat the sick and give them medication,” Basekawike explained to The Associated Press on Monday while cooking vegetables and potatoes with goat meat in a large pot. “I’m here for them like a parent, preparing food so they feel comfortable.”
While her work might seem straightforward, it has emerged as vital support for the area confronting the fast-moving rare Bundibugyo virus, the Ebola strain identified in eastern Congo during May.
By Tuesday, the World Health Organization reported 321 confirmed Ebola infections and 48 fatalities across the Central African country’s three eastern provinces: Ituri, North and South Kivu. Uganda has documented nine cases and one death according to WHO data, leading Uganda to seal its border with Congo.
Prior to this health emergency, the troubled region was already experiencing one of the planet’s worst food emergencies because of continuing warfare that has forced millions to flee as government troops battle insurgents. The viral outbreak has created additional complications that the United Nations cautions could hinder efforts to control transmission among a population already filled with distrust.
“We are in a region where we already have large segments of the population suffering from acute food insecurity linked to either war or displacement,” explained Olivier Nkakudulu, who leads the World Food Program in Ituri province. “So there are already needs and Ebola is an additional crisis on top of a crisis.”
The financially strained World Food Program confronts difficult decisions as funding reductions from the U.S. and other key donors have disrupted activities in this vulnerable area. Attempts to control the disease, which the World Health Organization has classified as a global health emergency, have been hindered by insufficient funding as international partners have either pulled out or decreased their commitments.
Additionally, assaults by distrustful community members on medical personnel and delayed aid delivery caused by the persistent conflict have made containing the disease’s spread challenging.
Nevertheless, the agency and healthcare workers report they have successfully maintained patients’ nutritional requirements thus far.
“Today we need to increase the amount because the number of patients has gone up,” stated Esther Bao, a nurse and volunteer. Some patients, due to their medical conditions, “don’t eat just any meal,” she noted.
No approved vaccine or cure exists for the Bundibugyo virus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and five individuals have made recoveries.
The outbreak keeps expanding, growing from three affected health zones initially to 22 as of this past weekend, based on Congo’s Ministry of Health data.
On Sunday, 120 meals were distributed across four medical facilities, totaling 404 meals since food support started on May 28, Nkakudulu reported. However, the financial outlook remains challenging, he said.
“Without more funding, we might not be able to prioritize every suspected case,” Nkakudulu warned. “We might have to focus on some and not have food to give to others.”
Four people were hospitalized Tuesday after a black bear went on a rampage at an industrial complex in northeastern Japan, marking the latest incident in what has become the country’s worst year for bear attacks on record.
According to Japan’s Environment Ministry, bear encounters have claimed 13 lives across more than 230 separate incidents in 2025, surpassing all previous annual totals for both deaths and attacks.
Emergency responders raced to the Sasakino district of Fukushima after the Fukushima Steel Works called for help, reporting that a bear had attacked two of their workers. Surveillance video captured the frightening encounter, showing the animal pursuing an employee in his 20s near the facility’s entrance before knocking him down. The footage then shows the bear entering the factory grounds and mauling a second worker, a man in his 60s.
The animal went on to attack a third victim — another man in his 60s employed at a different company nearby. An 80-year-old neighborhood resident also fell victim to the bear, according to the Fukushima City Fire Department.
Medical officials reported that while the three male victims suffered minor wounds, the elderly woman sustained more serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
As of Tuesday evening, the bear remained at large and was thought to be hiding somewhere within the second company’s premises. Armed police officers carrying long poles had surrounded the area.
Two local schools shut down operations, with Noda Elementary School switching to remote learning and posting an alert on its website warning families to “avoid non-essential outings and stay safe.”
The violent encounter has terrified local residents and brought back memories of last year’s widespread panic that prompted military deployment to Akita prefecture in northern Japan, where bears attacked more than 60 people and killed four.
Wildlife experts attribute the growing problem to Japan’s expanding bear population moving into areas where the human population is rapidly aging and shrinking, leaving fewer people with the skills to hunt the animals.
Government officials estimated Japan’s total bear population at approximately 57,800 in March. Authorities have implemented a management strategy that includes systematic culling efforts. The plan calls for tripling municipal bear control personnel to 2,500 workers over the next five years while doubling the number of bear traps deployed.
Recent bear sightings have been reported even in Tokyo’s western suburbs, particularly around the Okutama hiking region. Park authorities have responded by installing additional traps and issuing bear warnings through social media channels.
Officials have intensified public education efforts, encouraging hikers and mushroom foragers to monitor bear sighting reports and avoid outdoor activities during early morning and evening hours when the animals are most active.
Government safety guidelines recommend that anyone who encounters a bear should remain calm, move deliberately, and resist the urge to turn and run. If attacked, the manual advises victims to lie face down, curl into a ball, and protect their neck area.
“The point is to save yourself from a fatal wound,” the manual states.
Microsoft is set to present its yearly software developer conference on Tuesday, where the technology giant plans to reveal innovative development tools for creating artificial intelligence applications across personal computers and cloud platforms.
During a main presentation in San Francisco, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will detail the company’s strategy for competing in cloud computing markets, where it serves as both an investor and competitor to companies like OpenAI, while also expanding its presence in the personal computer sector.
Personal computers are increasingly featuring software like OpenClaw, an open-source program capable of coordinating multiple AI agents to perform routine tasks for users.
However, OpenClaw, which has become popular in China and contributed to Microsoft’s competitor Apple’s Mac computer sales, along with similar technologies, presents security concerns for most business environments.
Industry experts anticipate Microsoft will focus on developing safer AI agent tools for corporate use and for the billion users of its Windows operating system.
Additional details are expected regarding how Microsoft will enable developers to utilize a recently announced chip from Nvidia that was revealed on Monday, designed to integrate AI functionality directly into personal computers.
This new chip will be featured in laptops designed to rival Apple’s high-end products, and its announcement led to stock increases for both Microsoft and major computer manufacturers like Dell Technologies, though experts note business adoption of these new systems may require time.
Industry observers also expect Microsoft to share progress updates on its proprietary AI models, which the company uses to compete in areas like code completion against OpenAI’s Codex and Anthropic’s Claude Code.
Nadella’s presentation is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET.
Cristiano Ronaldo has shattered countless soccer records throughout his career, but competing in a sixth World Cup at age 41 would represent an exceptional achievement even for the Portuguese superstar.
The 2026 tournament will mark another chapter in Ronaldo’s extensive World Cup saga, which started in Germany in 2006 and has taken him through competitions in South Africa, Brazil, Russia and Qatar – all without capturing the championship that continues to elude him.
Only Lionel Messi is expected to equal Ronaldo’s six World Cup appearances, adding another dimension to their legendary rivalry that has spanned from Real Madrid versus Barcelona matches to Ballon d’Or awards ceremonies and now extends into soccer history.
While Messi has claimed eight Ballon d’Or trophies compared to Ronaldo’s five, both players continue adding new accomplishments to their remarkable careers.
The World Cup remains the one major tournament where Ronaldo has struggled to achieve ultimate success.
His most successful campaign occurred in 2006 when Portugal advanced to the semi-finals before falling to France. Since that tournament, he has experienced two round-of-16 eliminations, one quarter-final loss, and a disappointing group-stage exit in Brazil during 2014.
For the upcoming tournament, Portugal will compete against Democratic Republic of Congo, first-time participants Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K.
Throughout five World Cup tournaments, Ronaldo has participated in 22 matches while netting eight goals – respectable statistics for most players but relatively modest considering his extraordinary club-level accomplishments.
The 2022 Qatar tournament appeared to signal the conclusion of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. He arrived amid controversy surrounding his Manchester United departure, managed to score but was benched by coach Fernando Santos for the knockout victory against Switzerland following a 2-1 defeat to South Korea.
However, he has made a comeback under former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, displaying the determination of someone who refuses to acknowledge limitations imposed by age.
Portugal now features an impressive roster including Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes, though Ronaldo continues to serve as the primary attraction.
Following their disappointing quarter-final elimination at Euro 2024, Portugal bounced back impressively by defeating European champions Spain in last year’s Nations League final and enters the North American tournament in strong form with Ronaldo leading the way.
Martinez points to statistics that demonstrate Ronaldo’s continued value: 25 goals across 30 matches under his leadership – representing a higher goals-per-game ratio than achieved under any previous national team coach – plus significant contributions that don’t appear in scoring statistics.
“He is fantastic at those movements, those runs, opening spaces, splitting centre halves,” Martinez told Reuters in May.
“Somebody that has won everything has the hunger of somebody that hasn’t won a trophy yet,” he added.
The 2026 tournament might represent Ronaldo’s final opportunity on the global stage, though similar predictions have been made previously.
Congressional representatives will have an unusual opportunity this week to publicly question Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding President Donald Trump’s international policies, amid increasing Republican unease about the ongoing Iran conflict.
Rubio, who simultaneously holds the position of Trump’s national security adviser, is scheduled to appear before multiple committees across two days of hearings. He will address the State Department’s budget proposal to both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with appropriations subcommittees from both chambers.
The current administration is requesting congressional support for a proposed 30% reduction in foreign affairs funding while simultaneously pursuing a 50% boost in defense spending.
Before assuming his current role in January 2025, Rubio represented Florida in the Senate. Legislators expressed hope that their former colleague will outline a clear plan for concluding the Iran conflict, which began with coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28.
While Rubio has participated in private congressional briefings alongside other senior administration officials regarding the Iran situation, he has not provided public testimony about the conflict until now.
Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation program Sunday, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stated, “We just need this war done, no matter the terms at this point.”
Murphy highlighted how escalating fuel costs are affecting American families and businesses, while also criticizing Trump’s decision to reduce sanctions on Russian oil as a means to address the energy price surge caused by the conflict.
Growing public dissatisfaction with increased costs has prompted Trump’s Republican allies to push for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing domestic fuel prices before November’s elections, which will determine whether their party maintains narrow congressional control.
Simultaneously, Trump faces pressure from hawkish members of his own party who resist making any compromises with Tehran.
Trump and his allies maintain the military action will prove valuable if it prevents Iran from developing nuclear capabilities. The president continues to promise that fuel prices will decrease and has repeatedly claimed he will negotiate a favorable agreement to end the hostilities.
Congressional members from both parties, including some Republicans, have requested additional details from the administration regarding its Iran strategy and other international policy objectives.
Last month, the Senate moved forward with a war powers measure that would terminate the Iran conflict without congressional authorization for Trump’s actions. Subsequently, House leadership suddenly delayed voting on comparable legislation when passage appeared likely.
Legislators have indicated they seek more details about Venezuela following Trump’s deployment of American forces to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Maduro’s deputy currently serves as Venezuela’s interim leader with no scheduled elections.
Questions also persist about U.S. forces engaging boats near Venezuela’s coastline since September, part of what the administration describes as anti-“narco-traffickers” operations that have resulted in over 200 deaths.
Additional concerns have emerged regarding Trump’s intentions toward Communist-controlled Cuba, as worries mount about potential U.S. military action while his administration intensifies pressure on the island nation.
BECOV NAD TEPLOU, Czech Republic – An extraordinary collection of vintage wine bottles from the late 1800s, concealed beneath a castle chapel during World War Two, is now available for public viewing after an extensive restoration process by the renowned French winery Château d’Yquem.
The remarkable find consists of 133 bottles, with most produced between 1892 and 1899. The wine collection was uncovered in 1985, hidden beneath the chapel floor at Becov castle near the German border, where it had been secretly stored by the castle’s owners at the war’s conclusion.
According to Toni El Khawand, Chateau d’Yquem Cellar Master, the underground hiding spot created ideal storage conditions for preserving the wine’s quality over decades.
Testing conducted in 2016 using a Coravin device – which extracts samples through the cork using a needle without causing damage – confirmed the wine’s remarkable preservation.
“It benefited from very good conditions of conservation, in this old chapel, I think very humid and very cold, with thick walls, and also underground so it preserved the moisture and temperature in a very constant way. Those were excellent conditions to store a wine,” El Khawand explained.
The French winery has carefully recorked multiple bottles during the restoration process, with El Khawand noting that every detail was preserved authentically, including the original dust coating on the bottles.
Becov castle previously served as the residence of the Beaufort-Spontin family before being seized by then-Czechoslovakia after the family was branded as Nazi sympathisers.
Before escaping to Austria, the Beaufort-Spontins concealed their wine collection alongside a reliquary of St. Maurus, believed to contain bones of St John the Baptist.
The discovery came about in 1984 when the family contacted American businessman Danny Douglas for assistance in recovering their hidden valuables. Douglas secretly petitioned authorities on the family’s behalf to retrieve an unspecified object from an undisclosed location.
Following negotiations with officials regarding permits, police eventually determined Douglas’s target location and the nature of the treasure he sought, ultimately leading to the collection’s recovery.
Russia’s Defense Ministry defended its large-scale overnight assault on Ukraine Tuesday, characterizing the attack as retaliation for what Moscow described as terrorist activities carried out by Ukrainian forces against Russian territory.
Officials in Ukraine reported that Russian missiles and drones bombarded the capital city and several other urban areas in the early morning hours Tuesday, resulting in no fewer than 11 fatalities and more than 100 injured civilians. The attack came after days of intelligence warnings about Russia preparing a significant offensive operation.
“Overnight, in response to terrorist acts of the Kyiv regime, the armed forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike using high-precision long-range air-, land-, and sea-based weapons,” the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry’s account, Russian forces deployed hypersonic missiles and unmanned aircraft to strike seven different Ukrainian regions, including the capital, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv. The ministry claimed successful hits on infrastructure supporting Ukrainian military operations, including fuel storage sites, transportation networks, and military aviation facilities.
Moscow had issued threats the previous week, announcing plans to conduct systematic bombardments of targets in the Ukrainian capital as revenge for what Russia characterized as a catastrophic Ukrainian drone assault on a student residence facility in Russian-controlled Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, an attack that claimed 21 lives.
Ukrainian officials countered that their forces had aimed at a drone operations center in that location rather than civilian students. Speaking Monday evening, Putin accused Ukrainian leadership of beginning a fresh chapter in what he called a series of criminal acts, referencing both the dormitory incident and a subsequent attack on residential buildings in a Russian-occupied section of Ukraine’s Kherson region. Each side rejects accusations of intentionally striking civilian populations.
A vehicle accident has resulted in the closure of the right travel lane on Interstate 95 southbound beyond Exit 5, according to traffic officials.
The lane restriction remains in effect as crews work to clear the crash scene. Drivers using this route should anticipate possible delays and consider alternate routes if possible.
Authorities have not released additional details about the collision or when the lane is expected to reopen to traffic.
The president’s campaign promise to remove citizenship from Americans on a large scale is encountering substantial legal and administrative challenges, according to immigration advocates, constitutional experts, and naturalized citizens who are monitoring the situation closely.
Despite the strong campaign rhetoric about revoking citizenship, the actual implementation of such a policy appears to be far more complicated than the initial promises suggested, raising questions about the feasibility of mass denaturalization efforts.
The proposal has generated significant anxiety among immigrant communities and legal experts who are concerned about the potential impact on naturalized Americans and the broader implications for citizenship rights.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re kicking off this beautiful Tuesday with absolutely gorgeous weather across the peninsula. Expect wall-to-wall sunshine today with comfortable temperatures climbing to a pleasant 74 degrees. A gentle north breeze at 5 to 10 mph will keep things feeling fresh and comfortable – perfect weather for any outdoor plans you might have!
Nothing extreme to worry about today, folks. No storms, no oppressive heat, just that sweet spot of early summer weather we all love. Tonight will be equally delightful with mostly clear skies and temperatures dipping to a comfortable 56 degrees – ideal for leaving those windows open.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, the beautiful pattern continues! We’ll see another sunny day with temperatures warming up just a touch to 78 degrees. Wednesday night stays clear with lows again around 56.
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic couple of days across Delmarva, so get outside and enjoy this perfect June weather! I’m your TV Delmarva meteorologist, and I’ll see you tonight with your extended forecast.
Drivers traveling westbound on the Milford Harrington Highway should expect lane changes today as construction crews work on the right shoulder of the roadway.
The lane shift affects the stretch of Route 14 between Canterbury Road and Church Hill Road, with work expected to wrap up by 5 PM this evening.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
A federal appeals court has determined that a policy from the Trump administration that prohibited transgender individuals from serving in the armed forces violated the law.
The decision came from a divided panel of appellate court judges who reviewed the controversial military policy.
The ruling addresses a significant policy that affected transgender service members’ ability to serve openly in the U.S. military during the previous administration.
At the West LA Veterans Affairs Campus, an Iraq war veteran named John Follmer is working to bring new life to a forgotten piece of tranquility.
Follmer is coordinating a group of veteran volunteers who are working to restore a Japanese garden that had fallen into disrepair on the VA grounds. The rehabilitation project aims to create a peaceful retreat space for veterans seeking solace.
The restoration work involves careful pruning and maintenance of the garden’s plants and features. Follmer and his team of volunteers are dedicating their time to transforming the once-neglected space into a place where veterans can find calm and healing.
The Japanese garden project represents more than just landscaping – it’s an effort to provide veterans with a therapeutic environment where they can connect with nature and find respite from their struggles.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump attempted to establish a nearly $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded settlement that would benefit his supporters after filing lawsuits against federal agencies — even claiming he “gave up a lot of money in allowing” the arrangement.
Following significant opposition from Congress and the courts, the White House is now reconsidering the controversial fund. This development could revive the lawsuit — and the potential for the president to benefit financially.
Trump has openly transformed his presidential role into a source of significant personal gain, encompassing everything from product licensing agreements to cryptocurrency investments to expensive political and official gatherings at his properties.
When questioned about potential conflicts of interest involving the president, the White House dismissed such concerns as “the same, tired narrative that Democrats have pushed against President Trump, his family, and his administration for a decade.”
“President Trump only acts in the best interests of the American public — which is why they overwhelmingly re-elected him to this office, despite years of lies and false accusations against him and his businesses from the fake news media,” spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. “There are no conflicts of interest.”
Here are some key ways Trump has reaped rewards for himself, his children and allies in his second term:
The president filed a claim last year demanding $230 million in damages from the Justice Department following an FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida during an investigation into whether he retained classified documents from the White House.
This January, Trump, his two eldest sons and the family’s business, the Trump Organization, filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department after a former IRS contractor illegally leaked Trump’s tax returns.
To settle these legal disputes, Trump’s administration agreed that $1.776 billion in public funds would be distributed to individuals who claim they were politically targeted for prosecution by previous administrations — including Trump supporters jailed for attacking police during the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach.
Following criticism from even some congressional Republicans, the Justice Department now says it will honor a court order temporarily halting the fund.
However, there was less controversy surrounding another aspect of the agreement that would allow the government to abandon ongoing IRS audits of Trump and his family members.
In separate developments, the Air Force has agreed to buy interceptor drones from Powerus, a Florida-based company connected to Trump’s family. Additionally, ProPublica reported that direct White House intervention led to the Pentagon agreeing to provide $620 million in loans to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr.
Trump Organization spokesperson Kimberly Benza denied any ethical conflicts between the White House and the family business.
“The Trump Organization operates completely separate from the presidency and is in full compliance with all ethics and conflict-of-interest laws,” Benza said in a statement.
Regarding Powerus, Benza said Eric Trump was “a passive investor in a vehicle that, among many others, holds an interest” in the company, but wasn’t involved in its decision-making or management.
Trump has conducted stock and bond trading in ways unprecedented for a sitting U.S. president.
Office of Government Ethics filings show Trump made more than 3,600 stock trades in the first quarter of 2026 alone — transactions far exceeding $100 million in value.
Many of those trades involved sizable purchases of shares of technology and artificial intelligence giants like Nvidia, Dell, Oracle and Palantir before Trump’s administration took policy actions favoring those firms.
Similar disclosures last year show that Trump bought up more than $300 million in bonds issued by companies, states and municipalities even as he repeatedly pressed the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates — a move that could help drive up the value of his holdings.
Trump’s family has generated substantial profits in the cryptocurrency sector since his reelection. A major factor has been the $TRUMP meme coin, announced the day before Trump took office. Some 220 of the top investors were invited to a subsequent, private reception with the president.
Trump’s family also holds a controlling stake in World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm co-founded with the president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and run by his son Zach. It has its own stablecoin, USD1, and received a major boost when, just before Trump took office, an investment fund linked to the United Arab Emirates bought a large stake in it.
An Abu Dhabi state-backed investment firm, MGX, subsequently pledged to use $2 billion worth of USD1 to purchase a stake in Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange — a move that further bolstered World Liberty Financial.
Outside the digital arena, dozens of companies pay to license the president’s name for physical products, from Bibles, guitars and sneakers to watches, fragrances and a gold-hued cellphone.
Trump has promoted many such goods on social media, particularly during his 2024 campaign, but they’ve also made conspicuous appearances at the White House.
When French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited last summer, Trump showed them a merchandise room off the Oval Office stocked with goods for sale on his website. A few months later, video emerged of Trump at the White House spraying Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa with bottles of his “Victory 47” cologne and perfume, which he gave him as a gift.
The president displayed hats emblazoned with “Trump 2028” on the Resolute Desk while meeting with congressional Democrats last year. And, during a televised Cabinet meeting in May, at every seat was a red hat commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
Each hat sells for $55 on Trump’s website.
The Republican National Committee and various political groups associated with Trump and the GOP have held fundraisers and political events at Mar-a-Lago, as well as Trump’s estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, and his golf clubs in Doral, Florida, and Sterling, Virginia.
The LIV Golf league, controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which is helmed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has held events at Doral. Trump will host the G20 summit there in November.
That means world leaders, support staff, business executives, journalists and the bevies of others involved will be paying the Trump Organization, which purchased Doral in 2012, to attend. The president has already tried to head off criticism of self-dealing around the summit, saying that government attendees will be billed “at-cost” and “We will not make any money on it.”
Meanwhile, conservative groups and Republican committees have spent at least $26 million at Trump properties since 2015. The actual figure is likely higher since some groups don’t have to detail their spending.
Qatar gave Trump a $400 million jet that he intends to employ as Air Force One, then store at his presidential library after he leaves office. The gift has undergone extensive taxpayer-funded rebuilding and security upgrades that lawmakers estimate may exceed $1 billion.
Trump has also ordered up scores of renovation projects meant to leave his mark on Washington while passing on the costs to taxpayers.
He long insisted that wealthy donors would pay for the $400 million ballroom he demolished the White House’s East Wing to build — only to seek $1 billion in federal funding for security upgrades he says the military and Secret Service have sought as part of the project.
At least $15 million in public funds is going for the ceremonial arch Trump wants built at an entrance to the nation’s capital. The National Park Service is also paying a contractor $13.1 million to carry out the Trump-directed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Scientists have uncovered the most compelling evidence to date that planets outside our solar system generate magnetic fields, a discovery that enhances our knowledge of distant worlds and their potential for supporting life.
The research, conducted using telescopes located in Chile and Hawaii, focused on seven massive, scorching gas planets and their atmospheric wind patterns. The findings reveal that these distant worlds share a crucial feature found in six of the eight planets within our own solar system.
Magnetic fields form when electrically charged materials move within a planet’s interior – typically molten metal in the core – combined with the planet’s spinning motion. This creates an invisible protective barrier around the world.
Although the gas giants examined in this research cannot support life as we know it, magnetic fields may play a vital role in making rocky worlds like Earth suitable for living organisms.
Each of the studied planets circles extremely close to large, hot stars, with one hemisphere constantly facing the star while the other remains in perpetual darkness, similar to how our moon always shows the same face to Earth.
Scientists classify these worlds as “hot Jupiters” due to their similar size and makeup to our solar system’s largest planet, though they experience much more extreme temperatures. The seven planets studied range from approximately Jupiter’s mass to more than three times heavier.
Powerful winds sweep from the blazing “dayside” to the frigid “nightside” of these worlds. Their close proximity to their host stars results in blistering atmospheric conditions on the sun-facing side. All orbit closer to their stars than Mercury does to our sun.
“What you would expect is that the planets with hotter temperatures would have stronger winds. The more energy you put into the system, the more violent the winds become. But we see the opposite,” explained astronomer Julia Seidel of the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur’s Lagrange Laboratory in Nice, France, who led the study published Tuesday in Nature Astronomy.
“It’s the hottest planets that have the least strong winds mixing the atmosphere. And that’s really strange from what we know of how atmospheres behave,” Seidel noted. “That means all that energy that the star puts into the planet’s atmosphere has to be dissipated in a different way. And the only possibility to brake the atmosphere that much that fast is via the magnetic field and its interaction with the moving charged particles of the atmosphere.”
Wind velocities on these seven distant worlds reached speeds of up to 15,500 miles per hour (25,000 km per hour), exceeding those found on Jupiter.
Given that most planets in our solar system possess magnetic fields, researchers said the discovery that distant planets also have them makes sense. However, they noted that scientists had previously struggled to find convincing proof.
“We do not look at a singular exoplanet, but we look at a population of them and see a trend emerge,” Seidel stated.
Jupiter possesses the strongest and most extensive magnetic field in our solar system. The seven distant planets produced magnetic fields weaker than Jupiter’s but similar in strength to other solar system planets overall.
Mercury, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune join Earth and Jupiter as our solar system’s planets that create global magnetic fields. Venus and Mars lack magnetic fields, though Ganymede, one of Jupiter’s large moons, produces its own magnetic field. Earth’s moon also once generated its own magnetic field long ago.
Magnetic fields represent one factor that determines whether a planet can preserve its atmosphere over extended periods. Mars, for example, once possessed a magnetic field but lost it billions of years ago when its interior cooled, leaving it with only a thin atmosphere and harsh surface conditions.
“Although it’s a common misconception that magnetic fields directly determine whether a planet is habitable, they can play an important role in how a planet evolves over time,” said astronomer and study co-author Bibiana Prinoth of the European Southern Observatory in Germany. “Life as we know it relies on having an atmosphere. An atmosphere helps maintain surface pressure, regulate temperature and, on Earth, allows liquid water to exist at the surface.”
Motorists traveling on Interstate 95 southbound should expect delays at the Route 896 exit due to ongoing construction work.
The left lane of the ramp leading from I-95 southbound to Route 896 southbound at Exit 1A remains blocked to traffic. The lane restriction is scheduled to continue until Friday, June 5, 2026, with work expected to wrap up by 5 PM that day.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the construction zone.
BRUSSELS — European Union leaders have approved sweeping changes to immigration policy that will accelerate deportation processes and permit controversial agreements to establish detention facilities in foreign countries, according to human rights organizations drawing parallels to hardline U.S. immigration enforcement.
“The new regulation will speed up the return process and increase returns of persons who have no legal right to stay in the EU,” said Nicholas Ioannides, deputy migration minister for Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the 27-nation bloc.
The agreement was reached Monday evening through negotiations between the EU’s primary governing bodies — the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament — in what officials call a “trilogue” session.
Opponents have drawn comparisons between this policy and U.S. immigration strategies under the Trump administration, which established undisclosed agreements with various nations to remove thousands of individuals to countries other than their homelands. The United Kingdom had similar plans to send migrants to Rwanda, though legal challenges stalled the initiative and new leadership abandoned it upon taking office.
“The Regulation is going to create a draconian detention and deportation machine,” said Silvia Carter, spokesperson for the Brussels-based Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants.
“Across the Atlantic, we see the violence and fear created by ICE’s brutal immigration enforcement. Europe should be learning from the harms of that model, not building its own version of it.”
The tentative agreement will now advance to EU lawmakers and national leaders, where swift approval is anticipated.
Member countries will gain authority to negotiate bilateral agreements with non-EU nations to establish deportation facilities. At least five EU countries — Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece — are currently discussing arrangements with third nations, primarily in Africa, to host “return hubs” similar to Italy’s detention agreement with Albania.
The EU has consistently strengthened migration restrictions following right-wing parties gaining control in several countries during 2024. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, representing the center-right European People’s Party coalition, has stated these new policies will avoid repeating the 2015 emergency triggered by Syria’s civil conflict, when approximately 1 million people sought asylum.
Driven by individuals escaping violence and economic hardship throughout Africa and the Middle East, the 2015 refugee emergency and subsequent years of unauthorized migration to Europe have sparked a conservative political shift in the region, mirroring anti-immigration attitudes that contributed to a “red wave” in the 2024 U.S. election.
Center-right political factions joined forces with far-right groups to defeat opposition from moderate and progressive parties, according to Mélissa Camara, a French lawmaker and Green Party member who described the agreement as “a historic setback” for human rights in the region.
“The legalization of return hubs outside the European Union, the green light for the detention of minors, home visits inspired by ICE practices: the legal arsenal serving a xenophobic ideology is now complete,” she said.
Advocacy organizations cautioned the legislation would significantly undermine protections established by the EU fundamental charter on human rights and create dangers for people beyond the bloc’s borders.
“This deal will give governments much broader powers to detain and deport people,” said Marta Welander, a spokesperson for the International Rescue Committee. “It looks set to normalize immigration raids, expand the use of detention in prison-like facilities outside EU territory that are essentially legal black holes, and increase the risk of people being deported to countries where they could face persecution, torture or worse.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo has restored passenger flight service to the main airport serving the province most severely affected by the current Ebola outbreak, according to an official government announcement that reverses a decision some locals said had isolated them from essential resources.
Authorities in Kinshasa had announced the previous month they were halting commercial passenger service to Bunia, the primary airport serving Ituri province, after the initial Ebola infections were identified there. Medical and humanitarian aircraft operations continued with required government authorization.
According to a statement released Monday evening by Congo’s transport ministry, necessary measures are now established “to allow a gradual and safe resumption of air transport activities” with the airport resuming operations without delay.
The ministry outlined that all travelers will undergo temperature checks prior to departure and upon landing, must sanitize their hands before boarding, and anyone displaying fever symptoms will be prohibited from flying.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, marking Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak, on May 15, with the World Health Organization quickly designating it a public health emergency of international concern.
Health officials report the outbreak, now ranking as the third-largest on record, went undetected for several weeks, leaving authorities working from behind and facing challenges in containment efforts.
The airport reopening decision came after a visit from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who informed media Monday that he observed positive developments in the response efforts, citing five certified recoveries. However, he emphasized the necessity to expand testing and treatment capabilities while building trust in health workers.
Monday’s latest government data shows 321 confirmed Ebola cases with 48 confirmed fatalities.
The disease has spread to 15 of Ituri’s 36 health zones, with additional cases documented in North and South Kivu provinces as well as in neighboring Uganda.
The International Rescue Committee issued a warning Monday that the outbreak likely exceeds official statistics in both scale and progression.
The humanitarian organization indicated the virus may have been circulating for as long as three months prior to the first official case confirmations in mid-May.
Stock prices for Marvell Technology jumped dramatically in early Tuesday trading, climbing more than 24% after Nvidia’s chief executive made a bold prediction about the company’s future.
During a technology conference presentation at Computex week in Taipei on Tuesday, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described the chipmaker as the next “trillion-dollar company.” Huang appeared alongside Marvell CEO Matt Murphy at the event.
The stock surge pushed Marvell shares up 24.4% to $272.9 in premarket trading. If those gains maintain throughout the trading day, the company stands to increase its market value by more than $47.2 billion. Nvidia’s own stock also climbed 1.4% following the comments.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise experienced a dramatic stock surge of nearly 29% during Tuesday’s premarket trading session, as Wall Street celebrated the technology company’s decision to accelerate its long-term financial projections by two years due to robust artificial intelligence infrastructure demand.
The enterprise server manufacturer, which faces competition from Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer, is experiencing continuous demand as major corporations accelerate their equipment purchases to prevent supply chain disruptions while memory chip costs continue climbing.
Major cloud computing companies including Alphabet and Amazon are projected to invest over $700 billion in AI infrastructure throughout this year, which should increase demand for the company’s server and networking equipment.
The technology firm announced Monday that it elevated its fiscal 2026 revenue growth projection to 29%-33% from the previous 17%-22% range and boosted its networking division growth expectations to 72%-75% from 68%-73%.
“The biggest takeaway from the quarter was that HPE is benefiting from the same pricing dynamic that has recently driven upside at Dell – customers are absorbing materially higher server prices with little evidence of demand destruction,” Morgan Stanley analysts said in a note.
Dell and SMCI stock prices climbed 3% and 5% respectively during the same period.
Company CFO Marie Myers told Reuters the significant development this quarter involved increasing enterprise customer adoption of agentic AI as a primary workload. The organization stated its updated fiscal 2026 projections for adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow exceeded what it previously expected to reach by fiscal 2028.
The company maintains a 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.93, while Dell shows 24.14 and Cisco displays 25.56.
The head of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder revealed Tuesday that a potential merger with Puig, the company behind Jean Paul Gaultier, fell apart over pricing concerns, though the beauty manufacturer remains interested in future acquisition opportunities.
Stephane de La Faverie, President and CEO of the U.S. cosmetics maker, explained that negotiations with Puig concluded last month without a deal that would have formed a major beauty conglomerate capable of challenging industry frontrunner L’Oreal.
According to five sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke to Reuters, the discussions broke down due to information leaks, disputes among influential family stakeholders, and various demands, including those from make-up magnate Charlotte Tilbury.
During his remarks at a Deutsche Bank consumer conference in Paris, de La Faverie attributed the failure to financial terms.
“If we cannot reach the growth and the profitability at the right price point, then that is not an option. And this is why, obviously, this deal didn’t go through, because it was not at the right price,” he explained, noting that his company would keep evaluating potential deals.
The parent company of Clinique and M.A.C announced in May plans to eliminate between 9,000 and 10,000 positions worldwide as part of its “Beauty Reimagined” restructuring initiative, targeting up to $1.2 billion in yearly cost reductions.
A French biotechnology company saw its stock price crash Tuesday after releasing clinical trial data for an experimental medication designed to treat inflammatory bowel disease, despite the drug demonstrating impressive effectiveness rates.
Abivax stock fell 30% during early trading in Paris, making it the biggest loser on Europe’s STOXX 600 benchmark index. The decline comes after the company’s shares had surged more than 16-fold during the previous year in a remarkable rally.
The experimental medication, called Obefazimod, is an oral treatment being tested for ulcerative colitis, a long-term condition that leads to inflammation and sores in the colon. During a 44-week maintenance trial, clinical remission was achieved by 50.8% of patients taking the 25 mg dosage and 51.3% of those on the 50 mg dosage, while only 10.4% of patients receiving placebo showed improvement.
Both dosage levels successfully reached the study’s primary endpoint, demonstrating placebo-adjusted remission rates of 39.3% and 40.3% respectively, ranking among the most robust results seen in major ulcerative colitis research programs.
Nevertheless, concerns arose when three participants taking the higher 50 mg dose developed cancer cases – one instance each of prostate cancer, breast cancer and colonic dysplasia. According to Abivax’s study report released Monday, researchers determined these cases were not connected to the treatment.
Jefferies analysts told investors in a research note that the cancer cases “broke” their investment recommendation, as these incidents may continue to affect investor sentiment regardless of the underlying cause.
“Even if proven to be not drug-related or very low incidence, we expect an overhang to investor interest, strategic optionality, and commercial uptake,” the analysts explained.
Truist Securities analysts similarly noted that safety questions, with the relationship to the drug still being debated, would likely cause continued stock price fluctuations, despite the medication’s remarkable effectiveness results.
The company did not respond immediately to requests for further comment regarding concerns about the cancer cases.
However, Yale Jen, senior managing director at brokerage Laidlaw & Company, suggested the stock selloff might represent an excessive reaction to safety worries, while describing the overall trial results as a “homerun” for the drug’s development prospects.
The USS Ford has returned to its home port following almost a year of overseas deployment. The homecoming allows sailors aboard the massive vessel to enjoy some much-deserved time off after their extended mission at sea.
However, the return also presents an opportunity to tackle significant plumbing issues that have plagued the $13 billion aircraft carrier. These repairs can now be properly addressed with the ship back in port.
Correctional facilities in Oklahoma are transforming vacant property into specialized gardens that support wildlife migration patterns.
These habitat areas are being established to provide essential resources for birds and butterflies during their seasonal journeys. The state sits along a major migration corridor, making these conservation efforts particularly valuable for traveling wildlife.
Prison officials are utilizing previously undeveloped areas within their facilities to create these pollinator-friendly environments, turning unused space into beneficial ecosystems for migrating species.
Federal officials announced they will comply with a court order that temporarily stops the establishment of a controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund that has faced criticism from lawmakers across party lines.
The Justice Department confirmed it will honor the federal judge’s decision to pause the creation of the fund, which has generated opposition from both Republican and Democratic members of Congress.
A former county clerk from Colorado who was imprisoned for election interference has been released from custody earlier than expected. Tina Peters, who served as a county clerk and was found guilty of meddling in the 2020 election process, walked free after President Trump applied pressure to the state’s Democratic governor.
Peters had been serving time for her conviction related to tampering with voting equipment during the 2020 election cycle.
A political analyst who previously worked as a speechwriter for a former president recently discussed the current administration’s approach to marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
During a conversation with an NPR host, David Frum, who served as a speechwriter for former President George W. Bush and currently writes for The Atlantic, provided commentary on how the Trump administration is preparing for the nation’s semiquincentennial milestone.
The discussion centered on the planning and vision behind what will be a historic moment for the United States as the country reaches its 250th year of independence.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — June 2, 2026
DELMARVA — Two-thirds of the U.S. corn and soybean crops are in good to excellent condition according to the latest national crop report. The USDA reports 67% of corn is rated good to excellent, down 2% from last year. Soybeans are tracking at 66% good to excellent. While those numbers look solid nationwide, growing conditions vary widely by region, with some areas dealing with drought stress and others facing too much rain.
Markets
Livestock futures climbed Monday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. August live cattle gained $1.55 to close at $240.60. October contracts rose $1.90 to $232.32. Feeder cattle showed even stronger gains, with August contracts jumping $3.12 to $351.55.
At local cash markets, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.87 a bushel for July delivery. Soybeans there are $11.37 for November.
Forecast
Sunny skies are expected today with a high near 69°F and northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Tonight stays mostly clear with a low around 58°F. Wednesday brings more sunshine, warming to 74°F. No rain is in the forecast through the week, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s by Friday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 2, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
PARIS (AP) — Following Pope Leo XIV’s election last year, his passion for tennis gained attention when he met with top-ranked player Jannik Sinner during a papal audience.
Since then, Leo has made weekly tennis sessions a priority in his packed schedule, incorporating the sport into his Augustinian approach that combines physical fitness with spiritual growth.
The ancient Rule of St. Augustine, which serves as a guide for religious living, emphasizes the importance of establishing positive habits.
“He’s working to maintain consistency in his routine that stems from the Rule,” explained the Rev. Rob Hagan, Prior of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and team chaplain for the men’s basketball and football teams at Villanova University — the pope’s alma mater in Pennsylvania.
Leo’s commitment to St. Augustine became clear during his April journey to Africa, when he made a pilgrimage to the archaeological ruins in Algeria where the influential 5th century theologian and philosopher spent his final days and penned some of Western thought’s most significant works.
The pope “emphasizes a very underappreciated Augustinian value — especially in this noisy world — and that is to develop your interior life,” Hagan said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Leo enjoys spending Mondays and Tuesdays at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo in the hills outside Rome — where he plays tennis with his secretary, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga, and also enjoys swimming and horseback riding.
Prior to his papal election, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost discussed his tennis abilities in an interview with the Augustinian Order.
“I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player,” he said, in the 2023 interview after assuming leadership of the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops following years as a missionary in Peru.
“Since leaving Peru I have had few occasions to practice so I am looking forward to getting back on the court,” he added.
Marin Cilic, the Croatian professional player and 2014 U.S. Open champion, expressed that it was “amazing to hear that Pope Leo loves tennis.
“It’s a beautiful game. You enjoy it especially when you are playing without pressure of time, without pressure of tournaments,” Cilic, who comes from the Bosnian pilgrimage town of Medjugorje, said in an interview ahead of the French Open.
Even without tournament pressure, tennis demands significant mental focus. Maintaining concentration and minimizing unforced errors remains crucial for success.
“If your opponent is going beat you, that’s fine. But don’t beat yourself — you know, the double faults, the smash into the net. The play that really had nothing to do with your opponent but had to do with you,” Hagan said. “That does take a certain mental discipline, an ability to create good habits.”
Tennis also demands full-body engagement, requiring excellent hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular endurance and stamina. Additionally, there’s a social component.
This provides ideal preparation for the 70-year-old Leo to fulfill his papal duties of leading prayer services for thousands of believers, continuous public and private greetings, and exhausting papal journeys worldwide.
In April, Leo covered more than 17,700 kilometers (about 11,000 miles) across 18 flights during an 11-day African tour.
“Just look at his schedule. Look at the pace that he is keeping,” Hagan said. “He can sing the mass parts because he has a lung capacity. Hear him because he has a certain strength in his voice. It’s something that they don’t teach you in the seminary: To be a priest, to be a spiritual or really any leader for that matter, it is a physically demanding job.”
Before his papal election, he would also exercise at the Vatican-area Omega gym two to three times weekly, with hourlong sessions focusing especially on posture and cardiovascular health, according to his personal trainer at the time. Prevost’s workouts, described as appropriate for a man in his 50s, would extend up to an hour and concentrate especially on the treadmill and exercise bike, trainer Valerio Masella told The AP last year.
Hagan observed that because of Leo, “people are discovering who St. Augustine is. People are discovering who the Augustinians are.
“And people are discovering and hopefully applying these Augustinian values. We don’t have a monopoly on these values, but certainly Augustine and now Leo are putting them up on a platform that people can see,” added Hagan, who has shared Augustinian values with Villanova teams for more than two decades — including two national championship basketball teams.
“It doesn’t mean you’re going to win every game,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to win every tennis match. But what we’re trying to be is the best version of ourselves — mind, body, soul, and spirit. St. Augustine says, ‘Do not be content with what you are if you want to become what you are not yet. For where you’ve grown pleased with yourself, there you shall remain.’”
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya’s leader has publicly backed a controversial American-funded Ebola treatment center, even as legal challenges and citizen demonstrations have temporarily halted the project.
President William Ruto spoke out Monday evening in support of the disputed quarantine center planned for Laikipia Air Base, describing it as part of America’s decades-long health collaboration with his nation. He explained the facility represents just one of 24 such centers being developed to prepare for potential Ebola cases within Kenya’s borders.
Public opposition has mounted since American officials announced last week that US Ebola patients would not be permitted to return home for treatment, but would instead receive care at the Kenyan facility. The collaboration involves a $13 million American investment in the partnership.
A high court judge on Tuesday extended emergency orders first issued Friday that suspend both facility construction and any incoming foreign patients. Legal advocates from the Law Society of Kenya and constitutional group Katiba Institute brought the case, arguing Kenya’s struggling healthcare infrastructure cannot adequately serve international patients.
Making his first public remarks about the controversy, Ruto explained his decision stemmed from longstanding diplomatic ties between the nations.
“When President Trump asked the government of Kenya to support them by having a center at Laikipia Air Base, I gave the OK because it was an agreement and a partnership with friends who have worked with Kenya for 30-40 years,” he said.
The president emphasized that facilities created through this partnership would also serve Kenyan citizens should an Ebola outbreak occur domestically.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
The World Meteorological Organization issued a warning Tuesday that a moderate to potentially strong El Niño weather pattern could elevate worldwide temperatures and heighten the likelihood of severe weather conditions in the months ahead.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, El Niño represents a cyclical warming of ocean surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean that generally persists for nine to 12 months.
The agency reported that elevated ocean temperatures are fueling El Niño’s formation and projected temperatures above normal levels across most global regions from June through August. Officials expect the El Niño pattern will likely persist through November.
“We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event – which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
Saulo noted that the previous El Niño occurrence during 2023-24 helped make 2024 the warmest year ever recorded.
The WMO documented changes in the Equatorial Pacific region, where ocean surface temperatures climbed sharply between late April and mid-May, indicating El Niño conditions were forming. The organization has recorded exceptionally warm underwater conditions throughout the tropical Pacific, with temperatures surpassing average levels by more than 6 degrees Celsius, establishing a heat reservoir that promotes surface warming.
This climate phenomenon disrupts regional weather systems and may deliver enhanced precipitation to southern South America, the southern United States, portions of the Horn of Africa and central Asia, while triggering dry conditions in Australia, central America, Indonesia, and areas of southern Asia. The pattern can also contribute to global warming effects and strengthen hurricanes across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, the WMO stated.
“The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is. El Niño conditions will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world,” said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, calling for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
The WMO noted that while climate change does not appear to increase how often or how intense El Niño events become, it can worsen related consequences including severe heat waves and intense rainfall.
A broken-bat single by Cole Young in the bottom of the 10th inning drove home the decisive run as the Seattle Mariners edged the visiting New York Mets 3-2 on Monday night.
The American League West-leading Mariners extended their winning streak to seven games behind solo home runs from rookie Colt Emerson and Josh Naylor.
New York got home runs from Jared Young and Marcus Semien, but their four-game winning streak came to a halt.
Mariners reliever Gabe Speier (1-2) worked a perfect top of the 10th inning to earn the victory.
Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 1
Tommy Troy, Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte connected for home runs as Arizona ended a three-game skid with a victory over Los Angeles in Phoenix.
Troy launched his first major league home run to even the score at 1-1 in the sixth inning. Arenado followed with a solo shot in the seventh, while Marte added a two-run blast in the eighth. Eduardo Rodriguez surrendered one run and five hits across six innings of work.
Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani collected three hits and pushed his on-base streak to 17 games. Los Angeles had previously won seven of eight contests and 14 of 17. Emmet Sheehan (3-2) surrendered two runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings.
Royals 9, Reds 2
Lane Thomas connected for a first-inning grand slam while Luinder Avila delivered five solid innings as visiting Kansas City routed Cincinnati. Avila (1-2) surrendered one run on two hits while fanning five and issuing four walks for the Royals, who ended a six-game slide.
Jac Caglianone and Michael Massey also went deep for Kansas City. Both Massey and Thomas recorded three hits apiece, with Caglianone contributing two RBIs.
Lyon Richardson (0-1) started for Cincinnati in place of an ailing Chase Burns and allowed four runs in just one inning. JJ Bleday launched his third homer in four games for the Reds, who fell for the fourth time in five outings.
Brewers 16, Giants 2
Brice Turang broke out of an 0-for-21 slump with a double and two-run triple to spark Milwaukee’s 18-hit offensive explosion in a rout of visiting San Francisco.
Christian Yelich and David Hamilton each recorded three hits and scored three runs for the Brewers. Jackson Chourio contributed two hits and three RBIs, while five different players drove in two runs apiece for Milwaukee, which captured its sixth victory in seven games.
Matt Chapman launched a two-run homer for all of San Francisco’s offense as the Giants dropped their sixth game in seven tries. The Giants managed only five hits total. Landen Roupp (5-6) was tagged for eight runs on eight hits in four innings.
Twins 9, White Sox 6
Tristan Gray crushed a grand slam and totaled five RBIs as Minnesota held off Chicago in Minneapolis.
Josh Bell went 2-for-4 with a double for the Twins, who halted a five-game losing streak. Trevor Larnach finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. Joe Ryan (4-3) allowed four runs on eight hits across six innings.
Chicago starter David Sandlin (1-1) was hammered for eight runs on eight hits in four-plus innings. Miguel Vargas went 3-for-5 with a pair of homers and four RBIs. Andrew Benintendi finished 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs for the White Sox, whose five-game winning streak was snapped.
Rockies 9, Angels 8
TJ Rumfield brought home the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning while Hunter Goodman and Jake McCarthy each homered as Colorado rallied past Los Angeles in Anaheim, California.
Troy Johnston, Kyle Karros, Sterlin Thompson and McCarthy each collected two hits and an RBI for the Rockies, who prevailed despite making four errors. Antonio Senzatela (5-0) earned the victory with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, though he allowed the tying run when he entered.
Jose Siri blasted a grand slam to highlight a five-run third inning while Jorge Soler went 3-for-5 with two RBIs for the Angels. Kirby Yates (0-1) surrendered the winning run in the ninth.
Rangers 2, Cardinals 1
Jacob deGrom hurled five scoreless innings to capture his 100th career victory as visiting Texas defeated St. Louis.
Ezequiel Duran doubled home a run among his three hits while Joc Pederson added an RBI single for the Rangers, who tied their season high with a fourth consecutive victory. deGrom (4-4) fanned eight batters, and Jacob Latz worked the ninth inning for his eighth save.
Masyn Winn’s sixth-inning homer was the Cardinals’ only hit over the final five innings as St. Louis lost for the sixth time in eight games. Michael McGreevy (3-5) pitched six innings while allowing two runs.
Tigers 10, Rays 9
Detroit built a six-run early advantage but had to withstand a late Tampa Bay comeback to secure a victory in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Tigers launched a season-high five home runs while ending a four-game losing streak. Dillon Dingler went 4-for-5 and recorded his first career two-homer game. He also doubled while matching his career-high four RBIs. Riley Greene went 3-for-4 with a homer, double and three RBIs. Kerry Carpenter had a 3-for-5 performance with a homer and double.
Yandy Diaz went 3-for-5 as the only Ray with multiple hits. Junior Caminero finished 1-for-3 with two walks, three runs and two RBIs.
Marlins 7, Nationals 3
Pinch hitter Heriberto Hernandez belted a two-run homer while Sandy Alcantara threw seven strong innings as Miami came from behind to defeat Washington and end a five-game losing streak.
Alcantara (4-4) gave up three runs on seven hits to record his first victory since April 24. Liam Hicks launched a solo homer in the ninth inning before Kyle Stowers followed with a two-run shot. Otto Lopez collected three hits for the Marlins.
Jacob Young hit a two-run homer while Curtis Mead had two hits and an RBI for the Nationals. Richard Lovelady (2-3) allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning.
BEIJING, June 2 – Beijing has sharply rebuked the Philippines’ top defense official following his characterization of China as a major security concern, despite recent Chinese offers of assistance during supply shortages.
The Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated to Reuters on Saturday that China continues to represent a “severe threat” and has shown no indication of genuine long-term goodwill, even as Beijing has recently provided fertilizer and fuel during war-related supply issues.
Beijing’s foreign ministry responded by claiming Teodoro’s statements show he is “solely driven by personal interests” and has ignored what’s best for his country’s citizens.
“If such individuals are allowed to act as they please, how will China continue to provide aid and supplies to the Philippines?” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning asked during a Tuesday press conference.
The leader of South Korea’s SK Group announced Tuesday that the company’s memory chip division, SK Hynix, intends to expand its wafer production capacity by 100% within the next five years.
Chey Tae-won made the announcement during the Computex conference in Taipei, where top technology executives from around the globe, including representatives from Nvidia, have assembled.
Chey, who previously cautioned in March that worldwide chip wafer shortages would likely continue through 2030, also indicated the company seeks additional collaborative relationships in Taiwan beyond its current partnership with TSMC, the globe’s biggest contract semiconductor manufacturer.
He expressed hope that his company could become a primary supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) components for Nvidia’s Vera Rubin system.
Just last week, SK Hynix achieved a market valuation exceeding $1 trillion for the first time, joining competitors Samsung Electronics and Micron Technology in reaching this significant benchmark amid an artificial intelligence-fueled market surge.
As Nvidia’s primary HBM chip supplier, SK Hynix commanded a 58% portion of the worldwide HBM market during the first quarter, with Samsung and Micron each capturing 21% shares, based on data from Counterpoint Research.
Chey’s statements arrive as industry experts suggest the artificial intelligence surge is transforming the historically cyclical memory sector.
Goldman Sachs increased its 2028 operating profit projections for SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics by 24% and 23.3% respectively, reaching 454 trillion won ($299.62 billion) and 610 trillion won, attributing the growth to continued AI-powered demand.
