WASHINGTON — The board of trustees at the Kennedy Center is making an emergency attempt to halt a federal court mandate requiring the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the renowned performing arts venue before Friday’s deadline.
During a Thursday meeting, board members voted to request a stay of U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s May 29 decision declaring that Trump’s name was unlawfully placed on the Kennedy Center, according to an individual with knowledge of the private deliberations who spoke anonymously. The official stay request is scheduled to be submitted Friday, the source indicated.
Cooper determined that only Congress possesses the authority to modify the Kennedy Center’s designation and mandated that all Trump references be eliminated by Friday. The judge additionally prevented the administration from shuttering the cultural institution for extensive renovations that were set to begin in July and continue for two years.
This board action represents a departure from a June 4 internal memo from the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel instructing employees that email signatures, official letterhead and other materials should display the name as “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center.”
The Kennedy Center’s online presence has already eliminated the president’s name. Additionally, an email distributed this week to patrons promoting ticket packages for the June 28 Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony originated from the Kennedy Center without incorporating Trump’s name.
“The Trump administration’s 11th hour gambit after waiting nearly two weeks evinces desperation,” stated Norm Eisen, a board member at Democracy Defenders Action, and Nathaniel Zelinsky, senior counsel at the Washington Litigation Group. “That is what they should be feeling because they don’t have a legal leg to stand on. We will be vigorously contesting this latest ploy as we have throughout the case on behalf of Congresswoman Beatty and the American people.”
The attorneys represent Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, an ex-officio Kennedy Center board member who initiated the legal challenge to strip Trump’s name from the institution.
Following minimal attention to the Kennedy Center throughout most of his initial presidency, Trump has exercised significant control over the facility since returning to office. Within one month of beginning his second term, he removed the center’s existing leadership and installed a personally selected board of trustees that designated him as chairman. He appointed Richard Grenell as president, a role he maintained until March when Matt Floca took over the position.
The venue’s programming has shifted toward more Trump-aligned content, hosting events including the debut of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary, “Melania.”
The board additionally announced the facility’s rebranding as the Trump Kennedy Center, a modification that legal experts and legislators argue requires congressional approval, and physically installed the president’s name on the building’s exterior.
The arts community’s reaction was immediate and severe. Performer Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck and writer Louise Penny were among many artists who canceled scheduled appearances, while advisors including musician Ben Folds and vocalist Renée Fleming stepped down. This month, National Symphony Orchestra executive director Jean Davidson departed to lead the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Along with approving the stay request Thursday, the board endorsed a resolution acknowledging Trump’s “commitment to uphold this cherished American institution.”
A Tennessee grand jury has handed down a first-degree murder indictment against former NFL linebacker Darron Lee in connection with his girlfriend’s death earlier this year.
The indictment was issued Tuesday, according to multiple media reports. Hamilton County (Tenn.) District Attorney Coty Wamp informed local station WTVC that prosecutors have dropped an evidence tampering charge and “will focus solely on the murder.”
Wamp indicated that capital punishment remains a possibility for Lee, with a determination expected in the upcoming weeks.
During a March preliminary hearing, prosecutors revealed evidence that included Lee’s ChatGPT search history. The records showed he had questioned the AI program about handling an unconscious person and what types of wounds would match injuries from a bathroom fall.
The 29-year-old victim, Gabriella Perpetuo, was discovered by emergency personnel on Feb. 5 at the pair’s rented residence in Ooltewah, Tenn., a small community roughly 20 minutes from Lee’s hometown of Chattanooga.
Emergency medical workers responded to the scene and performed life-saving procedures, but the victim died from her wounds and was declared deceased at the location. Lee was named as a suspect and arrested.
Detective Brian Lockhart provided testimony describing the victim’s “severe injuries, including severe brain trauma, a broken neck, bruising across her body, a large bite mark on her shoulder and thigh, stab wounds to her legs and significant facial trauma.”
Lee claimed to investigators that Perpetuo suffered from narcolepsy and probably fell in the bathroom. Lockhart painted a very different picture.
“There was blood going up the staircase, on the hand railing there was blood, on the walls there was blood, on the floor in the living room there was blood, in the floor on the hallway and the stairs … there was blood in just about every room except one,” Lockhart testified.
Lee had previous run-ins with the law in 2023, facing charges for three separate assault incidents involving his mother, the mother of his child and another individual. He also received a felony drug possession charge after missing his court appearance for that matter later that year. He entered guilty pleas to two reduced charges in 2025.
The 31-year-old Lee was a member of the Ohio State squad that captured the 2014 national title before being drafted 20th overall by the New York Jets in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Lee spent portions of five NFL seasons playing for the Jets (2016-18), Kansas City Chiefs (2019) and Buffalo Bills (2020).
Three soccer players born in African refugee camps are poised to represent Australia’s evolving national identity on the world’s biggest stage, as they prepare to help the Socceroos pursue their World Cup ambitions.
Head coach Tony Popovic is placing his trust in forwards Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, both young prospects hoping to earn their first World Cup playing time when Australia faces Turkey on Saturday in their tournament opener.
Awer Mabil, 30, serves as the veteran presence among the trio and will provide guidance as their “older brother” during his second World Cup appearance.
All three share common backgrounds as children of refugee families who developed their soccer skills in Adelaide, Australia’s quiet state capital.
These players have already gained recognition within Australia’s 500,000-member African community, and their connection on the field could prove crucial to Australia’s goal of progressing past the group stage and claiming their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
“It’s the country that gave us the opportunity to live,” said 22-year-old Toure.
“So I think (the World Cup) would be the best way to pay back and just do what I love at a top level.”
Toure, currently competing in England’s second division, entered the world at a refugee facility in Guinea after his family escaped Liberia.
Though he has earned just 10 international appearances, he has established himself as Popovic’s preferred striker following an impressive stint with Norwich City, where he netted nine times in 11 matches.
The 20-year-old Irankunda, born in a Tanzanian refugee camp, has formed a close friendship with Toure and also competes in England’s second tier with Watford.
While Irankunda’s high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich in 2024 didn’t pan out as expected, the player of Burundian descent has won over supporters during his 15 national team appearances through his dynamic play and distinctive goal celebrations.
Mabil’s soccer journey began with informal games among children at a Kenyan refugee camp, where he remained until age 10 after his family fled Sudan’s civil conflict.
Initially overlooked by Popovic, the forward with 38 caps earned his recall to the national squad in March for the first time in nearly two years, following strong performances with Castellon in Spain’s second tier.
“Obviously, I had a little taste in the last one (World Cup), but this one will mean extra because I think it’s not been an easy couple of years for me,” he said.
The Socceroos roster, once primarily composed of players with European ancestry, has grown significantly more diverse in recent years.
Six players of African heritage — representing nearly 25% of the World Cup squad — are expected to see action in North America, twice the number selected for the 2022 Qatar tournament.
Four of these players developed their talents in Adelaide, which has emerged as an unexpected center for African soccer development.
Striker Tete Yengi, who plays professionally in Japan and scored during his debut in Australia’s 1-1 World Cup preparation match against Switzerland, completes the Adelaide group.
Yengi, whose brother Kusini also represents Australia internationally, traces his roots to South Sudan and maintains a strong relationship with former Adelaide United teammate Irankunda.
The Adelaide A-League organization has cultivated deep connections within the city’s African communities and has a track record of developing young talent, having given Irankunda his professional debut at just 15 years old.
“That’s why we keep producing these hidden gems,” Deng Akoy, a South Sudanese-Australian coach for Adelaide’s youth team, told Reuters.
Though Australia welcomes thousands of asylum seekers annually, immigration has become a contentious political issue, with some politicians attributing housing costs and social problems to immigration policies.
According to Akoy, players like Toure and Irankunda have an opportunity to change public perception at the World Cup by demonstrating the positive outcomes of multicultural integration.
“Australian football is reflecting modern Australia. So that’s something we should all celebrate.”
SEOUL – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol received a 30-year prison sentence Friday after a court convicted him on charges related to military drone flights over North Korea that allegedly helped lay the groundwork for his unsuccessful martial law declaration in December 2024, according to Yonhap news agency.
The Seoul Central District Court convicted Yoon on charges of abuse of power and aiding the enemy, determining he was involved in planning the October 2024 drone operation from the beginning, the news agency reported.
Yoon maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. His legal team argued he neither commanded nor gave subsequent approval for the drone mission, claiming it was unconnected to martial law efforts and was actually a reaction to ongoing North Korean balloon launches carrying debris across the border.
Back in April, prosecutors had requested the 30-year sentence that the court ultimately imposed.
This latest conviction represents another legal blow for the disgraced former conservative leader, who previously served as South Korea’s chief prosecutor before his presidency led one of Asia’s major economies into severe political chaos.
Earlier this year in February, another South Korean court handed Yoon a life sentence after convicting him of orchestrating an insurrection connected to his martial law effort.
The Constitutional Court removed him from the presidency last year by confirming his impeachment, which led to an emergency election won by liberal President Lee Jae Myung.
Currently behind bars, Yoon has the option to challenge Friday’s lower court decision through an appeal.
A university athletics department has kicked off documentation of their 2026 302 Tour, sharing updates from the first day of activities.
The athletics program is maintaining a blog to chronicle the tour’s progress, with initial coverage focusing on Day 1 events. The tour appears to be part of the university’s broader athletics programming for 2026.
Officials are using the blog format to provide ongoing updates and documentation of tour activities as they unfold throughout the initiative.
Drivers using westbound Kirkwood Highway should expect delays overnight as construction crews have shut down the left lane between E Green Valley Circle and Harmony Road.
The lane restriction will remain in effect until 6 a.m., according to traffic officials. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when passing through the construction zone.
PITTSBURGH — Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was removed from Thursday evening’s matchup against Pittsburgh during the seventh inning after developing inflammation in his left knee.
Before his early departure, the reigning National League MVP delivered a standout performance at the plate. Ohtani connected for his 13th home run of the season during the third inning, sending a solo blast over the fence. He also collected a base hit and drew two walks, successfully reaching base in each of his four plate appearances.
The timing of when Ohtani first experienced the knee discomfort remains unknown.
The Los Angeles Dodgers faced injury troubles during their Thursday matchup against Pittsburgh, losing two key players before the game concluded.
Star player Shohei Ohtani departed in the seventh inning’s top half due to inflammation in his left knee. The versatile athlete had been having an outstanding performance, collecting two hits in two at-bats, including a home run, and reaching base safely four times before leaving the contest. Santiago Espinal took over his designated hitter role.
The team’s injury woes began earlier when starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski suffered problems in the fifth inning. The left-handed pitcher took a hard-hit ball traveling 96.2 mph off his upper leg, then collided with Bryan Reynolds during Reynolds’ infield hit.
Wrobleski was diagnosed with a right hamstring contusion and could not continue. His outing lasted 4 2/3 innings, during which he surrendered four runs on six hits, including two home runs.
Ohtani had given his team an early advantage in the third inning, connecting on a 3-2 sweeper from Mitch Keller and sending it over the right-center field barrier for a solo home run. This marked his 13th home run of the current season, following his two-run homer in Wednesday’s 9-8 defeat to the Pirates.
Cross-border violence between Russia and Ukraine escalated Thursday night, with attacks on both sides leaving multiple casualties, according to regional authorities.
Acting Regional Governor Yegor Kovalchuk reported via Telegram that Ukrainian forces struck Russia’s Bryansk border region, resulting in two fatalities and ten people wounded. The casualties occurred across multiple locations, with two deaths and two injuries from bombardment in the Suzemka area near the border. Seven additional people were hurt during strikes on fuel stations in Starodub, located approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from the border. A young child, age five, also sustained injuries in a separate drone strike, Kovalchuk stated.
Ukrainian territory also came under attack, with regional governor Oleh Hryhorov confirming on Telegram early Friday that Russian drone strikes in northern Sumy region killed a 44-year-old woman and left a 33-year-old woman with serious injuries.
Additional casualties were reported in Ukraine’s southern Mykolaiv city, where local officials said three people were wounded in another drone assault.
The reported incidents could not be verified independently by Reuters.
Multiple media sources reported Thursday that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has requested to be traded from the organization.
The 31-year-old player still has four seasons remaining on his eight-year contract worth $74 million, which averages $9.25 million per year. His deal contains a complete no-movement clause, meaning Edmonton cannot move him without his consent. According to reports, he has provided the organization with a list of preferred teams.
Selected seventh overall in the opening round of the 2013 draft, Nurse has spent his entire 12-season career with Edmonton. This past season, he recorded seven goals and 17 assists, marking his weakest offensive performance since the 2017-18 campaign, despite appearing in all 82 regular season contests.
During this year’s playoffs, Nurse failed to register any points across six games as Edmonton fell to the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round.
Throughout his professional career spanning 798 games, Nurse has tallied 88 goals and 236 assists. In postseason play, he has contributed seven goals and 22 assists over 100 games.
Soccer enthusiasts making their way to Vancouver for the World Cup are accepting expensive ticket costs, with many dismissing the financial burden in favor of meaningful personal experiences that go far beyond the game itself — including paying tribute to deceased family members and creating special moments with loved ones.
The international tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicked off Thursday with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in an intense match that saw three red cards issued. Vancouver will host its inaugural game Saturday when Turkey meets Australia in Group D competition.
Some attendees say their travel plans hold significant emotional value. One German supporter explained he decided to come to Vancouver as a way to honor his deceased father, who had an affection for the city, despite recognizing the increasing expense of match attendance.
“We are here to watch Australia against Turkey, and I’m happy to get some tickets,” Harold from Germany told Reuters.
“I paid $150. That’s a lot of money for a football match, but I got lucky to get tickets at this price.”
“We’ve been to tournaments in Germany, the World Cup, and the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, and it has always been expensive, but it’s getting more and more expensive, and I don’t like this, but I think it’s a great atmosphere.”
Australian supporter Mark Wright, who is experiencing his fifth World Cup alongside his family members, emphasized that financial considerations pale in comparison to the opportunity for creating unforgettable experiences.
The Socceroos have consistently earned qualification spots for the international tournament, participating in the previous six competitions and reaching the round of 16 for a second occasion in Qatar four years ago.
“It wasn’t about the cost. I’ve been to four World Cups now, and it’s never about the cost,” Wright said. “It’s about following my country and my team, and spending time with my family.
“For me, the World Cup is a lifetime memory — doing things that I love, celebrating, watching.
“I think the World Cup makes everywhere better. You see the best version of a country or a city, because people are happy. Generally, the weather decides to be good as well, out of some sort of miracle. But football is life, as they say in (the popular TV show) Ted Lasso, and I think that gives everyone a bit of a feeling, and it improves the city.”
A pair of Guatemalan nationals entered guilty pleas Thursday in Texas federal court on human trafficking charges linked to a fatal December 2021 truck accident in Mexico that claimed the lives of 55 migrants among more than 160 people crammed inside the vehicle.
Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, age 43, and Alberto Marcario Chitic, age 32, who were brought to the United States through extradition, acknowledged their participation in a conspiracy to transport adults and children without guardians from Guatemala through Mexico to reach the United States, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
During one smuggling attempt, approximately 166 migrants were stuffed into a commercial truck that flipped over and crashed into a bridge support structure close to Tuxtla Gutierrez in Chiapas, Mexico.
The December 9, 2021, collision resulted in 55 migrant deaths, including one 16-year-old female, while many others sustained injuries. Video recordings from the scene revealed bodies spread throughout the crash location.
Mexican officials reported at that time that almost all victims were from Guatemala. Chiapas authorities indicated that among the injured were three individuals from the Dominican Republic, along with one person each from Honduras, Mexico, and Ecuador.
Those who survived described being pressed into the trailer space so densely that the majority could only remain standing. The incident was considered one of the most fatal migrant-smuggling tragedies in Mexico over the past ten years.
Both Canil De Zavala and Chitic entered guilty pleas for conspiracy to illegally transport individuals to the United States, causing severe physical harm that led to fatalities, the Justice Department announced.
Each defendant could receive a life sentence when their sentencing occurs on September 9 in Texas federal court, officials stated.
“The defendants ran a calculated alien smuggling operation that moved people across borders like a supply chain – recruiting them in Guatemala, collecting their money and packing them into cattle trucks and tractor-trailers for a dangerous journey through Mexico,” said John Marck, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas.
Marck noted that children without guardians who were smuggled by this network received prepared statements to repeat to authorities if apprehended while attempting to enter the United States.
These two defendants along with three additional Guatemalans charged with participating in the scheme – Daniel Zavala Ramos, 41, Tomas Quino Canil, 37, and Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, 25 – were brought from Guatemala to the United States in 2025 to answer charges.
Federal authorities also detained another Guatemalan citizen, Jorge Agapito Ventura, 33, in Texas during December 2024. Ramos submitted a guilty plea in April. Legal proceedings against the remaining three individuals continue.
Brandon Bussi will take the net once more for the Hurricanes when they face the Golden Knights in Game 5 on Thursday at Carolina, following his impressive 18-save performance in his debut Stanley Cup playoff start during the team’s Game 4 victory.
The Stanley Cup Final stands even at 2-2 in the best-of-seven matchup.
“‘Bus Man’ has been great,” said Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal. “It’s not an easy job stepping in and doing what he did, and he’s going to have to keep doing that if you want a chance. He’s a big goalie that battles hard and grinds and finds ways to get wins, so we’re happy with any goalie that’s in our organization that’s in the net.”
The 27-year-old netminder took over for Frederik Andersen, who had been struggling after giving up 12 goals on 65 shots during the series’ opening three contests. Bussi entered during the third period of Saturday’s 5-4 double-overtime defeat in Game 3, where he turned away 18 of 19 shots in relief duty.
Over his last two game appearances, Bussi has made 36 saves on 40 shots faced.
Andersen had been Carolina’s go-to starter for the first 16 postseason games, compiling a 13-2 record during that stretch.
Coordinated Ukrainian attacks on fuel infrastructure have created the most severe gasoline shortage in Russian-occupied Crimea since Moscow’s 2014 takeover of the peninsula. The strategic strikes target refineries, storage facilities, pipelines, and transport routes supplying the Black Sea region.
The fuel shortage represents a significant setback to Moscow’s claims of success in the nearly four-year conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have systematically attacked supply lines to Crimea, creating widespread disruptions that Russian authorities have struggled to address effectively.
These ongoing assaults demonstrate Ukraine’s increasing capability and precision in drone warfare, catching Russian forces unprepared and without adequate countermeasures.
The timing coincides with Russia Day celebrations on Friday, traditionally marking the beginning of summer tourist season. The gasoline crisis threatens to severely impact the peninsula’s tourism-dependent economy, which relies heavily on its coastal attractions and resort destinations.
In an unusual public statement, the Kremlin has admitted the severity of the situation and pledged swift action to resolve the fuel shortage.
Ukraine’s tactical successes underscore its capacity to deliver significant strategic damage to Russian operations and alter the trajectory of the war, even as Moscow’s recent territorial gains have largely stalled. Thursday marked the 1,569th day of Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, now exceeding the length of World War I.
The peninsula has held strategic importance for Russia since its conquest from Turkic-speaking Tatars during the 18th century following Moscow’s victory over the Ottoman Empire.
In 1954, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev relocated Crimea from Russian to Ukrainian administrative control while both regions remained within the USSR. Following the Soviet collapse in 1991, the diamond-shaped territory became part of independent Ukraine.
Moscow maintained naval facilities in Sevastopol, and after a popular revolution removed a pro-Russian Ukrainian leader in February 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin deployed military forces to occupy Crimea. Moscow subsequently annexed the peninsula through a referendum widely rejected by the international community.
This annexation sparked a Moscow-supported separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine that continued with fluctuating intensity until the February 2022 full-scale invasion. Russian forces based in Crimea rapidly captured extensive areas of southern Ukraine early in the war, establishing overland access to the peninsula.
Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has employed missiles and drones attempting to break Russian control of the territory. Ukrainian forces have destroyed multiple Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea and at Crimean ports, severely damaging Moscow’s maritime capabilities and forcing fleet relocation to Novorossiysk.
Ukraine has systematically attacked ammunition storage sites, military airfields, and Putin’s signature project, the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to Russia. A truck bombing in October 2022 killed five people, destroyed two bridge sections, and required extensive reconstruction. Additional bridge attacks occurred in 2023 and 2025.
Following the Kerch Bridge incidents, Russia redirected most fuel and supply shipments through highway and rail routes via occupied territories along the Sea of Azov coastline. These deliveries faced disruption last month when Ukrainian drones struck fuel transport vehicles on roads Moscow considered secure, leaving numerous burning trucks.
Additional persistent Ukrainian attacks have targeted refineries, petroleum storage facilities, and pipelines throughout Russia, damaging oil export capabilities and creating domestic fuel shortages.
The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War highlighted the coordination between long-distance strikes and attacks disrupting supplies to Crimea and other occupied areas.
“The long-range strike campaign is therefore reducing Russia’s production capacity, while the midrange strike campaign is hurting Russia’s ability to transport the gasoline Russia is still able to produce,” it said in an analysis.
Compounding the situation, Ukrainian drones repeatedly targeted the Chonhar Bridge this week, which connects mainland Ukraine and Crimea across a narrow waterway. Officials have installed temporary pontoon crossings.
The Ukrainian military said it struck the bridge to disrupt movement of troops, ammunition and fuel from Crimea.
While the immediate impact on Russian military operations remains unclear, civilians in Crimea and other occupied regions are experiencing significant hardship.
The current crisis surpasses all previous fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian strikes since the 2014 annexation.
By late May, officials implemented rationing limiting gasoline purchases to 20 liters per vehicle owner weekly through prepaid vouchers. These vouchers sold out immediately upon release through official messaging channels, forcing motorists to wait hours in refueling lines.
Social media platforms overflow with fuel location requests and tips, while authorities established a helpline for stranded tourists.
Although fuel transport across the Kerch Bridge ceased for security reasons following Ukrainian attacks, ferry deliveries continue and are expected to expand.
Some drivers transport personal fuel supplies across the bridge from mainland Russia, though regulations limit individual vehicles to 100 liters. Black market dealers sell gasoline at twice the standard price.
Crimea hosted nearly 7 million visitors last year and projected higher numbers for this season. The business publication Kommersant reported nearly 80% of hotel reservations were cancelled in late May and early June.
Several hotels began offering complimentary gasoline with new bookings, promotions that were immediately claimed.
Tourist concerns increased following a Ukrainian drone attack earlier this week on a passenger train traveling from Moscow to Crimea, wounding the operator and killing his assistant. Service was temporarily halted while passengers were transported by bus.
A previous attack on a regional train in Crimea resulted in one death and three injuries, prompting authorities to modify schedules and restrict daytime operations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the Crimean fuel shortages earlier this week and promised that “measures were being taken” to deal with them.
The Russian Defense Ministry has remained silent regarding Ukrainian attacks on the overland corridor, while some military commentators have sharply criticized the armed forces for inadequate preparation and delayed responses.
Some proposed military protection for fuel convoys while others advocated increased strikes on Ukrainian bridges, fuel storage locations, and infrastructure.
During the fuel crisis and blame allocation, Ukraine delivered another symbolic strike against Russia, hitting a historic Sevastopol structure housing a massive panoramic artwork depicting the city’s defense during the 19th century Crimean War. The painting was effectively destroyed by fire during the attack, according to Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea’s largest city.
Considering Putin’s emphasis on Crimea, military blogger Valery Shiryayev suggested the attack would particularly infuriate the Russian leader.
“It’s hard to find another work of art, another part of national heritage, whose destruction would be as painful for Putin,” he said.
Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, an attorney and the oldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, passed away at age 47, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced.
The princess died Thursday night at a Bangkok medical facility where she had received treatment since losing consciousness from an illness three years earlier, Friday’s official statement revealed.
The royal was deeply involved in judicial reform initiatives and gained recognition primarily through her “Inspire” or Kamlangjai program, which focused on preparing imprisoned Thai women for successful reintegration into society.
Medical staff admitted the princess in December 2022 after she collapsed during a canine training session for a military demonstration. Palace officials reported she suffered from a mycoplasma infection, a bacterial condition typically linked to pneumonia.
The king’s 2023 New Year greeting featured King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida dressed in dark mourning attire, which many Thai citizens interpreted as evidence of her serious medical state. Sparse updates released over the following years suggested her health was declining.
Born December 7, 1978, she was the daughter of Vajiralongkorn, then serving as crown prince, and his former spouse Princess Soamsawali. The king fathered seven children with three of his four consecutive marriages. The princess also carried the formal royal title Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati for official ceremonies.
Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the king’s youngest child, stands as the expected successor since male heirs receive priority under Thailand’s succession laws. However, the princess’s extensive public service background sparked discussion that she might assume a significant position in future transitions, potentially serving as regent for a young ruler.
She completed legal studies at Thammasat University before attending Cornell University in New York, earning her master’s in law during 2002. Cornell awarded her a doctoral degree in 2005 following her dissertation on protecting defendants’ rights. The university later created Cornell Law School scholarships and a Thailand-Cornell legal scholar exchange program bearing her name.
Following a short tenure at Thailand’s United Nations mission in New York, she returned home to serve as a prosecutor. She resumed international service as Thailand’s representative to Austria between 2012 and 2014, then came back to focus on criminal justice reform. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime named her a goodwill ambassador in 2017.
Beyond her work rehabilitating female inmates, she championed various causes including improving prison conditions for women and combating gender-based violence as an honorary UN goodwill ambassador for women. Her advocacy resulted in the UN General Assembly passing the “Bangkok Rules” governing treatment and conditions for female prisoners.
“Society cannot grow if there is instability and injustice,” the princess stated during a 2013 Associated Press interview.
“Without the rule of law, without a good justice system, it’s always chaos,” she continued. “I think the rule of law is a very important pillar to development, to economic growth, and of course to human rights.”
Officials in the Philippines condemned China’s decision Friday to impose sanctions on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., calling Beijing’s actions “an unfriendly act” that threatens to worsen diplomatic ties between the nations, while Teodoro pledged to keep protecting Manila’s interests against Chinese aggression.
Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed Thursday that Teodoro and his relatives are now prohibited from traveling to China, Hong Kong, and Macao due to what officials characterized as “irresponsible remarks” that damaged China’s interests.
China’s government additionally barred any Chinese individuals or organizations from conducting business with Teodoro and his family members “to uphold China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”
Since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named him defense chief in June 2023, Teodoro has emerged as a prominent opponent of China’s conduct in the contested South China Sea region and toward Taiwan.
Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs acknowledged that while China has the right to impose such penalties, the Philippines considers the move “as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations.”
“Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries,” the foreign affairs department said.
Teodoro pledged to maintain his responsibilities to the Philippines and stated that China’s penalties highlighted “what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception.”
Beijing has previously targeted a former Philippine senator with sanctions, along with American and European leaders, for activities China considered contrary to its objectives, including human rights issues.
The former Philippine senator, Francis Tolentino, authored legislation that confirmed the Philippines’ maritime boundaries and resource rights, including areas in the South China Sea. China asserts control over nearly the entire disputed region.
In previous statements, Teodoro described China’s broad South China Sea claims as “the biggest fiction and lie” and specifically criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Chinese Communist Party allies for Beijing’s hostile and unlawful strategies.
“It’s caused by Xi Jinping and his abusive ways … that would possibly destroy his leadership of his party in China and the goodwill that was nurtured by his predecessors,” Teodoro told reporters.
Teodoro has spearheaded initiatives to strengthen Manila’s military and security partnerships with the United States, the Philippines’ long-standing treaty partner, including expanding yearly military training exercises with U.S. forces that now feature joint maritime patrols and operations in the South China Sea.
He has also worked to establish military cooperation agreements with allied nations such as Japan, France, Canada and New Zealand, which he believes will help counter China’s aggressive behavior.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska’s chief election administrator has warned a Republican Senate candidate that he may be removed from the August primary ballot because he has the identical name and party as the current Republican senator Dan Sullivan.
Elections Division Director Carol Beecher sent a letter to the challenging candidate Dan Sullivan stating her department had received two complaints about his qualifications and concluded “that the preponderance of evidence does not support your eligibility for the office of United States Senator.”
Beecher set a Thursday deadline for him to provide “any additional information and evidence” to defend his candidacy.
The challenger Sullivan has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Beecher’s correspondence, who is a registered Republican with a history of contributing to GOP organizations and campaigns. The Wednesday-dated letter, which was reported by the Anchorage Daily News, did not detail what evidence might justify removing him from the primary ballot, and her department has not answered media inquiries.
The challenger’s campaign has created controversy in one of the nation’s most watched U.S. Senate contests. Democrats view this seat as a key pickup opportunity as they work to reclaim control of the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
The incumbent senator has claimed his same-name opponent is collaborating with Democrats to confuse voters and help his main rival, former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, an allegation both have rejected. The challenger, a resident of the small fishing town of Petersburg south of Juneau, told The Associated Press this week that running was “my choice.” He stated he has had no communication with Peltola’s campaign — “zero, none, zilch.”
Earlier this week, the challenger also responded to Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom’s announcement that she was launching an inquiry into his campaign.
“The law forbids your office from denying me access to the ballot just because Senator Sullivan and the NRSC would prefer I not be allowed to run,” he stated, referencing the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
He described the inquiry as “an unprecedented affront to my rights as a candidate and the rights of Alaska voters to select their own representation in the U.S. Senate.”
It remains unclear whether he has hired legal counsel to fight for his ballot position.
Several lawyers have also questioned Dahlstrom’s inquiry, which among other demands required Sullivan to explain his party membership, the duration he has used the name Dan Sullivan, his connection to a consultant and any communication he may have had with other candidates or the Democratic Party.
Dahlstrom, who supervises elections, wrote to the challenger that the inquiry concerned “credible allegations” that he did not file his candidacy “with a good faith purpose to seek office but rather with a purpose to confuse voters and have them mistakenly vote for you rather than the incumbent with the same name and same political party affiliation.”
These concerns mirror claims made in a letter sent to her and Beecher this month from a National Republican Senatorial Committee lawyer.
The ACLU of Alaska released a statement saying it is “unaware of any other instance where the Lieutenant Governor has investigated a specific candidate for reasons other than determining whether a candidate meets federal, state and local eligibility requirements.” The organization said it was watching the developments.
Jahna Lindemuth, who served as Alaska attorney general under an independent governor, said probing someone’s reasons for seeking office “starts infringing on free speech concerns and other protections under the Constitution.” She suggested Dahlstrom could address voter confusion by marking the senator as the incumbent on the ballot.
Federal law mandates senators be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for no less than nine years and reside in the state they wish to represent when elected. The challenger Sullivan, who turns 69 this weekend, told the AP he relocated to Alaska in 1980 and worked for the U.S. Forest Service before changing careers to become an educator. He is currently retired.
The candidate declaration form required by the elections division requests their name, desired party affiliation for the ballot, address and preferred name display. By signing the form, candidates must confirm they satisfy citizenship, age and residency qualifications.
The division had previously approved the challenger Sullivan’s candidacy, listing him on the candidate roster as Dan J. Sullivan. The senator appears as Dan S. Sullivan and is marked as the incumbent.
At least one organization running advertisements supporting the senator, One Nation, has started identifying him as Sen. Dan S. Sullivan.
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man will spend two and a half years behind bars after being convicted of attacking a federal officer with a rock during demonstrations at the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
Robert Jacob Hoopes received his 30-month prison sentence Thursday after entering a guilty plea to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon. Court records show Hoopes hurled a rock that struck an officer in the head, creating a cut above the officer’s eye during June protests.
U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson also imposed three years of supervised release following Hoopes’s prison term and required him to pay more than $8,000 in restitution.
“Today’s message is clear — violence is not a protest,” the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Scott Bradford, said in a statement. “When you cross the line and assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted.”
Hoopes’s defense attorney, Matthew McHenry, did not respond to requests for comment.
The case represents part of a broader Justice Department effort to pursue charges against individuals who allegedly attacked federal officers during demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in cities nationwide, spanning from Chicago to Los Angeles. Most recently, a New Jersey immigration detention facility has emerged as another site where protesters and law enforcement have clashed, resulting in numerous arrests.
Portland’s ICE facility has experienced ongoing demonstrations against the administration’s deportation policies since June, featuring nightly protests for months and repeated attempts by federal officials to break up even small gatherings using chemical weapons. Trump’s failed attempt to send National Guard troops to Portland last fall to protect federal facilities and workers, which courts prevented, also sparked additional protests.
Hoopes isn’t the only Portland ICE protester to receive prison time, though others weren’t convicted of officer assault. Trenten Edward Barker received an 18-month sentence in March after admitting to setting fire to a federal building. Prosecutors say he tossed a burning flare onto debris piled against the ICE building’s gate last June, causing thousands in property damage.
Four other Portland protesters have had their cases dropped, including three who faced federal officer assault charges. Two cases proceeded to trial — one involving a woman charged with officer assault that resulted in a hung jury, and another where the defendant received one year probation for disobeying lawful orders and causing a disturbance and is now appealing.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has claimed his second Hart Trophy on Thursday, marking nearly ten years since his initial victory.
The award, which recognizes the player deemed most valuable to his team as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, was previously earned by Kucherov during the 2018-19 season. This achievement places him among just three players who have secured Hart Trophy victories with a gap of seven or more years between wins, alongside Sidney Crosby and Jean Beliveau.
During the regular season, Kucherov accumulated 130 points through 44 goals and 86 assists, ranking second in the league. Across 76 games played, he topped all players in points per game with a 1.71 average.
Making his third consecutive appearance as a Hart Trophy finalist, Kucherov narrowly defeated Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid in the tightest voting margin seen since 2001-02, winning by just 10 points. McDavid, who captured the league lead with 136 points and has earned three Hart Trophies, finished as runner-up, while Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon placed third.
When surprised with the honor by Keeper of the Cup Phil Pritchard at Tampa Bay’s practice facility, Kucherov expressed his gratitude. “Thanks for this honor. Just really grateful for my teammates, coaches, my family,” Kucherov said. “This means a lot.”
The 32-year-old has amassed 1,124 career points, ranking 10th among current players, through 401 goals and 723 assists across 879 games with the Lightning spanning from 2013-26.
Financial markets across Asia continued a worldwide surge on Friday as investors grew optimistic about the possibility of a Middle East peace agreement, leading to declining oil costs and reduced concerns about inflation.
Market attention is focused on the highly anticipated public trading debut of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has achieved a historic milestone with the largest initial public offering on record. The offering generated an unprecedented $75 billion, giving the rocket and spacecraft company a valuation of $1.77 trillion and establishing Musk as the globe’s first trillionaire.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump indicated that a peace agreement might be finalized as early as this weekend, making this statement just hours after issuing additional threats against Iran. He revealed that diplomatic discussions with Tehran had reached Iran’s top leadership levels and received backing from a wide alliance of regional nations.
These comments from Trump come after multiple instances where the president expressed optimism that ultimately did not result in an agreement, causing uncertainty in financial markets.
However, “This does look perhaps a bit more tangible than we have had,” said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at the National Australia Bank.
“If we hear something from Iran that sounds positive, the odds (of a peace deal) are clearly going to flip quite dramatically.”
Should this agreement be verified, it would represent the most important diplomatic progress so far in resolving the three-month conflict, which has caused global energy costs to spike significantly. The European Central Bank was forced to implement its first interest rate increase in almost three years to combat war-related inflation.
Energy prices dropped to two-month minimums following reports of the potential agreement. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures declined 1.9% to $86.08 per barrel, adding to a 2.6% decrease from the previous session. Brent crude fell 1.5% to $89.08 per barrel after dropping nearly 3% overnight.
Asian markets showed strong performance with Japan’s Nikkei gaining 4.3%, while Australia’s resource-focused stocks advanced 1.8%. South Korea’s KOSPI experienced a dramatic 8.3% increase.
During the previous trading session, Wall Street experienced significant gains with the three primary indices recording their largest single-day increases since April 8, when the U.S. and Iran reached a temporary ceasefire agreement. The Nasdaq climbed 2.5%, boosted by anticipation surrounding SpaceX’s strong market entrance.
Economic data revealed that U.S. producer prices rose beyond forecasts in May, resulting in the most substantial yearly increase in 3-1/2 years as the Middle East situation pushed energy costs higher. Regarding employment, the number of Americans applying for unemployment assistance rose slightly last week, indicating ongoing strength in the job market during early June.
Treasury bonds gained value as peace deal optimism caused markets to reduce expectations for Federal Reserve rate increases this year. The probability of an October rate hike decreased from 51% to 36%.
Two-year Treasury yields remained stable at 4.066% on Friday after dropping 6 basis points in the previous session. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yields stayed at 4.4631% following an almost 8 basis point decline overnight.
The dollar experienced weakness due to lower yields. The dollar index, which tracks the currency against major trading partners, remained at 99.78 after losing 0.4% in the prior session.
The dollar gained slightly by 0.1% against the yen to 160.19, following a 0.4% retreat in the previous session. Market participants remain vigilant for potential intervention by Japanese officials as the yen continues below the important 160 threshold.
Precious metals benefited from the weaker dollar. Gold prices increased 0.2% to $4,222 per ounce after a substantial 3.5% overnight surge, while silver rose 0.3% to $67.52 per ounce following a 5.8% gain.
Thailand’s royal family is mourning the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, who passed away Thursday evening at the age of 47 after spending nearly four years in a coma, according to an announcement from the royal palace on Friday.
The princess, who was the eldest daughter of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, had been hospitalized since December 2022 when she suddenly lost consciousness due to a heart condition during a visit to the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Medical teams transported her by helicopter to Bangkok for emergency care.
According to the palace statement, her death Thursday evening came after her medical situation deteriorated due to complications including an intra-abdominal infection, colitis, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and blood clotting disorders.
Born December 7, 1978, to the then Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, the princess was widely known by the nickname Princess Pa among the Thai people.
Throughout her life, she made significant contributions to Thai society through her public service work, particularly her advocacy for improving conditions for female prisoners and her distinguished diplomatic service.
Her educational background included advanced legal studies at Cornell University, where she earned both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate. She put this education to use working as an attorney in the Thai Office of the Attorney-General from 2006 to 2011.
Her diplomatic career included serving as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia from 2012 to 2014, after which she returned to work at the attorney-general’s office in Bangkok.
The princess established a charitable organization focused on advocating for the rights of female inmates, with special attention to pregnant women in jail.
In 2017, the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice recognized her work by naming her as the goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia.
More recently, she transitioned to military service in 2021, receiving the rank of general and taking on duties as chief of staff in the Royal Security Command.
As one of King Vajiralongkorn’s three children holding formal titles, the princess was constitutionally eligible for succession to the throne.
This loss comes less than a year after Thailand’s Queen Mother died at age 93 in October.
Officials expect the palace to conduct royal funeral ceremonies, while the government is anticipated to announce a period of national mourning.
Soccer enthusiasts in Toronto faced major disappointment Thursday when event organizers shut down the World Cup fan festival because of dangerous weather conditions, just one day before Canada’s opening match.
Event officials announced the evacuation through social media, stating “Out of an abundance of caution, the FIFA Fan Festival Toronto is being evacuated due to risk of lightning.”
The shutdown happened while supporters were viewing Mexico’s match against South Africa in the tournament’s first game on large outdoor screens. This marks another weather-related interruption for the championship.
Experts in sports science warn of significant weather challenges for a summer World Cup taking place across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Weather predictions show higher-than-usual temperatures expected throughout much of the U.S., with Gulf of Mexico moisture potentially creating thunderstorms and dangerous conditions during the tournament’s early stages.
Supporters expressed frustration on social media platforms, questioning whether the city was properly prepared to host tournament events, particularly after Toronto had initially faced backlash for not offering complimentary admission.
City officials changed their original approach and made free passes available in May, which were completely claimed within hours. The festival features live match viewing, dining options and entertainment programming scheduled to continue through July 19.
As one of 16 host cities for the expanded 48-nation World Cup, Toronto will present six games, beginning with Canada’s matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday.
The Trump administration filed an appeal Thursday challenging a federal court decision that mandated the removal of Trump’s name from Washington’s Kennedy Center and prevented the Republican leader from shutting down the performing arts facility for renovations.
The appeal was submitted to the Washington-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, contesting a comprehensive decision against the administration in legal action initiated by Democratic U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who serves on the Kennedy Center’s board through her congressional role.
Neither the White House nor Beatty’s office provided immediate responses to comment requests.
On May 29, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper determined that federal law “makes crystal clear” that Congress designated the center for former Democratic President John F. Kennedy, “and only Congress can change it.” The judge mandated Trump’s name be stripped from the building’s exterior, website, and promotional materials.
Following the ruling, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that his administration would hand over Kennedy Center control to Congress.
“I cannot be involved with a situation where danger to the Public is allowed to flourish in plain and open sight,” Trump stated, citing significant structural problems with the facility.
Trump indicated he instructed the U.S. Commerce Department to “make all necessary arrangements with Congress to allow a full and complete transfer of this Institution” and transfer operational, maintenance, and management duties to lawmakers.
The Kennedy Center began operations in 1971 as a tribute to the assassinated president, who died in 1963. The board decided in December to modify the center’s designation to incorporate Trump’s name, after he replaced multiple board members last year and named himself as a trustee.
Beatty initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration in December, describing the facility’s renaming as “a flagrant violation of the rule of law” that “flies in the face of our constitutional order.”
Trump declared the Kennedy Center’s two-year shutdown in February without advance notice.
The Republican leader’s Kennedy Center renovation proposal represents one element of his wider initiative to transform Washington’s central monuments. His plans also include constructing a 250-foot (76-meter) arch and developing a 90,000-square-foot ballroom where the demolished East Wing of the White House currently stands.
United States soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino warned Thursday that his team faces an extremely challenging World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, cautioning that the South American squad poses a serious threat despite the hosts being considered favorites.
The Americans kick off their World Cup journey at Los Angeles Stadium in Group D, carrying the weight of expectations that comes with hosting the tournament on home turf. Pochettino noted his squad has reached the competition in excellent physical, tactical and emotional form.
However, the Argentine coach, drawing from his extensive playing and coaching experience with South American teams, emphasized that Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguay squad will present significant obstacles.
“I know very well the mentality, the aggressivity, the competitivity,” Pochettino shared with reporters on Thursday.
“Paraguay showed in qualification for this World Cup how tough it is to play against them and how they performed so well. They beat Argentina, Brazil. My expectation is tomorrow is going to be a very tough game.
“They have good quality and a great coach in Gustavo Alfaro who I respect and admire him a lot.”
Pochettino, who was brought in during 2024 to guide the US through their home World Cup, expressed optimism about his team’s development in recent months, especially highlighting their final two preparation matches — a 3-2 victory over Senegal and a close 2-1 loss to Germany.
According to the coach, these performances demonstrated to his players that they can compete effectively against top-tier international competition.
“The last two games allowed us to think and to feel that it’s possible to do whatever we want and compete in our best way, and to compete with big teams,” he explained.
The coach emphasized that his team has shown improvement beyond just tactical elements, noting significant mental growth and the players’ acceptance of higher standards within the national team program.
“I think they are much better players. The mindset is starting to change,” he said.
Regarding team selection, Pochettino confirmed that all 26 roster players are healthy and ready for selection, including defender Chris Richards, who had been recovering from an ankle injury.
While the coach has finalized his goalkeeper choice, he remained secretive about whether Matt Turner or Matt Freese would start between the posts.
“I decided,” Pochettino stated when questioned about his starting formation. “The starting 11 is there, unless something happens before the game.”
When asked if the goalkeepers had been notified of his decision, he smiled and responded: “I don’t know if they know, because if I tell you they know, you are going to start to call them.”
The Argentine stressed that his team must demonstrate freedom and passion in their play to energize home supporters and create positive momentum throughout the tournament.
“What we can do is contagious,” he noted. “We need to play with passion. We need to win games, so important, but play with passion and make the fans feel proud about what they are seeing on the field.”
When pressed to define what would constitute success for the United States in this tournament, Pochettino gave a direct response.
“For me, success is win,” he declared. “It’s win tomorrow and win after tomorrow.
“When we signed here, it’s because we wanted to come here and be involved in this unique event, but with the possibility to compete well and a belief in winning.”
A major Brazilian mining corporation announced Thursday that its largest investor has formally requested a shareholder vote to oust the company’s current chairman from his position.
Vale, which ranks among the globe’s biggest iron ore mining operations, disclosed that pension fund Previ has called for a shareholders’ meeting to vote on removing Chairman Daniel Andre Stieler from leadership.
The pension fund, which handles retirement benefits for workers at the government-owned bank Banco do Brasil, has put forward Jose Mauricio Coelho for a board position while endorsing existing board member Manuel Oliveira to take over as chairman, the mining firm revealed in regulatory documents.
Vale reported that Previ believes Oliveira would help with “the strengthening of governance practices, the improvement of strategic management and the alignment with the interests of shareholders and stakeholders.”
The mining corporation has not made public the actual document it received from the pension fund. Previ did not respond immediately to requests for comment when contacted after normal business hours.
Company officials stated that Vale’s board is currently reviewing what procedures are needed to organize the requested shareholder meeting.
Regulatory filings show that Previ controls approximately 7% of Vale’s shares. The pension fund recently changed its own leadership, installing Marcio Antonio Chiumento as chief executive after Joao Luiz Fukunaga stepped down from the role.
Chiumento became a member of Vale’s board of directors earlier this year.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has captured his second Hart Trophy as the National Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player, matching his previous MVP achievement from 2019.
The NHL made the announcement Thursday evening ahead of the fifth game of the Stanley Cup Final.
Kucherov dominated the scoring race with an average of 1.71 points per game, recording 44 goals and adding 86 assists throughout the season. His total of 130 points placed him just behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, who finished the season with 138 points.
In the voting conducted by Professional Hockey Writers Association members, McDavid finished as the runner-up, trailing by just 10 points. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon claimed third place in the balloting, while San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini rounded out the top four.
The Lightning star significantly outpaced his teammates in offensive production, accumulating 42 more points than Jake Guentzel, the next-highest scorer on Tampa Bay’s roster. Kucherov previously finished third in Hart Trophy consideration last season and placed second in the 2023-24 voting.
A Massachusetts jury has delivered guilty verdicts against the sibling of the state’s attorney general for sexual assault crimes committed while impersonating a rideshare driver.
The 45-year-old Alvin Campbell was found guilty Thursday on 21 of 22 criminal charges related to sexual assaults that occurred between 2017 and 2019, according to the Suffolk County district attorney’s office. Jurors could not reach agreement on a single rape charge.
“We will determine our action, if any, at a future date on that charge,” the district attorney’s office said in a statement.
Campbell is scheduled for sentencing on June 29 and could receive a life sentence for aggravated rape.
According to prosecutors, Campbell would pretend to be a rideshare driver while targeting women near bars and other venues.
His younger sister made history as the first woman of color elected to statewide office in Massachusetts when she took the oath as attorney general in 2023. A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press following Thursday’s verdict.
Andrea Campbell has previously discussed her family’s complex relationship with the criminal justice system, including her brother’s rape charges.
“One thing I do frequently is share my story because I think there are so many who carry their story with a sense of shame and don’t want to talk about it, including the criminal aspects of my family,” she said in a previous interview with the AP. “But there is no shame in one sharing their story. There is power in it.”
The attorney general serves as the state’s top lawyer and chief law enforcement official.
Following the verdict, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden told reporters he had not communicated with the attorney general.
Hayden described how Alvin Campbell “deceivingly and calculatedly” targeted women during their most vulnerable moments. “I can’t imagine what that horror must have been like for them.” Campbell’s defense attorney did not respond to messages from the AP.
Hayden praised the courage of the women who provided testimony: “We’re happy that we were able to secure justice and accountability for them and so we thank them.”
TRACY, Calif. — Thick black smoke billowed into the sky Thursday as a massive blaze erupted at a medical equipment distribution facility in Northern California, forcing authorities to clear out surrounding warehouses while battling the flames.
The blaze broke out at a Medline distribution center in Tracy, located approximately 55 miles east of San Francisco. Police Sgt. Michael Richards said officials evacuated a significant portion of the surrounding area due to concerns that wind conditions could spread burning debris. The affected warehouse sits within a sprawling industrial complex that includes distribution and fulfillment operations for Amazon, Home Depot and FedEx.
Medline confirmed that all workers and other personnel at the location have been safely accounted for.
“We are coordinating closely with local authorities and first responders as we assess the fire’s impact and will share more details as they become available,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement.
Fire Chief Randall Bradley of the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority said firefighting efforts were hampered by what appeared to be a malfunctioning sprinkler system and insufficient water pressure from hydrants at the facility. He noted the problems seemed to stem from the warehouse’s water infrastructure rather than the city’s system, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
“Things worked against us,” he said, citing water supply issues, low humidity, high winds and high temperatures. “It was a little bit of a perfect storm for this fire evolving quickly.”
Residential areas were not affected by the evacuation orders.
LAS VEGAS — With nearly two complete seasons remaining before relocating to their new climate-controlled ballpark at the southern portion of the Las Vegas Strip, the Athletics are already witnessing growing enthusiasm as Major League Baseball prepares to arrive in a city that was once considered forbidden territory for major professional sports.
The team, which has established a temporary base in West Sacramento following their final contest at the Oakland Coliseum after the 2024 season concluded, is currently playing a six-game homestand this week at their Triple-A affiliate’s venue in Las Vegas.
The Athletics are set to begin play in their new 33,000-capacity stadium built where the former Tropicana Hotel once stood, with the 2028 season as their target date.
Following a series victory of two games out of three against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Athletics will begin a three-game matchup Friday versus the Colorado Rockies at the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin.
“We live right down the street from here, so we’re really excited about the A’s coming to town,” said Chris Duval, who moved to the area from Los Angeles about a year ago. “We’ve been baseball fans forever. We’ve moved all over the place, so it’s tough to get locked down on one team.”
Duval, who was wearing a white Athletics home jersey, said his wife grew up in California and always has been a Dodgers fan, while he grew up in New England as a self-described “Red Sox guy.”
“We’re just really excited to have them in town,” said Duval, who took in two of the three games against the Brewers with his family. “We probably will be season ticket holders.”
In an effort to cultivate fan loyalty and raise awareness throughout the community, the Athletics organized an extensive array of community activities during their homestand, along with multiple promotional giveaways for stadium attendees.
Activities featuring Athletics players, former players and team personnel included reading sessions at a neighborhood library; Wiffle ball competitions with a Boys and Girls Club summer youth program; preparing children’s meals at a community food bank; and stops at the Sunrise Children’s Hospital and the weekend Farmer’s Market in downtown Summerlin.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was asked about balancing the community outreach with winning baseball games.
“At the major league level, the wins and losses matter,” Kotsay said before Monday’s series opener. “Performance matters. Spring training performance doesn’t matter. When you’re here in a regular season, the less distractions that we can make for the players, I think the better off the performance can be.
“Obviously that’s challenging, because we want to do as much as we can here in the community to get out and to show that our engagement is going to be 100%, which I think we’re doing and are going to do as we get further into this relationship. It’s exciting for us.”
Brewers manager Pat Murphy said players were not all that different from fans when it comes to viewing Las Vegas as a travel destination.
“I think it’s an opportunity. Just embrace it, don’t put too much into it. You don’t make excuses,” Murphy said Monday. “I don’t really see the downside. The guys are excited. I mean, they like to come to Vegas.”
Linda Jochimsen, in her second season as a VIP staff host at the Triple-A ballpark, was somewhat surprised at the number of fans who traveled from Milwaukee.
“Some of them are really serious baseball fans, they go to spring training, they follow the team. They’re not just fans, they’re dedicated fans,” she said. “They said they got their tickets as soon as they saw they were going to be here. Months ago.”
Tom Risen lives near Eau Claire in northwest Wisconsin, which is much closer to Minneapolis than Milwaukee.
“Vegas was definite because we come to Vegas all the time, so it was a no-brainer,” Risen said. “Our rooms were set as soon as we heard they were going to be there.”
The Athletics represent the newest professional sports team to establish Las Vegas as their home base, joining other franchises that have all arrived within the past ten years. The Golden Knights of the NHL, presently competing in the Stanley Cup Final for the third time, began operations as an expansion team in 2017.
The Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA relocated from San Antonio in 2018, and the former Oakland Raiders of the NFL moved to Las Vegas in 2020 at Allegiant Stadium, located close to the upcoming baseball facility. The NBA Board of Governors recently voted to formally explore potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.
Patrice Virgil, who works in hospitality at Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, grew up in Las Vegas.
Virgil said the current sports environment is quite a change from back when UNLV basketball — the Runnin’ Rebels with legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian — was the only game in town.
She said the influx of out-of-town fans is noticeable, even by Las Vegas tourism standards.
“They follow their teams,” Virgil said. “When the 49ers come to town, you know they’re here. Full-fledged. They have their jerseys on, their hats, their favorite T-shirts … We were an entertainment capital, now we’re a sports town.”
Colorado Avalanche leadership has made a firm commitment to retain elite defenseman Cale Makar for the remainder of his professional hockey career, according to president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic, who spoke on Thursday.
The 27-year-old Makar becomes eligible to negotiate a new deal starting July 1, which would extend his current six-year, $54 million agreement that expires following the 2026-27 campaign. Since being drafted fourth overall by Colorado in 2017, Makar has spent his entire NHL tenure with the franchise.
“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic declared. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”
The defenseman has claimed the Norris Trophy twice as the league’s premier blue-liner and recorded 79 points this past season with 20 goals and 59 assists, posting a plus-32 rating across 75 contests. Despite being nominated for the award for six straight years, he finished second on Tuesday to Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski, who captured his first Norris Trophy.
During the playoffs, Makar contributed five points with four goals and one assist while maintaining a plus-5 rating through 11 games, despite battling an upper-body ailment.
Throughout his professional career, Makar has accumulated 507 points on 136 goals and 371 assists with a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocked shots and 377 hits over 470 regular-season appearances. His postseason statistics include 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits across 90 playoff contests.
The defenseman earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable performer during the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 campaign.
Makar, a three-time All-Star selection, received the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2019-20 and claimed the Norris Trophy as best defenseman in both 2021-22 and 2024-25.
Colorado captured the Presidents’ Trophy this season by posting the NHL’s strongest record at 55-16-11 for 121 points, then defeated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and overcame the Minnesota Wild in five before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in a Western Conference finals sweep.
Sakic, who previously held the general manager position before his promotion to president of hockey operations, resumed GM duties this month following Chris MacFarland’s departure to become president and general manager of the Nashville Predators.
Speaking Thursday, Sakic confirmed the entire coaching staff will remain unchanged, including head coach Jared Bednar, who enters the final year of his current contract. The 54-year-old Bednar has guided the franchise for 10 regular seasons with a 445-262-75 record and nine playoff appearances resulting in a 60-41 mark, highlighted by the 2022 Stanley Cup championship.
“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic explained. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.
“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”
Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre expressed pride in his team’s ability to shake off early match jitters following their 2-0 victory over South Africa in Thursday’s World Cup Group A opening game at the Estadio Azteca, though he acknowledged significant room for growth remains.
Julian Quinones put the co-hosting nation on the scoreboard with a well-executed finish, while Raul Jimenez added insurance with a header in the second period, thrilling the home supporters.
“This could have been a 4-0 match, but people were happy. It is the start of the World Cup, we left the nerves behind and we go with three points,” Aguirre told reporters. “Now we are thinking about what is next.”
The Mexican squad controlled significant portions of the match and enjoyed a player advantage for most of the final 45 minutes after South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole received a red card just five minutes into the second half for fouling Brian Gutierrez.
South Africa’s situation worsened in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was ejected for violent conduct, leaving them with nine players. However, Aguirre felt his team made the contest unnecessarily difficult.
“We didn’t play well in the first half. It could have ended 3-0 easily,” he said. “We were superior in the first part, but the score did not reflect that. We complicated things for ourselves.
“After the second goal we got overconfident, then came the sending-off. We need to improve, but it was a good game.”
Quinones found the net after Erik Lira gained control following Sithole’s defensive mistake, while Jimenez connected on Mexico’s second goal in the 67th minute off Roberto Alvarado’s well-placed cross.
The victory marked Mexico’s first opening-match triumph in seven World Cup attempts. Their next opponent will be South Korea in Guadalajara, while South Africa prepares to face the Czech Republic.
Canada’s national soccer team coach Jesse Marsch has a straightforward response for those questioning whether his squad can handle the expectations of hosting World Cup matches: his players don’t just accept the pressure, they welcome it.
The Canadian team will take the field at Toronto Stadium on Friday for their opening World Cup match on home turf, carrying the hopes of an entire nation. Their preparation has been marked by significant time spent dealing with injuries rather than focusing solely on training, but Marsch remains confident.
“If you do this for a living, this is where you want to be,” Marsch stated on Thursday before the Group B matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I came to Canada to be the coach because I liked these guys and I believed they could fit the way I wanted to play, but I came here to lead them in the World Cup — in the home World Cup. I wanted this responsibility.”
The team’s most significant injury worry centers on captain Alphonso Davies, who won’t play Friday due to a hamstring problem he sustained during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final match last month. However, Marsch indicated that Wednesday’s MRI results were positive.
“We’re getting ready to ramp things up,” the American coach explained.
“He will not be available for tomorrow, but he’s showing, like he always has, a real good ability to recover from muscle injuries. We’re really hopeful that over the next days and weeks we can accelerate things and give him a chance to contribute here soon.”
Midfielder Ismael Kone caused momentary concern when he departed Wednesday’s training session early before it had truly started, but Marsch quickly addressed those worries with some frustration.
“He just felt a little sick, so we sent him home because we were doing nothing on the day, and it was like a five-star red alert,” Marsch explained. “Ismael trained today, he’s totally fine, he’s ready to go.”
Defender Moise Bombito, whose comeback from a broken leg seemed to hit a setback after playing only 30 minutes in a preparation game against Uzbekistan, will also be available if needed.
“He’s not fully at 100%, but he’s reached his top speed,” Marsch noted. “I don’t see any reason that a week from now he’s not ready to even be considered as a starter.”
Player discipline will also be a focus for Marsch. Canada has received several red cards in their previous 11 matches, and with the excitement of a home tournament opener, Marsch acknowledged the potential danger.
“Certainly one of the best ways to derail a tournament for any team is red cards,” he said.
“We do need to be aggressive and play our way with speed and power, but we also need to make sure that we keep our heads and don’t have any reckless tackles, extracurricular situations, or emotional reactions that get us in any kind of trouble with cards.”
Canada has shown marked improvement since Marsch assumed control in 2024, particularly reaching the Copa America semi-finals that same year. This marks Canada’s first appearance in consecutive World Cups, though they continue seeking their first tournament point following six losses across the 1986 and 2022 competitions.
Marsch expressed confidence in his team’s preparation. “We are ready to play some big games,” said Marsch. “We are ready to make our country proud, make our fans proud. We are ready to go after this.”
Pharmaceutical company Amgen has enlisted an independent research organization to conduct a fresh examination of data supporting its medication Tavneos, following federal regulators’ move to pull the drug from the marketplace.
The medication received approval in October 2021 for treating severe active ANCA-associated vasculitis, an uncommon condition that causes inflammation in small blood vessels and can harm vital organs including the kidneys and lungs.
Federal health officials proposed in April to revoke Tavneos’ market authorization, pointing to insufficient evidence of the drug’s effectiveness and misleading information provided in the initial approval request.
One month before that action, regulators documented 76 instances of liver damage caused by the medication, with evidence pointing to Tavneos as the cause, resulting in eight patient deaths.
According to a June 1 correspondence filed in regulatory records, Amgen reported that the Duke Clinical Research Institute started conducting an independent, objective analysis in February of information from the primary advanced-stage clinical study that led to Tavneos’ initial approval.
The pharmaceutical manufacturer stated it intends to provide comprehensive data to federal regulators by June 29, maintaining that Tavneos’ therapeutic value exceeds its dangers and that removing the medication would harm patient welfare.
The company has not yet provided a response to media inquiries regarding the correspondence.
Amgen obtained Tavneos when it bought ChemoCentryx for $3.7 billion in 2022.
Japanese health authorities reported approximately 20 fatalities connected to severe liver problems among patients using the medication, according to a safety alert released by partner company Kissei Pharmaceutical in May.
Construction work is causing traffic disruptions on East Main Street westbound, with the left lane and left shoulder closed to motorists.
The lane closure stretches between Washington Street and Tyre Avenue and is scheduled to remain in effect until 5 a.m.
Drivers traveling through the area should plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the overnight construction period.
Delaware State Police have charged 46-year-old Kara Gilmore of Ocean City, Maryland, with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, driving under the influence, and additional charges after a deadly hit-and-run collision involving a bicyclist in Millville Tuesday evening.
The crash happened on June 9, 2026, around 9:05 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue east of Whites Neck Road. According to the initial investigation, a cyclist was riding westbound in the eastbound bicycle lane when Gilmore’s Subaru Forester, which was heading eastbound, veered out of the travel lane and into the bike lane, striking the rider. Following the collision, Gilmore fled the scene, but Ocean View Police Department officers found her disabled vehicle shortly afterward in the Artisan’s Bank parking lot on Atlantic Avenue. When state troopers made contact with Gilmore, they observed signs indicating she was impaired and arrested her for DUI after conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
The cyclist, 52-year-old Duane Pershing of Ocean View, Delaware, was airlifted to a hospital with critical injuries. He succumbed to those injuries on June 10, 2026.
Following her arrest, Gilmore was transported to Troop 4 and initially faced these charges before being arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on a $3,404 unsecured bond:
Vehicular Assault 1st Degree (Felony)
Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Related Traffic Offenses
On June 11, 2026, officers secured an additional arrest warrant for Gilmore and apprehended her in Maryland. When she is extradited back to Delaware, she will face additional felony charges of vehicular homicide 2nd Degree and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. Investigators are requesting that anyone who saw the crash or has relevant information contact Master Corporal R. Albert at (302) 703-3266. Tips can also be submitted through private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Crime victims, witnesses, or those who have lost loved ones to sudden death can receive support and resources around the clock from the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center through their toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). The Victim Services Unit can also be reached via email at [email protected].
A nutrition company based in Deer Park, New York has broadened its voluntary recall of moringa supplement capsules over concerns they may contain salmonella bacteria.
Total Nutrition Inc. is expanding the recall of its TNVitamins and Doctor’s Pride Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Moringa Capsules after an ongoing investigation into its supply chain revealed additional potential contamination risks.
The company initially issued a recall but has now widened the scope following further review of its supply sources.
Catholic bishops from across America came together Thursday in Orlando for an unprecedented religious ceremony dedicating the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, marking this historic devotion as part of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
The solemn service filled a contemporary Orlando shrine with powerful organ music, brass instruments, and choir voices as bishops conducted this special liturgy during their spring U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting.
Before the ceremony began, religious leaders and attendees knelt in reverence before sacred relics of 17th century St. Mary Margaret Alacoque, a French religious sister whose reported divine visions of Jesus established the contemporary Sacred Heart devotion representing Christ’s compassionate love. This spiritual practice has since expanded globally, with numerous Catholic institutions and churches adopting the Sacred Heart designation and countless homes and businesses displaying its imagery.
The religious ceremony honored America’s founding principles, referencing the Declaration of Independence’s guarantee of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” However, it also incorporated prayers recognizing the nation’s moral shortcomings, including its “original sins of slavery and racism.” Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley, who leads the bishops conference, emphasized the importance of recognizing both achievements and failures.
“To consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart is ultimately to accept Jesus’ invitation to remain in his love and to allow that love to shape every aspect of our lives, public and private,” he stated. “If we are honest, we must acknowledge that neither our nation nor the church has always reflected that love.”
This marks the inaugural occasion for such a ceremony on American soil, though comparable services have occurred in multiple nations since the 1800s. These religious dedications, sometimes involving government officials, have occasionally taken on political dimensions and sparked debate when associated with Catholic nationalist causes.
In 1899, Pope Leo XIII, who shares his name with the current pope, dedicated the entire globe to the Sacred Heart.
Prior to the main service, bishops listened to spiritual presentations from fellow members, focusing on Pope Francis’ latest encyclical, or official teaching letter, which emphasized the Sacred Heart as motivation for service and social justice.
The sacred relics of St. Mary Margaret Alacoque were specially transported from their usual home in France and prominently displayed at the front of the church for this occasion. Although historians trace Sacred Heart devotion back to early Christianity, her reported visions are recognized as inspiring the contemporary imagery, prayers, and religious practices associated with it.
The Thursday ceremony occurred at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Intense Florida afternoon sunlight streamed brilliantly through the colored glass windows surrounding the congregation.
Multiple rows of bishops wearing traditional purple caps and white vestments occupied seats near the altar area, while additional worshippers filled spaces throughout the sanctuary.
During their biannual conference earlier Thursday, the bishops voted to approve modest updates to their sexual abuse response protocols, incorporating additional details about fair treatment procedures for accused clergy while preserving the prohibition against any priest found guilty of child abuse returning to active ministry.
Several bishops requested postponing the adoption of these Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People revisions to allow for more extensive public input, but this proposal was defeated. The final approval vote counted 176 in favor and 22 opposed.
These modifications have been under development for five years. The original charter received approval in 2002 during the height of the Catholic clergy abuse scandal, when investigative reporting by the Boston Globe exposing abuse and institutional cover-ups in the Archdiocese of Boston sparked widespread similar disclosures across the country and internationally. The charter has undergone periodic updates since its initial creation.
The fundamental elements of the document remain unchanged, including the permanent removal of priests from active service for any verified instance of sexual abuse.
Bishop Barry Knestout, who leads the committee responsible for the revisions, explained the updates are “trying to do two things at the same time.”
“One is to retain and also reemphasize the commitment of bishops to address the issue of potential for abuse, safeguarding of our children and young people in a way that’s both transparent and accountable,” he explained. The second goal is to “recognize due process and presumption of innocence” for those facing accusations during investigations.
“We’re trying not to lose any of the commitment to victim survivors yet still recognize that there is in fairness a process that should be undertaken,” he added.
The advocacy organization BishopAccountability.org released a statement describing the approval as a “missed opportunity,” arguing that postponement would have enabled broader public participation in the document’s development and resulted in an improved and more “trauma-informed” charter. The group urged careful examination of the changes at individual diocese levels.
EAGAN, Minn. — As Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray works to master a complicated offensive system in his first season with the team, he faces an additional hurdle that most newcomers don’t encounter.
He must share practice time with another quarterback.
The Vikings are conducting a genuine battle for their starting quarterback role during this offseason period, splitting first-team practice repetitions between Murray and current quarterback J.J. McCarthy. This approach will continue when training camp begins next month.
“You’ve got to put it together in a way that challenges those guys and see who responds, see who handles adversity well, and ultimately see who elevates the offense,” coach Kevin O’Connell said after the last practice of minicamp on Thursday. “It’s an open competition, and I want to see these guys in very unique and in many ways difficult circumstances elevate themselves and their games to help the Minnesota Vikings.”
O’Connell hasn’t established a timeline for making the final decision, though he acknowledged the Vikings will probably name their starter at least two weeks before their September 13 season opener against the Green Bay Packers to be properly prepared. The coaching staff plans to place both quarterbacks in as many significant scenarios as possible once full-contact practices begin in training camp, despite knowing that public training sessions will generate intense fan and media speculation.
“I wouldn’t read much into who gets what on which days,” O’Connell said, recognizing the heavy attention on the team’s quarterback situation for the third consecutive season since McCarthy was selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft. “I know me saying that was the waste of the time that it took to say it, but we’re going to put together a way where we can put them in the different aspects of situational football that they need to get.”
Murray, who was the top selection in the 2019 draft before being released by the Arizona Cardinals and signing with Minnesota for the veteran minimum wage this season to position himself for a larger contract in 2027, has been viewed as the likely frontrunner despite being less familiar with the offensive scheme.
“Now having to split reps, me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense, that’s probably the toughest part,” Murray said this week.
Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips noted that McCarthy’s offseason has “been a continuous upward arrow or him.” Vikings personnel from O’Connell to wide receiver Justin Jefferson have publicly praised McCarthy’s improved abilities and fundamentals following his challenging 2025 debut season. However, if Murray emerges as the franchise’s long-term solution, McCarthy could potentially find himself seeking opportunities with another team.
“I think I’ve made it very clear I wanted to be here, before I got here. I love this organization. I love the coaching staff. I absolutely love these players to death,” McCarthy said. “This is where I want to be. I feel like I can thrive in this system.”
The Vikings apparently maintain some confidence in McCarthy’s potential, provided they have sufficient time to develop him.
“It’s probably going to end up being a difficult decision,” O’Connell said, “just based on where I know those guys are going to go.”
Israeli officials announced Thursday evening that US President Donald Trump contacted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a developing agreement with Iran prior to formal talks, as Iran’s Fars news agency indicated strong chances of accepting the proposed deal.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, while Israel is not participating in the memorandum of understanding negotiations, Netanyahu praised assurances given by President Trump about the objectives of any final accord.
“Although Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s commitment that the final agreement at the conclusion of negotiations will include the removal of enriched material, the dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, restrictions on missile production, and an end to Iran’s support for its terror proxies in the region.”
Earlier that evening, a high-ranking Israeli official informed Channel 12 News that Israel had not been given prior notice of a completed US-Iran deal. The official stated, “To the best of our knowledge, Mojtaba Khamenei has not yet approved the agreement, and we are not aware of any finalized framework document.”
Channel 12 News reported that Netanyahu’s security briefing was cut short due to a “diplomatic call.”
Later Thursday, Iran’s Fars news agency announced there was “a high probability that the regime will approve that proposal.” Fars indicated a preliminary memorandum of understanding was awaiting final authorization in Tehran and Washington.
The news outlet reported that President Trump had previously requested modifications to the draft following frustration over delays from Mojtaba Khamenei in providing final consent.
Iran has demanded the conflict cease “on all fronts,” especially in Lebanon, while the suggested framework would also reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow for gradual lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports plus certain sanctions relief.
The memorandum would not settle disagreements regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Rather, it would initiate separate negotiations on future limitations. Earlier reports suggested those discussions would span 60 days.
These developments came after President Trump posted on Truth Social declaring that scheduled US military action against Iran had been called off and that talks toward an agreement were progressing.
“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” President Trump wrote.
He further declared that “Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others.”
President Trump continued: “The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized—Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.”
The announcement halted what would have been a third straight night of military strikes against Iran. The United States conducted two days of retaliatory attacks on Iranian military and radar installations after Tehran shot down an American Apache helicopter. Iran subsequently launched ballistic missiles and drones at US facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
MANILA, June 12 – The defense secretary of the Philippines responded with defiance on Friday after Beijing targeted him with sanctions, stating that China punishes “those who speak the truth against their deception.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro declared he would persist in carrying out his responsibilities and “uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness” occurring in Philippine territory and surrounding waters.
Beijing’s foreign ministry revealed the sanctions against Teodoro and his family members on Thursday, claiming the defense official had “repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China” that damaged China’s “legitimate interests” and relations between the two countries.
Haiti’s national soccer team will face the World Cup without one of their midfielders after Leverton Pierre sustained an injury that has ended his tournament hopes.
The Haitian Football Federation announced Thursday that Pierre suffered damage to his right adductor muscle, forcing him out of competition. “Leverton Pierre will not be able to play in the World Cup after the medical team detected an injury to his right adductor,” the federation stated.
To fill the roster spot, Haiti has selected centre-back Garven Metusala, who competes for Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the USL Championship, the second tier of American professional soccer.
Haiti’s World Cup campaign begins Saturday when they take on Scotland in their opening Group C contest. The team will also face five-time world champions Brazil and Morocco during group stage play.
This marks Haiti’s second World Cup appearance, with their previous participation dating back to 1974.
NEW YORK, June 11 – Excitement for the New York Knicks has swept across all five boroughs this week, as the basketball team stands just one victory away from breaking a 53-year championship dry spell. Even with the World Cup soccer tournament beginning across the river in New Jersey on Saturday, many local residents are focused on their beloved basketball squad.
Soccer fans worldwide will watch as Brazil takes on Morocco in East Rutherford, New Jersey, starting at 6:00 pm ET on Saturday. However, lifelong New Yorkers will have their attention fixed on the Knicks as they face the San Antonio Spurs in Texas for Game 5 of the championship series, beginning two and a half hours after the soccer match.
“This is an incredible time to be a sports fan and, frankly, an even greater time to be a New Yorker,” the city’s sports-enthusiastic mayor said on Thursday. He wore a Knicks jersey beneath his blazer while speaking to both residents and visitors before Saturday’s World Cup game.
Manhattan’s sweltering streets were packed with supporters wearing blue and orange well into Wednesday evening, following the Knicks’ remarkable comeback from a massive 29-point deficit to secure a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series against San Antonio at Madison Square Garden.
London-born player OG Anunoby sealed the memorable game with a game-winning putback shot that coach Mike Brown described as “the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball.” Some observers drew parallels between the tip-in and Diego Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal, with ESPN calling it the “Hand of OG.”
“The energy in our city right now is incredible,” the mayor stated. “Time and again, people have doubted the Knicks. And time and again, the Knicks have proven the doubters wrong. OG Anunoby with the greatest outstretched hand since Diego Maradona.”
Supporters from New York and New Jersey purchased approximately 44% of the tickets available for Saturday’s Game 5 at San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center through the resale platform TickPick, the company announced Thursday. The Knicks hope to close out the series away from home or return for a potential Game 6 at their home venue on Tuesday.
The team’s towering center Karl-Anthony Towns praised the dedication and toughness of the fanbase, commending them for remaining until the final buzzer even when Game 4 seemed hopeless.
“Shoutout to our fans, man,” he told reporters. “As anyone who lives in New York knows, if you want to make it in this city, you have to be okay getting it out of the mud, and we did that.”
The New York City Police Department’s communications division indicated it would decide Friday whether supporters could gather outside Madison Square Garden to view the game on large screens. This fan tradition was disrupted due to safety concerns during this week’s two home contests, creating tension between team owner James Dolan, the police department, and city officials.
Madison Square Garden is located above Penn Station, an important transportation center for those attending Saturday’s World Cup match.
Manufacturing activity in New Zealand declined in May, ending a seven-month period of growth as companies continue to face challenges from reduced demand and global economic uncertainties.
The seasonally adjusted Performance of Manufacturing Index from Bank of New Zealand-Business NZ dropped to 49.9 in May, down from 50.4 the previous month and 52.8 in March.
When the index falls below 50, it signals that manufacturing activity is shrinking, while readings above that mark indicate growth.
“Manufacturers are obviously struggling in the face of a combination of adverse influences, including lack of customer demand, high fuel prices and the conflict in the Middle East,” BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard said in a statement.
Graphics processing unit manufacturer Nvidia has brought aboard experienced Washington insider Bruce Andrews to lead its government relations efforts in the nation’s capital, according to two individuals familiar with the appointment who spoke Thursday.
Andrews previously held the position of government affairs director at competing semiconductor company Intel while working under former CEO Pat Gelsinger. Earlier in his career, Andrews held a position within the Commerce Department when Barack Obama was president.
The graphics chip company chose not to provide a statement regarding the hiring.
Motorists traveling on Route 1 southbound should expect delays at the Route 16 interchange due to ongoing construction work requiring flagging operations.
The construction activities are affecting both the on and off ramps connecting Route 1 southbound to Route 16, with traffic control personnel directing vehicles through the work area.
The flagging operations are scheduled to continue until 6 a.m., after which normal traffic flow is expected to resume.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when approaching the work zone.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia’s National Day, expressing complete backing for Moscow’s domestic and international policies, according to state media KCNA reports released Friday.
In his message, Kim Jong Un described the relationship between North Korea and Russia as evolving into an alliance built on their comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, promising to “always be with” Russia, as reported by KCNA.
Meanwhile, officials from both Russia and North Korea paid respects at a monument and burial site honoring deceased Soviet Army soldiers in observance of Russia’s National Day, with Russia’s embassy also hosting a reception for high-ranking North Korean officials, according to KCNA.
The relationship between the two nations has grown stronger as North Korea has sent thousands of military personnel to assist Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
U.S. and South Korean officials have alleged that Pyongyang has provided artillery rounds, missiles and additional military equipment for Ukraine operations, although both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any weapons transfers.
The nations formalized their strategic partnership agreement when Putin traveled to Pyongyang in June 2024, and also reached an agreement to establish an important land bridge connecting both countries.
The bridge project, scheduled for completion on June 19, may enhance trade opportunities and offer North Korea another avenue to avoid international sanctions related to its nuclear and missile development programs, according to analysts.
A tech mogul has reached an unprecedented financial milestone, becoming the planet’s first individual to achieve trillionaire status following his space exploration company’s massive public stock offering.
The entrepreneur, who has become deeply woven into modern popular culture, has built a devoted fan base despite reaching stratospheric wealth levels at a time when public sentiment toward the ultra-rich has grown increasingly negative. Unlike other billionaires who cultivate folksy public images, this business leader has maintained popularity through a more unfiltered approach.
Supporters appreciate his direct communication style, while detractors argue he wields excessive influence and have raised questions about how his companies are managed, particularly regarding his growing involvement in partisan political activities.
His space enterprise, which focuses on rockets, satellites and artificial intelligence alongside his electric vehicle company, completed a historic $75 billion initial public offering on Thursday, demonstrating strong investor confidence in his business ventures. Before the stock sale, financial publications estimated his wealth at approximately $780 billion, significantly ahead of his closest competitor.
“The second richest person has been hovering around $300 billion, so about less than one-third of what Musk can potentially be worth tomorrow,” said Matt Durot, deputy editor at Forbes Wealth. “And only one other person, (Oracle founder) Larry Ellison, has ever been worth $400 billion.”
The majority of his fortune now comes from his space company, where his ownership stake is valued at roughly $866 billion. Combined with his electric car company and other investments, his total wealth will surpass $1.1 trillion when trading begins Friday, according to financial analysts and company documents.
He first gained widespread recognition through his electric vehicle and space companies before expanding his reach by purchasing a major social media platform for $44 billion in 2022. This acquisition provided him direct access to hundreds of millions of users and established him as an influential voice on topics including politics, immigration, government spending and free speech.
His entry into politics, especially his position in the Department of Government Efficiency under the current administration, has generated significant controversy. This political involvement has coincided with declining electric vehicle sales in international markets during 2025, as protests and consumer boycotts have targeted his automotive business.
The 54-year-old entrepreneur was born in Pretoria, South Africa, to parents from Canada and South Africa. He completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1997.
He assumed leadership of the electric vehicle company in 2008, believing that battery-powered cars could deliver both high performance and advanced software capabilities, ultimately transforming the global automotive sector. Industry experts credit his company’s success and trillion-dollar market value with pushing traditional automakers toward electric vehicle development.
Many investors believe he can achieve similar success in space exploration and artificial intelligence. However, his space company continues to require substantial funding, and much of its valuation depends on technologies that may need years or decades to become profitable.
In addition to his two primary companies, the entrepreneur has helped establish five other ventures, including a tunneling startup and a brain implant company.
As head of the electric vehicle manufacturer, he has generated both controversy and acclaim. He receives credit for building the world’s most valuable automotive company, despite initial skepticism from established automakers who doubted a startup could successfully mass-produce electric vehicles profitably.
“He renewed the world’s respect for American ingenuity in automotive engineering,” said Bob Lutz, a former General Motors vice chairman.
Simultaneously, the electric vehicle company has encountered legal challenges and investor concerns related to its high-profile leader, particularly regarding his 2018 compensation package, previously valued at $56 billion.
His influence has grown so extensive that market analysts have coined the term “Muskonomy” to describe his network of businesses.
This phenomenon has created what some investors call the “Elon premium,” where company valuations increase based on confidence in his vision rather than conventional financial analysis.
“Much like Tesla, SpaceX is a bet on Elon Musk,” said Matt Kennedy, senior strategist at Renaissance Capital, a provider of IPO-focused research and ETFs.
“A market cap of $1.5 trillion-$2 trillion would certainly throw all traditional valuation methodologies out the window, and is instead best characterized as the ‘Elon Musk premium.’”
The concentration of power around one entrepreneur has intensified concerns about corporate oversight, potential conflicts of interest and the dangers of linking company success too closely to a single person.
Throughout his career, he has engaged in public disputes with regulators, other wealthy individuals, short sellers, journalists and media companies, including Reuters, often conducting these conflicts through social media platforms.
His partnership with the current president followed a predictable pattern. After financially supporting the president’s campaign and serving in an advisory capacity through the administration’s DOGE program, he became one of the president’s closest corporate supporters.
The relationship later deteriorated due to disagreements over policy and spending, leading to a public dispute. While both parties have adopted a more diplomatic approach recently, their conflict highlighted the increasingly unclear boundaries between his business interests and political goals.
Despite concerns about his unconventional behavior, many investors believe his proven ability to transform ambitious concepts into highly valuable companies outweighs potential risks.
“Elon is the Edison of our time,” JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said during a recent conversation with the entrepreneur.
The banking executive, who previously opposed him in an extended legal dispute, has since become a supporter. Dimon told CNBC last year that they had “hugged it out,” and praised him as “our Einstein.”
Economic figures released Thursday revealed that Argentina experienced its second consecutive month of declining inflation in May, offering positive developments for President Javier Milei following nearly a year of persistent rising prices that posed challenges to the libertarian leader’s key policy accomplishments.
The government statistics agency INDEC announced that consumer prices increased by 2.1% in May when compared to April — a figure that Economy Minister Luis Caputo described as the smallest monthly increase seen in eight months.
However, yearly inflation climbed slightly to 33.2% this May due to the fact that monthly inflation in May 2025 reached a seven-year minimum of 1.5%. Following that period, costs have risen and remained elevated, creating financial pressure on families and increasing public dissatisfaction with Milei’s administration as it deals with multiple corruption scandals and attempts to address declining economic performance in retail and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on workers.
During the previous month, communications services experienced the largest cost jumps at 3.4% due to increased telephone and internet charges, with educational expenses following close behind. Grocery costs rose by 2.5%.
President Milei expressed support for Minister Caputo, who goes by the nickname Toto, through social media by sharing the INDEC data along with the message, “Let’s goooooo Toto!”
Both Milei and Caputo also welcomed news that S&P Global, a prominent credit rating company, had improved Argentina’s sovereign credit rating late Wednesday to a stable B- from the CCC classification, which represents the highest default risk, recognizing the government’s ability to meet its debt obligations.
While this improvement still places Argentina well below investment-grade status, the positive assessment supports Milei’s objective of returning the financially troubled economy to international capital markets six years following Argentina’s ninth foreign debt default.
When Milei assumed office in late 2023, he promised to end Argentina’s extremely high price increases and address its ongoing budget shortfalls.
After more than two years, his extensive deregulation and spending reduction policies have created an unusual budget surplus, attracted investors, and reduced inflation — the yearly rate, currently at 33%, exceeded 200% when he began his presidency.
However, the inflation that makes living costs in Buenos Aires similar to those in European capitals continues to outstrip actual wages. Joblessness has increased as thousands of employees lose their positions from domestic industries unable to compete with an influx of inexpensive foreign goods.
Corruption scandals that Milei promised to eliminate when he took office have particularly upset the public given his simultaneous efforts to reduce funding for education, healthcare, and social programs.
Most recently, Milei’s trusted advisor and cabinet chief, Manuel Adorni, became the subject of an investigation for suspected illegal wealth accumulation through expensive travel — including a cash-only trip to Aruba — and property acquisitions despite his modest government income. On Wednesday, he acknowledged concealing $500,000 in unreported savings and cryptocurrency holdings.
WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that the United States may continue collecting 10% tariffs on imports from around the world while ongoing legal battles over these trade levies move through the judicial system.
The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington delivered a procedural victory to the Trump administration, determining that the government’s position was “likely to succeed on the merits.”
The dispute centers on temporary 10% global tariffs that President Donald Trump put in place following a February Supreme Court ruling that struck down more extensive double-digit tariffs the president had established last year affecting nearly all nations worldwide. These current tariffs, implemented using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, are scheduled to end on July 24.
Section 122, which has never before been utilized to support import duties, permits the president to establish global tariffs up to 15% for a 150-day period, after which Congress must approve any extension.
The provision targets what it describes as “fundamental international payments problems.” The central question is whether this language encompasses trade deficits — the difference between American exports to other nations and imports from them — as the Trump administration argues.
Last month, a divided three-judge panel from the specialized Court of International Trade in New York determined the 10% global tariffs were unlawful following a lawsuit by small businesses seeking to halt them. The trade court ruled 2-1 that Trump exceeded the tariff authority Congress had granted to the president under the statute. The majority opinion declared the tariffs “invalid” and “unauthorized by law.”
The matter may ultimately reach the Supreme Court.
Major homebuilder Lennar announced Thursday it anticipates delivering fewer homes in the upcoming quarter than Wall Street analysts had projected, as the struggling U.S. housing market continues to face headwinds. The company’s stock price dropped 3.2% in after-hours trading following the announcement.
Companies that build single-family homes like Lennar continue to face declining sales as several factors dampen buyer demand, including weak consumer confidence, employment concerns, and elevated mortgage rates.
To combat sluggish sales, builders have implemented targeted promotions including mortgage rate buydowns, but these strategies combined with ongoing inflation have cut into company profit margins.
During the second quarter, Lennar completed delivery of 20,519 homes, representing a 2% increase compared to the same period last year. However, the company’s average home price dropped approximately 5% to $371,000 per unit, reflecting ongoing market challenges and increased promotional incentives.
CEO Stuart Miller characterized the quarter as being “defined by the same stubborn headwinds that have challenged the housing market for the past several years – persistently elevated mortgage rates, constrained affordability, and cautious consumer sentiment.”
Miller noted that global political tensions have intensified these challenges and contributed to inflation rising to 4.2%, largely due to increased energy costs.
The Miami, Florida-based company projects it will deliver between 20,500 to 21,500 homes during the third quarter. Industry analysts had anticipated an average of 22,353 deliveries, based on data from LSEG.
When special items are excluded, Lennar reported second-quarter earnings of $1.31 per share, surpassing Wall Street projections of $1.24 per share.
However, company revenue for the quarter ending May 31 declined more than 5% to $7.94 billion, falling short of analyst expectations of $8.02 billion.
Lennar’s stock value has decreased by nearly half since reaching its peak in September 2024.
Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel will be out of action for an extended period after the team moved him to the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to left plantar fasciitis.
Medical evaluation on Thursday revealed Isbel suffered a Grade 3 tear in his left plantar fascia, which represents a severe injury. The team expects him to remain sidelined for a considerable amount of time, with a clearer recovery timeline expected after additional medical assessments in the upcoming days.
Speaking on Thursday, Isbel revealed he had been dealing with the foot problem for several weeks before it worsened while running bases during Tuesday’s matchup against the Texas Rangers.
“It’s just getting the inflammation down, and then there’s not really a timetable on it,” Isbel said. “Just more symptom-based. … Just a lot of pressure in the bottom of my foot.”
The 29-year-old outfielder has compiled a .244 batting average this season along with three home runs and 11 RBIs across 56 games. Throughout his major league career since joining Kansas City in 2021, Isbel maintains a .238 batting average with 26 home runs and 155 RBIs over 552 regular-season contests.
To fill the roster spot, the Royals brought up outfielder Kameron Misner from Triple-A Omaha. Misner has posted a .203 batting average (43-for-212) with five home runs and 22 RBIs across 80 games between the Tampa Bay Rays (2024-25) and Royals.
Kansas City can cover Isbel’s position using Lane Thomas, Tyler Tolbert and Misner, as all three players have the ability to play any outfield position.
The 28-year-old Misner performed well at the Triple-A level this season, posting a .276 average with 13 homers and 51 RBIs in 59 games. His strong play earned him International League Player of the Week honors for June 1-7.
Romanian tennis player Elena-Gabriela Ruse pulled off a stunning upset Thursday, defeating third-seeded Elise Mertens of Belgium in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. Ruse managed to save eight out of nine break point opportunities during her quarterfinal-advancing victory.
Czech player Barbora Krejcikova, seeded eighth, was the sole seeded competitor to move forward Thursday with her 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel. Fifth-seeded Anastasia Potapova from Austria was forced to withdraw due to illness while trailing Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 6-1, 2-0.
American Robin Montgomery, currently ranked 484th globally, defeated Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-4, 7-6 (4), converting 34 of her 46 first serves for a 73.9% success rate. Poland’s Magda Linette and Ukraine’s Daria Snigur also secured spots in the quarterfinals.
HSBC Championships
Thursday’s entire schedule at the WTA 500 tournament in London was cancelled due to rain.
Top-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan remains scheduled to face Germany’s Tatjana Maria in Round of 16 action that will begin Friday’s competition. Second-seeded Amanda Anisimova and sixth-seeded Iva Jovic are set to meet in an all-American quarterfinal matchup.
Mexican soccer fans erupted in celebration Thursday after their national team finally broke through on World Cup opening day, defeating South Africa 2-0 at a packed Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The victory ended a frustrating pattern for Mexico, which had lost its opening match in seven consecutive World Cup tournaments before Thursday’s breakthrough performance in front of 80,000 roaring supporters.
“It broke the curse, and what better place to do it than at home,” said Arturo Lopez, 32, inside the Azteca. “It’s the dream of all kids who like soccer to be able to attend one time in our lifetime.”
Julian Quinones provided the spark Mexico needed, scoring in the ninth minute to calm early jitters and ignite the crowd at one of soccer’s most legendary venues. The match turned physical throughout, resulting in three players receiving red cards.
Fan Beth Navaez, who previously attended World Cups in Russia and Qatar, praised the home crowd’s impact on the team’s performance. “The crowd – all the people – it energized the team,” she said, noting it was “more exciting” to watch them compete in Mexico.
Despite the opening victory, Navaez remained cautious about Mexico’s tournament chances. “We always have hope but they always disappoint,” she added.
The celebration extended beyond the stadium to Mexico City’s main Zocalo square, where a fan zone reached its 50,000-person capacity. Supporters continued dancing and singing even as rain began falling during the match.
“I’m content, I’m happy, I’m 100% Mexican,” said Marta Gonzalez, 42, as she departed the Zocalo celebration with her daughter and son.
The fan zone had been surrounded by protesting teachers in the days leading up to the match, but the barriers came down as soccer fever took over the historic square.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX successfully completed a record-breaking $75 billion initial public offering on Thursday, achieving the funding target the company had set for its highly anticipated market debut. The aerospace firm sold its shares at a set price of $135 each, establishing a company valuation of $1.77 trillion for the space, satellite and artificial intelligence enterprise.
This historic public offering establishes SpaceX as the largest IPO on record and solidifies its position among the world’s most valuable corporations. Trading of the company’s stock will commence Friday on the Nasdaq exchange.
Financial experts shared their perspectives on the landmark offering:
Mark Klein, who serves as CEO and President of Suro Capital, commented:
“The IPO parade, which now looks like it’s turning into a stampede, has been coming for a while. You could argue there were flickers of it as early as last year, but it never fully materialized into a broad wave of companies. SpaceX is going to be the bellwether.”
Nancy Tengler, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Laffer Tengler Investments, offered this analysis:
“From our perspective, it is definitely an AI company, but we’re focused on the benefits, scale, and cost reductions that could come from building data centers in space and from making Starship fully reusable. They’re not there yet. They’re saying the second half of 2026, but that would be a game changer in our view.
“And then they’ve got the profit generator in Starlink. The TAM on that business is pretty compelling, and I think they’re only scratching the surface.”
John Belton, who manages the GABGX portfolio at Gabelli Funds, stated:
“SpaceX is the ultimate growth stock. I think this is a company with significant growth potential ahead of it. It’s definitely going to be a long-term story, and I think it will take time for the stock to find its footing in the public markets. But there are a lot of exciting opportunities ahead.”
Jay Woods, Chief Market Strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, provided this market outlook:
“What we’ve seen with many high-profile IPOs is an initial surge in price followed by a period where investors give some of those gains back. I think that’s the most likely scenario here as well.”
“My concern is that retail investors who receive allocations may not take profits soon enough and could get hurt if the stock pulls back. More importantly, investors who missed the IPO may chase the stock in the secondary market after a significant run-up, and historically those investors tend to be the most vulnerable if momentum reverses.”
Matt Kennedy, Senior Strategist at Renaissance Capital, a firm specializing in IPO research and ETFs, noted:
“Normally I’d say that pricing at the expected terms doesn’t indicate a ton of enthusiasm, but this may be the exception. Here we just don’t know. Sure, an upsizing or downsizing would have given us a signal. But the company set a single proposed price, and stuck with it.”
“We don’t know what kind of demand is behind that number, or will appear tomorrow, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable guessing. Also, this is already a complex offering, so changing the price would have been a significant hurdle. It’s true they could have changed the share offering more easily. But it fits the ‘take it or leave it’ ethos of the terms.”
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a heat advisory that went into effect Tuesday afternoon at 3:02 PM and will remain active until Wednesday evening at 8:00 PM.
Weather officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions during this period of elevated temperatures that could pose health risks to vulnerable populations.
The advisory serves as a warning for potentially dangerous heat conditions that require extra attention to staying cool and hydrated.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect across northern Delaware and surrounding areas until 8 PM Friday, as dangerous heat index values could reach 103 degrees.
New Castle County residents should prepare for sweltering conditions as high temperatures combine with oppressive humidity. The advisory also covers parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, and portions of southern New Jersey.
Health officials warn that these conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and those working outdoors.
To stay safe, meteorologists recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. If you must be outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Residents without air conditioning can call 211 for assistance finding cooling centers in their area.
There is some good news on the horizon: scattered showers and thunderstorms expected late Friday afternoon may provide temporary relief, though humidity will remain high. A cold front moving through this weekend will finally break the oppressive pattern, bringing much more comfortable conditions.
The Heat Advisory expires at 8 PM Friday evening.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — June 11, 2026
DELMARVA — Continuous rainfall across the Midwest is leaving soybean farmers racing against the calendar as saturated soils prevent field access. Don Wyss, who farms corn and soybeans in northeast Indiana, says they’re struggling with too wet conditions and aren’t done with soybean planting yet. Kyle Durham, farming east of Kansas City in Missouri, reports similar delays due to persistent moisture.
Markets
Livestock futures posted strong gains Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. August live cattle finished $1.17 higher at $242.67 per hundredweight. October live cattle jumped $1.70 to $235.40. Feeder cattle saw the biggest gains, with August contracts surging $5.27 to close at $359.65.
Crop Production
Winter wheat production continues to shrink. USDA revised its estimate down to 1.03 billion bushels Thursday, a 2% drop from May and 27% below last year. Yields are now pegged at 46.8 bushels per acre.
Policy
USDA is redirecting money from a canceled food program to help fund the $1.3 billion screwworm eradication campaign, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Forecast
The local area reached 86° this afternoon under partly sunny skies. Tonight brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low of 72°. Friday looks mostly sunny, high near 88°, then a slight chance of storms Friday night. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through Friday evening.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 11, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Delaware has passed legislation to participate in an interstate agreement designed to make it easier for respiratory therapists to work across state boundaries.
The newly enacted law establishes Delaware’s participation in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which aims to streamline licensing requirements for healthcare professionals in this field. The agreement will become active once seven states have passed similar legislation.
According to the legislative documentation, five states have already enacted this compact as of January 2026, while six additional states have introduced comparable bills.
The compact addresses challenges faced by the nation’s roughly 130,000 licensed respiratory therapists, who currently encounter substantial obstacles when attempting to provide care in states other than where they originally obtained their licenses. These barriers persist even when practitioners meet all necessary qualifications to work in different states.
The new agreement is designed to remove unnecessary licensing obstacles that prevent multi-state practice while simultaneously strengthening public safety through improved information sharing between state regulatory bodies.
Delaware has officially joined a multi-state licensing agreement that will allow cosmetologists to work across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each location.
The state has enacted legislation adopting the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which became operational after sufficient states passed similar measures. The initiative aims to streamline government processes while establishing a regulatory structure for cosmetology professionals working in multiple states.
Under the new system, licensed beauty professionals can obtain enhanced mobility and expanded opportunities, with particular benefits for military personnel and their families who frequently relocate. The program maintains public safety by ensuring qualified and dependable cosmetology services continue to be available.
Beauty professionals living in participating states can now request a multi-state license through their home state, which grants them the authority to work throughout all member locations. To qualify, applicants must possess a current, unrestricted cosmetology license in their resident state and satisfy specific education standards, pass national examinations, and complete background screenings.
License holders must fulfill ongoing professional development requirements to maintain their multi-state credentials. The compact includes provisions for member states to exchange information about disciplinary measures, investigations, and any circumstances that might prevent a professional from maintaining their multi-state authorization, ensuring all participating states stay informed about practitioners’ standing and qualifications.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins observed the release of sterile flies designed to combat the New World screwworm during a Thursday visit to a Texas ranch where one of the initial cases was discovered. This parasite poses a serious threat to America’s cattle industry.
During her visit, she reiterated her claim that the previous administration under former President Joe Biden bears responsibility for the parasite’s reappearance in the United States after being eliminated six decades ago. Democratic officials counter that budget reductions to the agriculture department during President Donald Trump’s tenure are the real culprit.
According to Rollins, screwworms are developing into a billion-dollar global crisis, though containment remains possible if ranchers stay alert, monitor their livestock and wildlife, and address infestations promptly. She indicated the calf where screwworms were discovered six days prior in its umbilical cord wound area.
“He couldn’t be happier. He’s bouncing around the pasture,” Rollins said.
These parasitic flies deposit eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded creatures and consume living tissue instead of dead matter. Researchers indicate that releasing sterile flies to breed with females represents the most successful population control method, a tactic proven effective for decades. Rising global temperatures are complicating containment efforts by expanding suitable habitats for screwworms, which flourish in hot, humid conditions.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is organizing a comprehensive campaign against the screwworm, which had been restricted to Panama’s narrow isthmus for decades.
Regardless of the underlying cause, pushing screwworms southward and preventing their return will require significant funding. The USDA projects spending more than $1 billion on protecting cattle herds and other livestock.
Approximately $750 million will fund construction and operation of a facility capable of producing up to 300 million sterile flies weekly. This established technique works because female screwworms mate only once, so pairing with a sterile male results in non-viable eggs and declining populations.
The objective is safeguarding the U.S. cattle industry. Specialists believe the parasite shouldn’t immediately drive up already near-record beef prices provided it doesn’t escalate into a widespread outbreak killing large numbers of cattle. Screwworms don’t compromise food safety.
The parasite has already disrupted Mexico’s beef industry. The U.S. shut down southern ports to Mexican livestock last summer.
Mexico has recorded over 28,000 screwworm cases since the flies returned two years ago, primarily concentrated in southern states. The Mexican government halted importation of nearly all live animals from the U.S. after screwworms were found here.
The U.S. had remained virtually screwworm-free for 60 years, with researchers across North and Central America eventually confining it to Panama’s containment zone. However, in 2023, the flies reemerged and started migrating northward.
Specialists say screwworms will persist at least through this summer. Seven cases have been identified in Texas and New Mexico. A 12-mile quarantine zone is established around each confirmed case location.
While working toward solutions, researchers remain uncertain about what caused screwworms to leave their confined Panama region.
“I don’t have the answer to that one, and I don’t know if anyone does. It doesn’t help us to speculate,” said Jonathan Cammack, a professor of livestock entomology and parasitology at Oklahoma State University.
The priority now involves expanding the sterile fly program and securing international cooperation to push the pests back to Panama, he explained.
Climate change is also contributing to screwworm expansion, said Lee Haines, an associate research professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame.
“The fly is a creature of warmth as its entire life cycle, from egg to adult, can complete in as little as three weeks under tropical conditions,” Haines said.
Even Canada has temporarily halted livestock imports of cattle, horses and other animals from Texas. The parasites favor humid regions with temperatures of at least 77 F (25 C), and such conditions are becoming more common further north.
While Rollins rapidly implements a billion-dollar screwworm response, she has also criticized the Biden administration, pointing out it held office as the parasite resumed its northward movement.
She attributed the flies’ presence to animals accompanying or following immigrants traveling north, as well as transportation with cattle and other livestock sold by Mexican cartels outside official markets.
“Tens of millions of people moving north to America, bringing their livestock with them, the Mexican cartels with the illicit cattle traffic, we knew it was coming,” Rollins told the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday.
Nearly a dozen Democratic U.S. senators sent a letter to Rollins this week questioning whether job losses at the USDA have hurt food inspections and livestock safety programs.
Nearly 20% of the counties in the U.S. that started 2025 with at least one employee from the federal Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service ended the year with none, the letter said.
Rollins said she has moved over 100 USDA employees into the screwworm response. She said it has been one of her top priorities since Trump picked her to lead the USDA.
But Democratic U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu of California said blaming Biden is shortsighted and again shows the Trump administration creates problems through reckless spending cuts.
“The life cycle of a screwworm is about 14 to 54 days, depending on temperature and humidity. The Trump administration has been in office for over 500 days,” Lieu said earlier this week. “This is on the Trump administration. They need to own up to it, and they need to apologize.”
Federal safety investigators say a devastating train crash in North Dakota two years ago serves as another stark reminder of why transportation officials have spent decades pushing the railroad industry to retire dangerous tank cars that break apart too easily during accidents.
The National Transportation Safety Board released its final investigation report Thursday, concluding that the standard DOT-111 tank cars are desperately in need of replacement due to how they amplify disaster when trains carrying dangerous chemicals derail, particularly when those materials ignite as occurred near Bordulac, North Dakota.
Some of the most catastrophic railroad accidents in recent years have been worsened by leaking tank cars carrying hazardous substances that ignited, including the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, disaster and the 2013 Lac Megantic accident that destroyed much of that Canadian community and resulted in 47 deaths. The problematic DOT-111 cars were also factors in multiple devastating crude oil and ethanol crashes during the early 2000s when rail companies frequently transported entire trains loaded with these combustible materials.
Even some improved tank car designs created following earlier accidents dating to the 1990s remain inadequate because they feature thin exterior walls. More robust modern rail tank cars have better resistance to breaking open during derailments.
Additionally, railroad companies must modify how they organize their train consists to prevent flammable liquids from being positioned near chemicals that pose inhalation hazards. When this CPKC train went off the rails on July 5, 2024, methanol poured from five damaged tank cars and ignited. The resulting blaze then caused three cars containing anhydrous ammonia to rupture.
While the actual derailment resulted from a culvert failure beneath the train that broke the rail, NTSB investigators determined that the rupture-prone tank cars dramatically worsened the consequences. The safety board found that although the culvert received regular inspections, those examinations lacked the depth needed to detect the collapse danger beforehand.
The North Dakota incident was fortunate in that the remote location meant few residents were affected when 29 of the train’s 151 cars left the tracks. Just two households chose to evacuate for two days while emergency crews extinguished fires and managed the methanol and anhydrous ammonia releases. A dozen additional derailed cars were transporting plastic pellets.
The derailment itself caused no injuries, though several cleanup workers later sought medical attention and experienced health issues after exposure to anhydrous ammonia.
CPKC spokesman Patrick Waldron stated the company obtained the report following its Thursday afternoon release and is conducting a thorough review.
Representatives from the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Association of American Railroads trade organization did not immediately respond to inquiries about the NTSB conclusions. The Federal Railroad Administration also declined immediate comment on the recommendations.
The NTSB has advocated for eliminating these cars from hazardous materials service since at least the 1990s due to their problematic track record, and Congress has required their replacement for transporting flammable liquids by 2029. However, they would still be permitted for carrying other dangerous materials beyond that deadline.
Delaware lawmakers have passed legislation that expands hunting opportunities across the state while updating regulations to reflect modern hunting practices.
The new law clarifies that Sunday hunting will be allowed for all game animals and birds that have established hunting seasons through the Department. However, private property owners and public agencies will retain authority over when and where Sunday hunting occurs on their lands, without creating excessive regulatory burden.
The legislation also streamlines regulations regarding handgun ammunition calibers allowed for deer hunting and modernizes rules governing other hunting equipment to keep pace with technological advances.
Additionally, the law reclassifies certain wildlife species. European and snowshoe hares will no longer be considered game animals, while skunks and weasels have been added to the game animal category.
The changes represent multiple amendments to Delaware’s Title 7 code, which governs regulations and restrictions related to game and fish management throughout the state.
Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would eliminate current restrictions on how much energy customers can generate through net metering programs.
The proposed bill would modify Delaware’s public utilities regulations by removing the existing 8 percent limitation on net energy metering for customer-generated power.
Under current law, there is a cap that limits the amount of customer-generated energy that can be fed back into the grid through net metering arrangements. The new legislation would eliminate this restriction entirely.
The measure represents a change to Title 26 of the Delaware Code, which governs public utilities and energy regulations in the state.
Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would strengthen civil rights protections for people with disabilities throughout the state.
The proposed measure would modify Delaware’s Equal Accommodations Law by incorporating safeguards from Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, along with its implementing regulations as they existed on January 1, 2025.
According to the bill’s language, the legislation aims to “help ensure that Delawareans with disabilities get broad and full protection within Delaware.”
The proposal would also establish that any references to Section 504 found elsewhere in Delaware’s laws or regulations would be interpreted as references to the state’s Equal Accommodations Law.
The bill, designated as SB 198, represents an effort to align state disability rights protections with established federal standards.
Financial markets experienced their most significant upward movement in two months Thursday after President Trump called off planned military action against Iran and suggested a peace agreement might be reached within days.
The market rally was accompanied by declining oil prices and falling bond yields as investors responded positively to the diplomatic developments. In a market analysis column, concerns were raised about the upcoming SpaceX public offering and its potential impact on individual investors.
The SpaceX initial public offering, set to begin trading Friday, carries unusual risks for everyday investors due to the high retail allocation and historical volatility following major technology company debuts.
Key market performance showed Asian markets finishing mixed while European stocks climbed. Wall Street’s primary indexes posted gains ranging from 1.9% to 2.5%.
Among individual sectors, eight of eleven S&P 500 categories advanced, with technology, industrial, and materials stocks each rising 3% or more. Energy stocks declined 2%. The semiconductor index jumped 8% in its largest single-day increase since April of the previous year. Notable individual stock movements included Micron Technology gaining 12%, Intel climbing 9%, and Boeing advancing 6%, while Oracle fell 9%.
Currency markets saw the dollar weaken, with the USD/CAD pair reaching above 1.40 for the first time in seven months. Emerging market currencies strengthened, including Brazil’s real gaining 1.5% and South Africa’s rand advancing 2%.
Bond yields dropped 8-9 basis points across all maturities, though the 30-year Treasury auction showed weakness with approximately a 2 basis point tail.
Commodity trading showed oil declining 3% while gold increased 2%.
The SpaceX offering represents a $75 billion market debut with a total valuation of $1.75 trillion, reportedly four times oversubscribed with 30% allocated to retail investors. Investment banks have issued optimistic projections, including potential 100-fold increases in AI revenue by 2030 and total sales reaching $3.4 trillion by 2040, compared to last year’s revenue of $18.7 billion.
The European Central Bank implemented a 25 basis point interest rate increase Thursday, becoming the first major central bank to respond to war-related inflation pressures with monetary tightening. Australia and Norway’s central banks have already taken similar action, with Japan’s central bank expected to follow next week.
Market participants are anticipating two additional ECB rate increases this year, with a possible third early next year. Economic analysts suggest the ECB’s updated inflation projections and President Christine Lagarde’s statements support the possibility of three more rate hikes, positioning the ECB as more aggressive than the Federal Reserve currently.
The World Cup tournament has begun, described by Brazilian soccer legend Pele as “The Beautiful Game.” However, the event faces challenges including fan pricing concerns, weaker-than-expected tourism benefits, and entry restrictions affecting some fans and officials from certain countries.
Friday’s market-moving events may include Middle East developments, New Zealand manufacturing data for May, Japan’s April industrial production figures, India’s May inflation numbers, remarks from European Central Bank policymaker Martin Kocher, Germany’s final May inflation data, UK April industrial production, Brazil’s May inflation figures, preliminary US University of Michigan consumer sentiment and inflation expectations for June, and the SpaceX IPO launch.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has delivered just one-third of the funding that LIV Golf requires to complete its remaining 2026 season schedule, according to a Thursday report from the Financial Times.
The golf circuit needs $600 million to finish out the 2026 calendar, the report states. The fund provided $66 million in early May followed by $130 million in early June, according to the reporting.
When asked to respond to the Financial Times’ findings, the fund chose not to elaborate beyond referencing its April statement that “the substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy.”
The financial powerhouse behind LIV’s lucrative player deals and tournament prize pools, the fund revealed in April it would only continue supporting LIV through the 2026 season. The organization has invested approximately $6 billion in the league to date.
During a Tuesday CNBC interview, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil expressed confidence that the fund would honor its commitment to finance the league through the current year.
“I can say they’ve been terrific partners so far, and you have to take an incredible organization like PIF at their word,” O’Neil stated. “They’ve been very public about funding us through the season, so we are full steam ahead.”
O’Neil faced questions about recent speculation that LIV’s remaining four tournaments this season might face cancellation as the fund considers withdrawing support earlier than expected. LIV Golf Louisiana, originally slated for late June, was delayed shortly after news emerged about the fund’s planned exit.
As the fund distances itself and its governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan resigns from his role as LIV Golf’s chairman, the league has started courting potential new backers, reportedly pursuing $250-350 million in investment funding to launch a “LIV 2.0” strategy.
When directly questioned about whether he could promise the four remaining events in England, New Jersey, Indianapolis and Michigan would proceed as scheduled this summer, O’Neil, a veteran sports industry leader in his second year leading LIV, offered an indirect response.
“What I can guarantee is a heck of a return if you come invest in this business,” O’Neil answered.
LIV is currently in a 47-day hiatus to allow for the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, and the league might emerge transformed or not at all following this break, Front Office Sports reported earlier this week. The tour is scheduled to resume with LIV Golf UK from July 23-26.
“Every remaining tournament is on the fence,” a representative from one of LIV’s partner organizations told the publication.
“I truly don’t think anyone knows,” the representative added. “LIV Golf doesn’t know if or when the PIF will shut off the spigot.”
LIV is attempting to survive until 2026 and restart operations next year without Saudi financial backing. The organization is presenting proposals to prospective investors while working with an investment banking consultant. It’s also cutting costs wherever feasible and developing strategies to reduce tournament prize money.
Officials in Salisbury, Maryland have moved a scheduled Great Train Robbery performance from its original June 12 date to July 31 because of weather conditions. The show at Pohanka Riverwalk Amphitheatre was postponed due to extreme heat and the possibility of thunderstorms.
The rescheduled performance will take place on Friday, July 31, running from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Officials said they made this choice to maintain their dedication to offering secure and entertaining community events for both local residents and visitors.
The performance at Pohanka Riverwalk Amphitheatre costs nothing to attend and welcomes all ages, creating a family-oriented chance to hear live music in the heart of Salisbury.
Concert-goers should consider bringing their own seating and showing up early to visit nearby restaurants and shops in the downtown area either before or after the show, helping support area businesses and keeping downtown active.
Those wanting more information can check the City of Salisbury’s official websites and social media accounts for updates.
A federal appeals court on Thursday prolonged its suspension of a lower court decision that challenged the Trump administration’s 10% worldwide tariff policy implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act, maintaining the collection of these duties from three importers who had previously secured relief from the charges.
The Federal Circuit appeals court’s action permits the United States to maintain tariff collection from the three importers during the government’s appeal process.
On May 7, the U.S. trade court issued a ruling against these new tariffs, though it did not establish a broad prohibition on their collection.
The three importers affected by the court decision include two small businesses and the state of Washington, which had paid tariffs on goods purchased by the University of Washington.
Following the Trump administration’s appeal, the appeals court on May 12 temporarily restored tariff collection for the three importers who had prevailed in the lower court.
The 10% worldwide tariff was established in February, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the majority of tariffs that the Trump administration had implemented in 2025.
This 10% global tariff is set to conclude in July, unless Congress chooses to extend it.
The current global tariffs were established under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Parents preparing to return to their jobs after taking time off for a new baby face a challenging transition that requires careful planning and realistic expectations. Expert guidance suggests focusing on schedule management, setting appropriate expectations, and building strong support networks during this significant life change.
The transition back to the workplace represents a major adjustment period for new parents who must balance professional responsibilities with their expanded family duties. Successfully navigating this period often depends on having the right strategies and resources in place before returning to work.
A motor vehicle accident has prompted lane restrictions at the busy intersection where Foulk Road meets Silverside Road, according to traffic officials.
The crash has forced the closure of interior lanes at this location, creating potential delays for commuters and other drivers traveling through the area.
Motorists are advised to use caution when approaching the intersection and consider taking alternative routes to avoid congestion while emergency responders and cleanup crews work at the scene.
The duration of the lane closures has not been specified, and drivers should check current traffic conditions before traveling through this area.
More than five decades have passed since the unsolved murder of William L. Collins, a case that continues to challenge New Castle County investigators.
The 29-year-old man was found dead on June 11, 1972, when police officers were called to Pigeon Point Road near the former C&E Minerals Inc. chemical plant in New Castle. The incident occurred in the Port of Wilmington community area.
Despite the passage of time, law enforcement officials have not closed the case and continue seeking information that could lead to answers in Collins’ death. The investigation remains active as a cold case homicide.
A decade has passed since a gunman opened fire at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, yet the pain of losing 49 young lives continues to weigh heavily on the community.
The tragic shooting occurred 10 years ago, but residents say the emotional wounds remain fresh as they remember those who were killed in the attack.
NEW YORK — Wall Street experienced its most impressive surge in two months Thursday, while petroleum prices tumbled after President Donald Trump withdrew his threat to launch military strikes against Iran. The development sparked optimism about a possible agreement that could restore normal global petroleum distribution.
The S&P 500 climbed 1.8%, recovering from consecutive declines that had pulled the index back to early May levels. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 929 points, gaining 1.9%, while the Nasdaq composite advanced 2.5%.
Markets shifted dramatically upward during midday sessions following Trump’s announcement on his social media platform that “discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved” and that the timing and location of a signing will “be announced shortly.”
An agreement to conclude the conflict with Iran might reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore petroleum tanker shipments from the Persian Gulf to global markets. Benchmark U.S. crude prices dropped 2.6% to $87.71 per barrel. Brent crude, the global benchmark, declined 2.9% to $90.38, although it remains elevated from its approximately $70 pre-war level.
Concerns had intensified as the United States and Iran conducted strikes in recent days, jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire that had lasted over a month.
Elevated petroleum costs from the Iran conflict have driven inflation sharply higher, and Thursday’s data revealed that U.S. wholesale prices rose more significantly in May than economists had projected. The impact extends globally, with the European Central Bank on Thursday becoming the first major central bank to increase interest rates in response.
Elevated rates can control inflation but also decelerate economic growth and reduce values for various investments, including equities and digital currencies. They particularly affect investments considered overpriced, with some analysts labeling the artificial-intelligence sector a bubble where investment expanded excessively.
Major fluctuations in AI company shares have driven U.S. market volatility over recent days, as these stocks moved from achieving new highs to suddenly declining. The primary concern involves whether such securities rose too rapidly due to AI enthusiasm, with their volatile movements sometimes reversing direction hourly.
AI securities had already begun recovering Thursday morning before Trump’s Iran announcement.
Marvell Technology gained 11.1% after a turbulent period that included a 16.7% plunge, a 9.6% surge, then consecutive daily drops exceeding 5%. Previously, it had achieved a historic single-day jump of 32.5% when Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggested it could become “the next trillion-dollar company.” Its valuation exceeded $190 billion at that time.
Semiconductor manufacturing companies posted some of the market’s largest gains. Lam Research jumped 12.7%, while KLA advanced 12.9%.
These gains helped counterbalance Oracle’s 8.5% decline. The company reported quarterly profits exceeding analyst expectations but announced plans to raise $40 billion this fiscal year through debt and equity sales. This follows last year’s $48 billion fundraising effort to finance AI investments.
Other corporations have recently faced stock penalties for announcing substantial AI spending, as questions persist about whether such investments will generate the profits and productivity improvements that AI supporters promise.
Overall, the S&P 500 gained 127.31 points to 7,394.30. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 929.97 to 50,848.75, and the Nasdaq composite added 640.16 to 25,809.66.
In bond markets, Treasury yields fell substantially as declining petroleum prices reduced inflationary pressures. The 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 4.45% from Wednesday’s 4.55%, representing a notable bond market movement.
Sustained petroleum price declines could enable the Federal Reserve to maintain current interest rates this year rather than implementing increases that many traders anticipated due to high inflation and a robust U.S. job market. Following Trump’s announcement, traders reduced expectations for potential federal funds rate increases this year, according to CME Group data.
The Fed might even resume rate reductions under its new chair, Kevin Warsh, if inflation pressures diminish sufficiently. Trump appointed Warsh, and Trump has consistently advocated for lower interest rates.
Smaller company stocks can benefit most from easier interest rates since many require borrowing for growth, and the Russell 2000 index of smallest U.S. stocks led markets with a 3% gain.
International markets showed modest gains in Europe following mixed Asian results.
London’s FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7%, representing two of the day’s more significant global movements.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled planned military action against Iran, claiming that diplomatic negotiations have achieved meaningful progress just hours after threatening to escalate military action by taking control of Iran’s petroleum sector.
In a social media statement, Trump indicated he made this decision following a diplomatic breakthrough, noting that key negotiating points “have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.”
This development follows two days of military exchanges between the United States and Iran that brought the Middle East dangerously close to renewed large-scale warfare.
Earlier Thursday, Trump had warned of further military escalation, declaring on social media that America would strike Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and assume “total control” of its petroleum and natural gas sectors.
Hours later, Trump posted that “discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail,” approved by the United States, Israel, and other regional partners. He provided no additional specifics.
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly suggested that warring nations were close to reaching an agreement, though no deals have materialized. Iranian officials and mediators have not yet responded to Trump’s latest claims about negotiating progress.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled over Iran’s nuclear development program, which Washington and Israel worry could produce nuclear weapons, though Tehran maintains it serves peaceful purposes. Another significant dispute involves Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor for petroleum and natural gas transport.
President’s Pattern: From Threats to Diplomacy
Trump’s swift Thursday transition from severe military threats to promoting peaceful negotiations highlighted his unpredictable approach to the conflict. Earlier this week, he suggested a peace agreement could be finalized within days.
However, military strikes then shook the Middle East throughout the week. Initial exchanges occurred between Iran and Israel, followed by two rounds of attacks between America and Iran, targeting nations hosting U.S. military personnel. American strikes commenced after Trump accused Iran of shooting down an American attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Both crew members were successfully rescued.
U.S. forces said they struck Iran’s military monitoring systems, communication networks and air defense installations. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard reported hits on a manufacturing facility, military barracks and a Guard installation near Tehran.
Tehran responded by launching strikes at Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, with Bahrain reporting an 11-year-old girl injured and property damage from debris of intercepted Iranian missiles.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared that American attacks had “effectively rendered the ceasefire … meaningless,” while stopping short of formally abandoning it.
Following Trump’s Thursday threats of additional attacks, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned on social media that “wrong strategies and impulsive decisions” would devastate energy markets and “create an endless quagmire that you will be stuck in for years.”
This mirrors Trump’s previous pattern from April, when he warned Iran that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” unless it accepted his conditions, before subsequently extending a ceasefire.
Oil Terminal Seizure Threats
Iran’s extended disruption of Strait of Hormuz shipping has restricted global energy supplies, increased fuel costs and made food and essential goods more expensive far beyond the region.
Trump had threatened Thursday to capture Kharg Island, Iran’s petroleum industry hub, which handles 90% of the country’s oil exports.
However, Trump quickly expressed uncertainty about seizing the oil facility, telling Fox News: “I don’t know that America has the stomach for it, to be honest.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on social media that America would use frozen Iranian assets to cover damage costs to American allies and any fees Iran charges for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Beyond disputes over the strait and Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran demands that any war-ending agreement must also halt fighting in Lebanon between its allied militia Hezbollah and Israel.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears determined to pursue his objective of eliminating the militant organization, further complicating Tehran negotiations.
International Criticism Over Sailor Deaths
America faced international condemnation Thursday following a U.S. military strike that killed three Indian sailors aboard an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. forces said they fired Tuesday to disable the Palau-flagged vessel M/T Settebello as it tried to break through an American blockade of Iranian ports while transporting Iranian petroleum. Three Indian crew members died, India’s ports and shipping minister confirmed Thursday on X.
The International Maritime Organization leader, a United Nations agency, denounced the attack. India’s foreign ministry called in a senior American diplomat to express its “deepest concerns” and formally protest the strike, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The State Department confirmed it was “in direct contact” with India’s government about the strike, but provided no additional information.
U.S. Central Command stated American forces issued warnings before attacking the vessel. This marks one of nine commercial ships the U.S. military has disabled while enforcing the blockade.
Iranian Citizens Fear Escalating Crisis
A 25-year-old student in northern Iran reports that Iranians fear “chaos” amid ongoing warfare and mounting domestic problems.
The student from Babol said many Iranians cannot afford basic groceries due to widespread unemployment and triple-digit food price increases. He requested anonymity for security reasons.
“Everything is going wrong and there is no hope among the people,” the student said.
The student previously spoke to The Associated Press before the war during widespread anti-government demonstrations. He now says his primary concern is that Iran “maintain territorial integrity and deterrence” against attacks from the U.S. and Israel.
Congressional representatives from both sides of the aisle unveiled new legislation Wednesday designed to increase federal security funding for Jewish institutions and bolster government efforts to combat antisemitism, earning praise from prominent Jewish advocacy groups as threats against Jewish communities continue nationwide.
The House legislation, spearheaded by Reps. Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat, and Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, serves as the House counterpart to the Jewish American Security Act that Sens. Jacky Rosen, a Nevada Democrat, and James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, introduced in the Senate last month.
The proposed legislation would provide authorization for up to $1 billion annually through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which assists houses of worship, educational institutions, community centers, and other vulnerable nonprofit organizations in funding security improvements. While the program serves institutions across all faiths, Jewish organizations have been particularly vocal advocates for its expansion.
Additionally, the legislation would permit grant funds to cover security personnel costs, broaden law enforcement protection around religious facilities, mandate that the Department of Education create a Title VI framework for addressing antisemitism on college campuses, and establish transparency mandates for major social media platforms regarding their management of antisemitic material.
According to Jewish Insider, which initially reported the House bill’s introduction, Goldman stated: “Words of condemnation are no longer enough. Since the October 7th attacks, there has been a systematic failure in Congress and in our communities to counter the threat posed by surging antisemitism across this country.”
Jewish advocacy organizations have urged Congress to increase security assistance following years of escalating reported antisemitic incidents, encompassing synagogue attacks, campus conflicts, property damage, online harassment, and violence connected to anger surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, the organization’s 2025 audit documented 6,274 antisemitic incidents, which included 203 physical assaults and three murders.
Greenblatt emphasized: “The data is unambiguous: Jewish Americans are under threat in their communities, on their campuses and online, and the federal government must act.”
Advocates indicate the legislation aims not only to strengthen physical security measures at Jewish facilities but also to enhance federal enforcement, monitoring, and oversight in areas where antisemitism has become increasingly prevalent.
A deadly blast at a military facility in Yemen has claimed the lives of 12 soldiers and left multiple others wounded, according to local sources who spoke with Xinhua news agency.
The devastating explosion occurred Thursday morning at a Giants Brigades military installation located in Aden’s Al-Mimdarah district. The Giants Brigades are forces aligned with Yemen’s pro-government coalition.
Local residents reported hearing the powerful detonations echo throughout large portions of the southern port city.
An unnamed security official indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the tragedy began as an accidental incident within the facility’s weapons storage facility. The official believes a malfunction in the electrical system may have ignited a blaze that eventually reached the stored ammunition supplies.
According to the official’s account, the fire led to a series of detonations throughout the military compound.
People living in the area reported observing thick smoke and fire billowing from the location before a series of blasts rocked surrounding communities.
While the Giants Brigades facility suffered damage from the incident, officials have not yet disclosed details about how extensive the destruction was.
Sources confirmed that at least 12 military personnel lost their lives in the explosion. Additional service members sustained injuries, though their current medical status has not been made public.
The tragedy took place at a military base run by pro-government troops in Aden, which serves as an important strategic location in southern Yemen.
The security official emphasized that the conclusion about an electrical failure causing the catastrophe is still under review.
Area residents described hearing multiple secondary explosions following the original blast, with smoke continuing to rise from the military compound.
As of Thursday, government authorities had not released any official statements about the incident, and additional information about injuries or property damage was not immediately accessible.
Officials conducting the investigation have not yet made public any definitive findings about what caused the explosion.
The tragedy focused on a munitions storage facility within the base, where investigators believe the fire started before spreading throughout the weapons depot and causing the series of explosions, based on early information from the security official.
The initial blast and following detonations were felt throughout Aden, capturing the attention of people living in various parts of the city.
A unique four-legged assistant is making waves in Florida law enforcement circles. Police departments in the state have enlisted the help of an otter named Splash for specialized underwater missions.
The innovative approach takes advantage of otters’ natural abilities to navigate through cloudy, difficult-to-see-through waters where traditional search methods might fall short. These aquatic mammals can be successfully trained to conduct search and rescue operations in challenging underwater conditions.
Florida’s law enforcement agencies are now putting this training to practical use, marking a creative approach to public safety operations in waterways with poor visibility.
The UN Security Council has issued strong condemnation following the death of a Serbian peacekeeper who was fatally wounded while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, demanding swift justice and a thorough investigation into the deadly attack.
According to a Security Council press release, the Serbian peacekeeper succumbed to severe injuries after mortar rounds hit his location on June 4. The same bombardment also left two fellow peacekeepers wounded.
Security Council representatives offered their sympathies to the fallen peacekeeper’s family and loved ones, showed support for Serbia, and expressed solidarity with the United Nations. They also expressed hopes for the complete and speedy healing of the injured personnel.
The council’s statement honored UN peacekeeping forces operating in dangerous areas worldwide and expressed gratitude to nations providing military personnel to the Lebanon mission.
Security Council representatives pointed out that seven peacekeepers with the Lebanon force have lost their lives while performing their mission in the country’s southern region since Hezbollah started launching rockets and unmanned aircraft on March 2. Multiple other peacekeepers have suffered injuries as well.
The statement indicated these fatalities are connected to a wider pattern of harassment, threats, and attempts to disrupt the peacekeeping operation’s authorized work in southern Lebanon.
The Security Council reaffirmed its backing for the Lebanon peacekeeping mission and demanded that all involved parties guarantee peacekeeper safety and security, safeguard UN installations, and maintain the operation’s ability to move freely under international law.
Council representatives emphasized that peacekeeping personnel must remain off-limits to attacks and called on all parties to fully honor their responsibilities under international humanitarian law.
The Security Council requested the United Nations to launch an immediate investigation through the Lebanon peacekeeping force and maintain communication with contributing nations about progress and results, in line with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021). It also demanded prompt accountability for those behind the assault.
The statement pushed for greater international assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, including gear, supplies, and funding, to support their positioning south of the Litani River and enhance compliance with Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
Council members additionally voiced alarm about the recent increase in fighting, called on all sides to honor the June 3 ceasefire agreement, and reaffirmed their dedication to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, territorial boundaries, and national unity.
An aerospace manufacturer is confronting over 30 legal challenges following an incident where a chemical storage tank overheated and nearly exploded, leading to the mass evacuation of approximately 50,000 Orange County, California residents last month.
Debbie Cohran, whose home sits roughly 500 feet (152 meters) from the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, didn’t receive evacuation notice until hours after the chemical leak began, her legal filing states. Her lawsuit claims she suffered nausea and headaches that persisted for days following the incident.
Melanie Rose Burciaga from neighboring Westminster had recently delivered her first baby and was forced to leave the hospital when evacuation orders were issued, according to her attorney’s lawsuit filing.
Juan Diego Orozco was working on a street repair team in Garden Grove when the tank began overheating. He reported headaches and sought hospital treatment for breathing difficulties and vomiting, his attorney stated.
Over 100 people — including families with pets — along with area businesses are pursuing legal action against the U.K.-based GKN Aerospace, alleging the company failed to properly maintain a secure facility in a densely populated area.
Court filings show ten class action cases in federal court, with 21 additional cases in state court representing between one and 31 plaintiffs each. The legal actions demand both compensatory and punitive damages.
Sarah Hasse Blodgett, a spokesperson for GKN Aerospace, did not provide an immediate response Thursday when asked about the lawsuits and their allegations.
Adam Zimmerman, a professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law who is not involved in the litigation, said the federal cases will likely be consolidated and the state cases will likely be moved under one judge, to ensure they are handled efficiently. Some of those state lawsuits may be moved to federal court, he said.
Federal scrutiny intensified Wednesday when FBI agents executed a search warrant at the facility to gather documents and records concerning the “storage, use, or disposal” of methyl methacrylate, the substance stored in the problematic tank.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday it had partnered with the FBI to “search for and seize evidence of potential federal environmental crimes.” The agency refused to elaborate, stating it doesn’t discuss ongoing criminal investigations.
GKN Aerospace manufactures cockpit windows, canopies and windshields. The overheating tank, which began malfunctioning on May 21, held between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons (22,700 to 26,500 liters) of methyl methacrylate, a highly combustible substance. This liquid serves in producing plastics and coatings like Plexiglas.
Health authorities reported no contamination or fumes escaped, and they intend to conduct air monitoring for several months. Contact with the chemical can result in severe breathing issues, neurological complications and irritation to skin, eyes and throat, the EPA warns.
While the tank avoided explosion, thousands of area residents were displaced from their homes for three to five days until emergency crews managed to stabilize the container.
Blodgett stated the company was working with federal investigators.
GKN Aerospace senior vice president Steve Carlin spoke at a community meeting Tuesday, saying he was sorry that the event occurred, and that it was especially unsettling because the company has a long history with the community.
Multiple lawsuits contend the company bore responsibility for maintaining the tank, cooling equipment, valves and monitoring systems to protect community safety.
The legal filings describe how residents were compelled to abandon their homes and cover costs for lodging, meals and other necessities, creating financial hardship. They also report experiencing stress throughout the evacuation and ongoing worries about chemical exposure.
Local businesses also took a hit. The crisis unfolded during Memorial Day weekend — when many restaurants and food service companies bring in some of their best revenue of the year.
“Our data shows approximately 3,000 businesses were forced to shut down because of the evacuation, and at least another 3,000 businesses right outside the evacuation zone while not forced to close, but had their revenue dropped considerably because of the tank failure and evacuation,” said lawyer Richard McCune, who has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Big Rob’s Pizzeria and Fruit Caboose Concessions.
Legal representatives say the FBI probe will strengthen their court cases.
“We trust that the search will uncover important information and materials related to this crisis,” said lawyer Sean Litteral, who represents Jonathan Sanchez, a father of two children, including an infant born just days before the crisis.
BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota will receive nearly $28 million from the federal government to resolve a legal dispute over law enforcement expenses stemming from large-scale demonstrations against the Dakota Access oil pipeline that took place almost ten years ago, the state’s top legal official revealed Thursday.
The settlement amount matches what a federal judge awarded the state following a trial last year. Federal officials also agreed to drop all pending appeals and issue a formal acknowledgment recognizing “that the people of North Dakota, including, centrally, our law enforcement officers, endured repeated acts of intimidation, violence, property destruction, unlawful conduct associated with encampments established on federal land without authorization,” Republican Attorney General Drew Wrigley explained to the media.
“We deeply appreciate those acknowledgments. They’re a long time coming,” he stated, appearing alongside legal counsel and investigators from his department.
Wrigley indicated that North Dakota is now “made financially whole” and that the settlement funds will cover outstanding debts from loans obtained through the state-owned Bank of North Dakota.
Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong praised the resolution as “long overdue” and expressed gratitude to Wrigley’s team and others involved in securing the agreement “that removes the financial burden from North Dakota taxpayers and places it on the shoulders of the federal government where it belongs.”
The U.S. Justice Department issued a statement disagreeing with the court’s legal reasoning “but acknowledges in hindsight that, under the Obama Administration, the federal government could have done more to reduce the impacts to the people of North Dakota” from the demonstrations, which sometimes involved “unlawfulness and confrontational violence.”
“To avoid further escalation of unlawful behaviors, the federal government at the time chose not to forcibly remove the protestors from the encampment on federal property. The United States recognizes that this difficult choice had painful consequences for North Dakota and many of its residents,” the department stated.
The agreement comes over a year after U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor ruled the federal government responsible on all charges, including negligence, gross negligence, civil trespass and public nuisance, awarding approximately $27.8 million.
During 2016 and 2017, thousands of demonstrators established camps and conducted protests on and near federally controlled property close to where the pipeline crosses the Missouri River upstream from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s reservation. The tribe has consistently challenged the pipeline due to concerns about threats to their water resources.
The demonstration participants came from across the United States and internationally, including tribal supporters, Native rights advocates, environmental activists, and fossil fuel opponents. Notable figures like actors Shailene Woodley and Mark Ruffalo and the Rev. Jesse Jackson made trips to North Dakota to show solidarity with the tribe.
The demonstrations led to periodic violent confrontations between protesters and police officers. A state legal representative said the protests triggered a response lasting seven months, involving 178 different agencies, leading to 761 arrests, and requiring four days to clean up the campsite and remove millions of pounds of debris.
North Dakota filed its lawsuit in 2019, requesting $38 million in damages. In 2017, pipeline operator Energy Transfer contributed $15 million toward response expenses. That same year, the Justice Department provided a $10 million grant to help the state cover costs.
The judge determined that Energy Transfer’s payment was a voluntary contribution and deducted the $10 million previously provided by federal authorities when calculating the nearly $28 million judgment.
Last month, Traynor withdrew several earlier rulings, including his 2025 decision, at both parties’ request as they worked toward a settlement.
“The Court does not believe it should stand in the way of a satisfactory settlement between the Parties but should encourage litigants to pursue settlements even when federal government conduct is at its worst,” Traynor stated.
The pipeline began operations in mid-2017 and currently carries roughly 4% of daily U.S. oil production, approximately 540,000 barrels per day.
In May, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided final authorization for the pipeline’s Missouri River crossing near the reservation, six years after a federal judge ordered a more comprehensive environmental assessment. Tribal Chairman Steve Sitting Bear indicated that Standing Rock will evaluate its options to protect treaty rights, ensure water safety, and maintain accountability for government and corporate actions.
LAS VEGAS — The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners rejected a parole request Thursday from Henry Ruggs, the former NFL wide receiver who caused a fatal collision in Las Vegas almost five years ago.
The ex-Raiders player, who was selected in the first round of the NFL draft, was traveling at speeds reaching 156 mph through Las Vegas on Nov. 2, 2021, when his sports car collided with another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of 23-year-old driver Tina Tintor and her dog, Max.
According to prosecutors, Ruggs had a blood-alcohol content of 0.16% when tested within the mandatory two-hour window following the collision, double Nevada’s legal driving limit. Prior to the fatal accident, he had been at TopGolf, a Las Vegas sports entertainment facility, prosecutors stated.
In May 2023, Ruggs entered guilty pleas to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges. Two months later in August 2023, he received a prison term ranging from three to 10 years. His initial parole eligibility date was set for August 2026.
According to Kathi Baker, executive director of the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners, Ruggs’ next parole hearing will occur three months prior to Aug. 24, 2027, which marks his mandatory parole release date.
In a Thursday statement, Ruggs’ legal representatives David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld expressed their disappointment with the parole board’s rejection.
“Mr. Ruggs, and our office, continue to feel the grief and loss suffered by Ms. Tintor’s family,” the attorneys stated.
The defense team highlighted what they called “overwhelming evidence” demonstrating Ruggs’ acknowledgment of responsibility for his actions and his participation in community outreach initiatives focused on DUI prevention, noting his completion of educational programs during his incarceration.
The Seattle Torrent announced Thursday that Christine Bumstead has been elevated to head coach of the PWHL franchise.
Bumstead previously served as an assistant coach throughout the team’s inaugural 2025-26 campaign under Steve O’Rourke, who left the organization last month after the club finished at the bottom of the eight-team league standings.
“Season one in Seattle was special, and I am humbled and honored to continue building on it,” Bumstead said in a news release. “I believe Seattle is the best city in the world for women’s sports. Our fans showed up night in and night out, and it has been a privilege to be on the bench representing them. I am beyond grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead this organization.”
Prior to her role with Seattle, Bumstead worked as an assistant coach for four years at the University of Saskatchewan. She also gained experience in player development with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League, where she made history as the organization’s first female coach.
“Christine brings a valuable combination of hockey expertise, leadership presence, and an unwavering commitment to high standards,” general manager Meghan Turner said. “Her unique background in education and diverse coaching resume, combined with a strong natural ability to build trust and meaningful connections, make her well-suited to lead our team. I’m confident that Christine’s vision and style will set us on the right path as we build into our second season and strive toward our goal of bringing the Walter Cup home to Seattle.”
Professional golfer Phil Mickelson, winner of six major championships, has lost his membership at a California golf club following allegations of inappropriate behavior with a staff member, according to a Golf Digest investigation published Thursday.
The incident allegedly occurred this spring at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, where a female employee reported that Mickelson made unwanted physical contact with her in the clubhouse prior to playing a round of golf. The staff member immediately notified her supervisors about the encounter.
Following the complaint, club leadership launched an investigation and approached Mickelson while he was playing golf. Officials instructed him to leave the property immediately, which he did.
The publication chose not to identify the employee to maintain her privacy, and she opted not to participate in their reporting.
When contacted about the allegations, Mickelson refused to provide direct comment. However, a spokesperson released this statement: “Any misunderstanding has been cleared up. Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf.”
The 55-year-old golfer, who celebrates his 56th birthday Tuesday, took a break from tournament play in February citing family obligations. He returned briefly in mid-March for LIV Golf’s South Africa event, where he finished tied for 48th place. He was notably absent from April’s Masters tournament, despite being a three-time winner of the event.
After Golf Digest shared their findings, The Farms released a statement without specifically naming Mickelson.
“The Farms Golf Club is committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct,” the statement said. “All members are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously. Following a staff member report of member misconduct, the Club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club.”
The club’s statement continued: “The Farms conducts thorough reviews of all reported matters according to California Law and takes appropriate action when warranted, consistent with our commitment to integrity, excellence and accountability. To protect the safety and privacy of our staff and members, we are unable to speak further on this matter. We appreciate your understanding.”
Tom Clare, a defamation attorney representing Mickelson, released a statement Wednesday: “There is a great deal of misinformation circulating and, while Phil’s full attention is devoted to a private family health matter, he has retained defamation counsel and is determined to hold accountable any publication or individual trafficking in speculation or false rumors.”
Elon Musk’s rocket and spacecraft company SpaceX achieved a historic milestone Thursday, completing the largest initial public offering in United States history by setting its share price at $135 each.
The aerospace manufacturer generated a record-breaking $75 billion through the sale of 555.56 million shares, establishing a company valuation of $1.77 trillion – the highest ever recorded for a debut offering. This places the space, satellite and artificial intelligence provider among the world’s most valuable corporations.
When trading begins Friday on the Nasdaq, SpaceX will become the seventh-largest company by market value among U.S.-listed businesses, despite posting losses in the previous year and generating significantly less revenue than other mega-cap corporations.
The pricing announcement represents the culmination of a lengthy process that brought Musk’s most ambitious venture to fruition, even as he challenged conventional financial practices. Some market analysts have raised concerns about whether the company’s elevated valuation can be sustained.
At its current pricing, SpaceX will debut with a higher market value than established companies including JPMorgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway, Eli Lilly, Meta Platforms, and even Musk’s electric vehicle company Tesla.
The previous record-holder for largest IPO was Saudi Aramco’s December 2019 public debut, which generated $25.6 billion at a $1.71 trillion company value. When adjusted for inflation, Aramco’s offering raised $33.2 billion with a $2.21 trillion valuation.
SpaceX’s $1.77 trillion market value, calculated using 13.08 billion outstanding shares, could increase further if underwriters choose to sell additional shares – a decision typically made within 30 days following the offering. Previous reports indicated SpaceX was targeting a $1.75 trillion valuation.
The company announced its IPO pricing at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT), following the conclusion of its pricing meeting with investment bankers while U.S. markets remained active, through a “free-writing prospectus” submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A press release followed 30 minutes later. Standard practice involves conducting pricing meetings and announcing IPO prices after regular trading ends at 4 p.m., as securities issuers typically avoid potential market-moving events during active trading hours.
This announcement exemplifies Musk’s approach to executing Wall Street’s most anticipated debut according to his own preferences. SpaceX allocated 30% of shares for individual retail investors – an uncommonly high percentage – and determined Thursday’s share price prior to the traditional roadshow process that bankers and investors typically use for IPO negotiations.
Musk also advocated for expedited index inclusion to expand the investor base for SpaceX stock and established corporate governance structures that maintain substantial founder authority. Following the IPO, Musk will retain 82% ownership of SpaceX.
The U.S. IPO market appears positioned for significant recovery this year after experiencing earlier volatility. Goldman Sachs projects proceeds could increase fourfold to reach a record $160 billion in 2026, supported by a pipeline featuring not only SpaceX but also artificial intelligence companies OpenAI and Anthropic.
Last week, SpaceX announced it has secured a multi-year cloud services partnership with Alphabet’s Google, ensuring computing capacity amid growing industry competition.
Established in 2002, SpaceX describes its mission as “to build the systems and technologies necessary to make life multiplanetary, to understand the true nature of the universe, and to extend the light of consciousness to the stars.” The company estimates its market opportunity at $28.5 trillion, which it characterizes as the largest in human history.
SpaceX’s launch operations have handled more than four-fifths of all mass sent into orbit during the past three years, while its Starlink internet division serves “millions of consumer, enterprise, and government customers across 164 countries, territories and other markets.” Starlink generates the majority of SpaceX’s current revenue.
A substantial portion of its projected addressable market stems from xAI, which many consider secondary to OpenAI and Anthropic, though SpaceX contends the integration of its AI computing infrastructure, its model, and access to real-time data on X “creates a significant strategic advantage.”
Challenges facing the company at its massive valuation include competition from rivals like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which seeks to accelerate space commercialization and pursue government contracts to develop new markets beyond Earth.
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, Citigroup and J.P. Morgan serve as joint book-running managers for the offering.
WASHINGTON, June 11 – U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen once a major peace agreement with Iran is finalized, which he expects could happen within days.
“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump informed reporters during an Oval Office briefing.
“The strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe,” the president stated.
Trump revealed he had recently conducted phone conversations with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with leadership from Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and other regional allies. He indicated plans to speak with Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan in the near future.
According to the president, the agreement addresses concerns about Iran’s nuclear weapons development program.
“Most importantly we have a deal that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, which was the whole purpose of what we had to go through to get this. So it was a very big thing,” Trump explained.
Earlier Thursday, Trump halted planned military strikes against Iran, stating that “final points” of a preliminary peace agreement had received approval and that details regarding a signing ceremony would be revealed soon.
Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency indicated Tehran appears likely to accept the terms, though no official response has been provided. The strike cancellation occurred just hours after the president had announced U.S. forces would conduct a third straight night of attacks on Iran.
Throughout recent weeks since mid-March, Trump has consistently indicated that a resolution to end the Iranian conflict was approaching. Both nations have exchanged military strikes this week, putting pressure on a ceasefire that was declared in April.
Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX has completed a record-breaking initial public offering, securing $75 billion on Thursday in what marks the largest IPO in global history. The offering significantly surpassed the previous record held by Saudi Aramco’s 2019 public debut.
The aerospace and satellite company is scheduled to begin trading on the Nasdaq exchange Friday, with market analysts predicting this milestone could trigger a series of major technology company public offerings.
Several prominent private technology firms, including the company behind ChatGPT, OpenAI, and its competitor Anthropic, have recently made significant progress toward their own stock market debuts in recent weeks.
The artificial intelligence company OpenAI announced Monday that it had quietly submitted paperwork for a U.S. stock market listing, as investment interest in AI technology continues to surge.
“We have not decided on timing yet; it may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company,” OpenAI stated.
“But it’s a complicated set of tradeoffs and this gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best.”
According to previous reports, OpenAI is targeting a potential September public offering and has been preparing for a listing that could reach a valuation of up to $1 trillion.
Last month, the company led by Sam Altman successfully defended against a significant legal challenge from Elon Musk, clearing obstacles for its planned stock market entry.
Meanwhile, AI company Anthropic disclosed earlier this month that it too had quietly filed paperwork for a U.S. initial public offering, positioning itself for what industry observers expect could be a pivotal moment for Wall Street’s artificial intelligence investment surge.
Anthropic, which develops the Claude AI chatbot, most recently secured funding at a $965 billion valuation in late May after raising $65 billion, placing it ahead of OpenAI in terms of market value.
The company’s potential public debut is being viewed as one of the most significant stock market launches in recent years, with the potential to influence major market indexes, investment patterns, and the overall direction of U.S. stock markets.
Delaware legislators are considering changes to state employment law that would provide greater flexibility for workers adopting children.
The proposed legislation would modify Delaware’s employment code to expand when employees can begin using paid leave during the adoption process.
Under the measure, workers would have three options for starting their adoption-related paid time off: when a child is initially placed in their home for adoption purposes, at the point when they file legal paperwork to begin the adoption proceedings, or after the adoption becomes legally finalized.
The bill represents an effort to clarify existing state law regarding adoption leave benefits and provide families with more options during what can be a lengthy legal process.
Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would lower the minimum age for bartending from 21 to 18 years old, potentially bringing the state in line with neighboring Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Under the proposed changes outlined in HB 195, individuals aged 18, 19, or 20 would be permitted to serve alcoholic beverages only while under direct supervision of someone at least 21 years old working alongside them behind the bar.
The bill also includes provisions to strengthen alcohol service training requirements, mandating that all beverage servers complete training every two years instead of the current four-year cycle.
To address safety concerns for younger workers, the legislation would ban anyone under 21 from employment at establishments featuring adult-oriented entertainment. This restriction covers venues licensed as adult entertainment facilities, locations offering sexually explicit performances, and businesses marketed as strip clubs, adult entertainment venues, or gentlemen’s clubs.
According to the bill’s language, Delaware currently stands among a minority of states that require bartenders to be 21 years old. Supporters argue that reducing this age requirement would help the state’s restaurant and hospitality sector compete more effectively with other states where younger adults can work behind the bar.
The proposed changes would specifically help Delaware businesses compete with establishments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where 18-to-20-year-olds are already eligible for bartending positions.
Delaware has enacted new legislation that will mandate the creation and distribution of a comprehensive guide detailing the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants throughout the state.
The new law creates the Rights and Responsibilities Guide for Landlords and Tenants Committee, which will operate under the Delaware Real Estate Commission. The commission will be responsible for creating, updating, and distributing this statewide guide with assistance from the newly formed committee.
The comprehensive guide will outline obligations that both tenants and property owners must meet, covering requirements at the federal, state, county, and local levels.
Under the new requirements, landlords and real estate service providers must distribute the guide to potential tenants when establishing rental relationships covered under Part III of Title 25. The guide must also be provided each time a lease agreement is renewed for terms lasting one year or longer. Property owners can choose to provide the information either electronically or in printed form.
The legislation classifies the guide as a mandatory form under Delaware Code Title 24, Section 2912. Real estate professionals could face disciplinary action for misrepresenting whether the form is available or for providing incorrect information about its contents. Additionally, failing to provide the guide when required will be considered an unlawful practice under Title 6, Section 2513 and a violation of Title 6, Chapter 25, Subchapter II.
The law also mandates that the commission submit a report to the General Assembly examining what other disclosures or documents tenants must currently receive separately from this guide. The report will include recommendations on whether existing laws should be modified to incorporate those additional materials into the new comprehensive guide.
The legislation takes effect immediately upon being signed into law, but implementation will occur either one year after enactment or when the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation announces in the Register of Regulations that both the required legislative report has been submitted and the guide has been published by the Delaware Real Estate Commission, whichever comes first.
Penalty provisions will go into effect 180 days after the main portions of the law are implemented. If the law is put into practice before the legislative report is completed, that report must be delivered to the General Assembly within 180 days of implementation.
Delaware legislators are working to enhance the state’s workplace safety program by expanding workers’ compensation insurance discounts available to businesses while keeping the overall system stable.
The proposed legislation addresses issues created by earlier changes to workplace safety program rules. Those previous adjustments prompted the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau to file a new Experience Rating Plan, which unintentionally caused reduced discount opportunities for businesses.
Currently, most companies with below-average claim expenses continue to benefit from reductions in their experience modification factors, regardless of their size. The combination of workplace safety program discounts and experience modification factor reductions provides similar cost savings as before for employers who maintain good safety records.
However, lawmakers say this outcome wasn’t what the previous legislation intended to achieve. The new measure would guarantee that participating companies can achieve maximum premium reductions of up to 12 percent.
President Trump issued an executive order on June 11, 2026, titled “Executive Proclamation Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific,” which allows commercial fishing vessels flying the American flag to access previously restricted fishing areas. The presidential directive creates new financial opportunities for commercial fishing operations and aims to bolster the economic stability of communities along the coast.
NOAA expressed support for the Administration’s commitment to enhance U.S. seafood competitiveness through the America First Fishing Policy. The President’s order resulted directly from input provided by the U.S. fishing industry, and officials say the measure will expand economic prospects for American fishing operations.
“President Trump is once again delivering for American fishermen by opening prized Pacific fishing grounds with this Executive Proclamation,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “By restoring commercial fishing in the remote Pacific, we are creating new economic opportunity for coastal communities and restoring U.S. seafood competitiveness.”
Earlier restrictions on commercial fishing in Pacific waters pushed American fishing vessels farther into international territory, where they faced competition from inadequately regulated foreign fishing operations. Reopening access to these productive fishing areas within the U.S. exclusive economic zone will provide hardworking American fishermen with closer proximity to tuna and other open-ocean species.
“Restoring commercial fishing access to these vital areas reflects the continued commitment of this Administration to American fisheries, which are built on the foundation of rigorous science, robust monitoring, strong enforcement, and the daily commitment of our dedicated fishermen,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA administrator. “This historic action will lead to more U.S.-caught fish on American tables.”
The order acknowledges the success and reliability of U.S. fisheries oversight under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This year marks the Act’s 50th anniversary of continued science-based fisheries management. American fishing professionals serve as responsible caretakers of ocean resources, working to maintain the long-term sustainability of fish populations and marine environments while providing a healthy, sustainable food source for Americans.
The newly accessible fishing areas for American fishermen in the Pacific include:
• The Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument
• The Mau Zone and Ho’omalu Zone and areas seaward of 50 nautical miles within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
• Waters between 12 and 50 nautical miles surrounding Rose Atoll within the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument
This announcement is part of multiple initiatives undertaken by the Trump Administration to support commercial fisheries in a continuing effort to restore America’s seafood competitiveness. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and its partners will maintain a balance between responsible stewardship of the Pacific Islands marine national monuments ecosystems and the involvement of commercial fisheries, including coordination with regional fishery management councils.
Financial leaders from four major states are demanding explanations from Nasdaq and FTSE Russell regarding recent policy modifications that favor SpaceX and other massive initial public offerings, urging the index companies to halt these changes until investor risks are properly assessed.
Communications obtained by Reuters on Thursday highlight worries about how Elon Musk’s aerospace and satellite firm could affect other investors with its unprecedented $75 billion market debut.
When stock trading commences, SpaceX’s massive market value and restrictive corporate control structure pose dangers including extreme price swings and potential conflicts between index companies and their clients, according to state officials.
Index funds operating on autopilot are prepared to purchase billions worth of SpaceX stock, timing dependent on its inclusion in major market indexes. Both Nasdaq and FTSE modified their admission standards by reducing requirements for trading history, while S&P Dow Jones maintained traditional criteria.
“We respectfully urge the FTSE Russell Index Governance Board to reconsider its methodology changes and not place the interests of listing companies and their underwriters ahead of the interests of the passive fund assets that will bear the cost of any resulting mispricing” that may occur with SpaceX or other IPOs soon to follow like OpenAI and Anthropic, reads one of the letters, sent to FTSE Russell and its parent, London Stock Exchange Group, or LSEG.
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, and Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman signed the correspondence. Each manages state pension investments, including automated funds that would become mandatory SpaceX purchasers due to the index decisions.
An LSEG representative declined to comment.
Frerichs, Lierman, and Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner sent comparable correspondence to Nasdaq. Similar to the FTSE communication, the Nasdaq letter requested suspension of rule implementation unless proper investor impact studies were completed.
“If so, we request that this analysis be disclosed publicly. If not, we ask that you explain why a rule change affecting over $1.4 trillion in investor assets was adopted without such an analysis,” the letter states.
The officials also requested explanations regarding how Nasdaq managed internal conflicts and whether any corporations, including SpaceX or its consultants, influenced the new regulation’s creation.
Through a representative’s statement, Oregon’s Steiner expressed being “deeply troubled” by the exchanges’ decisions. They may compel institutions like retirement systems “to purchase stocks (through index funds) that have not proven their value or undergone the rigors of market correction,” she said.
Responding to the correspondence, a Nasdaq spokesperson stated via email: “Public markets look fundamentally different than they did a decade ago — companies are staying private longer, listing at larger scale, and arriving with more complex share structures. The updates to the Nasdaq-100 methodology reflect those shifts and were implemented following a formal public consultation.
“The changes were not designed for any single company, and are consistent with updates other major index providers have independently made in response to the same market dynamics,” the Nasdaq spokesman said.
Two accomplished female writers have been recognized with the prestigious Women’s Prize book awards, each receiving $40,000 for their literary achievements.
American author Virginia Evans took home the Women’s Prize for Fiction for her novel “The Correspondent,” a story that gained popularity through word-of-mouth recommendations. The book tells its tale through correspondence written by the main character.
The nonfiction award went to Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet for “The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan.”
These annual awards honor female writers who publish in English, regardless of their nationality.
Evans had completed seven novels that never saw publication before penning “The Correspondent” while the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing. The book received a quiet release in 2025 but slowly gained momentum on bestseller charts and became popular with reading groups. The story unfolds through multiple years of correspondence from a former attorney named Sybil Van Antwerp to various recipients including relatives, friends, and well-known authors. A movie version featuring Jane Fonda is currently being developed.
The fiction award panel was led by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who praised the winning novel for its emotional impact.
“It is no mean feat to write a life in letters, but Evans makes this feel effortless, asking the reader to consider the choices we make, whilst elevating an ordinary life in the most heartfelt of ways,” she said.
Doucet serves as the BBC’s chief international correspondent and used her book to examine the lives of workers and visitors at Kabul’s historic Inter-Continental Hotel. Though damaged over time, the once-elegant hotel remains operational and serves as a lens through which to view Afghanistan’s recent tumultuous past.
Labour Party politician Thangam Debbonaire led the nonfiction judging committee and described the winning work as “a perfect work of narrative non-fiction” that is “informed by decades of excellent reporting.”
The fiction prize has been awarded since 1996, with past recipients including Zadie Smith, Tayari Jones and Barbara Kingsolver.
The companion nonfiction award launched in 2024 as part of efforts to address gender disparities in the publishing world. Statistics from 2022 showed that women authored just 26.5% of nonfiction books that received newspaper reviews in Britain, and male authors dominated established nonfiction literary prizes.
British physician Rachel Clarke won last year’s inaugural nonfiction prize for “The Story of a Heart,” her account of organ transplantation.
