Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has published an open letter directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for face-to-face negotiations. The letter, Zelensky's first public written appeal to Putin since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, emphasizes that only direct engagement between the two leaders can end the war.

According to reports, Zelensky has proposed meeting in a neutral third country. The diplomatic overture comes as former U.S. President Trump has stated that both sides will need to make compromises to resolve the conflict.

Hezbollah has rejected a ceasefire agreement announced Wednesday between Israel and Lebanon following U.S.-brokered talks. The Iran-backed group was excluded from negotiations that produced the deal, and its leader characterized the truce as surrender for the organization.

The rejection raises questions about whether the ceasefire can survive without participation from a major party to the recent conflict. Fighting has continued, with reports indicating that U.N. peacekeepers in southeastern Lebanon came under mortar fire, resulting in at least one killed and others wounded.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged new strikes following a U.S.-announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Israel conducted strikes that killed 11 people in Lebanon and stated it will continue its ground operation in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire. A U.N. peacekeeper was killed and others wounded when they came under mortar fire in southeastern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has rejected the ceasefire deal, with the group's leader characterizing the agreement as surrender. The Iran-backed organization was not included in the U.S.-brokered talks that produced the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday night.

The House of Representatives approved legislation Thursday to provide aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy, voting 226-195 despite opposition from Republican leaders. The bill represents the chamber's second major break with Trump's foreign policy in a week, following a vote the previous day on a war powers resolution related to Iran.

Republican leaders had warned the bill would undermine ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a comparable but stronger outcome. Nevertheless, the passage demonstrates congressional impatience with Trump's approach to the war in Ukraine and signals sustained support for the country among House members.

The House Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act late Thursday, advancing the nearly $1.15 trillion defense policy bill to the full House. The committee vote came after a grueling 14-hour session debating approximately 900 proposed amendments addressing military readiness, procurement, and defense strategy.

The NDAA serves as the primary legislative vehicle for setting Pentagon policy and authorizing defense spending across personnel, weapons systems, and military operations. The bill will now face further debate and potential amendments on the House floor before moving to the Senate for reconciliation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea on June 8 and 9, in a noteworthy diplomatic engagement between the two longstanding allies. The visit underscores the continued importance of their relationship despite the isolated nature of the North Korean regime.

China has long served as North Korea's primary economic and diplomatic partner, providing crucial support to the regime while shielding it from international pressure. This trip represents one of the infrequent high-level visits between the two nations in recent years, with Xi's last visit to Pyongyang occurring in 2019.

The timing of this engagement comes as regional dynamics continue to shift. Both countries appear to be reassessing their positions in relation to major powers across Asia and beyond. The scheduled two-day visit suggests that substantive discussions are planned between the two leaders, though the specific details of their agenda have not been publicly disclosed.

Xi's decision to travel to North Korea carries significant weight in diplomatic circles. Such visits by Chinese leaders to Pyongyang are uncommon, making this trip particularly significant for understanding Beijing's strategic priorities in the region. The visit demonstrates that despite the complexities and international criticism surrounding North Korea's human rights record and nuclear weapons program, China maintains its commitment to the relationship.

The journey also reflects the broader strategic calculations China must navigate. Beijing must balance its alliance with North Korea while simultaneously maintaining important economic and diplomatic relationships with other regional players, including South Korea. These competing interests have created a delicate diplomatic balancing act for Chinese policymakers.

The visit takes place in a region marked by significant tensions and minimal contact between North and South Korea. Inter-Korean relations have remained deeply strained, with limited dialogue and engagement between Seoul and Pyongyang. Despite these broader regional tensions, certain channels of communication and cooperation have occasionally reopened, as evidenced by recent sporting exchanges.

The two-day schedule suggests that Xi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will have ample opportunity to discuss matters of mutual concern. Previous visits between the two leaders have focused on regional stability and bilateral cooperation, topics likely to feature prominently in their discussions.

This diplomatic journey underscores the enduring nature of the China-North Korea relationship, a partnership rooted in decades of shared strategic interests and historical ties. As China continues to navigate its complex role in regional geopolitics, maintaining and strengthening its relationship with North Korea remains a key element of its broader Asian strategy.

China is implementing sweeping economic changes that government officials say are necessary for national security. The measures represent Beijing's response to rising global tensions and aim to strengthen domestic economic defenses.

The policy shifts could create obstacles for Chinese companies seeking growth opportunities outside the country. Business leaders and analysts are assessing how the new restrictions will affect international operations and cross-border commerce in the coming months.

Ireland is working to strengthen its military capabilities as concern rises across Europe over threats from Russia. The Irish government says it is attempting to plug gaps in its armed forces, which have historically reflected the country's tradition of neutrality.

Ireland has been seen as a weak link in European defense, but officials are now moving to bulk up military capacity in response to the changing security environment. The shift represents a significant policy evolution for a nation that has maintained neutrality for decades, including during both World Wars.

The United States is mobilizing to combat flesh-eating screwworms, which have been detected in America for the first time since 1966. The parasitic insect is spreading across the southern US, prompting urgent action from officials.

Authorities are deploying specialized biological control methods to contain the outbreak before it expands further. These proven eradication techniques have been successful in past efforts to eliminate the pest from the country.

A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to bring northern lights to skies across much of the northern United States. The Space Weather Prediction Center has upgraded its forecast, suggesting auroras could appear at lower latitudes than typical, potentially visible in 23 states.

Geomagnetic storms occur when solar wind disrupts Earth's magnetic field, sending charged particles into the atmosphere where they collide with gases and create visible light displays. The current storm is rated G3 on a five-level scale. Viewing conditions depend on local weather and light pollution, with the best displays typically appearing after sunset.

The Federal Communications Commission announced a comprehensive review of the E-Rate program, which distributes $3 billion annually to schools and libraries for internet access. FCC Chair Brendan Carr initiated the examination citing concerns about excessive screen time and its potential health effects on children.

The agency plans to examine the program and release its findings following the review. The E-Rate initiative has long provided connectivity funding to educational institutions across the country.

Demonstrations have erupted in Albania over a coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Protesters argue the resort would damage a protected environment in the region.

The Albanian government views the project as transformative for the nation's economy. However, environmental campaigners and critics oppose the development, citing concerns about the pristine coastline and its ecological significance.

Deb Haaland, who served as Interior Secretary in the Biden administration, won the Democratic primary for New Mexico governor. Haaland would make history as the first female Native American governor if she wins the general election in November.

Haaland represented New Mexico in Congress before joining President Biden's cabinet. She made history as the first Native American Cabinet secretary in U.S. history during her tenure as Interior Secretary. Her victory in the primary sets up another potential historic achievement for her political career.

The general election will determine whether Haaland can add another milestone to her record of firsts. If elected, she would become the first woman and first Native American to serve as New Mexico's governor.

Haaland's primary victory comes as several states held important elections this cycle. In Illinois, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Stratton defeated U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi with nearly 90 percent of votes counted, winning by more than six percentage points.

Stratton, a progressive backed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, had trailed Krishnamoorthi in earlier polling. Her campaign gained momentum in recent weeks following increased financial support from the governor and growing voter concerns about immigration policy. She ran directly on abolishing ICE, while Krishnamoorthi took a more moderate stance, calling for the abolishment of what he termed "Trump's ICE."

"We did it," Stratton told supporters at her election night event in Chicago. "Tonight we showed what's possible when you listen to the people and give the people what they want."

Stratton also faced competition from Robin Kelly, a fellow progressive whose candidacy threatened to split the progressive vote. Kelly drew less than 20 percent of the vote.

If elected in November, Stratton would become the 15th Black U.S. senator in American history. Republicans have not won a statewide election in Illinois for more than a decade, making the Democratic primary winner the likely victor in the general election. Stratton will face Don Tracy, the former Republican state party chair, in November.

Turnout for the Illinois Democratic primary proved unusually high for a Senate race during a non-presidential election year. With more than 1.14 million votes tallied, participation was expected to surpass the 2004 primary, when Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination for the Senate.

Krishnamoorthi conceded the race and offered his support to Stratton. "Obviously this is not the result we sought, but unlike Donald Trump I'm not going to question the outcome," he said at his election night event.

Senator Durbin, who retired after five terms, said he looked forward to "passing the torch to Juliana Stratton at the end of my term."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has secured a spot in the November general election for governor. Multiple news outlets called the race after early results showed Becerra advancing. California uses a top-two primary system where the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, proceed to the general election.

The state's ballot counting process extends for days after election day as officials tally mail-in votes and provisional ballots. California accepts mail ballots postmarked by election day that arrive within several days, contributing to the extended timeline. Some observers have criticized the slow count, though election officials say the process ensures all valid votes are counted accurately.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 875 points to reach a new record, powered by gains in healthcare and financial sector stocks. The rally contrasted with declines in major chip manufacturers including Broadcom, Micron, and ARM.

Broadcom's disappointing outlook weighed on the broader semiconductor industry, sending chip stocks lower even as other sectors posted strong gains. The divergence highlighted uneven performance across different parts of the market, with traditional industries outpacing technology shares.

SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a four-year contract with major studios that includes provisions governing the use of synthetic actors and artificial intelligence technology. The agreement also consolidates the union's two separate pension funds into a single retirement plan for members.

The ratification passed with strong support, with 91.4 percent of those who voted in favor of the deal. However, voter turnout was relatively low at 19.3 percent of eligible members.

The Senate held an extended voting session Thursday on a $70 billion budget reconciliation package for immigration enforcement agencies. During the amendment process, several vulnerable Republican senators voted against their party on key proposals. The marathon voting session, known as a vote-a-rama, allowed senators to propose unlimited amendments as the chamber worked toward passage of the bill.

The reconciliation package faced internal Republican disagreements during the amendment process. Senate leadership continues pushing the package toward final passage despite the divisions among GOP members on specific provisions.

Senate Republicans narrowly blocked a Democratic amendment Thursday that would have prevented President Trump from establishing a $1.8 billion fund to pay his allies. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed the measure during a voting marathon on a $70 billion budget reconciliation package focused on immigration enforcement. The amendment failed 49-50.

The proposed fund has sparked dissent within Republican ranks, with some GOP senators joining Democrats in opposing it. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is working on alternative language to permanently block the fund, consulting with the Senate Parliamentarian on the matter.

Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky announced plans to launch a new artificial intelligence lab within the company. Previously, Chesky explained that Airbnb had not partnered with existing large language model providers because their current offerings did not meet the company's standards.

The move signals a strategic shift as Airbnb transitions from evaluating third-party AI solutions to building its own in-house capabilities. This internal lab will enable the company to develop AI tools tailored specifically to its platform and user needs.

Space weather forecasters issued alerts for a strong geomagnetic storm expected to reach Earth, with auroras potentially visible in 23 states. Utah, Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire are among the states where residents may see the northern lights. The Space Weather Prediction Center classified the event as a G3 level storm.

The geomagnetic activity results from solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field. Strong storms can push the aurora viewing zone farther south than usual, making the light displays visible to more people. Weather conditions and light pollution will affect visibility in any given location.

Anthropic announced that its annualized revenue crossed $47 billion in May, a dramatic increase from approximately $9 billion at the end of 2025. The company is preparing for an initial public offering as it experiences rapid growth.

President Daniela Amodei has addressed investor concerns about whether AI investments deliver sufficient returns. The company's steep growth trajectory will face real tests as it moves toward becoming a publicly traded company.

Wall Street banks are preparing to capitalize on SpaceX's upcoming initial public offering, which is expected to be the largest IPO on record. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is personally involved in pitching the offering to potential investors, underscoring the deal's significance.

Banks compete intensely for roles in major public offerings, as the underwriting fees can reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Beyond the immediate revenue, these deals strengthen relationships with institutional investors and enhance banks' market positioning.

Microsoft Supports Anthropic in Legal Battle Against Pentagon

Microsoft has filed a court brief backing Anthropic's legal challenge against the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company as a supply-chain risk, a move that effectively blocks it from government contracts.

The amicus brief, submitted to federal court in San Francisco this week, argues that a temporary restraining order is necessary to prevent disruption to suppliers whose products depend on Anthropic's technology. Google, Amazon, Apple and OpenAI have also signed onto a supporting brief.

"The Department of War needs reliable access to the country's best technology," Microsoft said in a statement. "And everyone wants to ensure AI is not used for mass domestic surveillance or to start a war without human control."

Anthropic launched two lawsuits this week, one in federal court in California and one in the DC circuit court of appeals, challenging the Pentagon's supply-chain risk designation. The company says the label, traditionally reserved for firms with foreign ties such as China, has never before been applied to a US company.

The dispute stems from failed contract negotiations over a $200 million deal to deploy Anthropic's AI on classified military systems. Talks collapsed after Anthropic insisted its technology should not be used for mass surveillance of US citizens or to power autonomous lethal weapons. Pentagon Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth subsequently labeled the company a supply-chain risk, and government contracts with Anthropic have already begun being cancelled.

Anthropic argues in its complaint that the Pentagon used the designation as ideological punishment for its public stance on AI safety. The company cited specific concerns about Claude's capabilities, explaining that it lacks confidence the model would function reliably or safely if used to support lethal autonomous warfare.

Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael told CNBC on Thursday that "there's no chance" the agency renegotiates with Anthropic after the designation.

Microsoft's position carries significant weight. The company holds a share of the Pentagon's $9 billion Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability contract alongside Amazon, Google and Oracle. It also maintains separate software and enterprise services deals worth several billion dollars and has secured additional multibillion-dollar agreements with the federal government for cloud services and AI advancement.

The filing represents Microsoft's decision to publicly align itself with Anthropic despite the company's well-documented partnership with OpenAI. It signals that major technology firms view Anthropic's challenges as a broader threat to how the AI industry operates.

Meanwhile, Anthropic continues expanding its business. The company announced annualized revenue crossed $47 billion in May, up from roughly $9 billion at the end of 2025. The firm is preparing for an upcoming initial public offering, with CEO Daniela Amodei expressing confidence in the company's growth trajectory despite questions about AI's financial returns.

Chinese regulators have cracked down on micro dramas, the short-form video series that have surged in popularity on domestic platforms. The government cited concerns about sensationalist content, including depictions of violence and materialism, as well as soft pornography.

The move represents Beijing's ongoing efforts to regulate digital content and control what Chinese internet users can access on streaming platforms.

The British Heart Foundation announced plans to close 150 of its charity retail locations, citing difficult market conditions. The organization described the current trading environment as exceptionally challenging for its shop operations.

Charity shops have long served as both fundraising vehicles and community fixtures in British towns and cities. The closures will reduce the foundation's retail footprint significantly as it adjusts to changing consumer behavior and economic pressures affecting the nonprofit retail sector.

Phoebe Bridgers hosted an acoustic concert at Madison Square Garden where approximately 18,000 attendees surrendered their phones before the show. The artist described the venue as her living room and expressed gratitude to the crowd for embracing the phone-free environment.

The performance showcased eight new songs. Bridgers acknowledged the unconventional request to give up devices, noting her appreciation for the audience's cooperation with the arrangement.

Lil Durk received a new racketeering charge from federal prosecutors, adding to his existing legal troubles. The rapper's attorneys responded to the additional indictment by calling it putting lipstick on a pig and declaring their client's innocence.

Durk Banks is innocent, no matter how many indictments they want to throw at him, his legal team said. The new charge represents an escalation in the case against the artist.

President Trump scrapped plans for Freedom 250 concerts after multiple artists withdrew from the event. Trump installed country singer Lee Greenwood as a replacement performer and positioned himself as the headliner of what he called the Greatest Rally, EVER.

The original concert lineup fell apart when several scheduled artists pulled out. Trump restructured the event into a rally format rather than the musical celebration initially planned.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has created a documentary exploring educational issues affecting boys and young men. The film examines Southgate's view that boys benefit from different teaching methods compared to girls in order to help them reach their potential.

The documentary addresses broader questions about supporting boys through their development, drawing on Southgate's experience working with young athletes and observing how different individuals respond to various coaching and teaching approaches.

Taylor Swift has unveiled "I Knew It, I Knew You," an original song for Toy Story 5 that debuted on digital streaming services. The track was co-written and produced by Swift alongside longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff.

The song explores the reunion between Jessie and her owner, based on the narrative suggested in the lyrics. This marks Swift's return to country music and her contribution to the Pixar animated film franchise.

Maja Chwalińska made history as the first qualifier to reach a French Open women's singles final in the Open Era, defeating 25th seed Diana Shnaider 7-6(4), 6-4 in the semifinals. The Polish player's emotional reaction after the match—sobbing into her towel—underscored the magnitude of her achievement.

Chwalińska will face Mirra Andreeva in Saturday's championship match. Andreeva dominated her semifinal against Marta Kostyuk to secure her spot in the final.

The Texas Longhorns defeated Texas Tech to win the Women's College World Series championship for the second consecutive year. Teagan Kavan was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament for the second straight season, capping a dominant performance by the defending champions.

The victory extends Texas's run as the premier program in college softball. The Longhorns successfully defended their title against in-state rival Texas Tech in a championship series that showcased the depth of talent in the Big 12 conference. The repeat championship solidifies Texas's status as a dynasty in women's college softball.

Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx broke the WNBA rookie record for three-pointers made in a single game, connecting on eight shots from beyond the arc. The performance surpassed the previous record held by Caitlin Clark and helped lead the Lynx to an 87-84 victory over the Golden State Valkyries.

Miles heated up from deep throughout the contest, showcasing the shooting range that made her a top draft selection. The record-setting performance came as part of a broader trend of Miles's strong play for Minnesota. Her ability to space the floor and create offense has made her an immediate contributor for the Lynx in her first professional season.

Caitlin Clark scored 17 points for the Indiana Fever despite becoming ill at halftime of the team's game against the Atlanta Dream. Clark vomited during the break but returned to the court and contributed to Indiana's victory. Teammate Kelsey Mitchell also reached a career milestone, eclipsing 5,000 career points in the win.

The Fever used the victory to open their Commissioner's Cup play on a positive note. Clark's ability to perform through illness demonstrated her resilience as she continues adjusting to the professional game. Mitchell's scoring milestone added to the team's celebratory atmosphere following the victory over Atlanta.

The Boston Red Sox optioned starting pitcher Brayan Bello to Triple-A after his latest rough outing against the Baltimore Orioles. The move comes amid continued struggles from Boston's starting rotation, which has posted poor statistics through the early portion of the season.

Bello's demotion reflects the Red Sox's need to address their pitching woes. The team's starters have failed to provide consistent quality innings, creating a burden on the bullpen and contributing to losses. Bello will work on refining his mechanics and command at Triple-A before potentially rejoining the major league roster.

Formula 1 has extended its contract with Las Vegas for another 10 years, securing the Grand Prix on the calendar through at least 2037. The extension follows the race's return to the F1 schedule and establishes Las Vegas as a permanent fixture in the sport's future plans.

The street circuit, which races through the iconic Las Vegas Strip, has become a marquee event on the Formula 1 calendar.

Colombian pop star Shakira will take the stage for the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico. She has been selected to perform the official song for the tournament, marking a significant moment as the competition kicks off.

The announcement highlights Shakira's continued prominence in global popular culture and her connection to major sporting events. Her performance will set the tone for the World Cup, one of football's most prestigious competitions.

Madonna transformed Times Square into a dance floor with a Pride Month performance where she debuted Love Sensation, a track from Confessions II. The singer straddled a speaker box and played air guitar during the outdoor concert.

Madonna described the event as a historic Pride Month performance. The appearance drew large crowds to the Manhattan location as the icon celebrated with fans during the annual observance.

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet called teenage film fan Eryn after learning about her struggle to access cinema services. Eryn, who has been blind since birth, had to travel three hours round trip to attend a film screening because her local cinema lacks accessibility features for blind moviegoers.

Winslet's gesture drew attention to a broader problem facing blind cinema fans across many communities, where accessible screenings remain limited or unavailable.

Mira Murati, who previously served as chief technology officer at OpenAI, has stepped back into the spotlight following her departure from the company. Her return to public visibility comes as former AI executives face mounting pressure to maintain their market presence.

In the current technology landscape, staying out of sight carries significant costs. Executives need to actively demonstrate their relevance to investors and potential partners, particularly those involved in developing major AI products.

A new privacy application called Filtr enables users to block advertisements across nearly all iPhone and Mac apps. The tool extends ad-blocking capabilities beyond web browsers to native applications on Apple's operating systems, allowing it to prevent ads from loading within apps including web browsers.

The developers positioned Filtr as a privacy enhancement for users seeking to limit advertising across their devices. Ad-blocking tools have historically faced resistance from publishers and app developers who depend on advertising revenue.

Mangrove forests are making a surprising comeback after decades of destruction from human activities. These coastal ecosystems are healing, which offers significant benefits for both communities and climate action.

The recovery is welcome news because mangroves provide crucial protection against storm surges and flooding while storing substantial amounts of carbon. They also support fishing industries and provide habitat for numerous species. Conservation efforts combined with natural regeneration have enabled mangrove forests to recover in various regions around the world.

Country duo Florida Georgia Line made a surprise appearance at CMA Fest in Nashville, reuniting Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley on stage at Nissan Stadium. The performance marked the first time the pair had appeared together publicly since their 2022 split.

The reunion was unexpected, as the duo had gone their separate ways four years ago to pursue solo careers. Their appearance at the festival signals a potential return for Florida Georgia Line.

Four curlew chicks have hatched from eggs rescued during a wildfire. Wildlife caretakers are now raising the birds until they are mature and strong enough to survive in the wild. Conservationists have called the successful hatching a significant milestone for the species.

The rescue operation involved quickly retrieving the eggs from the fire zone and transporting them to safety. The chicks will remain under care as they develop the skills and physical capabilities needed to thrive independently in their natural habitat.

Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos says artificial intelligence could help single people in their twenties overcome barriers to initiating conversations on dating apps. She identified loneliness and lack of confidence as key challenges preventing young adults from forming romantic connections.

The comments reflect a broader industry trend toward incorporating AI-assisted features in dating platforms to reduce friction during early interactions. Whether users will embrace algorithmic help with opening messages remains to be seen as these tools roll out.

Buc-ee's announced plans for a second location in Ohio, extending the chain's footprint beyond its Texas origins. The company has been gradually expanding into new states with its large-format convenience stores known for extensive amenities and product offerings.

Mansfield has entered into a development agreement to host the new Buc-ee's facility. The chain's distinctive approach to highway retail has built a dedicated customer base, and each new location announcement generates significant local interest in communities selected for expansion.

The ex-wife of a nephew of Dubai's ruler is in custody, according to prosecutors. Zeynab Javadli had not been in contact with any of her friends since Tuesday.

Prosecutors confirmed Javadli is now in custody, though the circumstances of her detention and the charges she may face have not been specified. The case has drawn attention given her connection to Dubai's ruling family.

Chris Thrall has recounted the last time he saw guide Dawa Sherpa before the Sherpa disappeared on Mount Everest. Thrall watched as Dawa Sherpa began sliding down the mountain during their climb.

Six days later, a cleaning crew discovered Dawa Sherpa alive and crawling towards Base Camp. His survival alone on the world's highest peak is considered remarkable, as climbers separated from their groups typically face extreme dangers from cold, altitude, and oxygen deprivation.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine cast her 10,000th consecutive Senate vote Thursday night, maintaining an unbroken voting record. Collins voted for a Democratic motion to send the $70 billion budget reconciliation package back to the Judiciary Committee. She stood at her desk and announced her vote when the clerk called her name.

The milestone represents decades of continuous attendance for Senate votes without a single absence. Collins has served in the Senate since 1997, building the longest consecutive voting streak among current members. The vote came during a marathon amendment session on the reconciliation package.

Candidates vying to represent New York's 12th Congressional District sparred over President Trump during a debate Thursday night. Lawyer George Conway, former President Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg, and New York State Assemblymembers Alex Bores and Micah Lasher all participated in the Democratic primary debate.

The race will determine who replaces Representative Jerry Nadler, a longtime Democratic congressman. Trump's name came up frequently as the candidates debated their positions and qualifications. The district encompasses parts of Manhattan and has historically elected Democrats.

Graham Platner, a progressive Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine, has rejected allegations of abusive behavior toward women he dated. A New York Times article published Thursday included accounts from former partners describing physical misconduct and offensive remarks about rape. A Republican operative also accused him of womanizing.

Platner characterized the allegations as "politically motivated" and denied claims of physical abuse. The report has drawn criticism from Democratic officials and generated significant coverage across major news outlets.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner denied allegations published in a New York Times report Thursday that quoted past girlfriends describing physically rough behavior. Platner said he wanted to be unequivocal in denying some of the claims and suggested political motivation behind at least one woman's account.

Platner, a progressive oyster farmer, told a news outlet that he has not considered dropping out of the Senate primary race. He stated that not once in the past week has he thought about ending his campaign despite the allegations. Platner is competing in Maine's Democratic primary.

A judge has dismissed a murder charge against Aaron Spencer, a candidate for Lonoke County sheriff in Arkansas who fatally shot a man he believed had abused his daughter. The dismissal removes a significant legal obstacle for Spencer, who won his party's nomination while facing the criminal charge.

Spencer shot and killed the man after learning of alleged abuse against his daughter. Prosecutors subsequently charged him with murder, but he continued pursuing the sheriff's position. The case attracted considerable attention as Spencer campaigned for elected office while dealing with a serious criminal charge.

The judge's decision to dismiss the case means Spencer will not face trial for the shooting. Court documents confirm the dismissal was granted, though specific legal reasoning from the judge was not detailed in available reports. The ruling clears Spencer to advance his candidacy without the pending murder charge standing in his way.

The situation highlights tensions between personal tragedy, the impulse to take the law into one's own hands, and electoral politics in a rural Arkansas county. Spencer's case raised fundamental questions about whether someone facing a murder charge should be eligible to become the county's chief law enforcement officer. His supporters apparently viewed his actions as justified defense of his daughter, while critics questioned the propriety of vigilantism.

The case also examined broader questions about accountability and the justice system. Some observers wondered whether the outcome would have differed for someone without Spencer's position as a law enforcement officer or candidate. The dismissal sparked debate about equal treatment under the law and whether status influences judicial decisions.

Spencer's path to the November general election is now unobstructed by criminal proceedings. The Lonoke County sheriff's race will continue with Spencer as a party nominee, and voters will ultimately decide whether to elect him as the county's top law enforcement official.

The dismissal does not constitute a judicial finding that Spencer's actions were justified or lawful. Rather, it simply ends the criminal case before trial proceeded. The reasons behind the judge's decision to dismiss, rather than proceed to trial, remain unclear from publicly available information.

As Spencer moves forward in his campaign, questions linger about how voters will view both the incident and the dismissal. Some voters may see his actions as appropriate protection of family, while others may remain concerned about his judgment and fitness for office despite the legal case being resolved.

The race now shifts focus to the general election, where Arkansas voters in Lonoke County will have the final say on whether Spencer should lead the county's law enforcement operations. His candidacy will be decided at the ballot box rather than in the courtroom.

Aaron Judge has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in a rib on his right side, the Yankees announced. The team's star outfielder will be reevaluated in four to six weeks as the organization waits for clarity on the full extent of the injury and a timeline for his return.

The injury leaves the Yankees without their most productive hitter during a stretch of the season where offensive production is needed. Judge underwent testing after experiencing discomfort, and additional examinations confirmed the stress fracture diagnosis. The Yankees now face a holding pattern as they await further medical evaluations before establishing a definitive recovery plan.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has closed in on her opponent in the race to advance to the November runoff election for mayor. Raman is competing with Rick Pratt for second place behind Mayor Karen Bass, who is seeking reelection. California's slow ballot counting process means many votes remain to be tallied.

The primary results will determine which candidate faces Bass in the general election. Second place finishers in Los Angeles mayoral primaries advance to a head-to-head runoff. California allows mail ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if they arrive within days afterward, extending the counting period and delaying final results.

A Sherpa guide missing for six days on Mount Everest has been found alive in a remarkable rescue. Hillary Dawa Sherpa was discovered crawling toward Base Camp after being left at a higher altitude on the mountain. Cleaners spotted him during the rescue effort.

The discovery came as Dawa Sherpa's family had already begun funeral rites, making his survival an extraordinary outcome. He had endured six days alone on the mountain without food or oxygen before being rescued.

James Handy, an 81-year-old veteran actor known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, was fatally stabbed at his home in Tarzana, California. He was discovered in the front yard of his residence at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday with multiple stab wounds to the chest and was pronounced unconscious at the scene.

Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy's girlfriend, was arrested and charged on suspicion of murder. Bail was set at 2 million dollars. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Gledhill called 911 and said: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." When officers arrived, Gledhill told them he was "the one they were looking for."

"The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim's girlfriend," the police statement said.

Handy's acting career began in 1977 on the television series Ryan's Hope. Born in New York City, he accumulated credits across numerous film and television productions over multiple decades. Beyond his recent high-profile work in Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022, Handy appeared in the 1995 adventure film Jumanji and the 2017 film Logan. His television work included appearances on Law and Order, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Criminal Minds, as well as roles in K-911 and other series.

Top Gun: Maverick became one of the highest-grossing films of 2022, introducing Handy's work to broad audiences. However, his career was primarily built on character roles rather than leading parts, making him a familiar face across multiple genres and formats in the entertainment industry.

The investigation into the stabbing remains active with the Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.

News of Handy's death prompted tributes from colleagues and fans across social media, reflecting on his long career in film and television. The incident adds another tragedy to the entertainment industry, which continues to process the loss of veteran performers.

Handy's passing marks the end of a career that spanned nearly five decades of consistent work in Hollywood. His contributions to both major studio productions and television programming demonstrated the breadth of his experience as a character actor. The case against Gledhill continues through the Los Angeles court system as authorities finalize their investigation.

The Cleveland Browns have traded star edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for linebacker Jared Verse and three draft selections. The blockbuster deal reshapes both franchises' defensive outlooks heading into the upcoming season.

Garrett, 30, is a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Since the Browns drafted him first overall in 2017, he has compiled 125.5 sacks, 413 pressures, and 149 tackles for loss, leading the league in all three categories during that span. In 2025, he set the single-season sacks record with 23 despite playing for a struggling Cleveland team that finished 5-12 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Garrett had requested a trade in 2024 after the Browns went 3-14, expressing his desire to play for a championship-contending team. A month later, the franchise signed him to a four-year, $160 million extension averaging $40 million annually with $122.8 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history at that time.

The lingering frustration over the organization's direction ultimately led to the trade. General Manager Andrew Berry said the team faced a critical decision about holding onto an elite player or making moves beneficial for the long-term future. "As discussions intensified we were stuck at a legitimate crossroads: do we hold on to a truly generational player who has become the identity of our team, or do we make the difficult decision that we think is best for the organization over the long run?" Berry stated after announcing the deal.

The contract was restructured to facilitate the trade, with option payments deferred into the 2026-28 seasons. A payment due March 28 was pushed to near the start of the regular season.

Cleveland receives Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round selection, and a 2029 third-round pick. Verse, 25, was the Rams' first-round choice in 2024 and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The standout pass rusher made the Pro Bowl this past season with 12 career sacks and 22 tackles for loss.

The Rams, who lost to eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle in last season's NFC championship game, have a history of pursuing high-impact trades. In 2021, they acquired Matthew Stafford from Detroit, and he led them to a Super Bowl victory in his debut season. That championship game was played at home in Los Angeles, and Super Bowl LXI will also take place at SoFi Stadium next February.

Garrett's arrival marks a significant defensive upgrade for Los Angeles and reunites him with quarterback Matthew Stafford, who won the AP NFL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards last season.

S&P has decided against changing its benchmark index rules to permit SpaceX early entry after the company goes public. The decision affects how quickly the rocket manufacturer would be added to major investment portfolios that track the index.

The ruling applies not only to SpaceX but to other large initial public offerings seeking expedited inclusion in S&P indexes. Standard protocols typically require companies to meet specific criteria around profitability, market capitalization, and trading history before index inclusion.

Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services Secretary under President Biden, has advanced to November's general election for California governor. The Democrat previously served as California's attorney general before joining the Biden administration.

Under California's top-two primary system, Becerra will face one other candidate in the general election. Voters are selecting a successor to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Prosecutors have confirmed that Zeynab Javadli is in custody. Javadli, who was previously married to a nephew of Dubai's ruler, had not communicated with any friends since earlier in the week, raising concern among her contacts. The case has drawn attention due to Javadli's connection to Dubai's ruling family through her former marriage.

Founders Fund has launched a game show showcasing prominent technology executives and entrepreneurs. The debut episode featured Sam Altman and Palmer Luckey, with the venture capital firm's chief marketing officer Mike Solana serving as moderator.

The series represents a marketing venture by the Silicon Valley-based Founders Fund, bringing together well-known figures from the tech industry in an entertainment format.