Latest News

See the latest news and get GPT analysis of articles

Senators blast health and law enforcement officials over illegal e-cigarettes used by teens None - Senators criticized top federal officials over the rise of illegal electronic cigarettes in the U.S., a multibillion-dollar business that has flourished in recent years WASHINGTON -- Senators on Wednesday blasted top health and law enforcement officials for not doing more to combat the rise of illegal electronic cigarettes in the U.S., a multibillion-dollar business that has flourished amid haphazard enforcement. Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee expressed frustration and exasperation while questioning officials from the Food and Drug Administration and Justice Department about attempts to stay on top of the vaping industry, which has grown to include thousands of flavored, unauthorized e-cigarettes originating in China. Those products, including brands like Elf Bar, have become the most popular choice among American teens who vape. “I simply do not understand how FDA and DOJ have permitted thousands of products to remain on store shelves when their manufacturers have not received authorization, or, in some cases, even filed an application,” said the committee's chairman, Dick Durbin. The Illinois Democrat displayed a photo of a shelf stocked with brightly colored e-cigarettes, including ones in dragon fruit and watermelon bubblegum flavors, which he said a Senate staffer took at a vape shop near the FDA's Maryland campus. “These illegal products, clearly designed for children by their flavors, are being sold in the shadow of FDA’s building," Durbin said. "How is that allowed to happen?” FDA's tobacco chief, Brian King, said the agency has been slowed by a backlog of applications submitted by vape companies seeking U.S. approval, which regulators are legally required to review. “The sheer volume of this product landscape requires that we take the time to conduct scientifically and legally defensible reviews of the 27 million applications,” King said. The FDA has OK’d a handful of e-cigarettes as alternatives for adult smokers. All other products on the market, including major sellers like Juul, are pending review or considered illegal by regulators. An industry lobbyist told the committee that the FDA has created an untenable marketplace by rejecting more than 99% of applications submitted by companies. Lawmakers also heard from a high school senior who said she became addicted to nicotine after trying a “blueberry ice” vape in ninth grade. “I thought I was just enjoying the flavors but soon my 14-year-old brain craved the nicotine more and more,” said Josie Shapiro of Seattle. “I’ve tried to quit vaping over and over again, but it’s really, really hard.” The FDA and DOJ have legally barred about a half-dozen vaping companies for selling products that can appeal to youngsters, but many more manufacturers continue launching new products, primarily disposable vapes that can’t be refilled and are thrown in the trash. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Arun Rao told senators that regulators at the Justice Department and other agencies have signaled that the vaping issue “is a priority across the executive branch.” “I'm against signals,” Durbin said. “Do something!” On Monday, the FDA and DOJ announced a new government task force, which will include the U.S. Postal Service and other agencies, to try and tackle the problem. That step was recommended in 2022 by an outside panel that reviewed longstanding complaints about the FDA’s tobacco program. Republican Senator Thom Tillis called the timing of the announcement “a political stunt,” and criticized the absence of other federal agencies from the initiative, including Customs and Border Protection. “If the timing of the task force formation wasn’t evidence of how unserious the FDA is about tackling the flood of illicit e-cigarettes, FDA’s exclusion of CBP from the task force makes it crystal clear,” said Tillis, who represents North Carolina, the nation's leading tobacco producer. He urged officials to concentrate enforcement on Chinese brands, rather than large domestic manufacturers like Reynolds American. The FDA can conduct investigations and recommend cases, but only the Justice Department can bring lawsuits. Federal prosecutors may decline to pursue cases for any number of reasons, including competing priorities, weaknesses in the case or the potential repercussions of losing in court. Using its own authorities, the FDA has sent hundreds of warning letters to vape shops and e-cigarette manufacturers in recent years. But the letters have done little to dissuade companies from flouting FDA rules and introducing new vapes. Industry analysts estimate disposable vapes make up 30% to 40% of the roughly $7 billion-dollar vaping market. The two best-selling disposables — Breeze and Elf Bar — generated more than $500 million in sales last year, according to Nielsen retail sales data analyzed by Goldman Sachs. Both brands have been sanctioned by FDA regulators but remain widely available, in some cases with new names, logos and flavors. More than half of the 2.8 million U.S. teens and adolescents who vaped last year said they used Elf Bar. King noted that products like Elf Bar cannot legally be sold in China because the government there has banned non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes. “You can’t sell them in China but you can sell them in the United States?” Sen. John Cornyn of Texas responded. The Republican vowed to introduce legislation addressing what he called “an outrageous and unacceptable status quo.” Overall, teen vaping has fallen 60% since its all-time high in 2019, following the COVID-19 pandemic and new age restrictions and flavor bans on e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Oracle, Casey's General Stores rise; Vera Bradley, PetMed fall, Wednesday, 6/12/2024 None - Stocks that traded heavily or had substantial price changes on Wednesday: Oracle, Casey’s General Stores rise; Vera Bradley, PetMed fall The Associated Press By The Associated Press NEW YORK -- Stocks that traded heavily or had substantial price changes on Wednesday: Paramount Global, up 8 cents to $11.12. National Amusements ended talks on a possible merger of the film and television company with Skydance Media. Vera Bradley Inc., down $1.33 to $6.42. The handbag and accessories company's first-quarter financial results fell short of Wall Street forecasts. Casey’s General Stores Inc., up $54.60 to $381.13. The convenience store chain beat Wall Street's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts. PetMed Express Inc., down 54 cents to $4.17. The pet pharmacy company reported a bigger fiscal fourth-quarter loss than analysts expected. Autodesk Inc., up $11.52 to $223.02. The design software company beat analysts' first-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts. Avidity Biosciences Inc., up $9.44 to $38.36. The biopharmaceutical company gave investors an encouraging update on the development of a potential treatment for a rare muscle disease. Oracle Corp., up $16.50 to $140.38. The company gave investors an encouraging earnings forecast for its current quarter. Freeport-McMoRan Inc., down 14 cents to $49.20. The copper miner slipped after an initial jump in prices for the base metal softened.

Southwest Airlines CEO says he won't resign. A hedge fund is trying to get him fired None - The CEO of Southwest Airlines says he is not resigning in the face of pressure from a hedge fund that wants him fired Southwest Airlines CEO says he won't resign. A hedge fund is trying to get him fired DALLAS -- The CEO of Southwest Airlines said Wednesday he will not resign in the face of pressure from a hedge fund that wants him fired and that his leadership team will produce its own plan to boost the airline's financial performance. CEO Robert Jordan said Southwest will present its plan in September. He declined to give specifics, but again hinted that it could include changes in the airline’s longstanding boarding and seating policies. Elliott Investment Management notified Southwest’s board Monday that it bought a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based company and is seeking to replace Jordan and Gary Kelly, the airline’s chairman and former CEO, with executives from outside the company. Elliott accused Southwest leadership of failing to change with evolving customer tastes, causing it to lag behind rivals. The hedge fund noted that Southwest’s share price has fallen more than 50% over the past three years. Another investment manager, Artisan Partners, said Wednesday that it has raised the same issues with Southwest, and it urged the airline's board of directors to “upgrade the company's leadership.” Speaking to reporters after a Politico event in Washington, Jordan said, “I have no plans to resign" and that Southwest will treat Elliott “like any other investor.” “Elliott can provide us ideas. They can talk to other shareholders, but Elliott is not directing the company,” he said. Jordan said Southwest is investing in better technology — critics blamed outdated systems for contributing to massive flight cancellations in December 2022. He said the airline is also improving the customer experience with better WiFi, larger bins for carry-on bags, and more power outlets. Southwest is also considering changes to its cabin and seating, such as whether to sell some seats with extra legroom, Jordan said. “We've got an investor day in September, and I'm eager to lay out a very broad plan for how we improve the company both from a customer perspective but from a financial perspective,” Jordan said. He added that an Elliott presentation aimed at Southwest shareholders was “fairly light” on ideas. Elliott, whose stake in Southwest is estimated by analysts to be around 11%, declined to comment on the CEO's remarks. Artisan Partners, which holds 1.8% of Southwest stock, according to FactSet, said Wednesday that it has made the same points as Elliott about the need for “dramatic change” to Kelly, the airline's chairman, in the past several months. Two Artisan executives said in a letter to Southwest’s board that they were writing “to urge the board to reconstitute itself and upgrade the company's leadership. ... We believe this process needs to commence immediately.”

Edmunds: Best hybrid sedans for under $35,000 None - More than ever, buying a hybrid vehicle makes a lot of sense. The latest models are just as powerful — in some cases, more powerful — as related gas-only models and have such small price premiums that it’s easy to start saving money while reducing your vehicle-based carbon emissions. But what to choose, especially when you’re on a tight budget? Consider a hybrid sedan. Compared to an SUV, they typically get better mileage and have a lower starting price. Edmunds’ experts highlight six of the top new hybrid sedans on sale today for under $35,000. They are ordered below by price including the destination charge. Looking for great value? The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid has the lowest price tag in this category while also piling on a five-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota and Honda can’t beat that. This hybrid version of Hyundai’s small sedan also boasts up to an EPA-estimated 54 mpg combined and comes nicely equipped with many helpful technology features. The main drawback is a lack of power: The 139-horsepower hybrid engine makes passing or accelerating up to highway speeds a bit belabored. Base starting price: $27,400 The 2024 Toyota Prius is Edmunds’ top-rated hybrid sedan for good reason. Easily identified by its sleek new profile, the latest Prius gets up to an EPA-estimated 57 mpg combined. It’s also a lot more powerful than the Elantra Hybrid — it makes up to 196 horsepower — and can be equipped with all-wheel drive to help enhance traction in wintery weather conditions. The Prius has a hatchback-style trunk that makes loading cargo easy. However, the actual cargo area is a little small, and the Prius’ rear seat isn’t as roomy as the Elantra’s. Base starting price: $29,045 Numerically tied on Edmunds’ list of best hybrid sedans is the 2025 Toyota Camry. The Camry is fully redesigned this year and comes with a hybrid powertrain as standard. That means every Camry is now a Camry hybrid. It gets up to 52 mpg and still has all of the qualities you expect of a Camry, including roomy seating and a no-nonsense driving demeanor. All-wheel drive is available too. Some drivers might find seat comfort a bit lacking, but overall the Camry is an excellent choice. Base starting price: $29,495 Spacious and sleek, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is refreshed for this model year. Hyundai bestowed its midsize sedan with a full-width headlight bar that gives the Sonata Hybrid a stylish look. Under the hood is a hybrid powertrain that gets up to 47 mpg combined. All-wheel drive isn’t available, however, and acceleration isn’t quite as snappy as the Camry’s. Inside, you’ll find a big center touchscreen that’s easy to use along with many standard features. And as with the Elantra, the Sonata is backed by a long warranty. Base starting price: $31,950 The 2024 Honda Accord is a jack-of-all-trades sedan that is as at home ferrying kids to soccer practice as it is transporting a single professional around town. Ever since the Accord’s last redesign, Honda has made the hybrid powertrain standard on the Accord’s more expensive trim levels. That results in a higher starting price than the Camry or Sonata, though you do get a well-equipped Accord in the process. EPA-estimated fuel economy is up to 48 mpg combined, and the Accord is the quickest-accelerating hybrid sedan on our list. All-wheel drive isn’t available. Base starting price: $33,990 Hold the phone, because Honda is making a hybrid powertrain available in the 2025 Civic. It will come with the same hybrid powertrain as the Accord and will get up to 50 mpg combined. You’ll also be able to get the hybrid in the Civic sedan or the Civic hatchback. But similar to the Accord, Honda will only equip the Civic’s top trim levels with the hybrid. The 2025 Civic should be arriving at dealerships this month. Base starting price: $29,845 Each of these sedans gets excellent fuel efficiency and comes well equipped with features. The Prius continues to be the best choice for maximum mpg, but the other cars aren’t far behind and offer more interior space. ____________ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Kristin Shaw is a contributor at Edmunds.

Stock market today: Wall Street climbs on hopes for coming cuts to interest rates None - U.S. stocks rose following a surprisingly encouraging update on inflation and a reassurance that the Federal Reserve still sees a cut to interest rates as likely this year NEW YORK -- U.S. stocks climbed Wednesday following a surprisingly encouraging update on inflation and a reassurance that the Federal Reserve still sees a cut to interest rates as likely this year. The S & P 500 added 0.9% to its all-time high set a day earlier. The Nasdaq composite also built on its own record and jumped 1.5%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged the market with a dip of 35 points, or 0.1%. The action was even stronger in the bond market, where Treasury yields dropped after the inflation report showed U.S. consumers paid prices that were 3.3% higher for food, insurance and everything else last month from a year earlier. Economists had been expecting to see the inflation rate stuck at 3.4%. For Wall Street, a slowdown in inflation not only helps U.S. households struggling to keep up with fast-rising prices, it also opens the door for the Federal Reserve to cut its main interest rate. Such a move would ease pressure on the economy and give a boost to investment prices. Everything from bitcoin to gold to copper rallied after the inflation data raised expectations for coming cuts to interest rates. A measure of nervousness among investors in U.S. stocks also eased. For its part, the Federal Reserve kept its main interest rate steady on Wednesday following its latest policy meeting. Policymakers welcomed the latest update on inflation, but “we’ll need to see more good data to bolster our confidence,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said. He repeated the Fed’s mantra that it needs an accumulation of data showing inflation is sustainably heading toward its 2% target before it lowers the federal funds rate, which is at the highest level in more than two decades. “We’ll have to see where the data lights the way,” he said, reiterating the Fed’s commitment to moving based on where incoming reports steer it. The Fed is in a tight spot with a lot on the line. Cutting interest rates too soon or by too much could allow inflation to reaccelerate, while waiting too long would put unnecessary pain on the economy. “It’s a consequential decision for the economy, and you want to get it right,” Powell said. The Fed indicated Wednesday that most of its policymakers are forecasting one or two cuts to interest rates at some point this year. They also raised their forecasts for the number of cuts in 2025. Fed officials trimmed their forecast for the number of cuts in 2024 down from a median of three after progress seemed to stall early this year on bringing inflation lower. Such a fall-off was widely expected, and traders are still largely betting on the first of potentially two cuts to rates in 2024 coming in September, according to data from CME Group. That had areas of the stock market that tend to benefit most from lower interest rates doing the best. Smaller companies that need to borrow to grow and can therefore feel the pinch of higher interest rates more than larger rivals led the market. The smaller stocks in the Russell 2000 index jumped 1.6%. Lower interest rates could also mean easier mortgage rates and inject energy into the housing market. Homebuilder D.R. Horton climbed 3%. Builders FirstSource, which sells vinyl windows, custom millwork and other building materials, jumped 5.3%. Oracle helped lead Wall Street higher with a leap of 13.3% even though it reported weaker profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Financial analysts pointed to strong bookings, including contracts related to artificial-intelligence training. A furor around AI has helped send stocks to records despite worries about high interest rates and the slowdown in the economy that they induce. Nvidia again was the strongest force pushing the S & P 500 higher, with a gain of 3.5%. The chip company has become the poster child of the AI rush, and its total market value has topped $3 trillion. Apple was nearly as strong a force pushing up on the S & P 500 as Nvidia after rising 2.9%. Its stock has been jumping the last two days after getting a cool initial reception to the announcement of several AI-related offerings coming to its operating systems. All told, the S & P 500 rose 45.71 points to 5,421.03. The Nasdaq gained 264.89 to 17,608.44, and the Dow dipped 35.21 to 38,712.21. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.32% from 4.40% late Tuesday and from 4.60% a couple weeks ago. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, slumped to 4.75% from 4.83% late Tuesday. Yields had been down even more earlier in the day. In stock markets abroad, European indexes rallied following the release of the encouraging U.S. inflation data. In Asia, where markets closed before the data came out, indexes were mixed. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index lost 0.7% as investors wait for the Bank of Japan’s latest announcement on interest rates due Friday. ___ AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

Europe wants affordable electric vehicles from China. But not at the cost of its own auto industry None - The European Union is moving to hike tariffs on electric vehicles made in China Europe wants affordable electric vehicles from China. But not at the cost of its own auto industry FRANKFURT, Germany -- The European Union moved Wednesday to hike tariffs, or import taxes, on electric vehicles made in China. EVs are the latest flash point in a broader trade dispute over Chinese government subsidies and the Asian nation's burgeoning exports of green technology to the 27-nation bloc. Here are some basic facts about the EU's planned tariffs: The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said the preliminary results of its ongoing investigation into Chinese EV subsidies show that the country's battery electric vehicle “value chain” benefits from "unfair subsidization" that hurts EU rivals. It plans to impose provisional tariffs of up to 38.1% on electric vehicles shipped from China. That's on top of the 10% duties for all imported EVs. The commission took aim at three of the biggest Chinese EV players in Europe, saying it would impose extra duties of 17.4% on electric cars from BYD, 20% on those from Geely and 38.1% for vehicles exported by China's state-owned SAIC. Geely owns a stable of popular brands, including Polestar, British sports car maker Lotus and Sweden's Volvo, while SAIC owns Britain's MG, one of Europe's bestselling EV brands. Other EV manufacturers in China would be subject to duties of at least 21%. The commission said it has reached out to Chinese authorities to "explore possible ways to resolve the issues" but if those discussions don't result in an effective solution, the duties will take effect on July 4. The value of battery-powered cars imported to Europe skyrocketed from $1.6 billion in 2020 to $11.5 billion last year, according to research firm Rhodium Group. Most of the imports are from Western automakers with factories in China, including Tesla and BMW. But EU officials complain Chinese's homegrown automakers are poised to gobble up market share by undercutting European car brands on price thanks to Beijing’s massive subsidies. EU officials fear unfairly subsidized imports will hurt Europe's manufacturers and the continent's green tech industries. European countries subsidize electric cars, too. The question in trade disputes is whether subsidies are fair and available to all carmakers or distort the market in favor of one side. The planned tariffs are aimed at leveling the playing field by approximating the size of the excess or unfair subsidies available to Chinese carmakers. The commission didn't single out Western auto brands, but mentioned that Tesla might get an “individually calculated” rate if duties are definitively imposed. The Biden administration is raising tariffs on Chinese EVs to 100% from the current 25% The U.S. currently imports very few Chinese cars, but like the European Commission, the administration worries that subsidies hurt domestic companies and cost jobs. The U.S. tariffs block virtually all Chinese EV imports. In contrast, the European Union needs affordable electric cars from abroad to achieve its goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Chinese carmakers have learned to make electric vehicles cheaply amid ferocious price competition at home in the world's largest car market. BYD's Seal U Comfort model sells for the equivalent of 21,769 euros ($23,370) in China but 41,990 euros ($45,078) in Europe, according to Rhodium Group figures. The base model of BYD's compact Seagull, due to arrive in Europe next year, sells for the equivalent of around $10,000 in China. As long as a competitive business environment is fair, cheaper Chinese cars benefit consumers and push European carmakers to lower their prices and improve their offerings, according to Niclas Poitiers, a trade expert at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. “They are very cost-competitive and increase the pressure on other manufacturers that have been dragging their heels,” he said. It’s the unfair access to subsidies that Europe objects to. “An EU green policy that would lead to the demise of domestic manufacturers because of unfair competition would not be politically sustainable,” Poitiers said. In China's “market socialist” economy, state-owned companies play a leading role. The government also guides and supports privately owned companies to achieve Beijing's economic development goals. For EVs, that includes orders for government fleets, low-interest loans from state-owned banks, cheap land for factories from local governments, tax breaks, and subsidized raw materials and parts from state-owned industries. The various forms of financial help complicate the EU’s case because it’s difficult to gather data on some of the practices. The EU indicated it selected BYD, Geely and SAIC as a sample to calculate the duties. Other manufacturers in China that cooperated with the investigation but weren't sampled will face extra duties of 21%, while those that didn't cooperate will be hit with the 38.1% rate, the commission said. Chinese cars are likely to cost more, reducing pressure on European carmakers to keep their prices down. But Chinese companies are able to make cars so cheaply they might still be able to sell at a profit, even with duties as high as 30%. European carmakers that manufacture electric vehicles in China might wind up as collateral damage. They get some government support in China but less than their Chinese competitors. Five of BYD's six models would still earn a profit in Europe even at a 30% tariff, according to Rhodium Group calculations. Meanwhile a China-made Tesla Model 3 would sell at a loss. Duties at the 15-30% level could “wipe out the business model for foreign players such as BMW and Tesla, which are using China as a base for exporting to Europe,” the Rhodium Group said in a report. China is almost certain to retaliate and to pressure European officials to negotiate. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU warned that Beijing could raise duties on cars with engines larger than 2.5 liters, a move that could affect German luxury carmakers such as Volkswagen’s Porsche. Beijing lashed out after the European Commission unveiled its plans. The higher tariffs are “a naked act of protectionism, creating and escalating trade friction, and ‘destroying fair competition’ in the name of ‘safeguarding fair competition,’" the Commerce Ministry said. It urged the EU to “rectify its wrongdoings immediately” and said China would “resolutely take all necessary measures,” without elaborating. Yet the impact may be smaller than feared, according to analysts at research firm Sanford C. Bernstein. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen now make most of the cars they sell in China at factories there. Only 2% of Volkswagen’s China sales are imports and thus vulnerable to higher tariffs; it’s 15% for BMW and 19% for Mercedes-Benz. European cars at risk of getting slapped with Chinese tariffs tend to be luxury vehicles that bring juicy profits, like Mercedes' S-Class vehicles and BMW's X6 and X7. However, such cars cater to rich customers who might be inclined to pay higher prices “as long as their purchase behavior is not deemed to be unpatriotic,” the Bernstein analysts noted. Over the longer term, Chinese carmakers could avoid tariffs by making cars in Europe. BYD is building a plant in Hungary, while Chery has a joint venture to build cars in Spain's Catalonia region.

UK economy flatlined in April in a blow to governing Conservatives ahead of election None - The British economy failed to grow in April in a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who has made the return of growth a central pillar of the Conservative Party’s election campaign LONDON -- The British economy failed to grow in April, official figures showed Wednesday, in a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who has made the return of growth and a generally calmer economic backdrop a central pillar of the Conservative Party's election campaign. The Office for National Statistics said wet weather dampened consumer spending and construction during the month. The flat monthly reading came after a 0.6% increase during the first quarter of the year, which Sunak has made much of on the campaign trail following a period of muted growth. Though monthly figures are vulnerable to short-term factors, the flat reading is likely to be used by opponents of the Conservatives in the run-up to the election on July 4. While Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt insisted the “economy is turning a corner,” his opposite number in the Labour Party Rachel Reeves said the “economy has stalled.” The latest growth figures come a week before the next round of inflation data and the Bank of England makes its next interest rate decision. Hopes within the Conservative Party that the bank would lower its main interest rate from the 16-year high of 5.25% have diminished after inflation failed to fall as much as hoped in April. Though inflation is down at an annual rate of 2.3%, it remains slightly above the bank's target and is expected to tick up slightly in coming months. High interest rates — which cool the economy by making it more expensive to borrow — have helped ease inflation, but they’ve also weighed on the British economy. “A June interest rate cut looks improbable, with the Bank of England likely to be a little wary of shifting policy in the middle of a general election campaign," said Suren Thiru, economics director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. On Tuesday, Sunak pledged to cut taxes and reduce immigration in the Conservative Party's manifesto for government if reelected. Labour, which is ahead in opinion polls, is due to publish its manifesto on Thursday.

'Defund SCOTUS?': Senate turns up heat on Clarence Thomas grifting and Alito scandals None - IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Biden and Ukraine President Zelenskyy sign bilateral security agreement None - President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a bilateral security agreement to give Ukraine a $50 billion loan this year backed by frozen Russian assets. The money will go toward military aid, humanitarian support and reconstruction of the country. Biden said the goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities for the long term.June 13, 2024

Amanda Seyfried's playhouses teach kids mindfulness in her hometown None - Actor Amanda Seyfried left her hometown Allentown, Pa., years ago, to pursue her dream of becoming a movie star. Now she is giving back to her community by creating playhouses at schools there through her company, Make It Cute. Maya Eaglin talked to Seyfried about how her project is helping students find comfort and manage their emotions.June 13, 2024

Gamestop's annual shareholder meeting disrupted after 'unprecedented demand' causes tech issue None - Gamestop’s highly-anticipated shareholder meeting ran into a technical problem Thursday — resulting in many eager investors being unable to log on to the livestream NEW YORK -- NEW YORK (AP) — Gamestop's highly-anticipated shareholder meeting ran into a technical problem Thursday — resulting in many eager investors being unable to log on to the livestream. A spokesperson for Computershare, the company hosting the webcast, confirmed that “unprecedented demand" from shareholders looking to access the meeting led to a “technical issue” that prevented some from getting through. The meeting was then adjourned. “We’re really sorry that this happened and are working with our supplier to ensure that it does not happen again,” the spokesperson said in a statement sent to The Associated Press Thursday afternoon. The meeting was originally slated to begin at 11 a.m. ET. Around that time, those attempting to use the link found that it wouldn’t load or received an error message. According to social media accounts of those who appeared to make it on the call, Gamestop briefly cited “technical difficulties” before adjourning the meeting. It was not immediately clear when the event would be rescheduled. The Grapevine, Texas-based video game retailer did not immediately respond to request for comment Thursday. Despite the fumble, Gamestop's shares were still up for than 6% by Thursday afternoon. At the center of the meme stock craze, Gamestop saw a resurgence last month after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” returned online for the first time in three years. All eyes have been on whether Gamestop can make a comeback. Roaring Kitty recently took to YouTube on Friday, to tell his hordes of followers that he still believes GameStop’s management team can turn the struggling company around following a disappointing earnings report. There's a long way to go. Gamestop managed to narrow its losses in the first quarter, but its revenue fell as sales weakened for hardware and accessories, software and collectibles. GameStop also filed paperwork with securities regulators to sell up to 75 million shares of stock.

Mortgage rates ease for 2nd straight week; average rate on 30-year home loan at 6.95% None - Mortgage rates eased again this week, though the latest pullback leaves the average rate on a 30-year home loan at close to 7%, where it’s been much of this year LOS ANGELES -- Mortgage rates eased again this week, though the latest pullback leaves the average rate on a 30-year home loan at close to 7%, where it's been much of this year. The rate fell to 6.95% from 6.99% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.69%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also eased this week, lowering the average rate to 6.17% from 6.29% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.10%, Freddie Mac said. “Mortgage rates continued to fall back this week as incoming data suggests the economy is cooling to a more sustainable level of growth,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. Home loan rates are influenced by several factors, including how the bond market reacts to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy and the moves in the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. Yields have eased recently following some economic data showing slower growth. On Thursday, a report showed inflation at the wholesale level fell from April into May. That followed a surprisingly encouraging update on inflation at the consumer level a day earlier. Signs that the economy is cooling can drive inflation lower, which could persuade the Fed to lower its short-term interest rate from its highest level in more than two decades. Federal Reserve officials said Wednesday that inflation has fallen further toward their target level of 2% in recent months but signaled that they expect to cut their benchmark interest rate just once this year. That's down from their previous projection of three cuts. Until the Fed begins lowering its short-term rate, long-term mortgage rates are unlikely to ease significantly, economists say. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains near a two-decade high, adding hundreds of dollars a month in costs on a home loan, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing options. Elevated mortgage rates dampened home sales this spring homebuying season. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in March and April as home shoppers contended with rising borrowing costs and prices. The recent pullback in mortgage rates has spurred a pickup in home loan applications, which jumped nearly 16% last week from a week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. “A further decline in mortgage rates, coupled with reports of rising inventory levels in markets across the country, is good news for prospective homebuyers this summer,” said MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit.

Waymo recalls more than 600 self-driving vehicles for software, map updates after one strikes a pole None - Waymo is recalling more than 600 self-driving vehicles after one of them struck a telephone pole in Arizona Waymo recalls more than 600 self-driving vehicles for software, map updates after one strikes a pole Waymo is recalling more than 600 self-driving vehicles after one of them struck a telephone pole in Arizona. The recall includes 672 vehicles, which is the entire fleet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in its report that last month a driverless Waymo vehicle hit a wooden utility pole in Phoenix, Arizona while it was in an alleyway and trying to perform a low-speed pullover maneuver. There were no passengers, other road users, or injuries associated with the event, the report said. There was some damage to the Waymo vehicle. Waymo has completed a software update that improves the automated driving system's response to poles or pole-like permanent objects. It also provided a map update to include a hard road edge between the pole or pole-like object and the driveable surface.

At age 50, National History Day keeps pushing students to seek difficult truths through research None - Middle and high school students across the United States are taking ownership of their history educations through a nonprofit that encourages young people to rigorously examine the past COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- It wasn't your typical trifold poster board display. High school freshman Alexandra Bui constructed a jumbo mail-order catalog replica from wooden sheets — an inventive, oversized way to convey her research on the Sears catalog's impact on getting consumer goods to Black shoppers who faced in-store discrimination in the Jim Crow South. Bui, of Temple, Texas, is one of half a million young scholars taking part in this year's National History Day, a Maryland-based nonprofit's annual campaign that encourages students to take ownership of their history educations and rigorously examine the past. As the 2024 edition marks 50 years of championing evidence-based argumentation, participants say they find the work more relevant than ever. With students encountering toxic falsehoods online and some Republican-led states like Florida looking to limit historical analysis in the classroom, the competition wants to empower middle and high school students to dive deeper into topics of their own choosing. “We can do our research. We can talk to experts. And we can figure out the truth,” Bui told The Associated Press. This year’s theme of “Turning Points in History” asked students to explore ideas or events that sparked change. More than 2,800 finalists reached the national competition after months spent visiting libraries and poring over primary sources. Contestants lined University of Maryland hallways this week as they anxiously waited to present trifold exhibits, documentaries or even theatrical performances. They rehearsed lines or chatted with their peers, sometimes carrying props around campus and adjusting period-appropriate costumes. National winners will be announced Thursday, though all the students had already triumphed in several competitions just to get there. National History Day was founded to invigorate history curricula beyond the “boring textbook” that students felt had “no meaning,” according to executive director Cathy Gorn. She cast the mission nowadays as one that strengthens democracy. A strong social studies education is an “antidote to conspiracy theories” and necessary for developing engaged citizens, she said. Gorn finds the process especially effective today when many children want to understand the background for current events. The nonprofit does not “promote a particular agenda,” she emphasized, but instead guides students through their own inquiries. It equips teachers with classroom resources for navigating the Library of Congress, conducting oral histories and annotating bibliographies, among other skills. “We are not telling the kids how to interpret the past or what to interpret of the past, but how to go about creating an interpretation and an argument based on the real research,” Gorn told AP. “In learning that, they learn the importance of historical perspective," Gorn added. "And they learn, hopefully, to understand the past to be part of the future.” National History Day also launched a $15 million capital campaign, though Gorn said it is difficult raise funds for history education. The humanities have historically gone underfunded in K-12 public education. But there’s a growing recognition that high school graduates today must sort through a much more complex information environment than previous generations, according to David Knight, a professor of education finance and policy at the University of Washington. The education policy realm is beginning to understand the increased need, for example, to educate young people about the difference between primary and secondary evidence. Judges said the projects jumpstart a lifelong pursuit of knowledge that serves all students regardless of their future endeavors. One of the most important lessons is to follow the “rabbit hole,” according to Robyn Gausman-Burnett, a University of Maryland geographical sciences doctoral student. She said National History Day trains students to never stop digging for “that next supporting piece of evidence," or “the other half of the story that isn't easily found on the Google search.” “Nowadays on the internet, there’s a lot of false information," said Macy Huish, a high schooler from Logan, Utah. "So being able to pick out the little, golden nuggets is very important.” “You might get resources that contradict with your thesis,” said Hannah Jang, a student at an international school in South Korea. “That’s also part of the process. You got to have the ability to accept it. And you can also study the reason behind it.” Many students interviewed by AP said their projects were born out of personal experiences. Three middle schoolers who live near Alabama State University researched a nearly thirty yearslong federal court case that successfully challenged funding disparities between historically Black schools and predominantly white ones in their home state. The legal battle is part of their history, they said, and they wanted to learn more about their history. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns tasked finalists with defending American democracy. During a Q & A with students, Burns said they must “say no” to “authoritarians” who wish to revert the public “back into a superstitious peasantry.” Burns told AP that he felt optimistic to see so many students “questioning and diving deep into archives and not accepting the restrictions or the limitations.” “We’re just trying to tell complicated stories about the United States,” he said. “It can only bode well in the age-old struggle between those who want to limit these things and those of us who think that we are liberated by the truth.” ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

States bet on boosting taxes for online sports betting companies like DraftKings, FanDuel None - States are looking to increase their take from the $16 billion online sports gambling industry as it expands across the country with big partnerships NEW YORK -- States are looking to increase their take from the $16 billion online sports gambling industry as it expands across the country with big partnerships. DraftKings, FanDuel and other betting apps are facing a bigger tax hit in Illinois following changes to tax policy this year. New Jersey, Massachusetts and other states have also tried to raise taxes on the industry or plan to. DraftKings and FanDuel count Major League Baseball and the National Football League among their biggest partnerships. ESPN owner Walt Disney Co. has also gotten involved in the action with ESPN Bet, which has a partnership with the National Hockey League. Established casino operators like MGM Resorts and Penn Entertainment have also expanded into online sports gambling. All sports wagering revenue in the U.S. jumped 22% to $3.33 billion in the first quarter of 2024, according to the American Gaming Association. The industry's growth has piqued the interest of state governments. Illinois this month switched from a flat 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue for online sports betting companies to a new progressive rate ranging from 20% to 40%. The state legalized sports gambling in 2019 and last year it earned just over $1.5 billion in tax revenue from online sports betting operations and casinos. By comparison, the state lottery, which started operating in 1974, had revenue of about $2.32 billion in 2023. The new policy puts Illinois’ top tax rate for online sports gambling operations in the same league as New York, which has a 51% top rate. New Jersey is considering doubling its tax rate to 30%. A proposal to boost Massachusetts’ rate from 20% to 51% failed in May. In a conference call with investors, DraftKings CEO Jason D. Robins said that tax increases could hurt the company's ability to be competitive and draw customers away from the illegal gambling market. “My expectation is that we'll be able to convince them that it's not a good policy decision,” he said. Commercial land-based gaming — encompassing casino slot machines, table games and retail sports betting — accounted for $50.02 billion, or 75.3% of total revenue in 2023, according to S & P Global. Online gaming generated $16.43 billion. The new tax rate in Illinois could prompt DraftKings and FanDuel to take steps including pulling back on local marketing and promotion deals, according to an analysis by MoffettNathanson. It could also mean revisiting the terms of deals with existing partners. “The biggest question...would be which state is next and how realistic are higher taxes" across other states with legalized gambling, the report said. A 2018 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal law prohibiting sports gambling. Prior to that, Nevada was the only state where sports betting had been legal. Now, 30 states and Washington D.C. allow online sportsbooks, according to the American Gaming Association. For investors, FanDuel's owner Flutter Entertainment is the dominant company, with a market value of more than $33 billion, while DraftKings commands a market value of about $20 billion. Investors have taken notice of the growth. DraftKings stock price more than tripled in 2023 as its revenue surged more than 60%. It's expected to incur a slight loss in 2024 but finally post an annual profit in 2025 as revenue continues growing. Many other online sports gambling operations have helped bolster revenue for broader gambling-focused companies, including MGM Resorts with BetMGM and Penn Entertainment, which partners with Disney for ESPN Bet.

The Latest | Italy hosts the Group of Seven summit with global conflicts on the agenda None - Italy is hosting the summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations in the wake of the European Parliament election that saw a surge in support for the far right in places like G7 members France and Germany The Latest | Italy hosts the Group of Seven summit with global conflicts on the agenda BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy -- Italy is hosting the summit of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations in the wake of the European Parliament election, which saw a surge in support for the far right in places like G7 members France and Germany. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also leads a far-right party but continues to hew to the center, particularly on foreign policy, which has made her a reassuring transatlantic partner amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The G7 summit through Saturday is focusing on global conflicts, the spread of artificial intelligence and on Africa issues, particularly Italy’s longstanding concern about uncontrolled migration to Europe from the continent. Perennial issues such as climate change and China also will be discussed. The G7 is an informal forum with an annual summit to discuss economic policy and security issues. The members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Currently: — Italian Premier Meloni opens G7 summit with agreement to back a $50 billion loan to Ukraine — In Italy’s Puglia region, women take the lead in challenging the local mafia at great personal risk — US pushes for Ukraine aid, united front against China’s trade practices at G7 finance meeting Here's the latest: BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy — U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a security agreement on Thursday during the Group of Seven summit, sending what they described as a message of unified opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “He cannot wait us out,” Biden said. “He cannot divide us.” Zelenskyy said the agreement demonstrated the “credibility of American support for our Ukrainian independence.” Ukraine has been eager for fresh assistance to hold the line against Russia, which has recently made gains on the battlefield during a bloody war that’s in its third year. BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy – French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday deplored that there was no reference to abortion in the final document of the Group of Seven leaders. “I regret this,” he said, answering a question from an Italian reporter on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit. France “has included women’s right to abortion, the freedom of decision on one’s own body, into its Constitution,” he said, adding France defends “this vision of equality between women and men.” “It’s not a vision that’s shared across all the political spectrum,” Macron told the Italian reporter. “I regret it, but I respect it because it was the sovereign choice of your people." BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy — European Council President Ursula von der Leyen is praising the agreement reached on guaranteeing a $50 billion loan to Ukraine using profits from frozen Russian central bank assets held in Europe. Speaking on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit Thursday, von der Leyen said it sends a message to Ukraine but also to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It is a strong signal that we are sending to Ukraine that we will support Ukraine in its fight for freedom for as long as it takes," she said. “It is also a strong signal to Putin that Putin cannot outlast us.” Leaders reached agreement on the loan deal as the summit opened. BARI, Italy — The leaders of Ukraine and Japan have signed a 10-year agreement under which Japan will provide assistance in the fields of security, defense, humanitarian aid, reconstruction and technical and financial support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio signed the accord on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in southern Italy on Thursday. Zelenskyy said Japan would provide $4.5 billion for Ukraine this year. A text of the deal released by the Japanese Embassy in Italy said Japan has committed and provided more than $12 billion in financial, humanitarian and other assistance since March 2022. Under the agreement, Japan will support Ukraine with the provision of non-lethal equipment and goods, cooperate in the field of intelligence and provide support in reconstruction and recovery, as well as providing assistance in the medical and health fields, among others. “For Japan, this type of agreement and this level of support is a breakthrough,” Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform X. “We see this and thank Japan for its unwavering solidarity with our country and people.” BARI, Italy — Italy’s center-left opposition is crying foul over reported attempts by Premier Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government to water down a reference to abortion in the final document of the Group of Seven leaders. The ANSA news agency, citing a draft Thursday, said there was no reference at all to abortion. That stands in contrast to the 2023 G7 summit in Hiroshima where Japan expressed a commitment to provide access to safe and legal abortion to women and girls, and pledged to defend gender equality and rights of LGBTQ+ people. According to ANSA, this year’s text says the G7 “repeats our commitment expressed in the final communique of the G7 of Hiroshima for a universal, adequate and sustainable access to health services for women, including the right to reproduction.” Meloni, who campaigned on a “God, Faith and Fatherland” motto, has denied she is rolling back abortion rights, which have been legal in Italy since 1978. But the center-left opposition has warned that her initiatives are chipping away at those rights, including by giving pro-life groups access to women considering abortions. In a statement Thursday, the head of the Democratic Party Elly Shlein said the reported G7 text was a “national embarrassment” for putting into question a fundamental right for women. Asked about the controversy, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he wasn’t aware of the status of negotiations but said U.S. President Joe Biden “doesn’t change up his message based on who he’s talking to, and nothing about that will change today.” Meloni has forged a good alliance with Pope Francis, especially on their shared opposition to surrogacy and call for Italian women to have more babies to counteract one of the world’s lowest birthrates. Francis will become the first pope to address a G7 summit when he spends the afternoon in Puglia on Friday. BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has hailed as a “historic step” a deal by the Group of Seven leaders to lend $50 billion to Ukraine from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. Scholz called the deal “a very strong commitment" which also gives Ukrainians "the courage to do what is now necessary for them to defend their independence and sovereignty.” He told reporters on the first day of the three-day G7 summit in Italy that the agreement is also “a clear signal to the Russian president that he cannot simply take advantage of a situation and hope that he will succeed in winning this war” because some countries supporting Ukraine are now facing fiscal problems. Scholz also said that the leaders at the summit endorsed U.S. President Joe Biden’s peace plan for the war in the Middle East. The German Chancellor said “now it is important that everyone implements it” and called on Hamas "to give the necessary approval so that this can now work.” BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy — The United States and European countries have agreed to lock up sanctioned Russian assets until Moscow pays reparations for invading Ukraine, a senior U.S. official said Thursday. The consensus clears the way for leaders to announce a $50 billion loan package for Ukraine during the Group of Seven summit that began Thursday in Italy. The highly anticipated agreement will leverage interest and income from the more than $260 billion in frozen Russian assets, largely held in Europe, to secure a $50 billion loan from the U.S. along with additional loans from other partners. The first disbursements will be made this year, the official said, adding that it will take time for Ukraine to use all the money. The U.S. official spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the agreement, which will be included in the G7 leaders’ statement on Friday. President Joe Biden will meet on Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a bilateral security agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine. -By Colleen Long, Darlene Superville and Zeke Miller LONDON — Britain has announced new sanctions designed to degrade Russia’s ability to wage war in Ukraine, targeting entities based in China, Israel, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey, as well as the Russian energy industry. The sanctions announced at the start of Thursday's G7 summit apply to 50 companies and individuals involved in supplying munitions, machine tools, microelectronics, and logistics to the Russian military, together with ships transporting military goods from North Korea to Russia. Britain also said it was targeting the “shadow fleet” of ships used to circumvent G7 sanctions on the Russia oil and natural gas industry. The U.K. Foreign Office said this is particularly important because taxes on oil production accounted for 31% of the Russian government’s revenue last year. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement that the U.K. "will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in its fight for freedom.’’ Sunak added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "must lose, and cutting off his ability to fund a prolonged conflict is absolutely vital.” BARI, Italy — European Council President Charles Michel says the Group of Seven summit would focus on four major challenges including financial support for Ukraine, the war in the Middle East, migration, and relations with Africa. On Ukraine, Michel said at Thursday's start of the Group of Seven summit that “we want to make decisions to provide more immediate financial support for Ukraine so that they can defend themselves.” The G7 meeting opened with an agreement on a US proposal to back a $50 billion loan to Ukraine with frozen Russian assets. Speaking of the ongoing war in Gaza, Michel said the main goals were an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, humanitarian access to Gaza and relaunching “a political track for making possible the two-state solution as soon as possible.” Despite mounting international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear he opposes the creation of a Palestinian state in any postwar scenario. On migration, Michel said the focus was to create a “coalition to fight against the smugglers, the criminal groups” which were abusing vulnerable people “to make money and to destabilize regions and countries across the world.” Michel said African countries were tackling both poverty and the consequences of climate change and need access to capital, adding that building partnerships must be “based on trust, based on respect, based on mutual confidence.” BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy — U.S. officials say that Italy is joining a rail corridor project in Africa as part of a collaborative effort by the Group of Seven nations to fund infrastructure projects. The Lobito corridor is a railway line that will connect southern and central Africa. Not just railway, the project will also bring telecommunication cables and other infrastructure to the region. It’s projected eventually to go from Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The investment project is meant to serve as an alternative to China’s development efforts, which the U.S. and its allies say China uses to exert influence on developing nations. BARI, Italy — Pope Francis will be meeting a series of world leaders on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in southern Italy. Francis, who will be the first pope to address a G7 summit, will kick off his bilateral talks shortly after arriving at the summit location. He will meet Friday with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as with the head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva. The pope has previously met with Zelenskyy but caused a stir earlier this year when he said that Ukraine should have the “courage of the white flag” to negotiate an end of the war with Russia. Kyiv summoned the Holy See ambassador to complain. After delivering a speech at the G7 summit, the pope will continue his meetings with Kenyan President William Ruto, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. BARI, Italy — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni says the location of the Group of Seven summit in southern Italy’s Puglia region was chosen to send a message that the seven leading democracies want to “strengthen (their) dialogue with the nations of the global south.” In welcoming remarks at Thursday's start of the summit, Meloni said the meeting’s agenda was wide-ranging, tackling topics including conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, creating “solid and controllable supply chains,” and the advent of artificial intelligence. The meeting will also focus on Africa and migration. Meloni said the G7 was “not a fortress closed in itself” but rather “an offer of values that we open to the world.” The Italian premier called the region of Puglia "historically a bridge between West and East,” while the summit logo, a stylized depiction of an olive tree with roots and seven olives, depicts the collaboration of nations to tackle global challenges. BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni is greeting leaders of the Group of Seven as they arrive for a summit dominated by pledges of new assistance to help Ukraine in its war with Russia. Standing in front of one of Puglia’s famed olive trees and under a canopy to guard against the sun, Meloni welcomed first British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and then German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Ahead of the summit, negotiators reached a deal to back a $50 billion loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets held in the European Union as collateral. The venue for the summit is Borgo Egnazai, a new luxury resort built to look like one of Puglia’s medieval white-washed towns, complete with narrow streets, villas and a central piazza. BARI, Italy — Officials say the world’s seven wealthiest democracies have agreed on lending Ukraine up to $50 billion using frozen Russian assets as collateral. Diplomats confirmed the agreement, which was struck before Thursday’s start of the three-day G7 summit that brings together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also sign a bilateral security agreement during the summit. European officials have resisted confiscating the assets, citing legal and financial stability concerns. But the plan would use the interest earned on the assets to help Ukraine’s war effort. The U.S. proposal involves using profits from the roughly $260 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets, most of them held in the European Union, to help Ukraine. The U.S. would issue Ukraine the $50 billion loan using windfall profits from the immobilized funds as collateral. LONDON — U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is announcing up to 242 million pounds (286 million euros or $310 million) in nonmilitary aid to Ukraine as Group of Seven leaders gather for a summit overshadowed by war. Sunak is taking time out from the U.K. election campaign to attend Thursday's gathering in southern Italy. The U.K. government says the money will go towards “immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilization needs” in Ukraine. Sunak has also thrown his support behind a plan to use interest from seized Russian assets to help Ukraine rebuild. Sunak said the war is at a “critical moment” and Ukraine’s allies “must move from ‘as long as it takes’ to ‘whatever it takes’ if we are to end this illegal war.” The U.K. has pledged 12.5 billion pounds to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. That includes 7.6 billion pounds worth of military assistance. Sunak is battling to keep his job after the U.K. election on July 4, with opinion polls putting his Conservatives far behind the opposition Labour Party. Labour leader Keir Starmer says he will keep up the United Kingdom's strong support for Ukraine if he becomes prime minister. BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy — Madonna and the Beckhams have reportedly stayed there, and Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake got married there. Borgo Egnazia in Italy’s southern Puglia region has certainly had its share of star power and on Thursday hosts another set of VIP guests: the leaders of the world’s industrialized democracies. But the venue for the Group of Seven summit is also something of a theater set, a faux town made to resemble one of Puglia’s medieval white-washed hamlets but that actually only dates from 2010. Located next to an actual archaeological park, Borgo Egnazia features narrow streets, villas, restaurants and a town square complete with a clocktower.

One Tech Tip: Use a roaming eSIM on your summer travels to avoid cellphone data fees None - LONDON -- For summer trips overseas, a smartphone is essential for most people. How else will you check Google Maps to find your Airbnb, post an Instagram video from the Eiffel Tower, or WhatsApp friends and family back home? Of course, if you're using apps that gobble up data while traveling in a foreign country, there's always a risk of racking up hefty roaming fees from your phone carrier. The solution? An international travel eSIM for your smartphone. How do you use this technology? Here are some tips. If you've ever bought a new cellphone, you're probably familiar with the SIM card. Short for subscriber identity module, the SIM is a little chip the size of a fingernail that fits into a slot on most phones. Without it, you couldn't get cell service because it contains your account information and phone number. But physical SIM cards are slowly being replaced by eSIMs — the e stands for embedded — built into newer phones. These digital versions do the same thing and can make life easier, though people used to physical SIMs might find them confusing at first. They make switching cell carriers easier. And if you've bought a new phone recently, you might not even have a choice: Apple got rid of the SIM card tray starting with the iPhone 14 released in September 2022. They're especially beneficial for travelers. If you've got a compatible cellphone, you can add an eSIM from a virtual carrier that has better data roaming rates than your home network. Many phones will allow you to add more than one eSIM, making it easy to switch back and forth, or — for phones with the capability — use two at the same time. Think of the convenience: Gone are the days of arriving in a strange country after a long flight, looking for a local phone company's airport kiosk, carefully popping open the SIM tray with a pin to swap in the new chip, and trying not to lose the existing one. The eSIM market is booming. Kester Mann, director of consumer research at CCS Insight, says there are dozens of providers that can be found online, with names like Nomad, Holafly, Easysim, Airhub and Airalo. “These guys have a role to play because I think they offer a very affordable and attractive opportunity for international travelers,” Mann said. The boom means there's plenty of competition keeping rates low. Prices are typically clearly displayed online, either through a menu of packages on the provider's website or a calculator based on the amount of data needed and trip length. Some 800 carriers support eSIMs, according to CCS, so international coverage is extensive. Many eSIM providers offer packages based on country or region, so you can check which ones have good rates for the place you'll be visiting and sign up in advance. Traveling to Europe and need data for a month covering 30 countries? Airalo offers, for example, 10 gigabytes at $37 while Holafly's package has unlimited data for 69 euros ($75). For an upcoming trip to Prague, I bought 5 gigabytes of data for just $5 from Global Yo. I was slightly put off by some negative reviews professing problems buying, installing or activating the company's eSIMs, but I didn't have any problems myself. You'll need a phone that's unlocked for use with different wireless carriers. If you're not setting up a new phone, the typical activation method is with a QR code, or a more conventional string of numbers and letters. If you're planning a trip and buy one before you leave, it's a good idea to print out the code if you don't want to activate right away. For iPhones, go to your Settings menu, then to either the Cellular or Mobile Service section, then tap Add eSIM. You'll be prompted to scan the code, or manually enter it. The process is similar for Android users. Samsung has a guide for Galaxy devices, and Google has a help page for Pixel users, while eSIM carriers have step-by-step instructions. Apple has a YouTube video, as well as tip sheets on using eSIMs for international travel and on using two eSIMs simultaneously. If you've got a phone that supports dual eSIMs, you “can pick potentially the best network based on price and or coverage" while traveling, said Mann. Some carriers have their own apps to manage eSIMs and track data usage. More than 200 devices support the technology, CCS Insight says. U.K. phone company Vodafone has a list of compatible devices. Or dial (asterisk)#06# — an EID code indicates it's compatible. For iPhone users, it's any model released since the XS, XS Max or XR, as well as recent iPads. They're compatible with any Samsung Galaxy devices released since 2020, and Google Pixel 4 and newer models will work; some Pixel 3 devices also support them. First check your own carrier’s roaming costs for the places you’re visiting. Sometimes it’s not worth it. “Roaming costs these days are far lower and less prohibitive than they once were,” said Mann. They’ve even been abolished for European Union residents crossing the 27-nation bloc’s internal borders. But travelers in Britain, which has left the EU, are facing them again for travel to the continent. ___ Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.

Suspected gunman who shot 9 people at Michigan splash pad identified None - The suspected gunman who shot nine people, including two children, at a park’s splash pad in Michigan was identified as 42-year-old Michael William Nash. NBC News' Maggie Vespa describes the shock among residents.June 16, 2024

Joyce Vance: It's 'chilling to hear’ Steve Bannon name targets of political retribution None - As Donald Trump makes his rounds across the country to voters, a coalition of resistance is emerging against his campaign. Joyce Vance, former federal attorney, joins Alex Witt to discuss the former President’s promises of revenge should he be re-elected.June 16, 2024

Biden talks Supreme Court in multi-million L.A. election fundraiser None - President Joe Biden discussed the winner of the 2024 election deciding the next set of Supreme Court nominations during a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser. NBC News' Aaron Gilchrist reports on the event that raised $28 million and featured former President Barack Obama.June 16, 2024