Stories from United States

Pitcher Deng Kai-wei made his first scheduled start for the Houston Astros at 6:35 AM local time.

Senator Ed Markey is introducing legislation intended to combat the Trump administration's attacks on loans for immigrant business owners. The move follows a new White House policy created last month that bars non-citizens from certain loan access. The legislation aims to mitigate the impact of these policy changes on immigrant-led enterprises. Markey stated the current administration's message to immigrants is that the American dream is not for them.

The NBA is moving toward anti-tanking measures by proposing drastic changes to draft lottery odds. The NBA is changing its draft lottery rules to penalize teams that intentionally lose games to secure high picks. A new relegation zone will reduce the number of lottery balls assigned to the bottom three teams. The draft lottery will expand to include 16 teams. These changes may impact teams like the Washington Wizards, who are currently in a rebuilding phase with future pick swaps involving Phoenix. Rob Woodfork of WTOP reported on these upcoming seasonal changes. The NBA has circulated a potential new rule to alter the incentive structure of the draft lottery. Under the proposed plan, teams in the bottom three positions would receive fewer lottery balls. No specific timeline for implementation was provided.

A demonstration group has sued the city alleging that police violated their constitutional right to protest. Huffman stated that while the city has made no admission of wrongdoing, the sizable payment sent a message.

A city has agreed to pay $5,000 to four individuals who alleged police brutality by officers during a Black Lives Matter protest six years ago. The settlement includes no admission of wrongdoing by the city. The report was provided by John Bender. The city will pay a $5,000 settlement following a lawsuit related to a protest in May 2020. Jasmine Huffman, one of four plaintiffs, alleged her constitutional right to protest was violated after being hit in the chest with a baton by a city police officer. The payment is intended to send a specific message, according to a source. A sizable payment by the city has been made to compensate for an incident involving police brutality. Huffman stated that the payment sends a message that an event occurred deserving of compensation. Huffman expressed hope that the settlement prompts reforms in police conduct.

Bain Capital plans to offload its majority stake in Tyger Capital, according to industry sources.

A fire at the Kemp Mystic all-girls Christian camp killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors. Investigators stated that Kemp Mystic did not have an evacuation plan in place. Director Edward Eastland issued an apology to the victims' families, stating they were devastated.

The US special envoy to Ukraine will leave her position, according to a report by the Financial Times. The envoy, Julie David, reportedly grew increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration's lack of support for Ukraine.

The United States Air Force revealed a special commemorative paint scheme on an F-15E fighter jet. The design honors the 40th anniversary of Operation El Dorado Canyon.

Bay Area FC (BFC) has promoted Chief Financial Officer Bernard Gutman to the position of president. Gutman was originally hired by the club in February. The NWSL team, which plays in San Jose, is currently in 12th place in a 16-team league.