Stories from New York · United States

Warner Bros Discovery shareholders have approved a merger with Paramount Skydance. Paramount is set to acquire the company in its entirety, including its film studio, cable networks, and streaming services. The acquisition deal is valued at $31 per share. This decision follows a competitive bidding war for the company.

New York Health and Hospitals has updated its policy on substance use screening and testing, resulting in an 80% reduction in tests overall and a 90% reduction for Black patients. This change showed no difference in newborn outcomes or overall care quality. The policy aims to keep people safe, connected to care, and foster an environment where they feel comfortable returning. The change is expected to address underlying racism and bias in the system.

The next five-year term for the United Nations Secretary-General is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027. Current Secretary-General António Guterres is completing his tenure following two mandates. Member states are responsible for the selection process of the incoming leadership. The transition follows a decade of Guterres's administration. António Guterres is facing criticism for a perceived lack of active intervention in major international political and security issues during his tenure. Observers suggest his leadership focused more on internal organizational management than on resolving global crises. Observers note that Guterres's capacity for initiative was significantly hindered by political factors and the invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin.

Kalshi has overtaken rival Polymarket in the United States following full regulatory approval of its platform. The New York Stock Exchange's parent company recently invested $600 million in Polymarket. Polymarket's U.S. operations are currently in beta mode as the company addresses technical issues. Polymarket's current US-based operations are still operating in beta mode. The platform is currently evaluating its performance and functionality within the US market. This follows recent reports regarding the platform's expansion into US operations. Brazilian Finance Minister Dario Durigan stated that the goal is to block prediction market platforms operating in Brazil without proper regulation. These platforms are reportedly functioning similarly to unlicensed fixed-odds betting sites and violate current national gambling laws. The industry is experiencing rapid global growth.

Organizers of the New York City Pride March have voted to prohibit the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) from marching in full uniform with service weapons. While the group is invited to participate in the June parade, march leaders have implemented this restriction. The decision specifically targets the display of service weapons during the event.

A man was killed in front of his home in New York City. A suspect has been arrested following the shooting that wounded an officer during a White House Press Association dinner. A major security breach occurred at a high-profile event attended by the US President, First Lady, Vice President, and senior cabinet members. The incident unfolded near the Hilton Hotel, involving a heavily armed attacker. Authorities are currently investigating the attacker's motivations and potential social media links. A witness at the scene reported hearing a firearm discharge and confirmed the sound was a gun, leading to an immediate evacuation. The suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, was apprehended and will face court on Monday for assaulting a federal officer and attempting to kill one. The US Secret Service reported that the President and First Lady were secured during the incident.

The FDA has denied approval for a drug from Grace Therapeutics intended to treat a rare and often fatal type of stroke. The New Jersey-based company faced rejection due to issues regarding chemistry, manufacturing, and controls. The decision follows regulatory concerns over the drug's production standards. No timeline for resubmission was provided. The injectable medication is produced by a company based in New Jersey. The company intends to resolve these specific issues and resubmit the application.

Warner Bros Discovery shareholders have officially approved a merger with Paramount. Under the terms of the deal, Paramount is set to acquire the company in its entirety. The decision follows shareholder voting processes regarding the corporate consolidation.

DuPont Chemical Corporation and 3M have agreed to a $13.5 billion settlement regarding the contamination of public drinking water. The settlement addresses the presence of cancer-causing 'forever chemicals' in water supplies. Long Island, New York, is noted for having some of the highest concentrations of these substances. The legal action follows concerns over the health impacts of these chemicals on local populations.

Chinese basketball player Han Xu scored a game-high 20 points during her first appearance with the New York Liberty. Han Xu scored a game-high 20 points in the Liberty's 91-109 preseason loss to the Indiana Fever.