3%

Organizers of a Douglas County initiative to increase the number of county commissioners from three to five are in the final 13 days of collecting over 15,000 verified signatures to place the measure on the November ballot. Current progress shows more than 11,000 signatures collected, with efforts focused on pre-validation to ensure compliance before submission to the county clerk's office. Supporters argue the expansion would improve government accountability and representation.

Over 40 million people in the UK are facing a hosepipe ban as a heatwave continues, with temperatures of 35C or higher recorded on six separate days in a year for the first time.

New York City expanded its 3-K preschool program, offering 1,700 families preschool seats closer to home, reducing commute times and improving accessibility. The expansion, supported by a $1.2 billion state investment, aims to make childcare more accessible across all five boroughs, with notable improvements in Staten Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx.

A wanted sex offender, Matthew Hensley, was arrested at a Cleveland home where a missing Tennessee mother, Amber Graham, was found dead. Hensley was wanted for failing to register his address after a conviction of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and was discovered hiding in a secret compartment. Amber Graham's daughter was found alone at a Cleveland fire station after her mother's disappearance.

Anthropic is leasing a 16-story Manhattan building to expand its New York workforce, planning to double headcount to over 1,000 employees by year-end. Airbnb purchased a six-story Gramercy building for $81.5 million to serve as a major New York hub, defying warnings from critics like Bill Ackman and Ken Griffin about the city's business climate.

A group of strangers in Oregon, referred to as the 'sisterhood,' detained a 31-year-old man after he allegedly groped multiple women in a city park. Police were slow to respond to the incident.

The Granola Bar, a women-owned Manhattan restaurant with two locations, offers brunch, all-day dining, and to-go options featuring signature dishes like house-made granola and creative meals. Co-founders Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily emphasize a flexible, welcoming atmosphere with evolving menus and decor.

An officer placed on administrative leave after a May shooting at the Belt Atlantic Apartments in Richmond that killed a 31-year-old mother of two has been identified. The incident occurred at the Belt Atlantic Apartments.

Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are searching for Kaylyn Hausmann, 35, and her 3-month-old daughter, who were last seen in Dania Beach on Wednesday. Authorities do not believe the disappearance is suspicious or that the baby is in danger.

A hosepipe ban now affects 5 million more Brits as the UK faces potential official drought conditions following a record eight consecutive days of 34C or higher temperatures.

A 34-metre cycling track in Narsingi was removed to create a U-turn aimed at reducing traffic congestion by 30%, according to traffic police. Cyclists, however, argue that the repeated removal of dedicated cycling infrastructure raises concerns.

A 33-year-old Canadian man in Taipei is flying to Hong Kong/Shenzhen to meet a 40-year-old Chinese woman he met on a dating app. They communicate via WeChat translation, have discussed marriage, and the woman claims to be a wealthy entrepreneur with a teenage son. Concerns about a potential scam arise due to her lack of online presence, suspicious behavior, and his decision to travel to mainland China despite warnings.

A judge ruled that Washington state can conduct health inspections at the Tacoma ICE detention center, which has received over 3,500 complaints and previously prevented state inspections.

Derryn Hinch, a broadcaster and former senator, died at 82 after a recent fall. Tributes were led by radio station 3AW following his death at home.

A 36-year-old man was arrested after police reported he threw Molotov cocktails at two houses of worship in Queens. The incident occurred in the borough of Queens, and the suspect is currently in custody.

Skeletal remains were found in a vacant East Harlem building at 219 East 115th St. A homeless veteran had been staying there for at least two years, but police have not confirmed if the remains are his.

Firefighting gear manufacturers, including 3M and DuPont affiliates, seek dismissal of a Montana class action lawsuit alleging they concealed PFAS chemical dangers in protective gear. Plaintiffs, including Butte-Silver Bow and other municipalities, claim PFAS in the gear causes health risks, while defendants argue plaintiffs lack standing as indirect purchasers. The case may be consolidated with other national PFAS-related lawsuits.

New York's attorney general is suing 3M, DuPont, and other companies over so-called forever chemicals, alleging they knowingly sold harmful substances.

Forged Energy Solutions plans to redevelop offshore infrastructure to support Louisiana's digital economy, including data centers. U.S. mortgage rates rose to 6.49% for 30-year fixed loans, increasing borrowing costs. Meta released Muse Spark 1.1, an AI model for developers targeting coding and complex tasks.

New York sued 3M and DuPont over contamination of the state’s drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals, alleging increased cancer risks and other health issues. The lawsuit claims the companies knew of the risks but failed to warn consumers and continued using PFAS in products like nonstick cookware and fabric treatments.

A 39-year-old man was stabbed in Seattle’s University District after confronting a man he believed was stealing bikes.

Brazil faces a 25% tariff proposed by Washington with a 15 July deadline, alongside a separate 12.5% levy on forced-labour import controls. Brazil offered to cut duties on 300 product lines if the tariff is dropped but will not compromise on its instant-payment system, Pix.

The average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate rose to 6.49% from 6.43% last week, increasing borrowing costs for homebuyers. Freddie Mac reported the increase, noting that higher rates reduce purchasing power and contribute to a housing slump. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also rose to 5.82%, influenced by factors like Federal Reserve policies and rising 10-year Treasury yields linked to inflation expectations and the war with Iran.

Freddie Mac reported that the average rate on a 30-year mortgage increased to 6.49% this week, matching the rate from two weeks prior.

The average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate increased to 6.49% from 6.43% last week, according to Freddie Mac, raising borrowing costs for homebuyers and reducing their purchasing power. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also rose to 5.82%, impacting refinancing options. Higher rates have contributed to weaker home sales this year.

The average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate increased to 6.49% from 6.43% last week, according to Freddie Mac, raising borrowing costs for homebuyers. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also rose to 5.82%, influenced by factors like the Federal Reserve's policy and higher 10-year Treasury yields, which reached 4.55% amid expectations of inflation and the war with Iran.

A 38-year-old man is accused of stealing tools and copper wiring from a Nashville business that was burned in a 2-alarm fire earlier this year. The stolen copper wiring is valued at $20K.

City officials approved a 200,000-square-foot warehouse in Avondale’s Western Avenue despite opposition from neighbors and local officials over traffic and safety concerns. The project, which required no zoning change, was permitted after three years of review, with residents and the 35th Ward office advocating for traffic improvements at the nearby intersection.

Two 35-year-old men were critically injured in a shooting on Chicago's Far South Side overnight in the 11600 block of South Ada Street, with police investigating the incident in West Pullman. The victims were found inside a parked gray vehicle.

A 35-year-old man was killed in an apparent drive-by shooting in Woodlawn, Chicago's South Side, according to Chicago police. The incident occurred Wednesday night.

Molotov cocktails were thrown at churches in Queens on Wednesday night, leading to the arrest of a 36-year-old man. The first incident occurred just before midnight at 97-44 75th Street, where the suspect attempted to set fire to a building with an incendiary device.

Britain may be experiencing its longest heatwave, potentially surpassing the 16-day 1976 record with temperatures reaching 36C. The hot weather is causing an 'essential rail travel only' alert as it spreads across the country.

An Ohio man was found slain in a hotel room in 1985. Renewed forensic testing and years of follow-up investigation led to a murder indictment. Clues across three states contributed to the arrest.

Taylor police released photos showing moments before four officers shot a 38-year-old man wanted for an alleged robbery in Cleveland. The incident occurred at a Sheetz gas station on Eureka Road when the suspect, driving a stolen U-Haul, refused to stop, backed into a patrol car, and pointed a handgun at officers. The suspect was hospitalized, and the officers are on administrative leave pending investigation.

A proposed 300-unit mixed-use residential development with 6,000 square feet of commercial space on California Avenue has raised congestion concerns in The Nations.

A Hamptons developer was arrested after his 35-ft cruiser collided with a breakwater jetty, causing passengers to be 'violently about.' The incident involved 'tequila chugging' prior to the crash.

Minneapolis police are investigating a possible accidental shooting on the 1200 block of 36th Avenue North in north Minneapolis. A male victim with a life-threatening gunshot wound was found in a home's living room and transported to the hospital. No arrests have been made as investigators work to determine the cause.

Chili's responded to a social media post highlighting high fast-food prices by promoting its $10.99 meal deal, which included a Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich, fries, and drinks, contrasting it with a $18.19 Burger King meal. The post went viral, receiving widespread positive engagement but also some negative feedback about service quality.

Trump announced the US will allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles. The Polish 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron's Patriot systems are based in Sochaczew, Poland.

COMEDK has canceled the candidature of 36 individuals involved in malpractice in Jamshedpur. The decision was made due to their participation in exam-related misconduct.