Two U.S. Troops Killed, One Missing After Iranian Attack on U.S. Forces in Jordan
Two U.S. service members were killed and one remains missing after Iran launched ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military positions in Jordan, marking the first American combat deaths in the region since an April truce collapsed.Two U.S. service members were killed and one remains missing after Iranian forces launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on U.S. military positions in Jordan, U.S. Central Command confirmed. The deaths are the first U.S. combat fatalities in the region since an early April cease-fire broke down. The attack occurred as the second week of renewed U.S. strikes on Iran began, with both sides escalating the scope and intensity of their operations. Fighting has expanded to include the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and reports indicate that water facilities and other civilian infrastructure have come under fire from both sides. Iran has also targeted U.S. military facilities across the broader Gulf region. The renewed conflict follows the collapse of an April truce that had temporarily halted several weeks of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply, and sustained fighting in that corridor has direct implications for global energy prices. A separately leaked Iranian internal report, prepared for the country's president, describes record levels of public anger inside Iran over food prices and corruption, suggesting the regime is managing simultaneous external military pressure and internal discontent. American readers should note that the conflict now involves confirmed U.S. casualties, active operations in a strategically vital shipping lane, and strikes on infrastructure across multiple countries in the region.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Kill at Least Eight Inside Russia, Hitting Warehouses Near Moscow
Ukrainian drone strikes hit retail warehouse facilities near Moscow and in the Tambov region, killing at least eight people and wounding more than 60. Ukraine described the targeted sites as logistics facilities supplying sanctioned components.Ukrainian drone strikes targeted warehouse facilities near Moscow and in Russia's Tambov region, killing at least eight people and wounding more than 60, according to Russian and Ukrainian sources — though figures varied slightly between accounts, with some reporting nine killed. The targeted sites included facilities operated by Russian online retailer Wildberries. Ukraine's leadership described the targets as major logistics facilities supplying sanctioned components used in the war effort. The strikes are part of Ukraine's sustained aerial campaign aimed at energy infrastructure and military-support targets inside Russia, a strategy Kyiv says is intended to undermine Moscow's ability to sustain its invasion and to make Russian civilians feel the consequences of the war. The conflict is now in its fifth year. The strikes on commercial warehouses near Moscow mark a continuation of Ukraine's effort to extend pressure beyond traditional military targets and into the Russian economic and logistics base.
Protests Spread Across Ukraine After President Removes Popular Defense Minister
Thousands of Ukrainians have taken to the streets for a second consecutive day to protest the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with demonstrators also directing anger at the military's chief of staff. Ukrainian soldiers have separately voiced criticism of the decision.Thousands of Ukrainians demonstrated for a second consecutive day in major cities following President Volodymyr Zelensky's abrupt dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a figure widely regarded as one of the country's most innovative military officials. Protesters gathered outside government buildings, and demonstrators have increasingly directed criticism not only at the president's decision but also at Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi, whom Fedorov is reported to have clashed with over military strategy and approach. Ukrainian soldiers speaking to journalists also voiced criticism of the removal, an unusual public expression of dissent from within the military. Fedorov was credited with Ukraine's use of drone technology, digital warfare tools, and innovative logistics during the conflict with Russia. Zelensky has not publicly explained the reasons for the dismissal in detail. The removal came at a moment when observers said Ukraine appeared to be gaining advantages in several areas of the conflict. Separately, Zelensky is also working to repair a diplomatic rift with Poland, a key neighboring ally. The episode has drawn attention to questions about decision-making within Ukraine's wartime leadership at a sensitive stage of the conflict.
Taylor Farms Recalls Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Across 27 States Over Cyclospora Contamination
Taylor Farms has recalled shredded iceberg lettuce distributed across 27 states, including product shipped as recently as Thursday, after federal investigators linked the lettuce to a growing cyclospora outbreak. The implicated products were sold under several brand names and were also supplied to Taco Bell locations.Taylor Farms has issued a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce across 27 states after federal and state investigators linked the product to a rising number of cyclospora infections in the United States. The recalled lettuce was distributed under several brand names and reached consumers as recently as Thursday. Federal officials working with Michigan health investigators traced the outbreak to iceberg lettuce, which may have also been distributed to additional food-service vendors beyond those currently identified. Taco Bell was confirmed as one recipient of the implicated supply. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness, typically producing symptoms including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue that can last weeks if untreated. Health officials noted the U.S. is likely to see at least two more weeks of potential cases, because infections may occur in people who were exposed before the recall was initiated. Consumers who purchased shredded iceberg lettuce in the affected states or who ate at locations supplied by Taylor Farms are encouraged to check current recall notices for specific brand names and to consult a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms.
First Death Reported in Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side
New York City health officials have reported the first death linked to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side, which has infected at least 67 people and hospitalized dozens. Investigators have not yet identified the source.New York City health officials have confirmed the first fatality connected to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak centered on Manhattan's Upper East Side. At least 67 people have been infected and dozens hospitalized, according to city Health Department data. Investigators are still working to identify the source of the bacteria, which typically spreads through water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, or large plumbing systems, not through person-to-person contact. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria and poses the greatest risk to older adults, people who smoke, and those with weakened immune systems. Residents of the Upper East Side and anyone who visited the area who develop symptoms including cough, fever, shortness of breath, or muscle aches are advised to contact a healthcare provider.
FDA Approves New Oral Cholesterol-Lowering Drug That Outperforms Statins in Trials
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new pill that lowers cholesterol to levels significantly below what statins can achieve, according to clinical trial results. The drug offers an oral alternative for patients with high cardiovascular risk.The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new oral medication for lowering cholesterol, with clinical trial data showing it can reduce levels significantly further than statins, the current standard treatment. Statins are taken by tens of millions of Americans and are effective at reducing LDL cholesterol, but some patients cannot tolerate them or do not achieve adequate reduction. The newly approved pill represents a different mechanism of action and achieved cholesterol reductions in trials that went well below typical statin thresholds. The approval is expected to be significant for patients at high cardiovascular risk who have not responded adequately to existing therapies. Pricing and insurance coverage details were not available in the source material reviewed.
New Blood Test Can Predict Alzheimer's-Related Cognitive Decline Years Before Symptoms Appear
A blood test measuring a protein called p-tau217 identified symptom-free adults at high risk of cognitive decline up to ten years before expected onset, predicting a 78% likelihood of decline in those with very high biomarker levels, according to research findings.Researchers have developed a blood test using a biomarker called p-tau217 that can predict the likelihood of Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline in people who show no symptoms, potentially five to ten years before onset. In the study, adults with very high levels of the biomarker had a 78% predicted probability of developing cognitive decline within that window. The test could allow earlier intervention and potentially expand the pool of patients who qualify for emerging Alzheimer's treatments, which tend to be more effective when administered before significant brain damage occurs. Widespread clinical use would require further validation, regulatory review, and questions of accessibility and cost to be addressed. The development adds to a growing set of blood-based tools being investigated for early Alzheimer's detection, an area of active research given the limitations of current diagnostic methods.
Ebola Response in Congo Constrained by Attacks on Health Workers and Facilities
More than 12 attacks on Ebola treatment centers and response teams have been recorded in Congo, with health officials reporting that safety concerns are significantly limiting the outbreak response. Many attacks have involved crowds storming treatment facilities.Efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo are being hampered by repeated attacks on health workers and treatment facilities, the outbreak's incident manager said at a press briefing. More than 12 attacks have been recorded, many carried out by groups who have stormed treatment centers or targeted response teams working in the field. Health officials said the violence is creating significant safety constraints on the response operation. Ebola outbreaks require rapid containment through contact tracing, isolation, and vaccination of exposed individuals — activities that become much more difficult when response teams cannot safely access affected communities. While this outbreak is in central Africa, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control maintains monitoring protocols for Ebola given its historical potential for international spread, and the World Health Organization coordinates with U.S. public health agencies on containment efforts.
Federal Government Ends Automatic Protections for Newly Listed Threatened Species
The U.S. government has eliminated the automatic legal protections that previously took effect when a species was added to the threatened species list, requiring instead that individualized protection plans be developed for each species before protections apply.The federal government has ended the longstanding policy of automatically extending legal protections to animals newly listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Under the previous framework, a species added to the threatened list received the same core protections as endangered species immediately upon listing. Under the new policy, each newly listed threatened species will require its own individualized protection plan before those safeguards take effect. Critics and conservation advocates have warned the change could leave vulnerable species exposed to habitat destruction or other harms during the period between listing and plan development, potentially accelerating the decline of some populations toward extinction. The Endangered Species Act, passed in 1973, currently protects over 1,600 species in the United States. The policy change affects the implementation of the law without requiring Congressional action.
Pentagon Orders Annual Testosterone Screening for Active-Duty Troops; Medical Community Raises Questions About Evidence
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered annual testosterone-deficiency screening for all active-duty service members. Medical professionals have publicly questioned whether the scientific evidence supports the policy.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to implement mandatory annual testosterone-deficiency screening for active-duty military personnel. The order applies across the services. Medical professionals, including doctors who specialize in endocrinology and military medicine, have raised questions about whether the existing scientific evidence supports population-wide screening of this kind, noting that routine screening of asymptomatic individuals for testosterone deficiency is not standard practice in civilian medicine and lacks robust evidence of benefit. The Pentagon has not publicly detailed the clinical rationale for the screening protocol or how results will be used in personnel decisions.
Wildfire Smoke from Canada Blankets U.S. Northeast and Midwest; Flash Flood Warnings Also Issued
Smoke from nearly 200 active wildfires in Ontario, Canada, blanketed large portions of the U.S. Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast for multiple days, affecting roughly 109 million people. Thunderstorms brought flash flood warnings to the Northeast on Saturday, while President Trump threatened new tariffs on Canada over the fires.Smoke from ongoing wildfires in Ontario, Canada, spread across the U.S. Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast for several days, exposing an estimated 109 million Americans to unhealthy or hazardous air quality. Nearly 200 fires continued to burn in Ontario as of Saturday, prompting rescues and evacuations within Canada and sending smoke drifting across the border. Air quality warnings remained in effect Saturday across wide portions of the country, though meteorologists indicated thunderstorms in the Northeast were expected to begin clearing smoke from that region. Those same storms brought flash flood warnings to parts of the Northeast on Saturday, delivering a combination of poor air and severe weather simultaneously to densely populated areas. Air quality was improving in the Northeast by Saturday afternoon but remained a concern in parts of the Midwest. President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada in connection with the fires, characterizing the smoke as unacceptable. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded that both countries share responsibility for addressing climate change, which scientists say is worsening wildfire conditions. A Canadian Senate report has separately found that the country's prevention efforts have not kept pace with the growing wildfire threat. Residents in affected areas were advised to limit time outdoors, keep windows closed, and use air filtration where possible.
Texas Hill Country's New Flood Warning Systems Performed During Recent Storms, a Year After Deadly Floods
Flood warning systems installed in Texas Hill Country following last summer's deadly floods were activated during recent storms, with residents reporting that newly installed sirens and emergency alerts functioned as intended — an improvement over conditions a year ago.New flood warning infrastructure installed across Texas Hill Country was put to the test during recent storms, and residents in previously hard-hit areas reported a meaningful improvement over the conditions they faced during last summer's deadly floods. Newly installed sirens activated in the early morning hours, and mobile phone alerts reached residents in areas where no such warnings were sent during last year's disaster. Last summer's floods killed multiple people in the region, prompting state and local officials to invest in upgraded warning systems including river gauges, sirens, and improved forecasting tools. Officials and residents said the systems performed as intended during the recent storms, though the floods themselves still caused damage. The episode is being viewed as a partial validation of the infrastructure investments made in the aftermath of the previous disaster, and may inform how other flood-prone regions approach early warning preparedness.
British Runner Josh Kerr Breaks 27-Year Men's Mile World Record in London
Great Britain's Josh Kerr broke the men's mile world record at the London Diamond League on Saturday, surpassing a mark that had stood for 27 years. Kerr had announced his intention to break the record months in advance.British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr set a new world record in the men's mile at the London Diamond League on Saturday, breaking a mark that had stood for 27 years. Kerr had publicly stated his intention to attempt the record months before the race, and executed the plan in front of a home crowd. The previous record had been one of track and field's most durable marks. The performance adds to a period of strong form for Kerr, who has emerged as one of the world's top middle-distance runners in recent years.
Sam Burns Leads British Open Heading Into Final Round at Royal Birkdale
American golfer Sam Burns holds the lead heading into Sunday's final round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, following a third round marked by a rules controversy involving Bryson DeChambeau, who received a two-stroke penalty and drew public criticism from Rory McIlroy.Sam Burns, a first-time major champion contender, leads The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale heading into Sunday's final round. Burns's position at the top of the leaderboard came on a day overshadowed by a significant rules dispute involving Bryson DeChambeau, who was assessed a two-stroke penalty during his round. The penalty and DeChambeau's conduct in response drew pointed public criticism from fellow competitor Rory McIlroy, who described the behavior as performative and said the penalty was justified. DeChambeau played to large galleries throughout the day. Several other players remain within striking distance of Burns entering the final round, setting up what is expected to be a competitive conclusion to the tournament.
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Drug Overdose Deaths Declining Nationally But Rising in Arizona, Analysis Shows
A data analysis finds that while overdose deaths have declined nationally, Arizona has seen an increase, making it an outlier. The pattern reflects a geographic shift in the epicenter of the overdose epidemic.National drug overdose death rates have declined in recent years, but Arizona is bucking that trend with rising fatalities, according to a data analysis. The finding reflects what researchers describe as a westward shift in the geographic center of the overdose epidemic, which has historically been concentrated in Appalachian and northeastern states. Arizona's increase occurs even as the broader national picture has improved, suggesting that the factors driving overdose deaths — including drug supply changes, treatment access, and harm reduction infrastructure — are playing out differently across regions. The pattern has potential implications for federal and state resource allocation, treatment policy, and how public health agencies target overdose prevention efforts.
Memphis Community Rallies After Four Residents Killed in Federal Task Force Operations Over Two Months
More than a thousand people gathered in Memphis following four fatal shootings carried out by members of a federal task force over the past two months. The events have become a focal point in a Congressional race and raised questions about federal law enforcement operations in the city.More than a thousand people gathered at a church in Memphis's Hickory Hill neighborhood following four fatal shootings attributed to members of a federally operated task force over the preceding two months. The rally was connected to a Congressional campaign and drew attention from national political figures. The events have raised public questions about the oversight and conduct of federal law enforcement task force operations in Memphis. Four people were killed in separate incidents over a two-month period, all attributed to task force members. The concentration of fatal force incidents in a short timeframe has prompted calls for accountability and has become a significant issue in local political organizing.