Motorists should expect delays on southbound US Route 13 this evening as two left lanes remain blocked following a traffic accident.
The lane closures stretch from White Oak Road to East Division Street on the southbound side of the highway, also known as North DuPont Highway.
Drivers are advised to use alternate routes or allow extra travel time when passing through the affected area until the roadway can be fully reopened.
Wall Street experienced steep declines Wednesday as artificial intelligence stocks continued their recent retreat, pulling major market indexes significantly lower.
The S&P 500 index declined 1.6% on Wednesday following a brief morning uptick. This marked the first consecutive daily losses for the benchmark index in three weeks. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1.9%, while the Nasdaq composite dropped 2%.
Market volatility has persisted since the previous week when AI-related stocks shifted from hitting record highs to experiencing sudden reversals. Investors are increasingly concerned that valuations in this sector may have climbed too rapidly. Additionally, oil markets gained ground after President Donald Trump issued threats of additional military action against Iran.
Wednesday’s closing numbers:
The S&P 500 declined 119.66 points, finishing at 7,266.99, representing a 1.6% decrease.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 953.33 points to close at 49,918.78, marking a 1.9% decline.
The Nasdaq composite decreased 509.32 points to end at 25,169.50, down 2%.
The Russell 2000 index tracking smaller companies fell 31.56 points to 2,835.46, a 1.1% drop.
Weekly performance:
The S&P 500 has declined 116.75 points, down 1.6% for the week.
The Dow has fallen 948 points, representing a 1.9% weekly decrease.
The Nasdaq has dropped 539.93 points, down 2.1% for the week.
The Russell 2000 has gained 1.96 points, up 0.1% for the week.
Year-to-date performance:
The S&P 500 remains up 421.49 points, showing a 6.2% annual gain.
The Dow has risen 1,855.49 points, reflecting a 3.9% yearly increase.
The Nasdaq has climbed 1,927.51 points, up 8.3% for the year.
The Russell 2000 has advanced 353.56 points, posting a 14.2% annual gain.
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill have urged President Donald Trump to quickly appoint a permanent intelligence director to help Congress extend crucial surveillance powers before they expire. However, Trump has refused to change course.
Instead, Trump has reinforced his support for his interim choice to oversee intelligence operations, federal housing finance regulator Bill Pulte, despite his limited background in the field. Democrats are blocking votes on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, commonly called FISA, which expires June 12. Trump requested Wednesday a brief extension of the legislation to “provide time for the selection and confirmation of a permanent Head of the Agency.”
This standoff may soon restrict the U.S. government’s foreign intelligence gathering capabilities as World Cup matches start across the nation and before festivities marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated Wednesday that GOP leadership has “made our views known” to the White House regarding the simplest path to pass the legislation, and “we’re just doing what we can here to ensure that the White House understands what will be necessary in order to make that happen.”
Trump announced Friday he is interviewing five potential candidates for the permanent agency leadership role, all with national security credentials.
“It’s an important position and one that I think will be filled by a highly qualified person,” stated House Speaker Mike Johnson, who met with Trump recently about the FISA deadlock.
However, securing FISA votes requires swift action — and Trump’s selection must appeal to lawmakers from both parties.
Among potential successors is Pete Hoekstra, Trump’s ambassador to Canada and former House Intelligence Committee chairman. The White House has contacted Hoekstra regarding the position and discussions continue, according to someone familiar with the outreach who requested anonymity to discuss private talks.
FISA’s Section 702 permits agencies like the CIA, National Security Agency and FBI to gather communications from foreign subjects abroad without warrants.
Although lawmakers from both parties citing privacy concerns have long sought to restrict this authority, broad bipartisan backing exists for its renewal, particularly after recent compromise legislation. Yet Democrats now withhold support due to Pulte concerns.
Mark Warner of Virginia, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, helped craft the compromise bill with Republicans. But he labeled Pulte’s selection to succeed outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard “a live hand grenade” for passage efforts. GOP leaders attempted to begin the process last week, but seven Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in preventing a long-term extension.
Warner declared Wednesday his only condition for backing a temporary surveillance law extension is having principal deputy director of national intelligence Aaron Lukas serve as acting leader throughout that period.
Sen. Tom Cotton, the Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, have cautioned the administration that the surveillance tool will likely expire.
The administration should prepare “for a potential significant gap in foreign intelligence collection,” they stated in correspondence.
Following bipartisan resistance to Pulte’s interim appointment, Trump said last week he would not permanently nominate him. But Democrats and some Republicans want his appointment withdrawn immediately and Trump to nominate a Senate-confirmable replacement.
Tuesday, however, Trump declared Pulte would not only become acting director — he’d begin sooner than planned, on June 19. Trump maintained support for Pulte Wednesday, posting he needed additional time to locate a permanent successor and requesting a brief extension.
“FISA 702 is very important to our Military, and keeping the American People safe, especially during the World Cup and America250 Celebrations,” Trump wrote.
Trump said Pulte would reduce the agency’s size and blamed Democrats for delaying surveillance authority renewal.
Senators from both parties questioning Pulte cite his intelligence experience deficit and Federal Housing Finance Agency record. In that role, he’s been connected to criminal referrals regarding mortgage fraud allegations against public officials Trump wanted to target, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat; Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve board member.
Whether sufficient votes exist for temporary surveillance powers extension remained uncertain as Trump disregarded bipartisan pressure to withdraw Pulte’s appointment.
After a White House ceremony Wednesday, Johnson told reporters the president is “working very hard” to select a permanent ODNI leader — possibly before Pulte assumes the role.
Johnson described it as a “good faith gesture” from Trump that Democrats should accept for a short-term FISA extension agreement.
Trump made clear, Johnson said, that Pulte will serve a “very short term – a sort of renovation role” to help the Office of the Director of National Intelligence be “renovated and downsized.”
WASHINGTON, June 10 – Administration officials are preparing to host leaders from major defense companies at the White House as early as next week to address the need for faster weapons manufacturing, according to sources familiar with the plans.
This upcoming gathering represents the second time the administration has brought together top executives from the nation’s premier defense contractors to address production acceleration. The previous March session featured chief executives and senior leadership from BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participating.
Ongoing military conflicts with Iran along with weapons shipments to Ukraine over recent years have significantly reduced America’s weapons inventory.
The planned session occurs while Pentagon officials continue urging contractors to substantially increase their production speed. These efforts center around manufacturing agreements established earlier this year.
The completed arrangements include a multi-year contract to increase PAC-3 production threefold and expand THAAD interceptor manufacturing fourfold through Lockheed, plus additional multi-year contracts with RTX to enhance Tomahawk and AMRAAM air-to-air missile production. These arrangements, labeled as “framework agreements,” remain unconverted to actual contracts.
The White House, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing and L3Harris have not yet provided responses to comment requests.
The newly appointed leader of CBS’s “60 Minutes” has brought in outside help to manage his entry into a newsroom experiencing significant upheaval, according to internal sources.
Nick Bilton attended his inaugural staff meeting last week alongside Kelly Funke, a television production consultant he enlisted to assist with his newsroom transition, three “60 Minutes” employees revealed on condition of anonymity due to job security concerns.
Staff members characterized Funke’s mission as rebuilding trust within the team, with one describing her function as Bilton’s “chief of staff.” The consultant, who brings more than ten years of television production experience, has not been publicly acknowledged in this role before. She is reportedly working under a 90-day agreement with possible extension.
Bilton’s appointment reflects wider changes at CBS News that started when David Ellison — son of Larry Ellison, a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump — took control of Paramount in August. He placed Bari Weiss, founder of a successful media startup without broadcast journalism background, in charge of CBS News. David Ellison may soon oversee CNN as well, pending regulatory approval of his bid for Warner Bros Discovery.
Representatives for Bilton, Weiss, Funke and CBS News all refused to provide statements.
The decision to engage Funke indicates Bilton expected challenges in leading a newsroom that has struggled under Weiss’s direction.
“I just think Nick vastly underestimated just how bad it was,” one staff member commented.
Conflict erupted during the June 1 gathering when correspondent Scott Pelley challenged Bilton directly. “I find it impossible to imagine that you would take this job knowing that you would never be welcome here,” Pelley stated, according to a meeting attendee.
CBS terminated Pelley following the staff meeting where he also criticized leadership and accused Weiss of “murdering” the program.
Funke has organized meetings between Bilton and “60 Minutes” staff while working with assistants and producers to understand the newsroom’s organization, sources indicated.
Some employees have raised concerns about Funke’s qualifications, pointing to her absence of journalism background, though one current staffer noted her efforts to understand the newsroom environment.
Bilton has also hired Nick De Lucca, 24, who has introduced himself to staff as “Nick 2.0,” according to a fourth source. De Lucca received the title “operations manager,” a substantial position typically handling logistics. His LinkedIn profile shows he has served as an associate producer at Bilton’s production company since 2024.
De Lucca did not respond to comment requests.
Funke is accompanying Bilton — a former Vanity Fair contributor and documentary filmmaker who represents the first outsider from traditional television news to head “60 Minutes” — during a turbulent period for the show’s team. On May 28, CBS removed executive producer Tanya Simon, longtime producer Draggan Mihailovich, and correspondent Cecilia Vega. The previous day, the network chose not to renew correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi’s contract following her dispute with Weiss over a December report about a Salvadoran prison.
Network executives offered no explanation for the dismissals. A CBS spokesperson stated the network cannot discuss personnel issues for legal and other considerations. “60 Minutes” concluded last season as the highest-rated news program, increasing its television viewership by 9% compared to the previous year, Nielsen data shows.
Bilton informed employees he made “repeated attempts” to engage in direct discussions with Pelley before his termination and to “find common ground,” but Pelley declined, according to an email obtained by Reuters.
Speaking with The New York Times after his exit, Pelley claimed Weiss was placing a “thumb on the scale” favoring Republican President Donald Trump’s interpretation of news events. He alleged Weiss attempted to modify his reporting on ICE’s activities in Minnesota and sought to portray protesters as more violent.
The CBS spokesperson responded that Weiss’ input on the piece Pelley mentioned to the Times “had no political motivation” and was “proposed solely to make the piece as strong, fair, and accurate as possible.”
In a staff email, Bilton emphasized the show’s “journalistic independence” — a message Ellison also delivered during a private conversation with correspondent Lesley Stahl, the Times reported. This personal discussion highlights “60 Minutes’” significance in Ellison’s plans for Paramount and the management difficulties facing the network.
Stahl shared details about the call with staff during a Monday social gathering aimed at improving morale, one current employee told Reuters. The source said reactions to Ellison’s promises were mixed, with several people noting that Ellison had visited “60 Minutes” after acquiring Paramount and had previously made identical commitments.
Before Skydance Media’s acquisition, Paramount paid $16 million to resolve a 2024 lawsuit Trump brought against “60 Minutes” regarding an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, which he claimed presented a distorted perspective of his White House opponent.
The FCC has stated the settlement and the deal’s regulatory review were separate matters.
Australia’s Alex de Minaur, seeded second in the tournament, advanced to the next round of the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, after defeating Martin Damm in straight sets 7-6 (8), 7-5 during second-round play.
The Australian player dominated with his serve, recording 27 winners while making only 17 unforced errors. De Minaur also held a 7-6 advantage in aces and committed just one double fault compared to four by Damm. His opponent struggled with consistency, making 44 unforced errors alongside 28 winners, though Damm managed to save 11 of 14 break point opportunities to keep the match competitive.
In other tournament action, sixth-seeded Tallon Griekspoor defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4 in a match featuring two Dutch players that began Tuesday but concluded Wednesday due to suspension. Australian qualifier James McCabe upset eighth-seeded Zizou Bergs from Belgium with a 6-7 (2), 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory.
Additional players advancing included Marton Fucsovics from Hungary, Kamil Majchrzak from Poland, and the Netherlands’ Thijs Boogaard.
At the BOSS Open in Stuttgart, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, seeded third, overcame Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 in second-round action. Bublik served 22 aces compared to 17 for Struff and recorded 38 winners against 22 unforced errors. This match was a rematch of their French Open first-round encounter where Struff had previously won in four sets. In the Stuttgart rematch, Struff posted 37 winners and 29 unforced errors.
Additional Stuttgart results included Italy’s Mattia Bellucci defeating Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-2, and France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard beating Belgium’s Gauthier Onclin 7-6 (1), 6-2.
Major U.S. stock markets experienced significant losses Wednesday afternoon, with all three primary indexes dropping more than 1% as technology stocks continued their downward trend and escalating Middle East tensions heightened investor concerns.
President Donald Trump stated the U.S. would strike Iran again “very hard” after one of the most substantial overnight exchanges of gunfire since an April ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.
Semiconductor stocks were particularly battered, with their index declining 2.6%. Companies like Nvidia and Broadcom were among the heaviest weights pulling down the S&P 500, while the technology sector index for the S&P 500 dropped 1.1%. Market participants have grown increasingly concerned about inflated stock prices in the technology space.
Market volatility continued building on Tuesday’s gains, with the Cboe Volatility Index showing increased uncertainty in recent trading sessions.
Tom Hainlin, an investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis, noted that investors continue taking profits from technology investments.
Additionally, market participants are now “pricing in maybe a higher interest rate” following recent economic reports while also expressing concern about the ongoing conflict, he explained.
“Perhaps that conflict continues on into the mid to late summer,” he stated.
The Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain current interest rates at its June policy meeting. Market participants are factoring in at least one 25-basis-point rate increase before year-end.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 721.32 points, or 1.42%, closing at 50,150.79. The S&P 500 declined 87.78 points, or 1.19%, finishing at 7,298.87. The Nasdaq Composite fell 382.36 points, or 1.49%, ending at 25,296.35.
Friday’s employment report exceeded expectations. Wednesday’s data revealed U.S. consumer prices rose 4.2% over the 12 months ending in May, marking the steepest increase since April 2023, as Middle East hostilities drove up gasoline and energy costs.
However, this inflation rate matched economist predictions according to a Reuters survey.
Super Micro Computer shares plummeted 20.9% after revealing plans to generate $7 billion through various equity and equity-related financing deals to purchase components for expanding AI server demand.
The shift away from heavily favored technology stocks has benefited other market sectors that have underperformed this year, including healthcare, real estate and consumer staples.
The highly anticipated $1.75 trillion SpaceX public offering scheduled for Friday, seeking a record $75 billion in funding, could further pressure U.S. markets as worries grow about excessive technology sector enthusiasm.
Transportation company stocks including XPO, J.B. Hunt and Old Dominion also declined after Amazon revealed plans to expand its less-than-truckload shipping services across the U.S. Industrial stocks led sector declines.
Falling stocks outnumbered rising ones by a 1.41-to-1 margin on the NYSE. The exchange recorded 168 new highs and 103 new lows. On the Nasdaq, 2,038 stocks gained while 2,729 declined, with falling issues leading advancing ones by a 1.34-to-1 ratio.
WASHINGTON – The White House has formally submitted Brian Johnson’s nomination to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to the U.S. Senate for confirmation, according to an official announcement made Wednesday.
Johnson’s nomination for the director position was transmitted to senators as part of the formal nomination process, based on information released in a public notice.
Drivers heading south on Route 1 near Rehoboth Beach should expect additional travel time this evening due to traffic congestion.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the southbound lanes between U.S. Route 9 and Delaware Route 1A are experiencing heavy traffic, resulting in delays of 5 to 10 minutes for motorists.
The backup appears to be caused by congestion rather than any specific incident or accident. Drivers are advised to plan accordingly and allow extra time for their commute through this area.
Motorists traveling northbound on Old Orchard Road are dealing with lane restrictions today due to ongoing construction activities.
The right lane has been shut down between Oyster Cove Drive and East Edgemoor Street, creating potential delays for drivers in the area.
According to traffic officials, the lane closure is expected to remain in place until 5 PM today. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time when passing through this construction zone.
Dramatic comebacks, record-setting performances, and nail-biting finishes have defined the Stanley Cup Final matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes. The question now is whether this series ranks among the finest championship rounds in hockey history.
“Everyone that texts me is saying it’s the best hockey they’ve ever watched,” Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin said. “It’s been fun to play. There’s a lot of momentum swings in the games, and I feel like it’s one of those series where you don’t know what’s going to happen.”
The series’ unpredictable nature has created compelling television each evening since it started, resulting in the highest viewership numbers for a final in more than ten years. With the teams deadlocked at 2-2 heading into Thursday night’s Game 5 in Raleigh, a sixth game is assured, guaranteeing the Cup will be present Saturday evening in Las Vegas.
Here’s what has elevated this series to legendary status:
The opening game saw Carolina jump ahead 2-0 just over 12 minutes into the contest, then trail 3-2 before equalizing late in the game, ultimately falling when Tomas Hertl scored the decisive goal with 3:24 remaining in the final period.
Game 2 featured Vegas holding a 2-0 advantage with under 10 minutes left in regulation, followed by a wild sequence of four goals — plus one that was disallowed — culminating with Mark Stone’s equalizer with 81 seconds on the clock. With Hertl serving a penalty, Seth Jarvis netted the overtime winner for the Hurricanes.
The third contest saw the Golden Knights build a commanding 4-0 lead in the final period following Mitch Marner’s hat trick, which prompted Carolina to change goaltenders. The Hurricanes mounted a complete comeback with four consecutive goals, only to lose when Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore’s shot caromed off the boards and deflected off goaltender Brandon Bussi 5:38 into the second overtime.
Game 4 witnessed Carolina establishing leads of 2-0 and 3-1, with Vegas responding both times to level the score. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal netted the winning goal with 13:28 remaining to square the series.
This marks the first championship series in NHL history where each of the opening four games featured a team overcoming a multi-goal deficit to tie the contest. The first two games both ended with comeback victories, just one short of the record of three such games established in both 1950 and 1987.
Defense has been largely absent from this series. Both clubs entered having surrendered the fewest and third-fewest goals during the first three playoff rounds. Instead, they’ve combined for 33 goals through four games, the most since the New York Islanders and Minnesota North Stars totaled 36 in 1981.
— At least four goals were recorded in each period spanning from the second period of Game 3 through the opening period of Game 4. This represents only the second occurrence of such scoring in three consecutive regulation periods, and the first since the Islanders and Flyers achieved this feat during Games 5 and 6 in 1980.
— Vegas forward Brett Howden tops all playoff goal scorers this year with 14, surpassing the franchise mark established by Jonathan Marchessault during his Conn Smythe Trophy-winning performance as playoff MVP in the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup championship.
— Marner’s natural hat trick — three consecutive goals — occurred within 6 minutes and 10 seconds. This easily eclipses the previous championship series record of 11 minutes and 27 seconds set by Ted Lindsay for Detroit in 1955.
— The Hurricanes became the third franchise to net four or more goals in each opening game of the final, joining Montreal in 1973 and Boston in 1970. Their Game 3 rally featured the three fastest goals in championship series history, scored within a 39-second span.
— Staal’s gap between championship series goals — from June 9, 2009, with Pittsburgh, until Game 1 on June 2, spanning 6,202 days — exceeded brother Eric’s record of 6,198 days from 2006 to 2023, according to Sportradar. Jordan became the first player since Mario Lemieux in 1992 to score five goals in the opening four championship games and the first since Mike Bossy in 1982 to find the net in each of the first four contests.
Only twice before has a Cup final seen the score tied at some point during the third period in each of the first four games. The last occurrence was between Chicago and Tampa Bay in 2015, with the previous instance being St. Louis and Montreal in 1968.
The opening three games were each decided by a single goal for only the tenth time in history. An empty-net goal by Nikolaj Ehlers in Game 4, a long-distance clear that was itself a spectacular play, prevented a fourth consecutive one-goal decision.
Despite featuring teams from smaller, non-traditional hockey markets, television audiences nationwide are watching. The first three games have drawn the largest viewership for a final since the Blackhawks faced the Lightning 11 years ago, averaging 4.9 million viewers on ABC. ESPN/ABC reported Game 3 attracted the most viewers for a championship game since Carolina-Detroit in 2002, reaching 5 million.
Goaltending has not been the series’ strongest element, although Vegas’ Carter Hart and Carolina’s Frederik Andersen and Bussi have delivered several crucial saves.
Hart, Andersen and Bussi have posted a collective save percentage of .855, which would represent the lowest mark in a final since .850 in 1973 during the Montreal-Chicago series. This figure falls well below the regular season league average of .896, which was already the lowest since 1993-94.
Bussi became the third goaltender to make his inaugural NHL playoff appearance in the final and earn a victory, joining Hank Bassen in 1961 and Alfie Moore in 1938.
With Andersen capturing the Game 2 win, the Hurricanes are the first team since Edmonton in 1984 to have two different goaltenders each record a victory in the final. Only the 1984 Oilers and 1972 Bruins have won the Cup with multiple goaltenders starting and winning games in the championship series.
LAS VEGAS — Vegas finds itself in familiar territory from earlier playoff rounds, but this time the circumstances are far more challenging for the Golden Knights.
While Vegas previously enjoyed home-ice advantage against Utah and Anaheim, claiming both series in six games after being tied 2-2, the team now faces a tougher road. The Golden Knights must capture two victories in their final three Stanley Cup Final matchups, with potentially two games taking place in Carolina, including a possible decisive Game 7.
Thursday night brings Game 5 in Carolina.
However, Vegas confronts multiple challenges beyond simply securing a victory in one of the league’s most intimidating venues. How well the Golden Knights tackle these problems will largely decide whether they claim their second championship in four years or reflect on what might have been.
Jack Eichel leads the team with 20 playoff points, trailing only teammate Mitch Marner’s 29 for the NHL lead.
Yet Eichel has managed only two goals throughout the postseason and hasn’t scored in his last six contests dating to the Western Conference Final against Colorado. While he’s traditionally favored passing over shooting, Eichel has contributed just two assists in the series against Carolina.
With star players expected to elevate their performance during playoff runs, Vegas desperately needs Eichel to return to the scoresheet. He nearly broke through during Tuesday’s 5-3 defeat, sending the puck just above the crossbar on what could have been a game-tying goal late in the final period. Had that shot found the net, Vegas might be traveling to Carolina with a chance to clinch the series.
“I know Jack doesn’t have the goals,” Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said after the game. “He was close tonight. He had the game on his stick on the faceoff there, just missed, hit the crossbar, one-timer. I think they’re developing chances, but we do need to finish when we have some opportunities.”
Goaltender Carter Hart, who excelled through the first three rounds, cannot shoulder all the blame. He’s faced numerous defensive lapses in front of the net.
Nevertheless, the statistics tell a concerning story.
Hart posted a 12-4 record with a .924 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average entering the final series. He was considered a candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy awarded to the playoffs’ top performer before surrendering four goals in each of the opening four final games.
In the Carolina series, his save percentage has dropped to .861 with a 3.60 goals-against average.
Hart has delivered clutch moments, particularly his double-overtime performance in Game 3 when he stopped several dangerous scoring chances to help Vegas secure the victory. However, he’s also allowed goals in clusters during moments when his team needed a crucial save to limit damage.
Defensive support would prove valuable as well. Vegas managed only 12 blocked shots Tuesday, matching their postseason low.
“Just trust our system, trust each other to step up, block shots, make plays and win our battles,” center Colton Sissons said. “Hartsy will be there when we need him.”
Vegas entered the final series with a 23.9% power-play conversion rate, anchored by special teams that were instrumental in capturing the Western Conference. Against Carolina, that percentage has plummeted to 8.3%.
During one Tuesday power play, the Golden Knights spent ninety seconds in the attacking zone cycling the puck while searching for an ideal scoring opportunity that never materialized. This approach essentially aided Carolina’s defensive efforts.
The penalty kill presents similar struggles. Carolina began this series converting 12.5% of its power-play opportunities, but has succeeded on 36.4% against Vegas.
This decline appears especially surprising given the Golden Knights’ penalty kill was operating effectively before facing Carolina, succeeding at an 87.5% rate while scoring a league-leading four short-handed goals.
Carolina officially recorded one power-play goal in Game 4, though another came immediately after time had expired.
New research released Wednesday reveals that climate change caused by human activities has dramatically increased the occurrence of severe coastal flooding worldwide.
Scientists emphasize these results are vital for developing coastal infrastructure and flood management strategies as global temperatures continue rising.
Severe flooding incidents result from a mix of storm surges, elevated tides, and abnormal sea level increases combined with natural climate variations and human impacts. Hurricane Ian in 2022, which brought devastating flooding, represents an example of a storm that researchers determined was intensified by climate change. Coastal flooding poses threats to hundreds of millions of residents in low-elevation coastal regions globally each year, generates billions in damages, and can prove fatal.
Severe sea level incidents that were historically uncommon — those with a 1% probability of occurring in any given year — now happen approximately 12 times more frequently on average, according to new research published Wednesday in the journal Nature Climate Change. These incidents have become roughly four times more probable due to climate change driven by human activities, the study demonstrates.
Scientists analyzed the occurrence of extreme sea level incidents — which trigger coastal flooding — by examining long-term data from tide monitoring stations at over 100 locations combined with climate modeling. The research examined increases from 1900 through 2005. The timeframe ended at 2005 because of limitations in available models that connect events to human-caused climate change. The study authors noted their findings were cautious, considering that human contributions to coastal extreme changes have only grown since that time.
The researchers distinguished between human activity impacts, natural influences, and local ground movement. While sea level variations early in the 20th century could mostly be linked to natural causes, beginning in the 1960s, human-caused warming became the main driver of rising sea levels, according to scientists.
Additional research published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances also reinforces the idea that human-caused climate change drives extreme water levels. It determined climate change was responsible for 58% of days with extreme water levels during 2000 to 2018. Climate change has also roughly tripled the average number of days surpassing extreme water level thresholds since the 1970s, that study found.
“Essentially every coastal flood today has human fingerprints on it through climate change,” said Ben Strauss, chief scientist at Climate Central and a co-author of the Science Advances study. “Without the extra bit of sea level rise caused by global heating, most of these events would not have reached the status of flood.”
The Nature Climate Change research didn’t completely analyze individual human factors, said Sönke Dangendorf, the lead author, but he pointed out greenhouse gases — produced by burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal — represent the most important factor.
“In particular since the 1970s, it’s by far the dominating factor, and this is of course not good news at the moment,” said Dangendorf, also an associate professor at Tulane University. “The risk is evolving and with the evolving risk we need to do more for adaptation.”
Jeff Williams, a retired United States Geological Survey oceanographer who wasn’t involved in either study, said the research demonstrates that planners must account for heightened risks. They should also evaluate costs for enhancing coastal protection and decide who bears those expenses, he said.
Current protections for New Orleans, for example, “will likely not be adequate beyond the next couple decades,” Williams said.
Countries worldwide are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Last year, clean energy production surpassed total global electricity demand growth, and renewable energy’s portion reached more than one-third of global electricity generation for the first time. Even in the United States, where the Trump administration has promoted fossil fuels, solar energy is expanding while coal power decreases. Consequently, scientists recently indicated the world is no longer heading toward the worst-case warming scenario — but it’s also not moving toward the best-case outcome.
Dangendorf, the Tulane author, said: “The impacts, even of a relatively little sea level rise, can be pretty impactful on our coasts.”
“There is a silver lining because we have control about how much we emit, right?” he said. “So we can stop that development, at least to some degree.”
A major obstetrics and gynecology organization issued its own vaccination guidelines Wednesday, creating recommendations that contradict current federal health guidance.
The vaccination schedule targets pregnant women, new mothers, and those who are breastfeeding. These recommendations mirror previous guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prior to modifications implemented during the Trump administration under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists left a CDC vaccine advisory panel earlier this year following these policy shifts, which have resulted in court challenges.
“So now for the first time, ACOG has made the decision to formally release its own immunization schedule to provide and communicate clear evidence-based guidance and to address the growing vaccine misinformation that is circulating,” said Dr. Christopher Zahn, the OB-GYN group’s chief of clinical practice.
Thirteen additional professional and medical organizations have backed the new guidelines. Other groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also issued vaccination schedules this year that diverge from CDC recommendations.
The organization recommends four vaccinations during pregnancy:
— Influenza vaccination, available during any trimester throughout the year, though early fall timing is preferred.
— COVID-19 vaccination, which can be administered during any trimester year-round, with earliest possible timing during pregnancy being optimal.
— Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination, ideally given as early as possible within the 27 to 36-week window.
— Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination, administered between 32 and 36 weeks during first pregnancies, typically from September through January across most U.S. regions. Women who received RSV vaccination in previous pregnancies don’t need repeat doses, though their newborns should receive antibody shots after delivery. Babies can receive this shot as an alternative to maternal vaccination.
Additional vaccines for pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B may be necessary for women with specific risk factors. The organization advises discussing these options with healthcare providers.
Three additional vaccines are suggested either before conception or following delivery, providing protection against human papillomavirus; measles, mumps and rubella; and chickenpox.
The most significant departure from federal guidance concerns COVID-19 vaccination.
Kennedy declared last May that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy pregnant women and children — a decision that drew immediate criticism from multiple public health professionals.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not provide immediate responses to requests for comment.
Healthcare professionals addressed vaccination concerns during the guideline announcement event.
“Vaccine hesitancy is huge in this country right now,” said Carol Hayes of the American College of Nurse Midwives. “Patients come in all the time saying I’ve done my own research, and sadly, they’re doing research and they’re getting information that is not scientifically based.”
Sarah Vaillancourt of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health reported similar experiences among her organization’s membership. Social media platforms are contributing to the confusion, she noted.
Given this environment, she described the OB-GYN group’s effort to deliver reliable information to patients as “really useful.”
A veteran correspondent for The Associated Press who documented the fall of an authoritarian government and the rise of democratic rule during a turbulent era in the Philippines has passed away, according to his family. He was 82 years old.
The journalist died Sunday at a care facility in Kapolei, Hawaii, according to his wife, Leonor Briscoe. He had been battling amyloidosis since an April diagnosis, a condition where protein accumulation can cause damage to organs.
Throughout a distinguished career that took him across multiple decades and countries, the reporter applied his investigative instincts from his home state of Utah to the nation’s capital and eventually Hawaii. However, it was his position in Manila that placed him at the heart of his most significant assignment.
When he assumed leadership of the bureau in 1980, the correspondent documented the final years of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorial rule and the chaos that followed the murder of opposition figure Benigno Aquino Jr. Along with his team, he traveled throughout the nation using chartered aircraft, rental vehicles and on one occasion, a cart pulled by horses. Their work encompassed an intensive period of probes, official proceedings and an election campaign so unlikely it appeared fictional, featuring a hesitant widow propelled by circumstances to lead a democracy movement.
The dramatic finale, which saw Corazon Aquino rise to power while Marcos fled the country, left a lasting impression on the reporter. He remembered vivid scenes “of nuns kneeling in front of military tanks” and “soldiers and civilians crying in each other’s arms.”
“I expect to witness or cover no greater event in my life,” he wrote in AP World, an in-house magazine, in 1986, recounting his coverage of the upheaval.
Born July 30, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was the son of a labor organizer and a stay-at-home mother who brought up her two boys in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His passion for reporting developed at the University of Utah, where he contributed to the campus publication before landing a position at the Deseret News, handling death notices and profiles of exceptional local students.
Following a two-year stint at the paper, he enlisted in the Peace Corps and was stationed in Paracale, then Naga City, in the Philippines, teaching English. For someone who had barely ventured beyond Utah during his early years, each new experience felt like a discovery, from water buffalo emerging from mud pools to youngsters racing along unpaved streets.
He fell in love with his adopted country. When his Peace Corps service concluded, the idea of departing troubled him deeply. He secured employment with a regional publication, and while covering an event where Marcos was scheduled to appear, he encountered the former Leonor Aureus, who edited a competing newspaper. The couple soon married in a ceremony where they decorated the aisle with editions of The Naga Times and the Bicol Mail.
The AP brought him aboard in Manila in 1970, where he reported on a devastating earthquake that struck the capital, an attack on Pope Paul VI and an aircraft hijacking. However, by the following year, AP required him to work stateside. He relocated to Salt Lake, hoping circumstances might eventually return him to the Philippines.
Back in his birthplace, his relationship with his religious community began to deteriorate. His spouse recalls he faced church discipline after addressing the organization’s prohibition against Black men serving in its priesthood during a class he led. He opposed this policy. The church subsequently removed the restriction.
He also clashed with the church regarding a three-part investigation he co-authored with colleague Bill Beecham, exploring the organization’s complex business operations and member donations that the reporters calculated exceeded $1 billion annually. No Utah publication would publish their findings, according to the writing team.
After nine years in Salt Lake, his supervisors offered him the opportunity to return to Manila as bureau chief. He immediately called his wife with the announcement.
“Noree, are you sitting down?” she recalled him asking.
Following his six-year tenure leading the AP’s Philippines operation, he transferred to Washington in 1986, concentrating on global affairs. He served as bureau chief in Honolulu from 2001 until his 2009 retirement.
In Hawaii, wearing tropical shirts under the island sun, he could once again call a Pacific island his home. He described feeling “halfway back.”
Until his final moments, he treasured his Philippine years. As death approached, his loved ones surrounded him in prayer. He clasped his wife’s hand, expressed his love, and asked her to release him.
The family intends to charter a vessel and spread his ashes in Pacific waters, hoping ocean currents will carry his remains to his chosen homeland.
“The land that David learned to love,” his wife said, “and where he met the love of his life.”
A major conference addressing brownfield development across Delaware is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, in Wilmington, with DNREC serving as the host organization.
The event is designed for a diverse audience including environmental professionals, developers, municipal leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders who are encouraged to sign up now.
Those interested in attending can take advantage of reduced early bird registration rates, though this discounted pricing will expire on June 30.
General Motors is reconsidering its strategy to incorporate a cost-effective, iron-based battery technology that numerous car manufacturers have adopted to make electric vehicles more affordable, according to the company’s battery technology leader.
The Detroit-based manufacturer had previously announced intentions to create lithium-iron phosphate, known as LFP, batteries for upcoming electric vehicle models, with production scheduled to begin in late 2027 at a facility jointly operated in Tennessee.
However, GM’s battery chief Kurt Kelty informed Reuters that the company is now concentrating on advancing an alternative battery chemistry called lithium manganese-rich, or LMR. This technology reportedly costs approximately the same as LFP to produce domestically while offering superior energy storage capacity within identical weight and size parameters.
Kelty indicated that GM might abandon LFP technology for electric vehicle applications entirely. He noted that while the Tennessee facility will commence LFP cell production this month, those batteries are designated for energy storage systems rather than vehicles.
“There is a possibility where LFP does not earn its way into our portfolio,” Kelty stated after a GM event in San Francisco on Tuesday, describing LMR as the “workhorse” for the company. “That’s where we’re going to be using the big volume,” he added.
General Motors has invested over ten years developing LMR technology. Ford Motor, GM’s crosstown competitor, announced last year that it was working to scale LMR chemistry for future electric vehicles.
Despite LMR’s benefits, including reduced dependence on critical minerals, technical obstacles such as battery degradation during use mean widespread implementation isn’t anticipated in the near future, according to S&P Global’s assessment last year.
Avoiding LFP technology would represent a notable shift from the battery approaches employed by many of GM’s rivals.
Chinese automotive manufacturers led the adoption of the more affordable LFP chemistry, which offers lower energy density—resulting in reduced driving ranges—but provides cost savings and is considered safer and more long-lasting than the nickel-rich batteries favored by many American and European car makers.
Numerous international automakers, including Tesla, Rivian and Ford Motor, have incorporated LFP-based electric vehicles to reduce expenses and provide more budget-friendly electric alternatives as consumer interest in battery-powered vehicles has declined in the United States.
GM has launched more than twelve electric vehicles in the U.S. market over recent years, all utilizing more potent nickel-rich chemistry. However, its recently introduced Chevrolet Bolt, which serves as its most affordable electric vehicle for American consumers, employs LFP cells manufactured by Chinese battery company CATL, as reported by Reuters and other news organizations.
Last year, GM announced its objective to begin commercial LMR cell production at a domestic facility in 2028. While Kelty didn’t verify whether this timeline remains unchanged, he confirmed that LMR development “is on schedule.”
Federal prosecutors have sent legal demands to several major financial institutions as part of an investigation into whether banks inappropriately terminated customer accounts based on political motivations, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Wednesday.
The legal requests for information, with some issued as far back as last year, originated from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Jeanine Pirro.
The subpoenas asked financial institutions to supply lists of customers who were allegedly “debanked,” as well as documentation explaining the reasoning behind account terminations, according to the report.
The investigation includes JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, while Pirro’s office is also pursuing information from Wells Fargo, the report stated, referencing sources with knowledge of the matter.
When contacted for comment, JPMorgan Chase did not provide an immediate response to Reuters. Both Bank of America and Wells Fargo chose not to comment on the matter.
These subpoenas represent an escalation of President Donald Trump’s efforts to scrutinize major banks and their oversight agencies. In the previous year, he issued an executive order mandating that the banking sector verify it was not refusing financial services to certain controversial industries through what is commonly called “debanking.”
A previous examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency revealed that the nation’s nine largest banking institutions had historically implemented limitations on financial service provision.
WASHINGTON, June 10 – The technology company Oracle has been selected to deliver a human resources platform for federal agencies throughout the United States government, federal officials announced.
The company will supply a cloud-based human resources system designed to replace the separate systems currently operated by individual agencies, according to Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. The Office of Personnel Management serves as the federal government’s human resources department.
Oracle has not yet provided a response to media inquiries regarding the contract.
A Houston-based manufacturer of gas generators experienced a disappointing first day on Wall Street Wednesday as ERock’s stock price dropped 6.5% during its New York Stock Exchange debut.
The Texas company’s shares began trading at $20.10 each, falling short of the $21.50 offering price and giving the business a total valuation of $5.49 billion when fully diluted shares are included.
ERock successfully completed its initial public offering Tuesday, bringing in $600 million from investors.
The company’s market entrance occurs during a period of renewed activity in the U.S. IPO market following previous challenges from market instability and global political tensions.
While investors have shown strong enthusiasm for businesses positioned to capitalize on increasing energy needs from data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, ERock’s performance stood in contrast to the positive market response received by competitor Innio during its Nasdaq launch the previous week.
According to IPO documentation, the company’s contracted power system sales backlog experienced dramatic growth, jumping nearly nine times compared to the previous year to reach $1.28 billion as of March 31.
Chief Executive Officer John Carrington informed Reuters that approximately $1.1 billion of this backlog stems from AI data center projects, demonstrating the company’s increasing involvement in this expanding sector.
“We decided that it was the right time (to go public) because our projects were getting bigger and bigger,” Carrington said.
The filing also reveals that ERock is collaborating with El Paso Electric to supply 366 megawatts of onsite power generation for Meta’s $10 billion AI data center project in El Paso.
Carrington explained that updating a large language model at a data center can create substantial increases in power requirements, and ERock’s systems are designed to quickly adapt to these fluctuations while keeping power output consistent.
Fishing enthusiasts across Maryland have abundant opportunities this week, spanning from the Ocean City coastline to the cooler mountain waters in the western part of the state.
This Saturday, June 13, marks the second complimentary fishing day of 2026, allowing anglers over 16 to fish legally in all Maryland waters without requiring a license. The third and final free fishing day will occur on July 4 for those without licenses who want to try the sport. Licensed anglers are encouraged to bring friends along.
With rising temperatures, the Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast serves as an awareness initiative designed to minimize striped bass deaths from catch-and-release fishing during hot conditions. The Department of Natural Resources monitors temperature predictions and provides daily recommendations for the upcoming week.
Weekly Forecast Summary: June 3-9
According to NOAA buoy data, main Bay surface and river mouth water temperatures have increased slightly to the mid-70s and are expected to continue climbing throughout the week. Smaller rivers and streams have also warmed to the upper 70s. With these warmer waters, bottom oxygen levels are beginning to decline. Currently, most Bay bottom waters maintain adequate oxygen except near Colonial Beach in the Potomac River and from Swan Point down to the Bay Bridge area.
Most Maryland rivers and streams are experiencing below-average flows. Water clarity remains average for most Maryland portions of the Bay and rivers. Above-average tidal currents are expected Thursday through Tuesday due to Monday’s new moon on June 15. This month brings “king tides” with higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides. Horseshoe crabs should begin appearing on local beaches with salinities above 6ppt for their spring spawning migration.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
Fishermen are targeting striped bass, Chesapeake Channa, and blue catfish at the Conowingo Dam pool and lower Susquehanna River this week. Heavy spinning tackle with topwater lures, paddletails, and cut bait work best when cast into the turbine wash. Early morning and evening hours provide optimal times for topwater fishing at the dam pool and Susquehanna Flats edges.
Blue catfish fishing remains strong in the upper Bay’s tidal rivers, despite larger females actively spawning. Smaller blue catfish are plentiful, while those targeting larger specimens should focus on deep submerged structure. The Susquehanna River mouth and Chester River contain some of the highest blue catfish populations.
Striped bass fishing in shallower upper Bay waters is productive this week. Good water clarity, temperatures slightly above 70 degrees, and predicted overcast conditions create favorable circumstances. Waters around Pooles Island, Swan Point, Love Point, the Patapsco mouth/Key Bridge area, and Baltimore Harbor offer excellent jigging with soft plastics or live-lining spot opportunities.
Small spot perfect for live-lining striped bass can be found in the Chester River near Hail Point, near the Magothy River mouth, and the Bay Bridge’s west side and Sandy Point area. White perch sometimes mix in, with bloodworm pieces serving as the preferred bait.
Middle Bay
The Bay Bridge Piers continue delivering excellent striped bass fishing this week. Anglers anchor up-current and drift live spot, cut bait, or soft crab baits back to pier foundations. The first set of eight-legged bridge piers on the eastern side typically marks the 30-foot drop-off sweet spot for drifting baits. Rock piles shouldn’t be overlooked, while other anglers find success casting soft plastic jigs, bucktails, and paddletails to pier bases in shallower bridge areas.
Kent Narrows has provided good striped bass fishing recently. Boats drift in the current while jigging with soft plastics. White perch fishing has also been productive in Kent Narrows, Eastern Bay, the Poplar Island breakwater, and shallower waters of the lower Choptank and Little Choptank rivers. These locations are ideal for casting poppers and similar topwater lures plus paddletails during morning and evening hours.
Live-lining for striped bass is gaining popularity as spot become more available. Many hard-bottom areas hold small spot, croaker, and some white perch. Bottom rigs with bloodworm pieces are essential for catching spot. The channel edge near Buoy 83 south to the False Channel provides good live-lining opportunities. On the Bay’s western side, Thomas Point offers live-lining and jigging success for striped bass.
Lower Bay
Lower Bay anglers have multiple fish species and diverse fishing locations available. Striped bass inhabit shallow Bay waters and tidal rivers. Grass beds along Tangier Sound marshes, the Hoopers Island area, and western Bay locations like the St. Marys River are excellent areas for casting topwater lures and paddletails. Most anglers target striped bass, but speckled trout and bluefish may also be caught.
Jigging and live-lining remain popular along channel edges of the lower Potomac between St. Georges and Piney Point and St. Clements Island, plus various channel edges and 30-foot edges off Cedar and Cove points. Anywhere striped bass appear suspended along deep edges provides action opportunities. The lack of rainfall in the Chesapeake watershed has created very clear water conditions, prompting many to switch to fluorocarbon leaders.
Large red drum provide exciting catch-and-release action throughout many lower Bay areas. During morning and evening hours, they can be encountered in shallow waters of Tangier Sound, near Point Lookout, and Hoopers Island. Deeper Tangier Sound waters near the Target Ship and Middle Grounds are good red drum locations.
Blue Crabs
Recreational crabbers are beginning to see improved catches as more crabs shed into legal sizes. Middle and lower Bay regions typically provide the best results. Crabbers report finding crabs in 8 to 12 feet of water, with smaller crabs in shallower areas.
Freshwater Fishing
Spring trout stocking season has concluded, with stocking resuming in October. Group 1 Delayed Harvest Areas have been open for anglers to keep five trout daily since June 1. Group II Delayed Harvest Areas open next Tuesday, June 16, including sections of the Casselman, North Branch of the Potomac, and Youghiogheny rivers.
Largemouth bass fishing continues being excellent this month. Water temperatures remain cool enough for largemouth bass to feed throughout most of the day. Topwater frogs, buzzbaits, and chatterbaits work well in or near grass beds. Spinnerbaits, paddletails, jerkbaits, and crankbaits can be good choices in transition areas.
Anglers find good Chesapeake Channa fishing in many of the Chesapeake’s tidal rivers this month, despite spawning activity. The Conowingo Dam pool remains an excellent location since it’s a dead end for their travels. Bush and Gunpowder rivers are upper Bay favorites, while Dorchester back waters and the Nanticoke River are Eastern Shore preferences.
Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays
Surf fishing at Assateague Island is settling into typical summer patterns. Kingfish are reported in the surf with clearnose skates ever-present. Anglers using large baits catch and release striped bass, red drum, and some inshore sharks. Bluefish tend to be the most commonly caught fish this week.
At Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area, bluefish and striped bass are being caught by casting soft plastic jigs or drifting cut bait. Sheepshead are becoming more common around structure, caught on sand fleas. Flounder consistently move through the inlet, with channels leading away from the inlet providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Offshore fishing at the canyons for yellowfin tuna and dolphin has been inconsistent, with not all anglers returning with impressive catches. Many captains are taking time from trolling for deep drop fishing for golden and blueline tilefish to ensure something to take home.
NEWARK, Del. – A University of Delaware field hockey player recently achieved a milestone that places her among the sport’s top competitors after representing the United States on the international stage.
Sarah Rigual, an upcoming senior with the Blue Hens field hockey program, earned the honor of wearing Team USA colors during the Junior Pan American Cup competition that took place in April. The student-athlete competed as part of the USA U-21 Women’s National Team during the tournament.
The experience marks a significant achievement for Rigual, who joined an exclusive group of athletes selected to represent their country in international field hockey competition at the under-21 level.
The latest federal agricultural data shows positive growth trends in the nation’s poultry industry, with broiler production indicators rising across the board.
According to new statistics, the number of broiler-type eggs set throughout the United States has increased by 2 percent. Similarly, the placement of broiler-type chicks nationwide also climbed by 2 percent during the same period.
These figures suggest steady expansion in the country’s chicken meat production sector, which supplies a significant portion of protein consumed by American families.
NOAA has officially ushered in a new chapter in space weather forecasting with the start of operational service for its SOLAR-1 observatory, a next-generation mission designed to provide earlier and more accurate warnings of potentially disruptive solar storms. The milestone represents a significant advancement in the nation’s ability to monitor activity on the Sun and protect critical infrastructure both on Earth and in space.
Formerly known as Space Weather Follow On-Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1), the spacecraft was renamed SOLAR-1 after reaching its permanent position near the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange point, roughly one million miles from Earth. From this unique vantage point, the observatory continuously monitors the solar wind and tracks coronal mass ejections (CMEs) before they arrive at our planet.
The mission’s primary goal is to improve NOAA’s ability to issue timely space weather watches, warnings, and forecasts. Powerful solar storms can interfere with satellite operations, GPS navigation, radio communications, aviation, electric power grids, and even astronaut safety during missions beyond Earth’s protective atmosphere. Earlier detection means operators have more time to prepare and reduce potential impacts.
SOLAR-1 carries a suite of advanced instruments, including a compact coronagraph that images the Sun’s outer atmosphere and sensors that continuously measure the solar wind flowing toward Earth. The real-time data are transmitted directly to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, where they are incorporated into operational forecasts used by governments, utilities, airlines, emergency managers, satellite operators, and researchers around the world.
For skywatchers, improved space weather forecasting could also mean better predictions of auroral activity. During periods of heightened solar activity, strong geomagnetic storms can push the Northern Lights much farther south than usual, occasionally making them visible across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Delmarva under favorable conditions. More accurate monitoring from SOLAR-1 should help forecasters better pinpoint the timing and intensity of these events.
As Solar Cycle 25 continues to produce frequent flares and coronal mass ejections, NOAA’s newest observatory is expected to play a critical role in safeguarding modern technology while advancing our understanding of the dynamic relationship between the Sun and Earth. With continuous observations from one of the most strategically important locations in space, SOLAR-1 marks a major leap forward in operational space weather monitoring.
New Castle County police have taken a suspect into custody on charges of forgery and theft following an investigation into fraudulent activity at a Claymont apartment community.
Starting in March 2026, law enforcement officers from the New Castle County Division of Police received numerous fraud complaints from residents at The Edge at Greentree apartment complex located in the 19703 area. Multiple tenants contacted authorities after being informed by management that their monthly rent payments had not been received, even though the residents had already made their payments.
Police continued their investigation into the suspicious pattern of missing rent payments at the apartment community.
As soccer enthusiasts across the globe celebrate and commiserate over World Cup games throughout North America, public health authorities are maintaining vigilant watch for potential disease outbreaks.
While extreme heat presents the most apparent health risk, contagious illnesses can rapidly transmit through large crowds. Health experts are closely monitoring sewage systems, emergency room data, and social media platforms to detect early indicators of possible disease transmission.
The highly transmissible measles virus tops the list of health concerns, prompting an alert this week from the Pan American Health Organization. With nearly six weeks of crowded stadiums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions across 16 cities, authorities are tracking numerous potential infections, including norovirus and mosquito-transmitted dengue fever.
“This is truly a marathon,” said Palak Raval-Nelson, Philadelphia’s health commissioner.
These large-scale events occur during a challenging period for financially constrained health agencies nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, significantly impacted by staffing reductions during the Trump administration, is simultaneously managing an expanding Ebola outbreak in central Africa and a cruise ship hantavirus situation. Although CDC officials have provided guidance to state and local health departments, their anticipated World Cup disease monitoring dashboard remained “in final development” just days before competition started, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Our public health professionals are pretty stretched,” said global health specialist Rebecca Katz of Georgetown University, who is leading an unusual new hub to help.
The Health Security Operations Center, a collaborative initiative between Georgetown and MedStar Health, is examining information from nationwide sources to notify health officials and emergency departments about potential warning signs. This facility distributes daily situation updates regarding disease patterns near World Cup venues and team training facilities to hundreds of local and federal health organizations, emergency coordinators, hospital administrators, and other registered recipients.
“It’s important that we don’t become alarmist,” said MedStar emergency medicine specialist Dr. Shane Kappler. “We’re trying to be the insurance policy.”
More than 2,000 Americans have contracted measles this year, approaching the total count from the previous year, CDC data shows. Infected individuals can transmit measles before developing the characteristic rash and recognizing their illness. Previously, the United States rarely encountered measles cases except through international travel by unvaccinated individuals.
Currently, with regular domestic outbreaks occurring, “actually a lot of our international partners are worried about measles being exported to them after the games,” said Georgetown’s Katz.
Canada is also experiencing measles transmission, while Mexico has recorded over 11,000 cases, according to PAHO. The organization encourages soccer fans to verify their vaccination status through a health initiative warning that one measles patient can infect up to 18 vulnerable individuals.
Brown University’s Dr. Craig Spencer, who recovered from Ebola during his work in the West Africa outbreak more than a decade ago, noted frequent inquiries about Ebola risks during the World Cup — but “for me, Ebola is not the No. 1 or No. 2 or even No. 3 threat.”
“I am concerned about importation of measles, I am much more concerned about the importation of other infectious threats that may not seem as scary to us as Ebola,” Spencer said.
Most health professionals concur that Ebola transmission risk in the United States remains minimal. This assessment stems partly from government travel screening procedures and restrictions on individuals recently present in outbreak zones. Additionally, Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids from symptomatic patients, rather than airborne transmission like measles or respiratory infections.
“One fortunate thing about this virus is you’re most contagious when you’re really quite ill. It’s not like COVID, where you could be sitting next to someone who doesn’t even know they’re infected and perhaps contract the virus,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of Brown’s Pandemic Center.
Individuals carrying certain viral or bacterial infections release genetic traces detectable through advanced sewage testing, creating an early alert system. For instance, measles evidence can emerge in wastewater several days before emergency departments encounter initial patients.
Current surveillance updates from Katz’s center indicate that recent wastewater analysis identified diarrhea-causing rotavirus, hepatitis A, and norovirus in various U.S. regions — developments worth monitoring as soccer audiences gather.
Dallas authorities have intensified wastewater monitoring, including at the international airport, employing broad screening rather than targeting specific diseases, explained Dr. Phil Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services.
His department is also expanding routine mosquito surveillance, testing not only for West Nile virus commonly found domestically but also for infections more prevalent in other nations like dengue and chikungunya.
Health officials have spent months preparing, Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson explained, conducting practice emergency exercises and establishing communication networks with colleagues nationwide.
“I don’t want to send a message that there’s one key thing,” she said. “We have the frameworks in place to carry out what we need to.”
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a heat advisory that went into effect Monday at 2:36 PM EDT and will remain in place until Wednesday at 8:00 PM EDT.
The weather service issued the advisory on June 10th, warning of dangerous heat conditions that will persist through the middle of the week.
Residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during this period of elevated temperatures and heat-related risks.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual gathering delivered a decisive vote Wednesday to move forward with a constitutional amendment that would formally exclude churches employing women pastors, reinforcing the denomination’s position that only men should lead congregations in America’s largest Protestant faith group.
The proposed constitutional change would strengthen current restrictions within the Southern Baptist Convention, which already maintains doctrinal statements rejecting female pastoral leadership.
Wednesday’s tally showed 6,028 delegates supporting the measure compared to 2,026 opposing it — achieving the necessary two-thirds majority with room to spare. The proposal must receive another two-thirds approval at next year’s annual gathering to officially join the denomination’s governing documents.
Albert Mohler, who championed the amendment, described it as tackling a fundamental denominational question.
“This is an opportunity for Southern Baptists to speak in truth, in unity, in conviction,” stated Mohler, who serves as president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. “There’s a great line that divides liberal and biblical evangelicalism, and you can see it on this very issue. The trajectory of liberal denominations is clear.”
Floor discussion remained limited, with no speakers defending women’s pastoral roles during the brief debate period.
The single voice of dissent came from South Carolina pastor Doug Mize, who argued the proposal was unnecessary since the denomination already possesses tools to remove churches with female senior pastors and has exercised this authority repeatedly.
“What we have already works,” he stated.
Convention leadership points to scriptural texts they interpret as restricting pastoral duties to men, while supporters of women’s ministry reference biblical verses emphasizing gender equality before God and examples of women called to share the gospel message.
Although the SBC cannot dictate policies to its autonomous member churches, the organization retains authority to remove congregations from convention membership by declaring them outside “friendly cooperation.”
Broad consensus already exists within the denomination that current doctrinal statements reject women serving as senior pastors who head congregations. Ongoing discussions have focused on establishing boundaries regarding churches where women hold assistant pastoral positions or preaching responsibilities.
“We need constitutional clarity on this issue,” Mohler explained. He played a key role in creating the original prohibition, which gained approval in 2000.
The amendment’s text mandates excluding any church that chooses “to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”
Wednesday’s decision concluded the convention’s two-day annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, which drew more than 11,000 delegates, called messengers.
During the past three annual meetings, delegate majorities supported amending the SBC constitution to prohibit churches with women in pastoral positions. However, only one of those attempts achieved the required two-thirds supermajority, leaving the issue unresolved.
The denomination has previously expelled churches with women in senior pastoral roles, including California’s large Saddleback Church, citing existing constitutional language that bars churches whose “faith and practice” conflicts with denominational standards.
The SBC’s position contrasts sharply with numerous established, more liberal Protestant denominations that ordain women and have elevated them to top leadership positions. Conservative evangelical denominations show varied approaches — especially within Pentecostal and charismatic movements, where notable women pastors include Paula White-Cain, who headed President Donald Trump’s White House Faith Office.
However, other conservative Protestant groups also refuse to ordain women as clergy. The Catholic and Orthodox churches — representing the world’s two largest Christian communities — limit priesthood ordination to men only.
Baptist Women in Ministry, an organization supporting female ministers across various Baptist denominations, released a statement condemning the vote.
“We express our solidarity with the women in ministry who have been harmed by this vote, the hateful rhetoric and propaganda leading up to the vote, and the damaging theology the vote represents,” the statement read. “Women in ministry deserve affirmation, respect, and the opportunity to follow God’s call. We are heartbroken that they have been denied those fundamental freedoms in the process of this vote.”
Later Wednesday, SBC messengers also considered a non-binding resolution containing similar language opposing women pastors, requiring only a simple majority for passage. Additional resolutions addressing topics from immigration to antisemitism were also scheduled for votes.
On Tuesday, delegates selected Florida pastor Willy Rice as their next president, capturing 58% of votes against South Carolina pastor Josh Powell.
Rice endorsed the amendment prohibiting churches with women pastors, as did Powell and the SBC’s outgoing president, Clint Pressley.
Rice, who leads Calvary Church in Clearwater as senior pastor, received backing from advocacy organizations like the Center for Baptist Leadership, which contend SBC leadership has embraced “woke” positions on topics including race, gender, and immigration.
The denomination already maintains strongly conservative stances, from opposing abortion to declaring pastoral offices limited to men through faith statements. Recent internal SBC debates have centered on how far to shift toward the religious and political right.
A commemorative blue plaque was installed Wednesday at the London residence where legendary British actor Laurence Olivier spent his childhood years, celebrating what many consider Britain’s finest stage performer of all time.
The ceremony took place at 22 Lupus Street in Pimlico, where Ian McKellen revealed the plaque honoring the location where Olivier first began his acting journey as a young boy.
“For those of us who were lucky enough to have seen him in the theater, it’s of course quite right that, because he was the leader of our profession for so many years, it’s appropriate that this should be put up,” McKellen told The Associated Press following the ceremony. “Actors go out of fashion very quickly, but I’ve a feeling that this man’s name will never be forgotten, and because of this plaque.”
The legendary performer resided at this address from ages 6 through 11. During his time there, he allegedly created his own theatrical space using a wooden box and blue curtains as an improvised stage, where he would spend countless hours singing, dancing, and performing.
The acclaimed actor gained recognition primarily for his Shakespearean performances, taking on legendary roles throughout London theaters including Hamlet, Henry V, Macbeth and, in a controversial casting choice, Othello. His portrayal of Hamlet earned him his sole Academy Award for best actor in 1949. His notable film appearances included “Rebecca,” “Wuthering Heights,” “Marathon Man” and “Sleuth.”
The city of London benefited greatly from Olivier’s advocacy, particularly his efforts to establish the National Theatre. The facility that currently houses the theater opened its doors officially in 1976, with its main auditorium bearing Olivier’s name.
“Laurence Olivier transformed British theater and film through the brilliance, range and intensity of his performances,” stated English Heritage senior historian Howard Spencer. “The plaque celebrates the formative home where one of Britain’s greatest cultural figures first found his voice as an actor.”
London’s prestigious theater awards, known as the Olivier Awards, bear his name in recognition of his contributions to the theatrical community.
The capital’s blue plaque initiative has operated for more than 150 years, honoring distinguished individuals who called London home during their lives. Over 900 official plaques currently exist throughout the city.
The initial plaque honored poet Lord Byron in 1867, though that building no longer stands. The most ancient remaining plaque recognizes Napoleon III, France’s last emperor.
Financial services company Visa announced Wednesday it has integrated its payment system with ChatGPT, enabling the artificial intelligence platform to shop for items and process payments for users automatically.
This development allows AI assistants to not just suggest products but actually complete purchases for customers at any business that accepts Visa cards. Earlier technological efforts by the payment network were restricted to individual retailers or small groups of participating stores.
This marks another venture into online shopping for OpenAI. The company previously launched Instant Checkout last year, which enabled ChatGPT to search the web for specific products like a virtual shopping assistant. However, that service experienced frequent mistakes and failed to gain traction among retailers because of OpenAI’s merchant fees. The company discontinued Instant Checkout in March.
The new Visa partnership differs from OpenAI’s earlier shopping initiatives, as it will enable customers to connect their Visa payment cards directly to ChatGPT for purchases and streamline transaction processing for businesses.
OpenAI will supply the technology enabling AI assistants to communicate, make choices and complete purchases through ChatGPT. Visa, which operates the largest payment network globally outside China, will handle payment processing and fraud detection required for widespread implementation.
“As AI agents become active participants in the economy, Visa’s focus is to ensure transactions are trusted, secure and seamless,” said Jack Forestell, chief product and strategy officer at Visa.
During a company presentation Wednesday in San Francisco, Forestell demonstrated how a user might ask ChatGPT to find wireless headphones priced below $150. The AI would locate suitable options meeting those criteria and purchase them for the customer.
Neither Visa nor OpenAI revealed the financial details of their partnership or specified what fees businesses or consumers would face.
The previous Instant Checkout service required merchants to pay 4% of each transaction’s total, which businesses considered excessive.
Enabling AI systems to make purchases for consumers creates potential issues for financial institutions and retailers. Users might exceed their budgets, the AI could select incorrect items, or customers might dispute transactions they claim they never authorized. Banks have expressed concerns about possible fraud complaints when AI agents use customers’ credit or debit cards.
Visa states the new feature will include protective measures such as spending caps, mandatory approval processes and pre-approved merchant lists to safeguard consumers and reduce fraudulent activity.
Retailers have deployed AI-powered shopping assistants that can suggest products and customize the shopping experience, with Amazon’s Alexa being among the earliest examples. However, Alexa was limited to Amazon purchases only, and OpenAI’s Instant Checkout worked with just selected retailers.
Mastercard, Visa’s primary rival, has also been developing AI shopping capabilities for its payment network on a more limited basis.
Mastercard revealed that AI agents will be able to purchase services for businesses. For instance, a coffee shop planning to launch an advertising campaign could authorize an AI agent to buy services from web and advertising companies to develop the promotional effort.
Federal authorities in Detroit announced charges Wednesday against eight pro-Palestinian activists accused of orchestrating an intimidation scheme targeting University of Michigan administrators in an effort to pressure the institution into severing financial connections with Israel.
The criminal charges also encompass acts of vandalism directed at Michigan-based businesses and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
“In America, we rule by law not by fear. These alleged threats and attempts to terrorize government officials, businesses, and the Jewish Federation are anti-American. We will counter intimidation with justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr.
The charging document outlines multiple high-profile incidents from recent years, including the placement of fake bloodied corpses on a university board member’s property and the spray-painting of anti-Israel slogans at the residence of then-university president Santa Ono.
“They marked their victims with threatening symbols used by Hamas, including red inverted triangles and red handprints,” the indictment states. “They used the internet and social media to broadcast their message to ensure their threats and commitment to continuing criminal activity were heard by their victims and others who support Israel.”
Six defendants were scheduled for initial federal court hearings Wednesday in Detroit. According to U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Gina Balaya, one individual was taken into custody in Wisconsin while another remained at large.
The Associated Press was unable to immediately contact the defendants or their legal representatives for statements.
Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, pro-Palestinian demonstrators have pressured the University of Michigan to divest its endowment from companies connected to Israel. However, university officials maintain they hold no direct investments and have less than $15 million in funds that potentially include Israeli companies, representing under 0.1% of their total endowment.
Police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus in 2024 after it remained for one month. University administrators cited public safety concerns as the reason for the removal.
Federal investigators executed a search warrant Wednesday at an aerospace manufacturing plant in Southern California where a dangerous chemical incident last month led to the evacuation of 50,000 area residents.
A federal judge authorized the warrant last week, allowing agents to collect documents and materials concerning how methyl methacrylate was “stored, used, or disposed of” at the facility, according to court papers.
The search authorization also covered “samples of the substance within any tank, tote, drum, vat, vessel, or container suspected of containing or having previously contained methyl methacrylate and/or any hazardous substance,” the warrant stated.
Additionally, investigators were directed to gather documentation about “any cooling equipment or other equipment used to control or regulate the temperature of methyl methacrylate.”
The FBI verified that agents conducted the search at the facility operated by GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, located in Garden Grove in Orange County.
The company produces aircraft cockpit windows, canopies and windshields. During the incident, a storage tank holding between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons (22,700 to 26,500 liters) of methyl methacrylate experienced overheating. This highly combustible liquid serves as a raw material for manufacturing plastics and protective coatings, including products like Plexiglas and dental prosthetics.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, contact with this chemical can result in severe breathing difficulties, nervous system complications, and irritation affecting skin, eyes and throat.
When asked about the federal probe, a company representative responded to the AP Wednesday morning: “We are cooperating with authorities at our Garden Grove facility and will continue to do so.”
During a community gathering Tuesday night, GKN’s Steve Carlin addressed local residents. He expressed gratitude toward emergency responders and community officials who handled the situation at the facility, which provides employment for over 500 workers, while offering an apology to neighbors.
“On behalf of GKN and the Garden Grove plant I want to say that I’m sorry that this event and this incident occurred. I understand and I realized sitting here tonight what a disruptive event it was and how unsettling it is to the greater community. Particularly unsettling to us at GKN because of the long history that we have with Garden Grove and how connected we are to this community.”
Carlin indicated the company’s willingness to organize a public forum for community questions. However, he noted Tuesday that investigators are still in early stages of determining what occurred, making it premature to decide what remedial steps the company might implement.
Meanwhile, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has launched its own criminal probe into the aerospace plant, confirmed DA spokesperson Kimberly Edds.
“We have sent a preservation letter to GKN directing them not to modify or destroy any evidence, which the company’s outside counsel confirmed receipt,” Edds stated in an email to The Associated Press.
Approximately twelve individuals and businesses affected by the mass evacuation during the chemical incident have initiated federal court cases against the manufacturer.
Local health authorities have provided assurance that no dangerous materials or vapors escaped into the environment, pledging continued air quality monitoring for several months along with testing of sewage and drainage systems.
Rehoboth Beach commissioners unanimously approved new legislation Monday, June 8, requiring safety inspections for aging multi-story structures within city limits. The measure modifies Chapter 208 of the municipal property maintenance code by implementing mandatory inspection protocols for qualifying older buildings and their external components.
The newly established Aged Building Safety Inspection Program targets multi-story structures, aging properties, and buildings exposed to coastal conditions throughout Rehoboth Beach. Licensed engineers and architects will conduct regular evaluations to detect structural problems, exterior wall issues, balcony dangers, and additional safety risks that may emerge as buildings age. Officials designed the initiative to prevent catastrophic incidents similar to the Surfside, Florida building collapse through mandatory professional assessments and prompt repair requirements.
Buildings measuring four stories or higher, exceeding 50 feet in height, or designated as high-risk by city officials must receive structural evaluations every decade and exterior inspections every five years, beginning when structures turn 30 years old.
Single-family detached residences remain exempt from these requirements.
Smaller structures showing signs of balcony deterioration or visible external problems may face additional limited inspection mandates.
Building owners must arrange for Delaware-licensed engineers or architects to conduct evaluations, file inspection reports, complete necessary repairs, and pay all related expenses.
City officials retain authority to enforce program compliance, mandate safety precautions when hazards emerge, and require disclosure of outstanding inspection or repair issues during property sales or transfers.
The comprehensive program seeks to safeguard community welfare by detecting and addressing hazardous building conditions before they pose serious threats.
The federal government’s budget shortfall for May decreased by $23 billion, dropping 7% to $293 billion, primarily because of timing differences in benefit payment schedules compared to the previous year, according to Wednesday’s announcement from the Treasury Department. Both government spending and revenue declined during the month, with income taking a substantial blow from tariff refund payments related to President Donald Trump’s emergency trade duties.
Treasury officials reported that tariff refund payments reached $21.97 billion in May, while incoming customs revenue totaled $21.93 billion, resulting in a net outflow of $42 million from customs operations during the month.
The refund process began after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency started returning approximately $166 billion in trade duties that were collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in February. Before these refunds began, customs revenue had represented a major income stream for the Treasury, with monthly collections reaching the low $30 billion range in late 2025.
Government revenue for May dropped $36 billion, a 10% decrease to $336 billion when compared to May 2025, while government expenditures fell $59 billion, representing a 9% decline to $628 billion.
However, when accounting for payment timing adjustments that moved some June 2025 disbursements into May of that year, Treasury officials noted that the adjusted May budget shortfall of $293 billion actually represents a $71 billion or 32% increase from the previous year.
For the initial eight months of fiscal year 2026, which began October 1, the cumulative budget deficit reached $1.246 trillion, representing a $118 billion or 9% decrease on an unadjusted basis.
BRUSSELS, June 10 (Reuters) — Belgium has given Tesla permission to deploy its Full Self-Driving supervised driver assistance technology, according to an announcement made Wednesday by Annick De Ridder, the transport minister of Flanders region.
“I just signed the approval,” De Ridder stated in a social media post on X, which included a photograph of the official signed authorization document.
The authorization comes after Tesla completed a successful testing program within the country, according to the minister. Under Belgian law, permits issued by any of the nation’s three regions apply across the entire country.
This makes Belgium the third nation within the European Union to grant such authorization, joining the Netherlands and Lithuania in approving the technology.
The chief executive of alternative asset manager Ares disclosed Wednesday that international investors were behind most withdrawal requests from the company’s private credit fund designed for wealthy clients.
Speaking at the Morgan Stanley U.S. Financials conference in New York, Michael Arougheti revealed specific details about the redemption activity.
“We had 11% redemption requests. It was from less than 5% of our investors. It was largely concentrated in small institutions and family offices, not in the U.S.,” Arougheti stated during his presentation.
The alternative asset manager had earlier described these withdrawal requests as originating from “select geographies” without providing additional specifics.
The disclosure comes as affluent investors withdrew more capital than they invested in private credit funds managed by various asset managers during the early months of this year. Market concerns centered on issues including transparency, lending practices, and questions about how technology firms that borrowed significantly from direct lenders would handle challenges posed by artificial intelligence developments.
Despite the withdrawal activity, Arougheti expressed optimism about the sector’s future prospects.
Arougheti indicated this situation provided him with “confidence that the markets will grow through this.”
The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it will contribute another $20 million toward combating the Ebola outbreak in Africa, raising America’s total direct assistance to more than $220 million.
According to a department statement, the funding will support emergency preparedness initiatives in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. The assistance will help establish national emergency operations centers and bolster surveillance capabilities, testing procedures, border screening measures, and infection prevention and control protocols.
The funding will also assist these nations in distributing essential supplies and caring for Ebola patients, according to the statement.
Olympic organizers for the 2028 Los Angeles Games are coordinating with federal agencies to prevent the type of visa problems and entry denials that have affected participants in the ongoing soccer World Cup, according to International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, who spoke Wednesday.
“I am confident that in two years we will be able to overcome a number of the challenges that the World Cup is facing right now. But I think that also takes collaboration and learning,” Coventry stated during a media briefing in Lausanne following an IOC executive board session.
IOC sports director Pierre Ducrey noted that specialized staff within the organizing committee are addressing these concerns.
“They have an office in Washington, there is a strong relationship they are building with the authorities, with the right agencies that will have to be involved in this process,” Ducrey explained.
“I think it’s also a lot about explaining who is going to be coming, the profile of the people, the role they have to play so that we can also spend a lot of time educating the agencies and make sure we are all on the same page regarding what is going to happen in 2028.”
Entry complications have already emerged during the World Cup, which started Thursday across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s national team relocated their preparation camp from Arizona to Mexico and will only be permitted U.S. entry one day prior to each of their three games, while a referee from Somalia was refused American entry just days before competition began.
During the Lausanne gathering, IOC executive board members endorsed adding ski mountaineering, which premiered at February’s Milano Cortina Olympics, to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
“The French Alps organising committee proposed… to add ski mountaineering to the 2030 Winter Olympic programme edition. The (executive board) has decided to approve this and will put that forward to our session in two weeks,” Coventry announced.
Board members rejected including “crossover sports” like cyclocross for the 2030 Games while keeping future possibilities open.
“We decided, very clear, for the upcoming Winter Olympics that we would like to keep the identity of winter sports of snow and ice… no crossover at the moment. It could be in the future,” stated Karl Stoss, chair of the Olympic programme working group.
The IOC’s 146th session will convene June 24 and 25 in Lausanne.
WASHINGTON – Federal authorities announced Wednesday they are placing sanctions on 11 individuals and organizations accused of helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian military obtain weapons, with the majority of those targeted operating out of China and Hong Kong.
According to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, nine of the sanctioned parties were individuals and businesses based in China and Hong Kong who helped Iran’s military acquire weapons. The sanctions also target a Hong Kong-based company that operates within Iran’s secret banking network.
Treasury officials said the U.S. State Department simultaneously sanctioned two additional companies and individuals located in Iran and Belarus for their involvement in Iran’s conventional weapons activities.
The NHL Players’ Association has requested the league conduct an investigation into Mike Babcock’s troubled time with the Columbus Blue Jackets before Edmonton or any other team can bring him on as head coach, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke Wednesday.
The union’s request comes after reports emerged that the Oilers have shown interest in bringing Babcock aboard. Both sources provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions.
It remains unclear if the league has begun or resumed looking into the experienced coach, who has faced mounting criticism in recent years over his methods with players. The league must approve all coaching appointments.
Babcock stepped down from his position with the Blue Jackets in September 2023, just under three months after accepting the role. His departure followed backlash over his practice of requesting personal photographs from players as a way to build relationships, which many viewed as crossing privacy boundaries.
“Our players deserve to be treated with respect in the workplace,” NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh stated at that time. “Unfortunately, that was not the case in Columbus. The club’s decision to move forward with a new head coach is the appropriate course of action.”
While the union examined the circumstances, the NHL abandoned its planned probe into the matter after Babcock resigned.
The 63-year-old coach, who celebrated his birthday on April 29, hasn’t led a team in the league since Toronto dismissed him just 23 games into the 2019-20 campaign. His resume includes guiding Detroit to a Stanley Cup championship in 2008, leading the Red Wings to the finals in ’09 and Anaheim in ’03, plus coaching Canada to consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2010 and ’14.
Despite once being regarded as among the elite in his field, former players have criticized Babcock’s traditional methods that some characterize as harassment.
Following his dismissal from the Maple Leafs, reports emerged that he had instructed a player to rank teammates from most to least hardworking, then disclosed those rankings to the entire team. Former Red Wings player Johan Franzen told Swedish media that Babcock was the most unpleasant individual he had encountered and described feeling afraid to enter the arena.
Edmonton is searching for someone to replace Kris Knoblauch after dismissing him following their first-round playoff elimination, despite reaching the finals in the previous two seasons. The team sought Vegas’s approval to interview recently dismissed coach Bruce Cassidy, but the Golden Knights declined since he remains under contract through the upcoming season.
The NHL Coaches’ Association voiced displeasure regarding the situation. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated last week that Vegas violated no regulations by refusing permission.
“We don’t find it unreasonable because we’re allowing it to happen,” he explained. “I do think Vegas is clearly within their contractual rights to do what they’re doing.”
Over 80 dairy industry board members and young farmers visited Capitol Hill today to lobby approximately 100 congressional offices during their yearly advocacy event, pushing for action on agricultural workforce issues and the recent reappearance of New World screwworm in America.
The Capitol Hill meetings followed the organization’s June board gathering on Tuesday, which featured presentations from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and Ambassador Julie Callahan discussing the agricultural economy and international trade environment.
“We know what we need to do,” stated NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud before the advocacy event began. “We will push in every way we can to make things happen.”
Additional priorities that organization members promoted during their congressional visits included:
The organization also announced the addition of Ted Vander Schaaf from Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold as a new board member and welcomed Illinois Farm Bureau as a new associate member.
The Young Cooperators program coordinated the congressional outreach effort. The group also conducted committee sessions and hosted an Artificial Intelligence workshop for cooperative leaders. Organization leadership will continue their meetings throughout the week, focusing on animal health and welfare alongside other critical industry matters.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Soccer fans in Brazil, known for their passionate support and five World Cup victories, will only be able to watch the complete tournament through a streaming service led by a social media personality.
Meanwhile, viewers around the world will witness portions of matches broadcast live on YouTube and TikTok for the very first time.
The traditional dominance of broadcast television is being challenged as the World Cup enters a new viewing era.
FIFA is working to connect with younger demographics, offering these audiences expanded access to soccer’s premier tournament through what the organization calls an unprecedented number of agreements with broadcasting partners featuring digital-exclusive platforms. Content creators will take center stage while viewer experiences globally will be improved through what FIFA terms “game-changing” partnerships.
The strategy aims to capture audience interest by providing a preview that will motivate them to return for full game coverage on conventional television.
This year’s tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, represents the largest World Cup ever with 48 participating teams. Competition starts Thursday and continues until July 19.
Brazil has consistently ranked among nations with the highest social media and digital platform participation.
FIFA recognized this trend and conducted a preliminary experiment four years ago with well-known streamer Casimiro Miguel, currently 32, who had demonstrated effectiveness in connecting with younger sports audiences through his Twitch channel. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, FIFA established an agreement with him and his partner LiveMode to stream 22 matches via the CazéTV YouTube channel.
Using a more relaxed and interactive broadcasting style, combined with increased fan participation and content creators serving as commentators, the experiment proved highly successful. This success resulted in an expanded agreement for this year’s tournament, making CazéTV the exclusive channel—whether digital or traditional—with rights to all 104 games in Brazil. The network Globo, Brazil’s longtime soccer broadcaster, will air 55 games.
“FIFA is always looking at innovative ways about how to enhance the broadcast coverage of our flagship competitions and the deal with CazéTV is an example of such, which will ensure football fans in Brazil will be able to watch all 104 games, while also helping to reach new audiences and demographics,” the governing body told The Associated Press in a statement.
LiveMode, the Brazilian company that operates CazéTV and produces matches with content creators, revealed last month it had established an international broadcasting division with Cristiano Ronaldo as one of its investors.
The company’s Portuguese channel will stream one daily match during the World Cup, including all Portugal games and the championship final. The 41-year-old Ronaldo, considered one of soccer’s greatest players, is participating in his sixth World Cup with his national team.
“There is an audience that connects with digital first, and digital allows us to bring this new audience to follow major sporting events,” LiveMode co-founder Sergio Lopes told the AP. “Generally, this audience is younger and doesn’t just want to watch a match. They want to participate in the conversation, interact in real time, and feel like they are part of a community.”
FIFA selected TikTok earlier this year as its inaugural “preferred platform” for video content on social media during the World Cup, providing creators with content access. Broadcasters holding World Cup rights can livestream segments of the 104 games through a specialized hub within the TikTok application. In March, FIFA also made an agreement with YouTube allowing rights-holding broadcasters to stream live game footage on the video platform. Rights holders may broadcast the opening 10 minutes of matches.
“YouTube is where global sports fans tune in before, during, and after the game. That is what makes our preferred partnership with FIFA for World Cup 2026 so unique,” said Angela Courtin, YouTube’s vice president of entertainment and sports marketing. “Between the incredible reach of our creator cohort and providing FIFA’s media partners with a pathway to upload more premium content to their YouTube channels, plus our live YouTube FIFA Creator Cup in New York City this July, we are ushering in the next generation of soccer fans for years to come.”
Through these new agreements, FIFA anticipates the 2026 World Cup will establish new records for digital and streaming viewership.
In 2022, FIFA documented 5 billion total interactions during the Qatar tournament, with 2.7 billion occurring through digital and streaming platforms, and 2.9 billion from traditional television. Nearly 1.5 billion people viewed the final won by Argentina, including 237 million digital-only viewers, according to FIFA.
In the U.S., Fox maintains rights for the 2026 World Cup, and FIFA made no exclusive agreements with digital platforms, although the network will offer every match through live streaming and on-demand access within its applications. Streaming service Netflix has obtained U.S. broadcasting rights for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031, representing FIFA’s most substantial agreement with a streaming platform for a major tournament.
“We are seeing that sport needs to occupy all screens, engage with all audiences to grow,” LiveModeTV co-founder Lopes said. “New audiences expect authenticity, interaction and different ways to follow an event. The World Cup continues to be the greatest sporting spectacle on the planet, but the way to experience it is also becoming more social, more participatory, more accessible, and more connected to the digital habits of each generation.”
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Motorcycle taxi drivers in eastern Congo organized a public awareness campaign Tuesday to educate communities about Ebola prevention as distrust and violence against medical personnel continue to obstruct efforts to control the deadly outbreak.
The drivers donned white shirts reading “Stop Ebola” and carried educational materials and visual guides about disease prevention while traveling through Bunia and Rwampara, communities located in Congo’s eastern Ituri province where the outbreak is concentrated.
Ituri province represents over 90% of all recorded cases. Additional cases have been documented in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, plus several instances reported across the border in Uganda.
Congolese officials reported late Tuesday that 115 people have died from confirmed cases of the disease among at least 598 total confirmed infections.
However, the outbreak response continues to face community doubt and false information, with some residents questioning the existence of the outbreak or strongly resisting strict burial protocols implemented by medical teams to limit disease transmission.
Ituri province residents have conducted no fewer than three assaults on medical facilities while demanding the return of deceased patients’ remains. In total, more than 520 incidents affecting healthcare workers have been documented, according to Marie Roseline Darnycka Belizaire, WHO’s emergency director for Africa.
Motorcycle taxi operators can help communicate that healthcare workers are simply working to prevent disease spread, explained Jacques Maliro, the World Health Organization’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officer, who helped organize the caravan.
“Response teams have been attacked in some areas, and that is one reason why we chose to involve motorcycle taxi drivers. They are an important group because they transport both sick and healthy people, so they too need to be informed and engaged,” Maliro said.
False information circulating throughout Ituri communities has prevented residents from following health guidance or getting medical treatment, according to health officials. When the outbreak began, certain churches informed their members that the outbreak was fabricated and that religious faith eliminated the need for medical intervention.
“Those who do not believe in it need to understand that it is real,” said Josue Mbabona, a motorcycle taxi driver from the caravan, adding that he has already lost three family members to Ebola.
Healthcare workers on the front lines, working with minimal compensation or rest periods, have also been prevented from accessing certain communities isolated by fighting with armed rebel groups.
Eastern Congo has experienced years of violence from numerous separate rebel and militant organizations, some connected to neighboring Rwanda or the extremist Islamic State group.
Supply shortages have also complicated response efforts. Bunia residents and local leaders cited Wednesday a lack of water necessary for the regular handwashing protocols recommended to reduce virus transmission.
This Ebola outbreak stems from the uncommon Bundibugyo virus, which lacks approved vaccines or treatments unlike the “Zaire virus,” which caused most of Congo’s previous 16 disease outbreaks.
“The vaccine needs to be available so that we can protect ourselves, move forward, and return to normal life,” David Kasimwa, a student participating in the caravan said. “This disease has disrupted many activities: We are no longer able to travel freely because we are afraid,” he added.
Three potential vaccines are currently under development. Africa’s leading public health organization announced last month it plans to make a vaccine and treatment for Bundibugyo virus available before year’s end.
At the same time, multiple nations have established travel limitations or increased screening protocols for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected regions, although WHO has not recommended widespread travel prohibitions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday urged European countries to tighten travel restrictions on people arriving from Ebola-affected countries in Africa, warning that failure to do so could lead to stricter U.S. travel measures for arrivals from Europe, including during the World Cup.
There are relatively few direct flights between Africa and the United State per day but more than 300 direct daily flights between Europe and the United States.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed Wednesday that a deadly confrontation occurred during demonstrations against the detention of women for supposed dress code infractions in the country’s western region.
According to witnesses, Taliban security forces discharged weapons during Tuesday’s demonstration, which drew between 100 and 150 participants protesting the weekend detentions of women in the western city of Herat.
The U.N. mission reported Wednesday it had “confirmed that at least one person, a boy, was killed by gunfire, while several others suffered injuries including from being beaten with sticks.” Officials indicated they were also investigating reports of a potential second death.
Such demonstrations are uncommon in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has maintained control since 2021 following the turbulent departure of U.S.-led military forces. The current administration has established regulations based on a rigid understanding of Islamic law, or Shariah. Opposition is prohibited, and demonstrations challenging government policies are banned.
These rules encompass severe limitations on women and girls, including prohibitions on schooling past elementary levels and restrictions on women’s attire.
The guidelines mandate that women may only appear publicly while wearing complete hijab — including a head covering and lengthy garment covering the full body — plus a facial covering that exposes only the eyes. These requirements are enforced by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
The U.N. mission, referred to by its abbreviation UNAMA, reported that no fewer than 30 women were detained in Herat on Saturday and Sunday. “Dozens more women reportedly received verbal warnings. While the women were released on 8 June, the impact of such arbitrary arrests and detentions on women and their families is profound,” the organization stated.
UNAMA urged officials to withdraw policies limiting women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan, emphasizing that law enforcement “must comply with international legal standards.”
“Individuals have the right to express dissent peacefully without fear of violence, intimidation or reprisals,” the statement read.
Herat police command spokesperson Sayed Masoud Hosseini declared Wednesday that police “takes a serious, Shariah, and principled approach to any action that disrupts public security.”
He stated “a number of rioters” had assembled Tuesday “under the pretext of protesting issues related to the observance of the hijab and opposition to the Islamic hijab, and acted to disrupt public order.” He indicated security forces’ intervention “brought the situation under control in the shortest possible time.”
“The Herat Provincial Security Command once again emphasizes that individual and social freedoms must be implemented within the framework of Shariah law and social values, and any behavior or action that disrupts public security, creates tension, and disrupts public order is unacceptable.”
On Monday, Afghanistan’s vice and virtue ministry rejected reports regarding arrests and detentions of women.
“The issues being spread about women being arrested in Herat are all rumors,” the ministry announced, noting that wearing the “hijab is a divine command, a law that we are obliged to implement.”
Georgette Gagnon, the U.N.’s Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and officer in charge of UNAMA, explained that detaining women in Afghanistan “carries enormous stigma, which can put women at risk of further violence and isolation in their families and communities even after they are released.”
She emphasized that authorities were “obliged under international law to uphold the rights of all Afghans to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, liberty and security of person, and freedom from arbitrary detention.”
A federal courtroom in Los Angeles became the scene Wednesday as attorneys delivered their initial arguments in the arson case against a man charged with igniting last year’s catastrophic Palisades Fire.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations he started what would become one of California’s most devastating wildfire disasters.
Federal prosecutors contend that Rinderknecht ignited a fire on January 1, 2025, which continued burning unnoticed in underground root systems before erupting again on January 7.
The massive blaze claimed 12 lives and leveled thousands of residences as flames swept through hillside communities in Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
If found guilty on charges including malicious destruction by fire, Rinderknecht could face a minimum five-year prison sentence.
Defense lawyer Steve Haney has maintained that Rinderknecht is serving as a scapegoat for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s inability to completely put out the initial fire.
The trial, which started with jury selection on Monday, is expected to continue for approximately two weeks.
In a pretrial ruling, Judge Anne Hwang determined that defense attorneys cannot present evidence or make arguments regarding alleged Los Angeles Fire Department negligence, stating such material was not relevant and might mislead jurors.
The defense had intended to call a firefighter to testify that the fire was still visibly burning when emergency crews departed before it reignited several days later.
Haney has indicated he will contend that prosecutors lack strong evidence or eyewitness accounts connecting Rinderknecht to the January 1 fire, and that emergency responders reported hearing fireworks near where the fire began.
Government attorneys plan to present phone location data showing Rinderknecht was present in the fire area as it spread, and point to a barbecue lighter authorities found in his vehicle that he acknowledged carrying on the trail.
Prosecutors also intend to argue he was emotionally distressed over a relationship that had ended and canceled New Year’s Eve plans, claiming he expressed anger toward the world while speaking to his Uber passengers that night.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that the debut of a new international bridge spanning the Detroit River could face delays, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous threats to prevent its opening.
“Look, everyone’s working hard to make sure the bridge is open as soon as possible. There is no big drama. If it takes a little longer it will take a little bit longer, but this will benefit Canadians, Americans, business, tourists, residents for decades and decades to come,” Carney stated while entering Parliament.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is jointly owned by Canada and the U.S. state of Michigan, will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday, though vehicle traffic may not begin flowing immediately afterward.
Earlier this week, Carney had indicated that the second crossing linking Windsor and Detroit would “be open at the end of the week.”
The upcoming Friday ceremony follows recent discussions between Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to an anonymous source familiar with the private conversations.
In February, Trump demanded that Canada transfer at least half of the bridge’s ownership to the U.S. federal government and meet other undisclosed conditions as part of his broader campaign addressing cross-border trade concerns.
The new crossing between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit represents a crucial economic link between the two nations. The structure bears the name of the legendary Canadian hockey player who played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Former Republican Michigan Governor Rick Snyder negotiated the construction agreement, with Canada funding the project to reduce traffic bottlenecks at the current Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel. Construction began in 2018.
Trump’s bridge threats coincide with this year’s scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, as the president adopts an aggressive stance ahead of negotiations, including new tariff warnings.
A major semiconductor equipment manufacturer has announced plans to reduce the scope of previously announced job eliminations following negotiations with labor organizations in the Netherlands, according to union representatives.
The layoffs at ASML are now scheduled to commence in May 2027, according to company spokesperson Monique Mols. She indicated that workers will receive notification about their employment status before the conclusion of this month. Mols noted that rather than termination, some employees may find their positions restructured within the organization.
“We want to see as few people as possible forced to leave,” Mols stated.
A former engineer who worked at Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI has filed a legal complaint alleging he was wrongfully terminated for speaking up about AI safety risks to humanity.
Devin Kim, who currently leads a think tank dedicated to AI safety, submitted the lawsuit in a California state court this past Tuesday. He claims his attempts to establish safety protocols for the chatbot Grok made him a target within company management.
The legal filing arrives as the company’s parent, a subsidiary under the umbrella of other Musk ventures, prepares for what’s anticipated to be the largest initial public offering ever, scheduled for this Friday.
According to the court documents, Kim “repeatedly complained that xAI’s failure to prioritize AI safety, particularly with respect to Grok, virtually guaranteed that the Company would commit unlawful acts, from fomenting discrimination to proliferating weapons of mass destruction.”
Neither xAI nor its parent company provided immediate responses when contacted about Kim’s legal action.
The Center for AI Safety, a nonprofit organization that studies potential AI risks, announced Kim’s appointment as president just last week.
The world’s wealthiest individual founded xAI in 2023, positioning it as a more secure option compared to OpenAI, an organization he had co-founded over ten years earlier. Last month, a jury dismissed Musk’s own legal challenge against OpenAI, where he alleged the company had abandoned its humanitarian mission.
Kim’s lawsuit states he joined xAI as one of its first employees in 2024 and received a promotion to a senior leadership role within months of starting.
While Kim indicates Musk wanted proper safety testing and procedures in place, the complaint alleges that Kim’s direct supervisor, xAI co-founder Jimmy Ba, ignored these instructions and dismissed Kim’s push for safety protocols.
The lawsuit claims Ba terminated Kim’s employment without warning last September, just before Kim was scheduled to deliver a presentation about AI safety to company executives.
Kim’s legal team is pursuing claims of retaliation and wrongful termination under California employment law, seeking monetary compensation that has not been specified.
Safety concerns have previously surrounded other Musk-led companies, including his space exploration venture and electric vehicle manufacturer, ranging from employee workplace hazards to questions about autonomous driving technology.
A 2023 investigation documented at least 600 previously undisclosed workplace injuries at the space company, including severe injuries such as crushed limbs, amputations, electrical injuries, and one fatality. Workers pointed to relaxed safety standards and Musk’s philosophy that the company faces urgent pressure to establish space-based alternatives due to Earth’s environmental decline.
While the space company declined to comment at that time, it has since defended its safety practices in legal documents and public statements, emphasizing its comprehensive safety training programs.
NBA superstar LeBron James declared himself the greatest basketball player in history during a recent interview with Time magazine.
In the profile piece released Monday, James was asked about the ongoing debate over who deserves the title of NBA’s greatest of all time, and he confidently backed himself for the honor.
“I’m not taking nobody over me,” James stated to Time. “There’s no question.”
The Lakers forward acknowledged that basketball history includes numerous legendary players, including Hall of Fame inductees Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Larry Bird and Shaquille O’Neal, along with others.
“But I think Mike will say the same thing,” James explained. “Rest his soul, Kobe will say the same thing. Magic will say the same thing. Bird will say the same thing. Shaq could say the same thing. The late great Wilt (Chamberlain), Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar). I don’t think none of us are going to take somebody else.
“If there’s a general manager and he’s eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it’s gonna be hard not to take me, champ.”
The 41-year-old athlete recently wrapped up his historic 23rd NBA campaign and now faces unrestricted free agency as the league’s all-time scoring leader.
Regarding his future in basketball, James explained his decision-making process to Time magazine.
“It’s up to the mind,” he said about potentially playing another season versus retiring. “Where the mind goes, the body will lay. When I’m not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation, if I’m out of love with getting to practice 2 1/2 hours beforehand, then I know I’ll be done. Because then I’m going to start cheating the game.”
During this past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James posted averages of 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. The veteran player has earned 22 All-Star selections, four league MVP awards and four NBA championships while setting all-time records for both games played (1,622) and total points scored (43,440).
New York City FC has confirmed that defender Strahinja Tanasijevic will be leaving the organization, according to a Wednesday announcement from the team.
The 28-year-old player became part of NYCFC’s roster in February 2024 and participated in 43 matches throughout various competitions during his tenure.
“We would like to thank Tana for the commitment and professionalism shown throughout his time with the Club,” sporting director Todd Dunivant said. “This move provides an opportunity for Tana to pursue the next step in his career while also giving the Club additional roster flexibility. We wish Tana and his family all the best moving forward.”
Before becoming part of New York City FC, Tanasijevic competed for multiple teams in Serbia, his home country.
NEW CASTLE – As the First State experiences multiple consecutive days with temperatures soaring beyond 90 degrees, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has opened cooling centers to help residents escape the dangerous heat.
State health facilities are now serving as cooling centers beginning today, available June 10, 11 and 12 starting at 8:30 a.m. for anyone seeking respite from the sweltering conditions.
A 43-year-old Smyrna resident is facing multiple felony charges after Delaware State Police officers discovered drugs and weapons during a Tuesday evening traffic stop.
Joseph Kleinen was taken into custody following an incident that began around 8:15 p.m. on June 9, 2026, when members of the Delaware State Police Special Investigations Unit observed a U-Haul box truck violate traffic laws while patrolling South Dupont Boulevard near Monrovia Avenue. When officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, it continued moving at a reduced speed on southbound South Dupont Boulevard for a considerable distance before making a U-turn and heading north. Officers witnessed the driver discard a clear plastic bag from the truck before finally stopping.
Officers approached the driver, who was identified as Kleinen, and placed him under arrest without resistance. The plastic bag that was thrown from the vehicle was retrieved by investigators, who found it contained roughly 7.33 grams of what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine. When officers searched the U-Haul, they discovered two hidden edged weapons.
A background check showed that Kleinen’s driving privileges had been suspended and that he was legally barred from possessing deadly weapons because of previous felony convictions. The investigation revealed that Kleinen planned to sell the methamphetamine.
After being transported to Troop 9, Kleinen faced charges including Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony), two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited (Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony), Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony), two counts of Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony), Resisting Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Related Traffic Offenses. He was processed by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on an unsecured bond of $10,002.
June brings a packed calendar of summer entertainment to The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, featuring everything from authentic street cuisine to skilled horseback riders.
The venue is presenting a diverse lineup of memorable events to launch the season, highlighted by what organizers call “the largest Asian food and cultural festival in the U.S.”
Those attending the Dream Asia Festival on June 12-14 will experience Asian culture through authentic street food, traditional sweets, boba tea, henna art, anime merchandise, handmade crochet pieces and additional cultural offerings.
Tickets are currently available for the Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Co. event returning June 19-20. The weekend will showcase professional bull riding, barrel racing competitions and ranch bronc riding demonstrations. Additional details are available by calling 540-521-3959.
The BLM Wild Horse & Burro Adoption event on June 12-13 offers opportunities to provide homes for approximately 140 wild animals available for adoption or purchase. Contact Travis Tolbert at 202-400-1532 for additional information.
Young riders will compete in the Silver Star Farm Open Horse Show Series on June 13-14, with 4-H participants taking part in hunter classes, western pleasure events, jumping competitions, in-hand presentations, trail courses and ranch activities.
Canine enthusiasts can attend the First Colony Cluster Dog Show from June 18-21. This four-day competition will include events hosted by the Gloucester Kennel Club Of Virginia, Dachshund Fanciers Of Central Virginia, Boston Terrier Club Of Virginia, Virginia Kennel Club Inc., and the Metropolitan Washington Dachshund Club.
Another dog competition, the Tidewater-Mattaponi Kennel Club Dog Show, runs June 25-28 and will feature the Mattaponi Kennel Club, Great Dane Club Of Metropolitan Washington, Potomac Basset Hound Club and the Tidewater Kennel Club Of Virginia Inc.
The month concludes with the National Barrel Horse Association Speed Horse Bonanza on June 26-28. More details are available by calling 410-693-2767.
Those wanting updates on upcoming events at The Meadow Event Park can sign up for monthly email notifications.
Canada enters their World Cup opening match carrying enormous expectations as they prepare to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, marking what could be the most significant moment in the nation’s soccer legacy. Both teams will be competing for their first-ever advancement to the knockout rounds.
The Canadian squad’s journey toward international recognition has been filled with challenges, having lost all six games they played in the 1986 and 2022 World Cup tournaments. This track record reflects a country still working to establish its place on soccer’s biggest stage.
However, coach Jesse Marsch has brought new energy to the program since taking charge in May 2024. Under his leadership, Canada reached the Copa America semi-finals in their tournament debut just weeks after his appointment, eventually falling to defending World Cup champions Argentina.
Marsch’s strategy for World Cup achievement faces significant obstacles due to multiple player injuries that could undermine Canada’s best chance to elevate soccer’s profile in the country’s sports culture.
Team captain Alphonso Davies, who made history by scoring Canada’s inaugural World Cup goal, will be absent from the Group B opener at Toronto Stadium due to a hamstring injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final last month.
The absence of Davies is made worse by losing Marcelo Flores, the midfielder who switched from representing Mexico to Canada in a move considered a major victory for the World Cup co-hosts. A knee injury from May has eliminated Flores from the entire tournament, while defender Moise Bombito’s comeback from a broken leg seems to have hit a setback after playing only 30 minutes in a preparation match against Uzbekistan.
With Davies anticipated to return for group matches against Qatar and Switzerland, Jonathan David becomes the focal point of Canadian expectations. As the country’s top scorer ever with 39 goals, David must lead an offense eager to break Canada’s World Cup struggles.
Maxime Crepeau, recently announced as Canada’s starting goalkeeper, will finally experience World Cup competition after missing the 2022 tournament due to a broken leg suffered during the MLS Cup Final just 15 days before that year’s event began in Qatar.
Canada’s immediate challenge comes from their inaugural encounter with Bosnia’s experienced Dragons, who return to the World Cup’s grandest stage after defeating four-time champions Italy in a penalty shootout to secure their second World Cup qualification.
Veteran forward Edin Dzeko, one of just two players remaining from Bosnia’s 2014 World Cup debut, serves as captain and mentor to a young roster expected to make a strong tournament impression.
Dzeko’s extensive experience as Bosnia’s all-time leading scorer and one of eight players aged 40 or older selected for this World Cup will be vital for the team’s hopes of advancing from group play.
Defender Sead Kolasinac is the only other player returning from the country’s previous World Cup participation.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Following ten years of creating waves in both South Carolina and national political circles, Representative Nancy Mace secured a distant fifth-place finish in her state’s Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, casting doubt on what lies ahead for one of the country’s most outspoken political figures.
Her gubernatorial bid reflected the unpredictable nature of her political journey. Mace sought President Donald Trump’s backing despite previously delivering sharp criticism of him regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. She highlighted her battles with fellow Republicans over releasing documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case.
During the campaign’s closing stretch before Tuesday’s voting, she proposed legislation that would bar anyone not born in America from holding political positions or serving as judges. She questioned the eligibility of fellow gubernatorial candidate Rom Reddy, arguing his status as a naturalized citizen with an Indian mother and Italian father disqualified him.
“I didn’t come out of a slum in India,” Mace stated during a Greenville County event this month. “I am born and made here in America.”
As her campaign wound down, Mace made only occasional public appearances. She faced fundraising challenges and lacked any television advertising presence. Her primary communication method became social media platforms — a strategy that has served her well since winning her initial South Carolina House seat in 2017.
Following her defeat, Mace issued an extensive statement detailing her congressional accomplishments, claiming she had “taken on the rich and powerful in both parties” and “voted to release the Epstein files and lost some support for that.”
Among the four House Republicans who initially pushed for a discharge petition to force the files’ release, both Mace and Representative Thomas Massie lost their respective races, while Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down in January.
During her Tuesday evening concession remarks, Mace offered no hints about her future plans. She announced her support for Alan Wilson in the gubernatorial runoff, despite accusing Wilson just last year of shielding defendants in child sex abuse cases.
“When children needed him to act, Wilson looked the other way,” she said.
The June 23 runoff will pit Wilson against Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Trump’s endorsement of Evette prompted an angry social media response from Mace.
“Pamela Evette is NOT ENDORSED by DONALD TRUMP,” Mace wrote, incorrectly. “Do not believe her LIES.” Mace shared an AI-created image showing herself alongside Trump.
Mace’s background includes leaving high school to work at Waffle House before earning her diploma. She subsequently attended The Citadel, becoming the first female graduate of the state’s military college. In recent years, she has advocated for sexual assault victims and spoken publicly about being raped as a teenager.
Her political journey started in the South Carolina House before earning widespread Republican acclaim in 2020 for reclaiming a Charleston-area U.S. House seat that had briefly turned Democratic.
“For those folks that are out there today that maybe weren’t with us yesterday, I’m asking for a chance — a chance to prove to you that I will be a compassionate leader, a good listener, an independent thinker,” Mace said then.
President Donald Trump enacted legislation Wednesday that allocates nearly $70 billion in additional funding for immigration and deportation operations during the remainder of his presidency.
The legislation allocates $38 billion to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $26 billion to the Border Patrol. The White House reports an extra $5 billion has been designated for unexpected expenses.
The president put his signature on the measure in the Oval Office one day following House Republicans’ successful passage of the bill by a narrow 214-212 margin, despite Democratic opposition. The signing concluded nearly six months of contentious debates over Department of Homeland Security funding that originated following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, during federal immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis in January.
Following those shootings, Democrats pressed for modifications to immigration enforcement procedures, leading to a standoff that resulted in the longest agency funding gap in history and eventually prompted Republicans to advance the funding independently.
The funding will support these agencies for the following three years. The new legislation front-loads standard yearly appropriations, guaranteeing a continuous funding stream as the Trump administration pursues its goal of deporting approximately 1 million individuals annually.
The bill had previously stalled due to disputes over $1 billion designated for White House security measures, including Trump’s new ballroom, along with a $1.8 billion compensation fund for his supporters claiming to be targets of political persecution. These provisions proved politically problematic and were ultimately removed.
The final version concentrated solely on immigration enforcement, an issue Republicans consider a key differentiator between the major political parties and one the GOP believes will benefit them in November’s midterm elections.
National team coaches frequently voice concerns about insufficient time to prepare their squads, but several newly hired managers heading to this World Cup face an even greater challenge — some have been in their positions for mere weeks and haven’t even led their teams through a single competitive match.
In today’s unsentimental soccer landscape, successfully guiding a country through the qualification process doesn’t ensure a coach will remain in charge for the actual tournament, a harsh reality that has disrupted multiple nations’ World Cup readiness.
Carlos Queiroz enters the competition with the fewest matches under his belt with his current squad, though he brings extensive tournament knowledge to his role with Ghana.
After taking over from Otto Addo on April 13, Queiroz is preparing for his fifth straight World Cup appearance. The 73-year-old was absent from Ghana’s friendly loss to Mexico in May for personal matters, leaving him with just one match as head coach — last week’s 1-1 tie against Wales.
Saudi Arabia’s manager Georgios Donis received his appointment 10 days following Queiroz’s hiring, taking over from Herve Renard, who had previously guided Saudi Arabia to the previous World Cup where they defeated eventual champions Argentina.
Donis has overseen three exhibition matches to learn his team’s capabilities, including a recent scoreless tie with Senegal.
In contrast to Queiroz, 74-year-old Miroslav Koubek had no international coaching background when his nation offered him the position. The Czech Republic named Koubek as manager in December after Ivan Hasek was fired following a loss to the Faroe Islands.
Koubek encountered an immediate trial by fire, with his initial matches coming during qualification playoffs where the Czechs advanced through penalty kicks against both Ireland and Denmark.
He remains undefeated as Czech manager, securing victories in recent exhibitions against Kosovo and Guatemala before their first World Cup appearance since 2006.
Another coach who successfully navigated his team through playoff competition is Sweden’s Graham Potter.
Potter assumed control in October and, despite failing to secure victories in their final two qualifying matches and placing last in their group, Sweden reached the playoffs through Nations League standings.
Sweden defeated Ukraine and Poland in Potter’s only two victories as manager, having dropped a match to Norway and tied with Greece in other recent contests.
Sweden will face Tunisia in their opener, whose coach Sabri Lamouchi was named in January. His four matches have all been friendlies, claiming victory in his debut against Haiti but suffering defeats in his last two outings versus Austria and Belgium.
Morocco’s Mohamed Ouahbi, hired in March, has experienced a more successful beginning, remaining unbeaten across five exhibition games while preparing a roster carrying elevated hopes after their semifinal run four years earlier.
Ouahbi previously guided Morocco’s Under-20 team to World Cup victory in Chile last year.
Fabio Cannavaro also understands championship success, having captained Italy’s victorious 2006 team as a player and now entering the tournament as a first-time manager.
Cannavaro, who has served as Uzbekistan’s coach since October, has completed eight matches in charge, including recent friendly losses to Canada and the Netherlands.
Thrust into challenging circumstances, these managers must establish their approach rapidly in a competition that provides minimal opportunity for adjustment.
Armed militants attacked a school in Nigeria’s Kogi state on Wednesday, resulting in three deaths before security forces drove off the assailants following an intense firefight, according to police reports.
The violent incident highlights ongoing security struggles across Nigeria, where militant groups repeatedly target educational institutions and local communities, sparking widespread fears about student safety and questioning whether officials can effectively combat the escalating violence.
According to Kogi State police, approximately 40 motorcycle-riding gunmen launched an assault on the Iluke Bunu community and its secondary school, triggering an immediate response from police officers, military personnel, and community vigilante groups.
Law enforcement engaged the militants in combat, ultimately driving them to retreat into the surrounding wilderness, police reported. During the gun battle, security forces killed one suspected attacker while launching pursuit operations to capture those who escaped.
Police verified that three civilians died in the attack: the school’s vice principal, a 70-year-old community member, and a 6-year-old child. The violence also left one security officer wounded.
Officials stated they found no definitive proof of mass kidnappings, though the investigation continues. A local resident suggested some students might have been taken, but this claim remains unconfirmed through independent sources.
Educational institution kidnappings typically occur in Nigeria’s northwestern regions, where criminal organizations conduct abductions seeking ransom payments. Students taken from Oyo state in the southwest last month remain missing.
A major Japanese securities company has announced ambitious plans to dramatically expand its retail wealth management business over the coming years.
Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities revealed its goal to boost assets under management for individual clients by 10 trillion yen, equivalent to approximately $62 billion, according to company president Hiroyuki Seki in a recent interview with Reuters.
The financial services firm, which operates as a partnership between Japan’s biggest banking organization Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Morgan Stanley, also intends to add several hundred employees to its sales team, Seki explained.
This aggressive expansion strategy comes as Japan’s wealth management industry anticipates significant growth driven by the country’s emergence from deflation and increasing interest rates, which are motivating savers to move their money from cash deposits into investments offering better returns.
Revenue generated from overseeing these investment portfolios has contributed to improved earnings throughout Japan’s financial services industry.
Company records show that as of March’s conclusion, MUMSS managed total assets worth 55.9 trillion yen.
The organization intends to strengthen relationships with workers and leadership at current business clients while expanding its service offerings, including providing loans secured by a broader variety of client holdings, according to Seki.
At present, the firm offers financing arrangements backed by stock investments.
With summer officially here and school letting out, families are looking for exciting vacation destinations to create lasting memories. Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers thrills and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Members of Virginia Farm Bureau can access special savings of $10 off both adult and child admission passes to the popular theme park by signing into their vafb.com member portal. The attraction features exciting rides, roller coasters, live shows, and authentic Southern cuisine options.
Those seeking relief from hot summer temperatures can also take advantage of discounted rates at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. VFB members receive savings of up to $5 on admission tickets through their online member account at vafb.com. The water park offers lazy river floating, high-speed slides, and poolside relaxation areas. Operations continue through Labor Day weekend, providing cooling entertainment throughout the summer season.
Additional details about the discount program are available through the Virginia Farm Bureau website.
June brings National Dairy Month, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy dairy products while recognizing the dedicated farmers who supply nutritious options to local communities.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia hosts 365 dairy operations where committed farmers tend to their cattle and generate fresh, top-quality milk daily. Each dairy cow typically yields approximately 8 gallons of milk per day.
Dairy items such as milk, yogurt and cheese contain vital nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamins A and D. Studies indicate that consuming dairy products may support bone strength, lower blood pressure and decrease the likelihood of specific chronic conditions, according to U.S. Dairy. The National Dairy Council has dubbed milk “Nature’s Sports Drink” due to its ability to help the body refuel, recover and rehydrate following physical activity.
This summer, savor nutritious dairy items by adding them to easy, tasty dishes like pizza bagels or a cooling tropical smoothie.
Want to know the source of your milk? Check whereismymilkfrom.com and input the code found on your dairy packaging.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels
½ cup cottage cheese
¼ cup pizza sauce
milk, if needed for thinning
2 bagels, sliced in half
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
pinch Italian seasoning
Optional garnishes:
pepperoni
chopped spinach
diced bell peppers
diced ham
Heat oven to 400°.
In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese and pizza sauce until smooth. Add a splash of milk for a thinner sauce.
Place the bagel halves with the cut sides up on a baking sheet.
Spread a spoonful of blended cottage cheese pizza sauce on each bagel. Top with mozzarella, desired toppings and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Bake 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Recipe courtesy of The Dairy Alliance
Tropical Smoothie
½ cup milk
½ cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 small banana, fresh or frozen
¼ cup diced fresh coconut
2 cups frozen mango chunks
Add milk, Greek yogurt, honey and lime juice to a blender. Top with banana and fresh coconut. Add the frozen mango and secure the lid.
Blend on high speed until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then blend for a few more seconds.
Pour into glasses, and garnish with a slice of lime and fresh mint, if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe courtesy of U.S. Dairy
The Mid-Atlantic is set for another round of dangerous summer heat as temperatures surge into the 90s on both Thursday and Friday, with heat index values climbing above 100 degrees in many communities. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity has prompted Heat Advisories across much of the region, including portions of Delmarva.
A strengthening area of high pressure centered over the Southeast will continue to pump warm, humid air into the region through the end of the workweek. While an upper-level disturbance over Canada may slightly limit just how hot temperatures become, it will do little to reduce the risk of dangerous heat.
High temperatures on Thursday are expected to reach the low to mid 90s across much of the Mid-Atlantic, with many locations climbing even higher on Friday. When combined with dew points in the upper 60s to lower 70s, it will feel more like 95 to 104 degrees during the hottest part of the afternoon.
The highest heat index values are expected across southeastern Pennsylvania, central and southern New Jersey, and much of Delmarva, where prolonged outdoor exposure could quickly lead to heat-related illnesses.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon hours, wear lightweight clothing, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can become life-threatening in just minutes.
The heat won’t be the only concern. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop Thursday and Friday afternoon, with some storms capable of becoming severe and producing damaging winds. While these storms may offer temporary relief from the heat, they could also create hazardous conditions across the region.
Relief is expected to arrive behind a cold front late Friday. While temperatures will remain warm through the weekend with highs generally in the upper 80s to lower 90s, humidity levels are forecast to drop noticeably, making conditions significantly more comfortable and reducing the threat for additional heat advisories.
Catastrophic flooding and landslides that struck Indonesia’s Sumatra region last year eliminated at least 7% of the world’s critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan population, according to a new study released Wednesday.
The severe weather event, triggered by cyclonic conditions, claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people and destroyed approximately 300,000 homes. Environmental organizations have attributed the widespread devastation to aggressive deforestation across Sumatra island.
Research findings indicate that no fewer than 58 Tapanuli orangutans perished in the flooding, according to the study. These primates are found exclusively in the area surrounding the Batang Toru forest in northern Sumatra. The survey focused on the western section of the forest, which houses the majority of the species’ total population of 800 animals.
The research represents a collaborative effort between Borneo Futures based in Brunei, World Weather Attribution, and Liverpool John Moores University. Investigators did not examine other forest areas, suggesting the actual death count may be significantly higher.
Researchers reached their conclusions by examining satellite imagery showing damage to the West Block of Batang Toru and reviewing historical population data for the orangutans in that region.
The study determined that climate change caused by human activity has likely intensified both the severity and occurrence of extreme precipitation events near the Malacca Strait, creating greater threats to the Tapanuli orangutan’s natural environment.
Lead researcher Erik Meijaard from Borneo Futures explained that the intense rainfall saturated the ground to such an extent that massive portions of forested hillsides gave way in rapid landslides.
“If you get caught as an orangutan… if anything comes down at great speeds, survival chances are going to be very minimal, so it became a real concern,” he said.
“This level of loss is substantial for a species with such a small total population. When combined with ongoing pressures such as habitat degradation and human-wildlife conflict, it further increases the urgency of implementing and adequately resourcing a coordinated species action plan,” Meijaard added.
Fellow researcher Panut Hadisiswoyo called on Indonesia’s government to collaborate with non-governmental organizations and scientists to halt the continued decline of orangutan numbers.
“We can minimise the poaching or hunting and then the number probably can be stabilised,” he said, emphasizing that all stakeholders must address irresponsible land management practices that also contribute to the population decrease.
Israeli military officials reported Wednesday that they successfully targeted and killed two senior Hamas financial operatives who oversaw the organization’s money transfer operations in Gaza.
The strike eliminated Khader Jamasi, described as the leader of Hamas’ fund transfer network, and Muhammad Harazin, who served as his deputy, according to military statements released on social media.
Military officials described both men as key players in Hamas’ financial structure, stating they were responsible for channeling substantial amounts of money to the organization’s armed forces.
The Israeli military reported that these operatives managed a system of currency exchangers throughout Gaza that moved funds to Hamas. Officials said this network processed tens of millions of dollars that were ultimately funneled to the group’s armed activities.
According to military statements, the financial operation depended on “a network of dozens of money exchangers operating throughout the Strip.”
“These funds enabled the Hamas terrorist organization to continue paying salaries to its terrorists, supporting the planning and execution of terrorist attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians,” the military stated.
This development occurs as Israeli military operations against Hamas infrastructure persist following the ceasefire that began in October 2025. Military officials say they continue working to disrupt terrorist networks and have confirmed eliminating numerous Hamas operatives, including high-ranking officials.
Israeli authorities claim Hamas has not fulfilled the terms of the US-backed 20-point plan due to the organization’s continued refusal to surrender its weapons.
Multiple senior Hamas military commanders have been eliminated in Israeli operations over recent months. In late May 2026, Mohammed Odeh, who had been newly named commander of Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was eliminated in a targeted Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.
Earlier that same month in May 2026, an Israeli operation in Gaza City resulted in the death of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who had formerly led Hamas’s military wing in Gaza.
Military officials emphasized that Jamasi and Harazin were crucial in maintaining Hamas’ armed operations by facilitating money transfers within the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s top diplomat declared Wednesday that his country’s military forces successfully struck American military installations throughout the region, while multiple Gulf nations reported defending against incoming Iranian aerial assaults.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced through Iran’s Foreign Ministry that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had caused significant damage to American bases and military assets. According to the ministry’s statement, Iran “will not hesitate to target the source of attacks.”
Military forces in Jordan confirmed they successfully intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles on Wednesday. Reuters previously reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have struck four locations at the American al-Azraq base using long-range missiles.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported that multiple warning sirens sounded early Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military announced it was defending against an aerial assault after the IRGC declared it had launched drone strikes against the Ali Al Salem base.
Araghchi took to social media platform X to discuss the military confrontation, stating that Iran would respond to any American military actions.
“Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the US opted to test our determination. Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered. Leave our region if you want to be safe. History of the Persian Gulf has many chapters on dire fates of intruding outsiders,” he wrote.
These declarations followed military exchanges between America and Iran that occurred early Wednesday. The combat operations came after CENTCOM revealed that American forces were retaliating for the destruction of a US Army Apache helicopter.
American forces targeted approximately 20 locations within Iran and reported successfully intercepting nearly all incoming missiles and drones launched in retaliation. A US official confirmed no known injuries to American personnel or damage to US installations.
American warplanes focused on Iranian air defense systems, radar equipment, and command facilities around the Strait of Hormuz. The New York Times reported additional strikes occurred in Jask and Sirik coastal regions and Qeshem Island, where a communications tower and two water storage facilities sustained damage.
US Central Command posted on X that its forces had finished conducting “self-defense strikes” against Iran on June 9. CENTCOM reported that Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft used precision weapons to attack Iranian air defense networks, ground control stations, and radar surveillance sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The command characterized the mission as a “proportional response” and stated US forces remain ready to counter additional attacks.
Jordan Staal netted his second goal of the night at the 6:32 mark of the third period, giving the Carolina Hurricanes the lead they needed to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday evening. The victory evens the championship series at two games apiece, with Game 5 scheduled for Thursday night in Carolina.
Nikolaj Ehlers contributed an empty-net goal along with two assists for Carolina, while Jackson Blake recorded one goal and one assist. Logan Stankoven also found the back of the net for the Hurricanes. Goaltender Brandon Bussi stopped 18 shots in the winning effort.
For Vegas, Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Brett Howden each scored goals, with Carter Hart making 23 saves between the pipes.
Court officials supervising the NFL’s $1 billion concussion settlement have banned five law firms from processing additional claims after discovering fraudulent practices. The firms allegedly directed clients to doctors who would diagnose Parkinson’s disease regardless of whether symptoms were present. According to a report filed this week in federal court in Philadelphia, these five firms handled cases for 98 former players seeking Parkinson’s disease payouts from the settlement. Dozens of approved claims totaled $95 million, with attorneys collecting approximately $20 million in fees.
A Wake County Superior Court judge has thrown out a lawsuit brought by 31 former N.C. State male athletes who accused the school’s former sports medicine director of sexual abuse disguised as treatment and harassment. Judge Bryan Collins dismissed the claims against Robert M. Murphy Jr. and several N.C. State athletics officials on Tuesday, citing procedural issues including an expired statute of limitations for claims dating to 2013. Durham attorney Kerry Sutton, who represents the athletes, announced plans to appeal the decision.
Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes recently took an unexpected detour during his off day that helped lift his spirits during a challenging stretch. The reigning NL Cy Young winner was driving through Pittsburgh when he spotted kids at a Little League practice and decided to stop. The 24-year-old spent two hours playing catch and signing autographs, reconnecting with baseball’s fundamental joy. This impromptu visit came as Skenes struggles through a winless streak in his last five starts, including a recent 12-2 defeat to Los Angeles where the Dodgers scored 10 runs after his departure. Skenes says he’s concentrating on his process and expects improved results, describing his time with the young players as a valuable reminder of what drew him to baseball originally.
FIFA World Cup festivities in Mexico are colliding with broader social unrest as the capital city prepares to welcome international visitors for opening ceremonies. The tournament arrives while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum navigates delicate political challenges. Analysts suggest a successful event would boost the president’s standing, but celebrations have faced increasing protests and criticism that the government prioritizes international guests over the nation’s urgent domestic problems.
Law enforcement agencies view drones as potential weapons of mass destruction rather than mere nuisances, leading to a zero-tolerance policy for the aircraft during World Cup matches. The affordable availability of drones and their destructive use in conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have heightened security concerns. Experts warn that terrorists could purchase a drone for several hundred dollars, attach explosives, and target crowded venues like stadiums. Consequently, no drones will be permitted over any of the 78 World Cup matches across 11 U.S. cities.
Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal took a straightforward approach to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final despite Carolina’s series deficit. The 20-year veteran’s game-deciding goal on Tuesday night, however, was far from ordinary. With the score knotted at 3-3 in the third period, Staal’s sprawling backhand shot while airborne with 13:29 remaining beat Vegas goalie Carter Hart for his second goal of the game, securing the 5-3 victory. The series now stands even at 2-2 as teams return to Carolina on Thursday.
Lionel Messi demonstrated his readiness for his sixth World Cup appearance by playing 20 minutes and converting a penalty kick in Argentina’s 3-0 triumph over Iceland. After dealing with muscle fatigue and a minor left hamstring strain since May 24, Messi entered the match in the 70th minute and scored from the penalty spot following a foul on Lautaro Martínez. Argentina, pursuing its fourth World Cup championship, will face Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City to begin tournament play. Messi holds the record as Argentina’s leading scorer with 117 international goals.
The Cincinnati Bengals have restructured franchise quarterback Joe Burrow’s contract, according to a source familiar with the transaction who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously since the team hasn’t made an official announcement. The restructured agreement, initially reported by ESPN and NFL Network, creates approximately $10 million in salary cap relief by distributing portions of his base salary across the contract’s final three years from 2027 through 2029. Burrow signed a five-year, $275-million extension in 2023. Cincinnati needed additional cap space following their acquisition of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants before the NFL draft and his subsequent one-year, $28-million extension.
Scientists working to unlock the secrets of neutrinos have announced breakthrough results from a cutting-edge underground research facility in China, achieving the most accurate measurements ever recorded of specific characteristics of these mysterious subatomic particles.
The findings originate from JUNO, which stands for Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory, a sophisticated particle detection system constructed approximately 2,130 feet beneath the surface under a hill close to Kaiping in China’s southern Guangdong province.
Researchers published their discoveries Wednesday in the journal Nature, drawing from information gathered during the detector’s inaugural operational phase following its completion last year – specifically during its first approximately 59 days of operation, spanning from August 26 through November 2.
“This is important not only because the numbers themselves are useful for neutrino physics, but also because they demonstrate the performance of JUNO as a new large-scale detector,” said Yifang Wang, a physicist at the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and spokesperson for the JUNO Collaboration.
“This paper shows that the experiment has started from a solid foundation,” Wang said.
Alongside DUNE – which stands for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment – in the United States and the Hyper-Kamiokande experiment in Japan, JUNO represents one of three major flagship initiatives anticipated to advance neutrino research over the next several decades.
“Neutrinos are basic particles and are extremely abundant in the universe, but they remain among the least understood,” Wang said.
These particles can penetrate any material, seldom interacting with matter. Remarkably, countless trillions pass through human bodies each second without any detection on our part.
Created in locations such as the sun’s core and exploding stars known as supernovas, neutrinos exist in three varieties, or “flavors,” and can transform from one type to another through a process called oscillation during their journey. The mass difference, referred to as mass ordering, among neutrino varieties represents a crucial unsolved puzzle.
“JUNO’s central goal is to determine the neutrino mass ordering, meaning the ordering of the neutrino mass states. We know that neutrinos have mass, but we still do not know which mass state is the lightest and which is the heaviest,” Wang said.
“This first result is not yet a determination of the mass ordering. Its value is that it validates the detector and the analysis with real data,” Wang said.
JUNO successfully measured two of the six essential neutrino oscillation parameters with unprecedented accuracy, Wang explained, representing approximately 1.6 times greater precision than previous attempts.
Each particle type in ordinary matter possesses a corresponding antiparticle sharing identical mass but opposite electrical charge – whether positive, negative, or neutral, as applies to neutrinos. Consequently, every neutrino has a matching antineutrino.
JUNO’s primary methodology for measuring neutrino oscillations involves observing antineutrinos released from the Yangjiang and Taishan nuclear power facilities, located roughly 33 miles from the detection equipment. The two parameters concerned the characteristics of antineutrinos.
The JUNO detection system consists of a massive spherical container holding 20,000 tons of organic liquid that produces light in the dark setting when particles, including antineutrinos, travel through it.
Neutrinos qualify as elementary particles, indicating they contain no smaller components, positioning them among the universe’s basic building materials. Since neutrinos carry no electrical charge, even the most powerful magnetic fields cannot affect them. During their cosmic travels, neutrinos move freely through matter – including stars, planets, and all other objects.
Researchers can track these particles back to their origins, thereby gaining knowledge about some of the most powerful phenomena in the universe. They could hold the answer to comprehending matter’s origin and its dominance in the cosmos over antimatter, the characteristics of dark matter and dark energy, and the internal mechanics of supernovas.
Wang indicated that JUNO will examine neutrinos originating from the sun, Earth, the atmosphere, and potentially a future supernova.
“Enormous numbers of neutrinos pass through the Earth every second, but only a tiny fraction interact. That is why experiments like JUNO need very large detectors, deep underground sites, careful shielding and long-term stable operation,” Wang said.
JUNO, which required an investment exceeding $300 million, embodies an international scientific partnership. Wang noted that JUNO, DUNE, and Hyper-Kamiokande serve as complementary endeavors.
“They use different technologies and neutrino sources, so each brings a different perspective to some of the most important questions in neutrino physics. Together, they will provide a broader and more robust understanding of neutrino properties,” Wang said.
Marine biologists have made a remarkable discovery in the depths of the southeastern Indian Ocean — an ancient underwater cemetery where whale remains have created a thriving ecosystem for millions of years.
The research team found diverse marine communities flourishing around whale carcasses that have been resting on the ocean floor for ages. These underwater graveyards develop when dead whales sink to the sea bottom, providing nourishment for surrounding sea creatures. This particular site sits as deep as 23,000 feet beneath the ocean surface and represents the most extensive, deepest, and oldest whale cemetery documented to date.
According to Xikun Song, a biologist with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, the massive size of whales and the distinct chemical makeup of their bones create these special underwater habitats.
“At the same time, the very nature of the deep ocean makes these sites exceptionally difficult for scientists to locate,” Song, who participated in the recent discovery, wrote in an email.
The research team conducted several underwater expeditions using deep-sea vessels throughout 2023, gathering specimens and charting the boundaries of this marine necropolis. Their exploration revealed five separate carcass locations and fossilized remains, including skulls from beaked and baleen whales. The most ancient bones are estimated to be 5.3 million years old.
Living among and feeding on these remains were countless organisms of various sizes, including sea cucumbers, squat lobsters, saltwater clams, jellyfish, tubeworms, and brittle stars. Many of these creatures are believed to represent previously unknown species, based on research findings released Wednesday in the journal Nature.
“The potential number of specimens is just astounding,” said paleontologist Stephen Godfrey with the Calvert Marine Museum in Maryland, who wasn’t involved in the research.
Several conditions likely worked together to keep these bones intact across millions of years, the study authors explained. The bones possess enough density to resist destruction from bone-eating worms and rest deep enough underwater to avoid burial by sediment and debris. Additionally, the bones developed a thin coating of minerals from the ocean water, which may have protected them from deterioration.
Researchers theorized about why so many whales ended up in this location. Perhaps they already inhabited the region and died naturally. Some may have died from exhaustion or sickness related to deep-sea diving. The area’s V-shaped geography might have also channeled the remains to this final resting place, according to the authors.
These findings hold significance because they provide insight into the dynamic communities that manage to survive in isolated, challenging environments.
Research into these whale graveyards “is important for understanding how life can adapt to such extreme conditions, not only due to the lack of light and oxygen but also to the incredibly high pressure,” said study co-author and paleontologist Giovanni Bianucci with the University of Pisa in Italy in an email.
A colossal subterranean research facility designed to study enigmatic cosmic particles has shared its inaugural major discoveries.
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory in China began gathering information in August, focusing on neutrinos: minuscule space particles that originated during the Big Bang and pass through human bodies in the trillions each second without causing harm. However, their nearly weightless nature makes detection extremely challenging.
Research published Wednesday in the journal Nature revealed the JUNO team’s early discoveries from two months of information gathering — featuring some of the most accurate measurements recorded of how neutrinos transform among three types, or flavors, while traveling through space.
“It really makes me look forward to more exciting results in the future,” said physicist Kate Scholberg with Duke University, who had no role in the new research.
The round JUNO detection system sits 2,297 feet (700 meters) below ground. It studies antineutrinos generated by reactions within two neighboring nuclear power facilities. Antineutrinos represent equally puzzling, opposite counterparts of neutrinos that researchers can examine to comprehend their characteristics and neutrino functionality.
When antineutrinos encounter particles inside the detection system, they create a burst of illumination.
Researchers hope the detection system will help solve the persistent puzzle of each neutrino flavor’s mass. They believe two possess comparable weight while the third differs significantly, though uncertainty remains about whether two are heavy with one light or the reverse.
The early discoveries haven’t resolved that mystery yet, but demonstrate the detector’s capabilities — and that it “will be able to test the finer ripples” that distinguish neutrino flavors and their masses, said study co-author Liangjian Wen, a member of the JUNO collaboration.
Two comparable neutrino detection systems — Japan’s Hyper-Kamiokande and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment based in the United States — are scheduled to start information collection over the next decade, verifying the China detector’s findings through alternative methods.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Authorities in Ohio are actively pursuing a 20-year-old suspect and seeking to identify a second gunman following a mass shooting that injured 12 individuals at a busy community festival.
The Toledo Police Department announced Wednesday they are seeking Ka Nye Taylor on 11 felonious assault charges, following the violence that occurred four days earlier. The incident sent festival-goers running for safety from a park packed with vendor booths and food trucks, while witnesses and emergency responders rushed to assist the injured.
Authorities have also distributed an image of the second suspected gunman and are requesting public assistance in determining his identity. Contact information for Taylor or his relatives could not be located through available resources.
Toledo Police Chief Michael Troendle explained Tuesday that the violence stemmed from a physical confrontation involving members of competing groups. According to his Tuesday press briefing, as one individual was being attacked, another person opened fire, which prompted a second shooter to respond with additional gunfire. Of the dozen people shot, three were participants in the original dispute while nine were innocent bystanders.
City leadership and the police chief commended both officers and civilian heroes who immediately assisted victims.
“We saw strangers who were shocked and frightened by the violence they just saw, they jumped into action,” said Chief of Fire and Rescue Allison Armstrong. “They helped others by placing tourniquets, dressing wounds, applying pressure and comforting those victims until additional help could arrive.”
According to Armstrong, six of the injured arrived at medical facilities already equipped with tourniquets that had been applied by either law enforcement or helpful civilians.
Those wounded included individuals ranging from teenagers to someone in their 60s. By Tuesday, nine of the twelve had been discharged from medical care.
The Old West End Festival, which draws hundreds of attendees annually, is a two-day event in Toledo’s historic neighborhood that includes live entertainment, food stands, house tours and retail opportunities. Toledo sits in northwest Ohio close to Lake Erie’s western shore, approximately 55 miles southwest of Detroit.
Festival organizers called off the remaining Sunday activities, stating “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible” to proceed with the weekend schedule.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former Air Force Lt. Col. David Flippo has secured victory in the Republican primary for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District following an endorsement from President Donald Trump during the campaign’s final stretch.
Wednesday’s race results created a split between Trump and Republican Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo along with outgoing Rep. Mark Amodei, both of whom supported former state Sen. James Settelmeyer. Amodei’s retirement announcement after serving 15 years created an open and contested primary battle for Nevada’s sole Republican-controlled House seat.
Democratic party officials had hoped Flippo would prevail, believing his candidacy would help them appeal to moderate voters come November. They selected the chief of staff to state Attorney General Aaron Ford, former majority floor leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson, as their nominee.
Taking to X late Tuesday evening, Flippo expressed gratitude to Nevada voters and pledged to work alongside President Donald Trump to “fight for the hard working men and women” in Nevada.
“I will never let you down!” he posted on X.
This 2nd District contest represents just one of multiple Nevada races drawing significant attention this election cycle. In southern Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Susie Lee is set to challenge Marty O’Donnell, a composer recognized for creating the “Halo” video game soundtrack.
Trump carried the district in 2024 and endorsed O’Donnell, who acknowledged Trump’s support in his victory remarks.
Tuesday’s primary voting also determined the gubernatorial general election matchup, with Ford defeating a progressive opponent in the Democratic primary to advance against Gov. Lombardo. The sitting governor, previously a Clark County sheriff, campaigns on his public safety achievements and job growth record while promising housing affordability initiatives in a potential second term.
Ford connects Lombardo to Trump when addressing rising costs statewide and has committed to reducing expenses for families. His November victory would make him the state’s first Black governor.
Among other statewide contests, Republican primaries for attorney general and secretary of state featured multiple candidates who promoted election conspiracy theories or questioned election procedures. Adriana Guzmán Fralick, who has voiced voting security concerns, claimed the GOP attorney general nomination and will compete against Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro.
The Republican secretary of state primary, overseeing election administration, included Jim Marchant, a former state lawmaker claiming the 2020 election “was probably stolen,” and Sharron Angle, a former state lawmaker involved in efforts to prevent Nevada’s 2020 election result certification. A third competitive candidate, Shirley Folkins-Roberts, is an attorney who rejects claims of widespread Nevada voting fraud.
Regarding the 2nd District race, Flippo emphasized his grasp of regional priorities including mining operations, water rights and fuel costs. He attempted to characterize Settelmeyer’s extensive political history as a disadvantage, highlighting votes he claimed conflicted with conservative principles.
Flippo relocated to this district for the current election cycle following an unsuccessful southern Nevada campaign in 2024. The 2nd District encompasses all of northern Nevada, remaining predominantly rural while including the key battleground Washoe County, where Reno is located.
Ukraine’s top law enforcement official has revealed that Russian agents are targeting teenage Ukrainian girls for recruitment in deadly plots against their own country’s military forces.
National police chief Ivan Vyhivskyi disclosed in a Wednesday interview with Ukrainian outlet Cenzor.NET that authorities have documented six contract murder cases this year orchestrated through the Telegram messaging platform, with one attack successfully thwarted.
“We are talking about planned murders organised by the special services of the aggressor state and carried out by Ukrainian citizens,” he said.
Russia’s FSB security service was not immediately available for comment. Russian security services accuse Kyiv of recruiting Russians for bombings in Russia, and Ukrainian military intelligence has claimed responsibility for assassinating several senior Russian officers since Moscow’s 2022 invasion.
According to Vyhivskyi, Russian operatives target young women through messaging applications, offering them quick financial rewards while directing their activities from afar.
The recruits receive instructions to locate Ukrainian service members on dating platforms and are given funds by their controllers to secure apartments for meetings, Vyhivskyi explained.
The handlers also provide information about where to acquire methadone, a synthetic opioid painkiller that becomes deadly in large quantities, for spiking beverages, he added.
Ukrainian security officials report that more than 1,100 Ukrainian citizens have faced charges for arson, terrorism or sabotage against their homeland during the ongoing conflict.
Authorities apprehended a 17-year-old female suspect in the western Zhytomyr region last week after a serviceman was poisoned, with investigators saying she had been in contact through Telegram with someone believed to be a Russian intelligence operative.
The teenager had received a package containing a crystalline material that investigators believe was methadone, according to police.
A judge in California has rejected requests from Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube for new trials following a jury decision that found the tech giants liable for creating social media platforms that cause harm to young users, according to sources with knowledge of the court decision.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl made her decision on Tuesday regarding the companies’ requests, as shown in court filings. However, the written order detailing her decision and the reasoning behind it was not yet publicly available.
Both tech companies had requested new trials following a jury’s determination that they acted negligently, resulting in $6 million in awarded damages.
WASHINGTON – The economist chosen by President Donald Trump to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics told lawmakers Wednesday that he remains dedicated to preserving the agency’s independence and integrity while ensuring it continues delivering high-quality, “objective” economic data about the United States.
Brett Matsumoto, currently on leave from the economic data agency to serve with the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, delivered these comments during the opening of his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
The nomination of Matsumoto came earlier this year as Trump sought new leadership for the agency responsible for generating some of the nation’s most vital economic indicators. This followed the dismissal of former commissioner Erika McEntarfer in August, which occurred after the release of a monthly jobs report containing unusually large adjustments to previously published employment data.
Testing for Ebola has ground to a halt at three laboratories in Democratic Republic of Congo after facilities ran out of essential supplies, according to the World Health Organization.
The WHO reported Tuesday that testing facilities in Bukavu and Lwiro located in South Kivu province, along with a lab in Goma in North Kivu, have depleted their inventory of reagents needed to conduct virus tests. Officials said these laboratories are waiting for new shipments of the chemical substances required to process accumulated samples.
The health agency has not yet responded to inquiries about the number of samples waiting to be processed or whether new supplies have been delivered since the June 7 data collection.
The Congolese government announced Tuesday evening that the current Ebola outbreak has produced nearly 600 confirmed infections and claimed more than 115 lives. The epidemic has also spread across the border, with 19 cases and two fatalities reported in neighboring Uganda. The WHO has designated this outbreak as an international public health emergency.
Initial testing efforts faced delays because standard Ebola diagnostic tools could not identify the Bundibugyo virus strain. However, testing capabilities have expanded significantly under the leadership of specialists at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa. Security concerns and armed conflicts in the most affected regions continue to create access difficulties.
Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, director of INRB, stated that diagnostic capabilities have substantially improved, with regional laboratories now able to provide same-day results.
During a Wednesday online briefing, he expressed concern that other aspects of the outbreak response are lagging behind, especially efforts to build trust with affected communities and help them implement protective measures. Drawing from experience with 16 previous Ebola outbreaks in the country, he emphasized this as a crucial lesson.
“For the moment I am a bit disappointed, because I don’t see in practice these experiences on the ground,” he said. “It seemed we have to learn again how to involve the community in this outbreak.”
Financial markets across the globe are experiencing dramatic swings as investors navigate between two powerful forces: the promise of artificial intelligence growth and concerns about oil supply disruptions from ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
Recent market activity demonstrates just how precarious the economic situation has become. International stock markets reached record highs on June 3, only to experience their steepest decline since October just two days afterward. Since then, trading has been marked by constant reversals tied to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s changing statements regarding Iran and speculation about when the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane might reopen.
“Most investors have been running with the assumption that within less than three months we reach a reopening of the strait,” said Florian Ielpo, head of macro and multi-asset portfolio manager at Lombard Odier Investment Managers.
“If we move to expecting oil prices of $95 or more for many more months, that would be a complete change of view and a stagflation outlook,” he continued. “The market is walking a narrow line.”
The interconnected nature of today’s markets means that seemingly unrelated investments are moving together. Artificial intelligence enthusiasm has boosted Wall Street performance and American household wealth, improved official economic projections for coming years, sparked rapid expansion among Asian export companies, and lifted confidence in various assets from international banking stocks to Greek government debt.
Taiwan anticipates its strongest economic performance in 16 years for 2026, driven by exceptional semiconductor sales, while worldwide technology investment has caused import and export activity to surge in China, the planet’s largest commodity consumer.
This dynamic explains why Britain’s FTSE 100 index, heavily weighted with energy and mining companies, has abandoned its typical pattern of moving opposite to technology growth stocks and instead begun climbing alongside them.
However, these technology-influenced connections will make it much more difficult to find safe investments if concerns about inflation and interest rate increases begin to harm AI spending and drive global markets downward, investment professionals warn.
When markets shifted to pricing a 70% probability of a U.S. rate increase on Friday, South Korea’s currency fell to 17-year lows and the country’s technology-focused Kospi stock index plummeted nearly 9% within hours.
Alessia Berardi, global head of macro-economics and emerging markets at Amundi’s research division, said she continues to favor stock investments and believes markets are not anticipating a prolonged Hormuz closure.
“But a repricing of (interest rate) policy along with higher oil prices and shortages will mean stagflationary risks, and some countries are already getting into a recessionary outlook,” she warned.
Energy supply concerns are already impacting economies not closely tied to technology sectors, such as Germany and India.
Professional investment managers have grown accustomed to brief geopolitical disruptions causing rapid market sentiment changes since Trump’s tariff actions in April 2025 initially hurt U.S. stocks before individual investors drove a remarkable recovery.
“If you think that the Strait stays closed for a long period of time and that we will get demand destruction and inflation, that’s the time for stagflation positioning in your portfolio,” said Ben Jones, global head of research at Invesco.
“History has taught us that these geopolitical risks shall pass and when they do, you tend to get markets rallying very quickly,” he noted.
Following Trump’s tariff announcements that sent shockwaves through international markets, Wall Street’s S&P 500 index fell sharply before mounting a swift and powerful comeback. Stock and bond values also fluctuated by amounts not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael Nizard, head of multi-asset at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, reported increasing his holdings of financial instruments that benefit from stock market volatility.
Other investment managers widely indicated they are now purchasing more protective products rather than additional stocks.
Kevin Thozet, a member of Carmignac’s investment committee, said he is expanding holdings of U.S. inflation-protected bonds because market predictions for American consumer prices appear overly optimistic. He noted that data center construction will require significant capital investment and push energy costs higher.
Lombard Odier’s Ielpo explained he is protecting market positions by maintaining stock holdings while reducing government debt investments, which can serve as safe havens but also fluctuate with inflation expectations.
German government bond yields are approaching 15-year peaks as debt prices have declined during the Iran conflict, while 10-year Japanese yields are reaching three-decade highs.
A gauge of bond market volatility stands approximately 5% above its pre-war level. Stock market volatility remains near its historical average but is 35% higher compared to the start of the year.
After a stretch of dangerous heat and humidity, attention is now turning to an increasing threat for severe thunderstorms across the Mid-Atlantic on both Thursday and Friday. We are monitoring multiple disturbances that could trigger strong to severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and even an isolated tornado.
The overall weather pattern will remain favorable for thunderstorm development through the end of the workweek as hot, moisture-rich air remains firmly in place across the region. With temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and 90s and dewpoints well into the 60s and lower 70s, the atmosphere will become increasingly unstable each afternoon.
Thursday’s storms are expected to be driven largely by daytime heating, but an approaching disturbance moving out of the Midwest should provide enough additional lift to enhance thunderstorm development during the afternoon and evening hours.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire Mid-Atlantic in a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather. While wind shear is expected to remain relatively modest, the combination of hot temperatures and abundant moisture should create an environment favorable for strong thunderstorms.
The primary hazard will be damaging straight-line winds, although some storms could also produce large hail and a brief tornado if they become more organized.
The severe weather threat continues into Friday as an upper-level trough and an approaching cold front move closer to the region. These larger-scale weather features are expected to provide stronger forcing for thunderstorm development compared to Thursday.
Another Slight Risk has been issued across the region, with scattered to numerous thunderstorms expected to develop during the afternoon and evening hours.
As storms organize into clusters or bowing segments, the potential exists for a more concentrated area of damaging wind gusts pushing eastward toward the Mid-Atlantic coastline. Some storms may also produce marginally severe hail, while isolated rotating storms cannot be completely ruled out.
While there is still uncertainty regarding the exact timing and placement of the strongest storms on both days, confidence is increasing that at least scattered severe thunderstorms will develop somewhere across the Mid-Atlantic Thursday and Friday.
Residents across Delmarva and the surrounding region should keep a close eye on the latest forecasts and be prepared to receive watches and warnings, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when storm intensity is expected to peak.
The good news is that once the cold front moves through, the weekend forecast has trended drier with a gradual decrease in humidity and a return to more comfortable conditions.
Motorists traveling on Newcastle Avenue northbound are encountering construction-related traffic delays today.
A right lane closure is currently in effect on the northbound side of Newcastle Avenue in the stretch between I-295 and Terminal Avenue. The lane restriction is due to ongoing construction work in the area.
The closure is expected to remain in place until 3 PM today. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the construction zone.
Germany’s premier aviation exhibition launched Wednesday amid significant challenges, including ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts and the recent termination of a major European defense initiative that had been considered one of the continent’s most significant military projects.
The ILA aviation showcase in Berlin, which traces its origins to 1909, serves as a major platform for European defense contractors to demonstrate cutting-edge technology to government officials and military procurement teams.
The exhibition underscores European manufacturers’ efforts to close the competitive gap with American companies while encouraging regional governments to support domestic industry as defense budgets expand across the continent.
However, preparations for the event were overshadowed by the cancellation of the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS), previously promoted as Europe’s most significant defense undertaking but ultimately derailed by competition between industrial partners. The project’s failure has highlighted the challenges Europe encounters in developing large-scale military capabilities.
This development occurs as Western leaders warn of increasing threats from Russia and American officials urge Europe to accelerate rearmament efforts.
Industry sources indicate that Airbus, which had represented Germany and Spain in the FCAS program, is now exploring partnerships with Sweden’s Saab as companies work to restructure industrial partnerships.
The conflict in Iran has contributed to growing concerns, creating tension in transatlantic relationships and raising questions about NATO’s future direction, while also affecting commercial aviation through flight cancellations and increased fuel expenses.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has publicly questioned whether a piloted sixth-generation fighter aircraft remains appropriate for Germany’s air force, was scheduled to speak at the exhibition Wednesday.
MTU Aero Engines Head of Programmes Ottmar Pfaender indicated that decisions regarding future direction must be made within the coming weeks, noting the engine manufacturer’s willingness to collaborate with alternative partners.
Stephanie Lingemann, a senior executive at defense startup Helsing, suggested that technologies including software-based defense systems and autonomous warfare capabilities could be incorporated into whatever replaces FCAS.
“There’s always a chance in these kinds of endings,” she said.
The aviation showcase also provides Emirates President Tim Clark an opportunity to lobby the German government for Berlin landing rights, with one of the Gulf carrier’s A380 aircraft featured in the display.
Opening day activities were disrupted by demonstrators who blocked access routes to the venue while chanting phrases including “Free Palestine.”
Witnesses reported that dozens of police officers were deployed, with buses unable to reach the location and hundreds of attendees forced to walk to the entrance, with some expressing frustration about the delays.
The ILA exhibition runs through June 14 and will feature more than 750 exhibitors representing 37 nations.
Coinciding with the show’s launch, Germany’s cabinet endorsed a new 15-year aviation strategy designed to reduce costs and enhance research capabilities to address rising expenses and increasing international competition.
Officials organizing security for the upcoming World Cup tournament are identifying unmanned aircraft as among their most challenging security concerns, working to safeguard venues, fan gathering areas, team accommodations, practice facilities, and transportation corridors spanning numerous American cities and governmental jurisdictions.
According to industry leaders and federal officials, the dangers span from thoughtless fans trying to capture aerial video for social platforms to individuals performing reconnaissance or trying to interfere with games.
Melissa Swisher, chief revenue officer of SkySafe, a company specializing in unmanned aircraft detection and airspace protection, explained that affordable flying devices have “fundamentally changed” security preparations for major athletic competitions because they can penetrate prohibited zones before law enforcement can respond.
“A thousand-dollar drone that’s going 40 to 45 miles per hour could cross two miles in under three minutes,” Swisher said. “By the time somebody sees it, that’s already over.”
According to Swisher, the most probable application during the World Cup might involve reconnaissance instead of aircraft carrying dangerous materials. Unmanned vehicles could gather intelligence on security procedures, track team activities, or capture prohibited video. Additional flights may come from enthusiasts, journalists, or supporters unaware of temporary aviation restrictions, she explained.
These flying devices can circumvent standard venue security including barriers, metal detectors, and extended foot traffic zones, according to Tom Adams, public safety director at anti-drone firm DroneShield and former FBI agent.
“You have something that can overcome all those traditional security measures and get right over everything,” Adams said. “In a lot of cases, it’s just a careless and clueless person who wants to get a cool picture to put on their social media page.”
Anti-drone firms are collaborating with police and emergency services to establish detection systems surrounding tournament locations. SkySafe reports its equipment can recognize drone transmissions, monitor flight routes, and when feasible, pinpoint the pilot’s location.
DroneShield is assisting a Kansas City-area operation coordinated by law enforcement and regional allies to help identify drones across various jurisdictions.
Company representatives noted that destroying drones is seldom a straightforward solution above crowds since falling pieces could harm viewers. Rather, locating the pilot may provide the safest approach when an aircraft appears to be gathering intelligence instead of creating an immediate physical danger.
The current administration has allegedly allocated $250 million since December to assist American host cities in addressing drone dangers.
The money, delivered via the Federal Emergency Management Agency to 11 host states and Washington, D.C., aims to help monitor and reduce unauthorized aircraft. During game days, aircraft and drones will be prohibited within 3.5 miles of venues and beneath 3,000 feet according to Federal Aviation Administration rules.
The competition’s broad geographic spread increases the difficulty. In areas including New York-New Jersey, Boston, Kansas City, and Los Angeles, security efforts may cross municipal, county, and state boundaries. California, where SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and Santa Clara will stage games, obtained the highest FEMA funding at nearly $34.6 million.
Swisher indicated that insights from the World Cup will probably influence security preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in two years.
“They’re not going away,” she said of drones. “Tech continues to get more and more sophisticated.”
Financial markets showed mixed reactions to the latest inflation data on June 10, with investors slightly reducing their expectations for an immediate Federal Reserve interest rate increase while maintaining confidence in action by fall.
Following a government inflation report that showed consumer prices climbed 4.2% last month, matching economist forecasts, market participants pulled back slightly from wagering on a September rate increase by the central bank. The probability for a September move now stands at approximately 45%, down from nearly 50% prior to the data release.
Despite the modest retreat in near-term expectations, financial markets continue to heavily favor the likelihood of rate action by the Federal Reserve’s October policy meeting, with traders pricing in roughly a 60% probability of an increase at that time.
BERLIN, June 10 – Robert Bosch GmbH, the globe’s largest automotive supplier, remains confident about achieving its financial objectives for this year, even as new obstacles arise, including potential supply chain disruptions from Middle East conflicts, CEO Stefan Hartung told Reuters on Wednesday.
With German automotive manufacturing experiencing a downturn and the company navigating a costly shift toward electric vehicle technology, Bosch is planning to eliminate 22,000 positions within its primary automotive division. These workforce reductions are anticipated to improve financial performance this year following restructuring expenses that impacted results in 2025.
“We’ve set the course to be well positioned for the next phase,” Hartung said at a robotics and automation event in Berlin.
The corporation maintains its projection for profit margins between 4 to 6% this year – representing a two to three-fold increase from the previous year – along with revenue expansion of 2 to 5%. This outlook surpasses the optimism shown by rivals Schaeffler and ZF.
However, market circumstances are not becoming easier, Hartung noted. “On the contrary: the environment remains challenging.”
Questions surrounding Middle East warfare and its possible effects on semiconductor raw material supplies, including helium, have increased risks for Bosch, the CEO explained.
“But fundamentally, we are well-positioned and can achieve our goals under the current conditions,” he added.
A senior executive from Dairy Farmers of America appeared before the House Committee on Agriculture today to advocate for strengthening the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement during its upcoming review process. Michael Lichte, who serves as Chief Insights and Optimization Officer for the cooperative, represented both the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council in his testimony.
“Export demand now accounts for 17% of total U.S. milk production and has become one of the primary drivers of incremental growth across the dairy sector,” Lichte said. “For DFA and the U.S. dairy industry broadly, USMCA remains one of the most consequential trade agreements affecting long-term competitiveness, manufacturing investment, and farm-level economic stability. That’s why it’s essential that we strengthen and renew it.”
The executive emphasized that Mexico and Canada combined represent over 40% of total U.S. dairy export value. His congressional testimony centered on Canada’s management of dairy import quotas that he says restricts trade, along with that country’s efforts to bypass agreement rules on dairy protein exports. He also stressed the need to protect American exporters’ rights to use traditional cheese names such as “feta” in Mexican markets.
Regarding Canada specifically, Lichte presented data showing persistent shortfalls in agreed-upon dairy import quotas, with fill rates reaching only 64% for industrial cheese, 34% for fluid milk, and merely 7% for skim milk powder by 2025. He further outlined Canada’s increasing reliance on alternative classification systems to export surplus dairy proteins to American and international markets while avoiding the trade agreement’s protein export limits, a practice validated by a May 2026 U.S. International Trade Commission analysis.
“The underlying market distortions USMCA sought to discipline continue to affect U.S. manufacturers and global dairy protein markets,” Lichte added. “With appropriate enforcement and modernization, USMCA can continue supporting investment, export growth, and economic opportunity for the United States’ dairy farmers and processors for generations to come.”
ZONNEBEKE, Belgium (AP) — A personal postcard carried by a World War I soldier has led to the identification of his remains and brought together separated family branches more than a century after he perished on the Western Front.
Memorial services took place Wednesday in western Belgium where dozens gathered to honor six British soldiers whose identities were recently confirmed using archival records and DNA testing. The ceremony featured the dedication of six fresh white marble headstones.
Among those laid to rest at Tyne Cot Cemetery was Pvt. Thomas Whitaker, who had been carrying a postcard from Bradford in northeast England when he died in the trenches. Family members from that same area attended the service.
Three Whitaker relatives participated in the ceremony. As sunlight broke through overcast skies, 22-year-old Joe Whitaker recited a poem he composed for his great-great-uncle: “At peace in foreign hills, he finally drifts away to sleep, his mind on Bradford mills.”
The postcard Thomas carried became vital evidence for British government investigators working to confirm his identity and eventually connected Joe’s family with a previously unknown branch of the Whitaker lineage.
“The thought that (Thomas) might have been thinking of home, comforted by this postcard that he kept on him from Bradford — we were all quite taken aback by that,” Joe said.
He explained that composing the poem “felt like the right thing to do.”
Alexia Clark, who works commemorations cases for the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), explained that the six soldiers were discovered during excavation work in western Belgium. The postcard found with one soldier provided an important clue.
“And then actually when we looked at the missing list and went, ‘Oh we have got one from Bradford! Great, there’s a strong chance that he is going to be one of them,’” she said.
The JCCC team, nicknamed “the war detectives,” combined the postcard with other recovered items like a Lewis Gun and military uniforms to narrow down possibilities from the more than half million British soldiers still unaccounted for from World War I.
Investigators reached out to possible family members for DNA samples, which confirmed the identities of Thomas Whitaker along with privates Horace Frederick Cook, Frederick Martin, Charles Richard Russels, Courtney Darvill Hart and Joseph Turnley — all serving with the 2/4 Battalion Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment.
Paul Turnley received a ceremonially folded British flag presented by military officials in recognition of his relative Pvt. Joseph Turnley’s sacrifice.
“Just a privileged to be laying a relative of ours to rest, to watch, to be present and then to be passed the flag… it was the greatest treasure actually,” Paul said, honoring his grandfather’s cousin.
The ceremony took place as local residents, cyclists, and students observed from a nearby farm road. A military musician performed a solemn melody on cornet while Rev. Adéle Rees offered prayers.
Pvt. Jone Wainile from the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment honor guard then recited the moving Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home tell them of us and say, ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today.’”
Paul Whitaker reflected: “My children, my grandchildren, anyone, can come and know where Thomas is, and that is a lovely thing to have. It’s just a real privilege to have Thomas be one of the ones that has been found.”
TOKYO (AP) — A longtime Japanese political figure who delivered a groundbreaking apology regarding his nation’s wartime sexual exploitation of women has passed away, according to officials. Yohei Kono was 89 years old.
The veteran politician had emphasized building positive relationships with China, South Korea and other Asian nations that endured Japanese brutalities before and throughout World War II. According to his son’s office, former Foreign Minister Taro Kono, he passed away from natural causes on Monday.
While serving as chief Cabinet secretary in 1993, Yohei Kono issued an apology to tens of thousands of women known as “comfort women,” recognizing the Japanese military’s role in coercing them into service at military brothels. His remarks came after an official government review.
This declaration paved the way for Japan’s more comprehensive apology regarding its wartime crimes in a 1995 statement delivered by then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.
The international community viewed both declarations as evidence that Japan had acknowledged its wartime history, leading to improved relationships with neighboring Asian countries. However, these statements have lost favor among Japanese conservatives who believe Japan should move away from dwelling on dark historical chapters to rebuild national pride.
Kono encountered increasing opposition and efforts to undermine his 1993 apology, particularly during the tenure of nationalist former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Kono cautioned that any efforts to sanitize historical truths “hurts the Japanese people’s reputation.”
Born in January 1937, Kono began his political career in 1967 following the death of his father, Ichiro Kono, who was also a notable lawmaker with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Yohei Kono held important political positions including speaker of the lower house, the more influential chamber of Japan’s bicameral parliament, and LDP president before stepping down in 2009.
Even in his later years, Kono stayed engaged in political affairs and made nearly annual visits to China leading political and business delegations, contributing to the stabilization of delicate relations between the two nations.
As recently as this year, he was still planning a China visit when Tokyo’s relationship with Beijing deteriorated to its worst point in years after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi angered Beijing in November by stating that a hypothetical Chinese military action against Taiwan would warrant Japanese military involvement.
American Honda Motor Co. is issuing a safety recall for more than 880,000 vehicles across multiple states due to a defect that could cause rear suspension failure and result in drivers losing control of their vehicles, potentially leading to crashes or injuries.
The recall affects 880,514 vehicles distributed across Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Specific models included are certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles.
The defect involves corrosion of the rear subframe at points where suspension components mount, which can lead to complete rear suspension failure. The automaker estimates only 1% of the affected vehicles actually have this defect.
No warranty claims have been filed and no injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with this issue, according to Honda.
To address the problem, Honda and Acura dealerships will examine the rear subframe on affected vehicles and install reinforcement kits when needed, or repair or replace rear subframe parts without charge to vehicle owners.
Letters notifying owners are scheduled to be sent out July 7.
The recall has been assigned campaign number 26V367000 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Honda’s internal recall numbers are AOU and AOT. Starting June 10, owners can search Vehicle Identification Numbers on NHTSA.gov to determine if their vehicle is affected.
Vehicle owners can reach Honda’s customer service department at 1-888-234-2138 for additional information.
A Maryland committee dedicated to addressing invasive plant species has announced an upcoming meeting for later this month.
The Invasive Plant Advisory Committee will convene on June 23rd, 2026, from 9:30 in the morning until 11:30 a.m. The session will take place at MDA Headquarters in room 114, with participants also able to join remotely through a virtual platform.
Those seeking additional details about the meeting can reach out to David Grow via email at [email protected].
A newborn infant has died from Ebola at a religious orphanage in eastern Congo, underscoring the heightened dangers the deadly virus poses to children during the ongoing outbreak.
The baby, named Buswaza, arrived at the church-operated facility in Bunia after losing her mother in late May. Nuns caring for the infant noticed she had developed a fever, and within several days, the newborn succumbed to what was later confirmed as Ebola.
Following Buswaza’s death, medical staff and caregivers reported that six additional infants at the 69-child orphanage in Bunia became suspected Ebola cases. The city sits in Ituri province, which has become the center of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s current outbreak.
Medical personnel transported the six babies to a hospital facility, where five eventually received negative test results and were released from isolation on Tuesday. Staff wearing complete protective equipment handed the infants over to joyful nuns at the Evangelical Medical Centre (CME).
“We thank the hospital staff, we are very grateful,” said Sister Clarisse, carrying a baby in a pink hooded gown.
However, one infant remains hospitalized with confirmed Ebola – an orphaned triplet girl under one year old who goes by the nickname “Cherie” or “darling,” according to medical professionals and caregivers who spoke with Reuters.
Dr. Freddy Kibwana, who heads the CME, reported on Wednesday that the child’s condition had worsened over recent hours. “The intensive care team and paediatricians are evaluating her,” he said. He noted that a nun from the orphanage is also receiving treatment at the medical center for Ebola and shows minimal disease symptoms.
Young children and infants can readily spread the illness through bodily fluids including vomit, waste, and saliva, which become highly contagious when individuals contract Ebola.
Beyond the hospitalized infant, three caregivers who looked after the deceased newborn, including one nun, have received positive Ebola test results, aid organizations and medical staff confirmed.
The sisters working at the orphanage, which Belgian nuns founded during the colonial period, are offering prayers for those affected.
“We are nuns but we are also humans and it has been very emotional,” one sister told Reuters, requesting anonymity due to concerns about Ebola-related stigmatization.
Buswaza, whose life lasted fewer than two weeks, represents one of the youngest casualties in the epidemic that has infected nearly 600 individuals and claimed at least 115 lives throughout Congo.
Beyond fluids such as blood and saliva, the World Health Organization reports Ebola has been found in amniotic fluid and placental tissue, suggesting her mother could have passed the virus to her before birth or during delivery.
Should the mother have contracted the virus following childbirth, transmission to her child might have occurred through breast milk, where medical experts have also identified the virus.
Children currently represent nearly one-fifth, approximately 17% of confirmed Ebola cases in this outbreak, according to preliminary data from the U.N. children’s charity (UNICEF). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned this outbreak could exceed the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic. The number of child fatalities remains unknown.
Although young children comprise a smaller percentage compared to other age categories, the World Health Organization indicates they may face elevated risks of serious complications and death.
However, limited information exists regarding this uncommon virus strain, Bundibugyo, and how it affects children, the organization stated.
UNICEF expresses concern that children’s survival prospects could be compromised by existing health issues in a region marked by widespread malnutrition and incomplete vaccination coverage.
A 2023 study in Ituri documented a chronic global malnutrition rate of 52.1% among children under five years old. Many youngsters at the orphanage have survived armed conflicts throughout eastern Congo.
“In this fragile context, children could deteriorate more quickly if they become infected,” said UNICEF’s Douglas Noble, who leads on health emergencies and visited Bunia last month.
Buswaza received burial in late May inside a sealed, waterproof body bag designed to prevent disease transmission.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reports maintaining supplies of child-sized body bags to perform safe and respectful burials for children in the region.
Medical teams now conduct daily visits to the orphanage to monitor both children and staff members.
“This epidemic has hit an area already in humanitarian crisis,” said Babou Rukengeza, a senior health adviser with Save the Children aid group. “This place is the only refuge for these children.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived at the American naval facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Wednesday, marking another significant visit by a top U.S. official to the communist nation as President Donald Trump intensifies diplomatic pressure on the island.
The Defense Secretary’s arrival comes just under two weeks following a visit by General Francis Donovan, the leading U.S. military commander for Latin America, who toured Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and conducted talks with a high-ranking Cuban general at the base’s boundary.
The trip also comes after CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an uncommon journey to Havana in May.
Upon arriving at Guantanamo Bay, Hegseth offered no public statements and is scheduled to meet with American military personnel deployed at the facility.
During his second presidential term, Trump has frequently mentioned achieving political transformation in Cuba as one of his administration’s international objectives.
According to Michael Bustamante, who leads the Cuban studies program at the University of Miami, the visit may be designed to demonstrate American determination as Cuba faces increasing fears of a potential U.S. military strike.
“Perhaps Hegseth’s visit is intended to yet again reinforce the message that the cost of not coming to the table could be use of a military option, even as observers increasingly warn of such an operation’s potential complications,” he said.
Relations between Cuba and the United States have remained hostile since Fidel Castro’s revolutionary takeover in 1959.
Trump enjoys strong backing from hardline Cuban Americans in Florida who have advocated for U.S.-supported government change for many years, and his current administration has been progressively increasing pressure on the Cuban government.
In a significant legal move on May 20, the United States officially filed criminal charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro, accusing him of four murder counts related to the 1996 shooting down of civilian planes flown by Miami-based Cuban exiles.
This legal action represents another instance of the Trump administration’s campaign to expand U.S. influence throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The administration’s more aggressive approach in Latin America was demonstrated by a bold U.S. military operation on January 3 that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro, a socialist leader with ties to Cuba, was transported to New York to face drug trafficking allegations. He has entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents immigrated from Cuba and who is considered a potential candidate for the 2028 Republican presidential race, has created concern in Havana by discussing the national security threat he believes is posed by what he describes as a failing nation located just 90 miles from Florida.
On May 5, Rubio and Donovan appeared together in front of a Cuban map in a social media post from Donovan’s Southern Command. The post indicated their discussions centered on “U.S. efforts to counter threats that undermine security, stability and democracy in our hemisphere.”
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has issued warnings that any military intervention would result in a “bloodbath” causing the deaths of thousands of both Cubans and Americans.
The current administration has essentially created a fuel embargo against the island by threatening tariffs against nations that provide Cuba with oil and other energy resources, causing widespread power failures and further damaging the country’s struggling economy.
Policy analysts warn that instability in Cuba could lead to a refugee crisis.
TOKYO – Yohei Kono, the Japanese political figure responsible for a historic 1993 government statement acknowledging women who were coerced into working at military brothels during wartime, has passed away at the age of 89.
According to local reports, he died Monday, though no cause of death was provided.
Kono stood as a firm critic of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s efforts to strengthen Japan’s military capabilities and amend the nation’s pacifist constitution. Even following his retirement from political life, he remained an uncommon moderate voice within the conservative ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
His most significant accomplishment within a political system reluctant to confront Japan’s World War Two actions was delivering what became known as the Kono Statement in August 1993. This marked the initial instance when the government admitted that the Japanese Imperial Army had compelled women, primarily Korean, into service at military brothels.
The situation of these so-called “comfort women” damaged relations between Japan and South Korea for many years.
“The then-Japanese military was, directly or indirectly, involved in the establishment and management of the comfort stations,” the statement said, adding that in many cases the women were recruited against their will and that administrative and military personnel took part in their recruitment.
“They lived in misery at comfort stations under a coercive atmosphere,” it added.
In 1995, Kono held the position of deputy premier in a coalition administration when Socialist Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama delivered a “heartfelt apology” for wartime harm and suffering caused by Japan.
Various prominent political figures opposed such expressions of remorse. Abe, who passed away in 2022, voiced concerns about both Murayama’s and Kono’s apologies. Conservative critics have also attacked these statements over the years as cold relations between Japan and South Korea persisted regarding Japan’s early 20th-century colonization of the Korean peninsula.
In 2014, a Japanese committee assigned to examine the Kono statement reported that South Korea had assisted with the delicate language of the original document.
South Korea voiced strong disappointment about the review, claiming the findings minimized the facts and challenged the conclusion that Seoul was directly involved in crafting the formal 1993 apology.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi offered condolences for Kono’s passing on social media Wednesday evening. “In diplomacy, (Kono) endeavoured to build a relationship of trust with neighbouring countries,” Takaichi wrote on X.
“In particular, he faced historical issues sincerely. His emphasis on dialogue and understanding should be remembered as one of the cornerstones of our country’s peace diplomacy.”
Born to a family of lawmakers, Kono came from Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo and completed his education at Tokyo’s Waseda University. He entered politics in 1967 following his father’s death.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, he held positions including deputy prime minister and foreign minister. He led the Liberal Democratic Party from 1993 to 1995, but because other parties controlled coalition governments, he became one of just two LDP leaders who never served as premier.
Kono’s son Taro is also in politics. The father and son gained attention in 2002 when Taro, then 39, provided part of his liver to his father, whose liver was deteriorating from a long-term hepatitis infection. The operation succeeded.
“Japan made a fresh start 70 years ago based on remorse for that tragic war, the many lives lost and the troubles caused to neighbouring countries,” Kono told Reuters in 2015.
“Now Japanese people worry in their hearts that we will somehow set aside that remorse and those memories, and walk the same path as in the past.”
UMM AL-KHAIR, West Bank (AP) — While the FIFA World Cup commences on June 11, featuring Arab nations including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, football serves as both a beloved pastime and ongoing challenge for Palestinians living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Though the Palestinian national squad narrowly missed securing a spot in the 48-team competition, World Cup matches will draw significant viewership throughout the West Bank, where the sport provides young Palestinians with relief from everyday hardships and surrounding circumstances.
Within the Bedouin community of Umm al-Khair, located in the Masafer Yatta area south of Hebron, youngsters play football on a compact field surrounded by barbed wire installed by Israeli settlers from the adjacent Carmel settlement. During one recent match, a ball kicked toward the net flew past the barrier as young settlers walked nearby. The settlers confiscated the ball, forcing the game to end.
Local residents report these situations happen frequently. The village has lost numerous soccer balls over time. Efforts to recover them may lead to conflicts with settlers and sometimes Israeli soldiers.
Moving northward to Nablus, youth from a regional soccer program practice on a municipal stadium field that has deteriorated over time. Nearby, Palestinians from Gaza who previously held work permits for Israel observe the training while hanging laundry. These individuals have remained stuck in the West Bank since fighting began in October 2023, with many establishing temporary living quarters in the stadium’s changing rooms, according to the facility’s manager, as they worry about potential forced return to Gaza.
The Palestinian Football Federation suspended league competitions during the conflict, pointing to the unstable security conditions across the West Bank, where Israeli military forces regularly perform detention operations and have established numerous roadblocks. Previously bustling soccer venues now sit mostly vacant, with some showing signs of neglect.
At Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram, which serves as the Palestinian national team’s home venue, recreational players meet for practice sessions. In Tulkarem, young athletes, some dressed in national team uniforms, participate in similar activities. FIFA provided some financial support to the Palestinian Football Association, though relocated the national team’s “home” games to different countries, including Jordan, Qatar and Malaysia, citing safety considerations.
With regular league competition suspended, practice sessions have emerged as among the limited remaining opportunities for physical activity, community connection and maintaining routine.
While global focus shifts to soccer’s premier competition, the sport continues delivering instances of togetherness, determination and optimism for Palestinians throughout the West Bank.
A vehicle accident has forced authorities to temporarily shut down DE-141 at Children’s Drive, creating traffic disruptions for local drivers.
The roadway closure is currently in effect as crews work to clear the scene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and expect delays in the area until the roadway can be safely reopened to traffic.
A vehicle accident has prompted the closure of DE-141 at Children’s Drive, according to traffic officials.
The roadway is currently shut down in the area as emergency responders work at the crash scene. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and expect delays in the vicinity.
No additional details about the collision or potential injuries have been released at this time.
The Dover Police Department has announced that two team members from its Behavioral Health Unit will speak at a major national gathering focused on mental health crisis response.
Corporal Jake Shepherd and Clinical Field Partner Watara Heath have been chosen to present at the 2026 Co-Responder Conference in Dallas, Texas. The event represents one of the country’s most important meetings for professionals working on collaborative approaches to behavioral health emergencies.
The conference draws law enforcement officers, mental health clinicians, researchers, and community partners from throughout the United States. Attendees share innovative strategies and successful programs designed to improve outcomes for people facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.
The Dover team was invited to discuss their department’s achievements using the co-responder approach. This model teams specially trained police officers with behavioral health professionals to deliver effective, compassionate, and coordinated assistance to people in crisis.
The invitation to speak at this national event represents a major professional honor and showcases the outstanding work happening within Dover’s Behavioral Health Unit. Their selection underscores the Dover Police Department’s emerging reputation as a pioneer in co-responder practices and shows how innovative work in Dover is helping establish best practices nationwide.
The Behavioral Health Unit has become a central component of the department’s efforts to enhance public safety while connecting residents with essential behavioral health services. The unit provides proactive outreach, crisis intervention, follow-up care, and partnerships with healthcare and community organizations. These efforts continue to decrease repeated service calls and improve results for individuals and families requiring assistance.
“We are incredibly proud of Corporal Shepherd and Clinician Heath,” said Chief Thomas Johnson. “Their invitation to present on a national stage is a testament to their professionalism, dedication, and the positive impact they have on our community every day. It also reinforces Dover’s position as a recognized leader in behavioral health response and police-clinician partnerships.”
The Dover Police Department congratulates Corporal Shepherd and Clinician Heath on this accomplishment and thanks them for representing both the City of Dover and the State of Delaware at the national level.
A new federal satellite positioned one million miles from Earth has begun its mission to track dangerous space weather that could threaten power grids, communication systems, and space missions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space weather Observations at L1 to Advance Readiness – 1 (SOLAR-1) observatory has officially started operational service, representing a significant achievement for protecting the country against solar storm impacts. This marks the first American satellite built specifically for round-the-clock operational monitoring of space weather conditions.
“SOLAR-1 will provide improved observations and high-quality 24/7 data about our sun,” said Irene Parker, acting assistant administrator for NOAA Satellite & Information Service (NESDIS). “SOLAR-1 continues the observations necessary to ensure that we are prepared for solar storms, so we can better protect the nation’s critical terrestrial and space-based infrastructure and future crewed space-flights.”
Cross-Country Journey Through Space
The satellite, originally called Space Weather Follow On – Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1), lifted off on September 24, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. EST from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. During the following four months, the spacecraft traveled almost one million miles to reach the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 (L1), where it now remains stationed to continuously track solar wind and watch for coronal mass ejections (CME) released by the sun.
Prior to achieving initial operational status, SOLAR-1 completed an intensive eight-month period of post-launch testing and commissioning. Throughout this phase, NOAA and NASA teams carefully examined every instrument and all primary systems, including power, onboard computer, propulsion and attitude-control systems, communications and data storage.
Boosting National Preparedness
SOLAR-1 enhances the country’s capability to protect systems vulnerable to space weather disruption, including electrical grids, satellites, communications, aviation, navigation systems like GPS, national security operations, and human spaceflight missions such as NASA’s recently-completed Artemis II mission.
For NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, SOLAR-1 serves as a foundation of the nation’s space weather early warning network, supplying the observations required to issue prompt watches, warnings, alerts, and decision support before solar storms affect critical infrastructure and missions.
“It means more time to act,” said Clinton Wallace, director of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. “It gives time for power grid operators to prepare, more time for satellite operators to protect assets, more time for aviation and national security partners to understand risk, and more time for human spaceflight teams to protect astronauts and missions. SOLAR-1 helps turn observations of the sun into practical decisions that protect lives, infrastructure, the economy and national security.”
As dependence on space-based systems increases and space exploration grows through missions like NASA’s Artemis, continued investment in operational space weather capabilities becomes increasingly essential to national preparedness, astronaut safety and space asset protection.
SOLAR-1 will guarantee uninterrupted space weather monitoring at L1, continuously transmitting data to Earth without breaks or obstructions, providing enhanced performance compared to older instruments and faster delivery of observations to NOAA’s SWPC.
As an example, SOLAR-1’s coronagraph will transmit CME imagery to SWPC forecasters and users within 30 minutes of capture in space, compared to research observatories and instruments, such as ESA-NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory’s coronagraph imaging, which can require up to eight hours. Real-time data from SOLAR-1’s Solar Wind Plasma Sensor, SupraThermal Ion Sensor, and Magnetometer will be accessible within five minutes.
SOLAR-1, along with future planned satellite missions for L1, are essential for minimizing operational observation risks when collecting data and information that helps society stay ahead of threats to the nation’s critical infrastructure. SOLAR-1 data will be accessible to the public in real time through the SWPC website and stored through the NESDIS Space Weather Portal.
BAMAKO, Mali — Two well-known journalists have been detained by Mali’s military government within a 48-hour period, marking another escalation in the West African nation’s restrictions on media freedom during ongoing security challenges.
According to the “Maison de La Presse,” Mali’s primary press organization, Abderhmane Keita was taken into custody Tuesday facing accusations of “undermining national unity and the credibility of the State” along with “dissemination of false and misleading information.”
During his widely-watched television show “Grand Jury,” Keita had reported that the Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM group maintains control over Kidal, a northern community that fell to JNIM forces and separatist fighters during large-scale coordinated strikes in April.
Within Mali’s borders, public commentary indicating military losses to extremist organizations frequently results in criminal charges.
Keita’s detention followed Monday’s arrest of Chahana Takiou, a prominent television host and chief editor at the “22 Septembre” newspaper. The press organization reported that Takiou faces accusations of “undermining the credibility of the State through the judicial system.” Takiou had recently spoken out against how authorities implement cybercrime legislation, arguing it constitutes an assault on media freedoms.
Mali, together with its neighbors Niger and Burkina Faso, has experienced multiple military takeovers in recent years and remains under the control of armed forces leaders who seized control through force, promising enhanced citizen security.
Following their rise to power, these military governments have severed relationships with France and other Western nations, established their own defense partnership, and sought Russian military assistance to combat extremist uprisings.
According to analysts, the security climate across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso has deteriorated lately, with Islamic extremist attacks reaching unprecedented levels. Military forces face allegations of civilian killings based on suspected militant collaboration.
Simultaneously, the military leadership has intensified restrictions on political opposition and media personnel. This January, Malian officials prohibited sales of the Pan-African publication Jeune Afrique. Multiple French news organizations, including France24, TV5 Monde, and Radio France International, face broadcasting bans throughout Mali. Various opposition figures remain imprisoned for speaking against the military government.
