U.S. forces carried out new defensive strikes on Wednesday on an Iran military facility after downing Iranian attack drones, according to U.S. officials.

The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said U.S. Central Command forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. forces also struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone, according to the officials.

The strikes came after President Donald Trump asserted Wednesday that Iran is negotiating on fumes and insisted that November's midterm elections won't make him rush into a deal to end the nearly three-month-old conflict that's spurred unease across the global economy.

Speaking at the start of a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed confidence that a deal is near. Over the weekend, he even declared that his administration and Tehran had largely negotiated a settlement, though the talks are still in flux.

The president is looking for a settlement that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and provide him with a credible argument that Irans nuclear capability has been diminished enough to declare victory, winding down a conflict that's been politically unpopular for Republicans.

But as things stand, Trump also risks finding that closure to his war of choice comes with an unsatisfactory ending.

The emerging deal puts off many critical issues to be resolved later and has already exposed the Republican president to fierce criticism even from some of his own supporters that Iran's hardline leaders will emerge from the conflict battered but emboldened. It all comes to a head just as the midterm elections to determine control of Congress come into focus and as Republicans worry that rising costs and fuel prices are darkening the American electorate's mood.

But Trump on Wednesday dismissed the idea that the upcoming elections would shape his Iran strategy.

They thought they were gonna outwait me. You know, 'Well outwait him. Hes got the midterms,' Trump said. I dont care about the midterms.

Trump acknowledged there's still work to do, but he spoke with a measure of certainty that the two sides would get there.

They want very much to make a deal, Trump said. So far, they havent gotten there. Were not satisfied with it, but we will be either that or well have to just finish the job.

Talks were further complicated after U.S. forces carried out what the Pentagon called defensive strikes on missile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran on Monday. The U.S. said it acted with restraint in light of the weekslong ceasefire, while Iran decried the action as a sign of bad faith and unreliability. Wednesday's strikes are likely to cause more complications.

RELATED NEWS | Trump cabinet meets as fragile Iran peace talks reach critical stage

Some Trump backers are skeptical

While Trump insists a deal is within reach, there appears to be daylight between the U.S. and Iran on several key issues. The president is also facing scrutiny from Republican allies, including Sens. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas, who have said the terms seem too favorable to Tehran.

They're balking at aspects of the deal that have emerged publicly that they say too closely resemble the nuclear agreement reached with Iran by Democratic President Barack Obama, which Trump scrapped during his first term.

Under the potential deal, Tehran would agree to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium a key Trump demand in return for sanctions relief. That's according to two regional officials and one senior Trump administration official, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations.

One regional official, with direct knowledge of the negotiations, said how Iran would give up the uranium would be subject to further talks during a 60-day period. Some would likely be diluted, while the rest would be transferred to a third country, the official said.

Trump said that he wouldnt be comfortable with either Russia or China taking Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The two countries have the closest relations with Tehran, and nuclear analysts have said they could be a potential acceptable third party to the Iranian Republic to take possession of the enriched uranium as part of a potential deal.

Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has not publicly committed to giving up its uranium.

RELATED NEWS | Gas prices fall amid US-Iran ceasefire, but significant relief at the pump still weeks away

How Trump's plan affects Israel's war in Lebanon

Another key issue unresolved is whether the ceasefire will also cover Israels operations against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon. Iran has insisted that Lebanon must be covered by any ceasefire agreement negotiated with the United States.

The administration appears to leave some wiggle room on the Lebanon question. The emerging memorandum of understanding calls for a ceasefire between the U.S. and its allies against Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, but also underscores Israel's right to act against imminent threats and in self-defense.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday announced that the Israeli military is deepening its operation in Lebanon. Overnight, Israel's military clashed with the Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group along a strategic river in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops pushed farther north.

Jonathan Conricus, a former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said Israel expects that Iran would quickly move to direct any sanctions relief to restore its military capability and boost proxy groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas in Gaza.

Were not done fighting, because the Iranian regime isnt done, said Conricus, who is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank.

Stunned silence as Trump ties Abraham Accords to Iran deal

Trump on Wednesday also reinforced his call that the deal should include a requirement for several additional countries, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered agreements from Trumps first term aimed at normalizing diplomatic and economic relations with Israel.

Were, you know, requesting strongly that they join, Trump said.

Trumps optimism that the other Middle Eastern and majority-Muslim countries could soon sign on to the accords might be overly ambitious.

For example, Saudi Arabia, the most significant power in the Arab world and long seen as the biggest prize for the normalization effort, has insisted that establishing a guaranteed path to a Palestinian state remains a precondition. It's something that Israel vehemently opposes.

Trump pushed for the Abraham Accords during a call with leaders of Mideast allies over the weekend.

Barbara Leaf, a retired U.S. ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and senior State Department official during President Joe Biden's Democratic administration, said officials from Gulf countries who were on the call told her that Trump's pitch was greeted by stunned silence. A person familiar with the call disputed that characterization and said that some regional allies responded positively to the presidents call to join the accords. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity about the private conversation.

Leaf, a distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute, said that Middle Eastern allies of the United States recognize that Iran will likely use any money from sanctions relief to bolster its military capabilities. Still, they have been supportive of Trumps efforts to end the conflict.

They see no other way out, Leaf said of American allies in the region. And they see no other way out because of many of these early mistakes that the president and the administration made in conducting the war.

Roughly one in 10 American families are skipping meals and relying on food donations or government assistance, according new polling by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Findings published Wednesday show an increased share of families reporting not enough food or missed meals when compared to responses in October 2025 and June 2020.

"We find a remarkable increase in food insecurity, particularly among lower-educated and lower-income households and households with young children," the authors write.

Those same consumers are also getting more pessimistic about the overall economy, the survey found.

"Overall, these trends point to a deterioration in sentiment or an increased pessimism among those who report food insecurity and SNAP receipt," the authors found.

RELATED NEWS | Affordability concerns are weighing harder on consumer sentiment as Iran war drags on

Affordability continues to be a top concern for Americans, as the war with Iran drives gas prices to a four-year high. And consumers are set to see more of that trickle into other parts of the economy.

An April consumer confidence survey from the Conference Board showed Americans feeling marginally better about the present economic situation, but far worse about whats ahead.

"We see a very, very clear divide. Where consumers are feeling okay about today, but are decidedly pessimistic about what is likely to happen tomorrow," said economist Abby Hall.

As Europes new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins rolling out, many American travelers may feel uncertain about what to expect when heading overseas this summer.

For non-European travelers, the new system requires facial, fingerprints, and passport scans at self-service kiosks when arriving in Europe.

But according to travel expert Tomeka Jones, travelers shouldnt panic.

While the self-service kiosks are creating long lines in some of the 29 Europeans countries implementing the system, Jones recommends allowing an extend layover of 2 to 3 hours before a connecting flight.

The days of getting a passport stamp, especially in Europe, are pretty much gone, Jones says.

While the new system is changing how travelers enter Europe, many Americans are also changing where theyre choosing to visit.

Destinations like Gothenburg, Swedens second largest city are attracting travelers looking for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and waterfront experiences at hotels like the Radisson Blu Riverside.

You can get the Scandinavian experience without paying higher prices you often find in places like Copenhagen or Stockholm, Jones says.

Known for its waterfront culture, walkability, fresh seafood, and Swedish fika coffee culture, Gothenburg also offers outdoor activities, museums, and access to thousands of islands in the Gothenburg archipelago.

You can also experience wellness and fitness in one building called Hagabadet, according to Jones. It was once a communal bathhouse and today its one of Swedens most popular spas.

RELATED STORY | Americans plan to embrace summer travel, despite inflation woes

Other under-the-radar European destinations travelers might find better value compared to Europes busiest cities include Kufstein, a medieval Austrian town known for summer festivals and outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, Hamburg offers travelers a vibrant waterfront culture, the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt warehouse district, and the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall.

For travelers heading to Europe this summer, Jones says the best advice is simple: Give yourself extra time to navigate the new EES system and pack your patience.

A crumbling railway overpass near 24th Street and Griswold Road right on the border of Port Huron and Port Huron Township has residents demanding action as deteriorating conditions continue to raise safety concerns.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Crumbling railway overpasses has Port Huron Township residents demanding repairs

The main overpass, which has stood for about 100 years, is owned by the Canadian National Railway Company (CN). A smaller, inoperable overpass next to it is owned by CSX Rail. The area underneath the bridge is maintained by the St. Clair County Road Commission.

A community advocate known as Trash the Clown has spent years cleaning up around the overpass and says the conditions go far beyond litter.

"I started here just picking up the trash, but then I realized how bad the infrastructure was," Trash the Clown said.

She has posted signs near the overpass warning residents of the hazard that read: "Bridge and walkway not maintained."

Pieces of concrete have begun falling from the structure, and muddy conditions develop underneath during heavy rains.

Port Huron City Councilwoman Teri Lamb said city leaders contacted CN leadership years ago, but maintenance discussions stalled.

"They met with CN railway personally and had a discussion and they agreed yes, it needed to be addressed and they were told they would address it, and we haven't seen anything," Lamb said.

Last April, Lamb personally demanded an update from the company. She said CN told her the bridge was structurally sound but did require maintenance work she said has still not been done.

"We have our citizens that walk and drive underneath there and you can see that the cement is crumbling," Lamb said.

CN media relations advisor Michelle Hannan released the following statement:

"We understand the publics concern for safety, as safety is a core value at CN. "CN is currently working with the City of Port Huron, along with our Bridges and Engineering teams, to evaluate remediation options for the bridge. "While portions of rebar and other structural components may be visible, the affected areas are considered cosmetic concrete deterioration on the outer portions of the structure. CN will continue coordinating with local officials and will be in contact with the city once a formalized improvement plan has been developed.

The St. Clair County Road Commission, which maintains the area beneath the bridge, said the space is not considered a walkway and is only a road edge not designed for foot traffic. Despite that, residents regularly use the area to move through the neighborhood.

Port Huron resident Tyler Moldovan said the community has been patient long enough.

"I think citizens for years and years now have shown that this is something worth going to bat for," Moldovan added.

Meanwhile CSX Rail says they are not aware of prior outreach regarding the condition of their smaller, inoperable overpass. But if there are any immediate safety concerns near CSX property, they should be reported to the Public Safety Coordination Center at 800-232-0144.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a $152 million funding plan for Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County Wednesday, securing the historic base's future and keeping its fighter missions intact.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Community excited for opportunities presented by investment in Selfridge

The investment preserves two flying missions at the base, one of which was at risk of being eliminated.

"It means everything, and I literally mean everything," said Daniel Kramer, Brigadier General Commander of the Michigan National Guard.

Kramer said losing one of those missions would have had a direct impact on the surrounding community.

"When you think about Selfridge today, you have two flying missions in the international guard alone, we were in jeopardy of losing one of those missions, that cuts out a whole unit out of the organization, which the local population, they rely on those people to go to lunch, to live in the communities," Kramer said.

Local business owners near the base welcomed the news. Trenton Milne, owner of Deer Camp Coffee in Harrison Township, said the investment signals a strong future for the region.

"It seems everyone is super excited for what this can lead to in the future," Milne said.

Milne, who bought the shop last year, said Selfridge's presence was a key factor in his decision.

"I was really excited for all the traffic in the community, Selfridge offered," Milne said.

He added the funding is a win beyond just the base itself.

"It's gonna be a super good thing for the community, for the base, for really anyone involved, all of Macomb County," Milne said.

Army veteran Larry Biringer, who lives near Selfridge, said he appreciates the state's commitment to keeping the mission alive.

"To see your tax dollars flying up there, it's pretty rewarding," Biringer said.

Biringer said watching military aircraft over the base is a source of pride.

"You see America at work, it is exciting to see a jet go over, a tanker, or the A-10 warhog, it's something to see or be appreciated," Biringer said.

Major Amy Padesky, a KC-135 pilot at Selfridge, said she is looking forward to what the investment means for the base's fleet.

"It's incredible, it's exciting," Padesky said. "It's amazing just to be here for the first time on the runway, and then the new jets."

Kramer said the funding reflects what can happen when a community unites around a shared goal.

"Proud of being a Michigander, and seeing when people come together after a common goal, and they secure that win, it just makes you feel proud," Kramer said.

A Detroit beauty school owner is speaking out after thieves stole two decorative planters from her business over Memorial Day weekend, with the theft caught on security camera.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Thieves steal planters from Detroit beauty school over Memorial Day weekend

The incident happened early Saturday morning at Hair It Iz Beauty on West McNichols Road in the Rosedale Park neighborhood.

The business first opened as a salon in 1992 before becoming a beauty school in 2018.

"We train students that are interested in cosmetology, manicuring, esthetics," owner Marsha Rowry said. "We offer training and education to help people better their lives."

Last year, the business received grant funding through the Detroit Legacy Business Project. Rowry used the funding for new technology, a furnace and outdoor beautification work.

"We were able to get planters, mulch, shrubs," Rowry said. "People, when they see flowers, that's a sense of safety."

Watch surveillance video of the theft below: Surveillance video captures plant theft

Rowry said she realized this week that two planters she purchased for around $100 each were gone.

"They were here and they stood about this tall. A very nice arrangement. They had all different types of flowers in there," Rowry said

Security camera footage captured what appears to be two men stealing the planters Saturday after 2 a.m. before placing them in a white vehicle and driving away.

"It was painful. It was hurtful, very hurtful. To see someone that would take upon themselves to get out of their car, park their car and actually walk up on a business and take possession," Rowry said.

Detroit Police Department 8th Precinct Cmdr. Dietrich Lever said the theft is concerning.

"Because what they're really doing is victimizing small businesses in the 8th precinct," Lever said. "It's not the first time I've seen it, but I wouldn't call it often."

Lever said a dedicated property crime unit will investigate further. Detroit police are working to identify the men seen in the video.

Rowry said she plans to eventually put planters out again with added security. She also had a message for those committing these types of crimes.

"We just ask the community to respect itself. Have respect for the businesses still here," Rowry said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Detroit Police Department's 8th Precinct at 313-596-5800.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

From reality star to potential mayor of Los Angeles: Spencer Pratt lost his home in the Palisades Fire. Now that loss, and the city's response, have driven the former star of the MTV reality show "The Hills" to run for mayor. He has quickly become a top candidate.

Scripps News spoke with Maxwell Adler, a senior staff writer at Vanity Fair who just published an exclusive interview with Pratt. We asked: how seriously are Angelenos taking Pratt's candidacy?

"When Spencer first entered the race, I don't think even he himself was taking his candidacy particularly seriously. And the people of Los Angeles were taking notice. But no one was talking about him as a serious contender," Adler said.

"I'd say the biggest turning point was a debate last month. It was the debate between him, Councilmember Nithya Raman and the sitting mayor Karen Bass, and Spencer Pratt performed pretty well. He came out. He sounded articulate and he kept his attacks very focused. His campaign thus far has pretty much been entirely focused on the city's failed response to the homelessness crises and the response to the fires that devastated Pratt's hometown of the Pacific Palisades in 2025."

RELATED NEWS | Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wins GOP runoff for US Senate, ousting longtime Sen. John Cornyn

Pratt is "trying to turn this into a referendum on the current Democratic leadership right now. He's been rather successful in doing that thus far," Adler said. "It still remains to be seen, though, if he'll be able to channel enough of that anger to upset Mayor Bass, who is still the odds-on favorite in the betting markets right now. But a lot of people in the city are very angry at the current administration."

Watch Adler's full interview in the video above.

A suspect shot and killed himself on Wednesday as Detroit police were executing a search warrant in connection with a shooting from over the weekend.

The incident with the suspect and police happened just after 2 p.m. at a house in a neighborhood on Moross Road near Lansdowne Street.

Initially, police believed one of the officers fatally shot the suspect. After reviewing body camera video, investigators learned the 20-year-old suspect shot and killed himself when officers breached the bedroom he was in.

Watch Tony Geftos' video report before police clarified the officer did not fatally shoot the suspect: Officer shoots, kills man in Detroit after he opened fire on officers, police say

An officer fired a shot after the officer believed the suspect was aiming a gun at police, officials said. Evidence technicians are looking into where the officers shot landed, but the preliminary investigation shows the suspect was not hit by the second bullet.

Detroit police are still actively looking for a 16-year-old they consider armed and dangerous. The teen is believed to be the 20-year-old mans brother.

Police say the two had a feud with someone and fired shots into a home on Waltham Street on Saturday.

The search warrant on Wednesday was executed at the suspects mothers home. Once officers got inside the home on Moross on Wednesday, they say they found two women and a child. According to police, they had those three leave the house before they attempted to open a locked bedroom. Thats when the suspect took his own life and the officer fired the shot.

After reviewing the body-worn camera, which I had not done at that time, it has become clear that the subject fatally shot himself, Police Chief Todd Bettison said.

Bettison showed members of the media the body camera footage but is not releasing it to the public.

Police are identifying the 16-year-old suspect as Demarco Ballard.

One woman who lives nearby the home on Moross told me shes not surprised to hear this type of incident happened in her neighborhood.

"There's always something happening in this area every time it gets hot," Charita Rhodes said.

The officer who fired the shot during the raid has been placed on paid administrative leave.

No police officer wakes up in the morning, we know that the possibility is there, but you dont wake up with the intention of thinking Im actually going to have to fire my weapon, especially at another human, Bettison said. "My prayers go out to the family because its just a lot of loss. Theyre going to need assistance, trauma-informed care support as well, so I hope that individuals wrap their arms around them.

If you see Ballard, police say do not approach him and call 911.

** Editor's note: Police initially released an incorrect age for the second suspect. We have updated this article to reflect that change.

A judge has temporarily blocked the parole of an 85-year-old convicted murderer, as the victim's family, Oakland County's top prosecutor, and Michigan's attorney general fight to keep him behind bars.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Victim's family fights to keep convicted killer Leslie Moran behind bars

Leslie George Moran was convicted of killing his estranged wife, Deborah Humenny Moran, in West Bloomfield in 1976. He is serving a life sentence but was granted parole by the Michigan Parole Board earlier this year a decision now on hold while Oakland County Circuit Judge Jacob Cunningham reviews the case.

Moran had previously been denied parole in 2010, 2017, and 2022. Last November, the Parole Board recommended Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reject his commutation request but it granted him parole months later.

Deborah's sister, Sandy Humenny, called the parole board's decision a "punch to the gut."

"I couldn't save her, but if I can save anybody else from him. And he is a real threat," Humenny said.

EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Sandra Humenny talks about her sister and her murder Extended interview: Sister of woman killed speaks after convicted murder could soon get freedom

Humenny was 17 years old when her sister was murdered.

"I came home from school. There was a police car in the driveway and my sister's best friend. I could hear my mother screaming. I turned to my sister's best friend, and she said, Les killed Debbie," Humenny said.

"My sister was a 22-year-old sweet, kind person who had her whole life ahead of her. For this to have happened - it should have never happened," Humenny said.

Humenny argues Moran has never met the basic requirements for parole.

"One of the basic tenets of granting parole is, if they testify honestly under oath, they show remorse. They've engaged in rehab, and they take responsibility for their actions. He's done none of this," Humenny said.

Humenny also says she fears for her own safety if Moran is released.

"I am the one who stood in his way from being paroled, and if he gets out, you, you, you don't, in his mind's eye, disrespect him or go against him. He will come get me. And what does he have to lose?" Humenny said.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel have both filed to keep Moran incarcerated.

"While Deborah Humenny Moran cannot speak for herself at the parole board, her family continues to advocate for her memory," McDonald said. "Her killer has never shown remorse or taken responsibility for his crime. We cannot allow him to escape accountability, even a half-century later."

"Granting parole to an individual who refuses to accept responsibility, blames his victim, and continues to present a threat to public safety is unacceptable and a clear abuse of discretion by the Parole Board," Nessel said. "My office is committed to working alongside the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office and Deborah's family to ensure this convicted murderer remains behind bars and justice is upheld."

In a written statement, Humenny said more than 1,000 letters opposing Moran's release have been submitted, and that six governors have denied every commutation request Moran has filed since 1977.

"Debby cannot speak for herself. My mother cannot speak for her. I will. The Parole Board needs to reverse this decision immediately for my safety, the safety of my family, and the members of the community," Humenny said.

The Michigan Department of Corrections and the state parole board did not respond to a request for comment.

Full statement from Sandra Humenny, sister of Deborah Moran:

I am urging the Michigan Parole Board to immediately reverse its decision to grant parole to Inmate Leslie G. Moran #149819 the man who murdered his own wife, my sister Deborah Humenny Moran, in a premeditated, executionstyle killing that should have resulted in a conviction of firstdegree murder. For nearly fifty years, Inmate Moran has refused to accept responsibility, instead blaming Debby, the psychologist, the courts, and anyone else he can while changing his story again and again. Michigan's leaders have long recognized the danger he poses. Since 1977, six Governors have denied every commutation request he has filed. In November 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer denied his latest request following the Parole Board's own recommendation of denial. The Board also denied his parole in 2017 and 2022. The public has spoken clearly: more than 1,000 letters have been submitted opposing his release. This decision ignores the evidence, ignores prosecutors and the Attorney General's Office, and ignores the lifelong devastation to my family especially to my mother, who died believing the system would protect her daughter's memory. Debby cannot speak for herself. My mother cannot speak for her. I will. The Parole Board needs to reverse this decision immediately for my safety, the safety of my family, and the members of the community.

U.S. stocks inched to more records Wednesday after oil prices fell and eased the pressure on households and businesses worldwide.

The S&P 500 edged up by less than 0.1% and added to its all-time high set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 182 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.1% as both indexes also set records.

Stocks of companies with big fuel bills helped lead the way on hopes that lower oil prices will remove a big drag on their profits. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings climbed 6.1%, and United Airlines rallied 6.3%. Delta Air Lines rose 3% and set an all-time high.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil fell 4.6% to $92.25 after the ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared to hold despite the U.S. military launching what it called self-defense strikes in southern Iran. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude fell even more, 5.5%, to settle at $88.68 and is back to where it was in mid-April on hopes that the United States and Iran can reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow oil tankers to exit the Persian Gulf for deliveries again.

RELATED STORY | Gas prices fall amid US-Iran ceasefire, but significant relief at the pump still weeks away

Stocks have been able to run to records despite the painful inflation and uncertainty caused by high oil prices largely because companies have reported surprisingly strong profits for the start of 2026, and the forecast is for them to continue.

Bath & Body Works rallied 9.7%, and Abercrombie & Fitch climbed 8.9% after both reported bigger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Thats even as U.S. consumers continue to say theyre feeling discouraged about the economy and inflation.

Lululemon Athletica rose 2.9% after reaching a deal with its founder, Chip Wilson, where it will add a former chief marketing officer of ESPN and a former co-CEO of On to its board of directors.

On the losing side of Wall Street was Dicks Sporting Goods, which dropped 6% despite delivering a profit for the latest quarter that edged past expectations. Analysts pointed to how much profit it wrung out of each $1 in revenue, which some called a bit weak.

Oil-and-gas stocks also sank, hurt by the dropping prices for crude. Exxon Mobil fell 1.3%, and Chevron slipped 1.3%. Halliburton dropped 3.6% to bring its gain for the year so far back toward 40%.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 1.24 to 7,520.36. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 182.60 points to 50,644.28, and the Nasdaq composite gained 18.55 to 26,674.73.

RELATED STORY | Market rebound: Why some stocks are looking past the Iran war

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased after falling oil prices took pressure off inflation. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.48% from 4.50% late Tuesday and from 4.67% roughly a week ago.

Its a respite following recent gains for yields in bond markets worldwide, which threatened to slow economies and undercut prices for stocks and all kinds of other investments. High yields have already forced the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate to its most expensive level since last summer, and they could curtail companies borrowing to build the artificial-intelligence data centers that have supported the U.S. economys growth recently.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia. South Koreas Kospi was one of the worlds best performers and jumped 2.3% after SK Hynix, which is a big beneficiary of the AI boom, soared 9.3%.

A day before, Micron Technology surged to become the latest Big Tech company to be worth more than $1 trillion because of AI excitement. Its stock has more than tripled already in 2026, and analysts at UBS said Tuesday it could soar even more because of how fundamentally AI has improved demand for computer memory. It rose another 3.6% Wednesday.

A new Utah license plate could soon help feed students across the state. The Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation is working with the DMV to launch a specialty plate by July 1, with proceeds going toward paying off student lunch debt.

DJ Bracken, founder of the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation, said the idea came from a friend. "My friend David Moody had a clever idea. What if we made a license plate that feeds kids in Utah, one that pays off lunch debt," Bracken said.

Bracken founded the nonprofit after FOX 13's initial reporting on Utah's growing school lunch debt problem in 2023. He said the issue is one that doesn't make sense to him.

RELATED STORY| New SNAP, Medicaid rules could cost many kids free school meals

"We provide everything else at school, the buses that get them there, the building, the desks, but I guess they don't need food to learn, right? It just doesn't make any sense," Bracken said.

A sample of the proposed plate is available on the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation's website. Bracken said the timeline is on track. "We're planning on launching that. We're working with the DMV to submit it July 1st, and it'll be ready," Bracken said.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | New US dietary guidelines urge more protein, fewer ultraprocessed foods

The license plate is one of several solutions that have emerged since FOX 13's first report on lunch debt in Utah. At a recent event, a 5th-grade student at Entheos Academy in Kearns took his own initiative to raise money to pay off his school's outstanding lunch debt.

Liam Whitney said the effort was not easy. "Difficult," Liam said when asked if the fundraising was hard. "Like making the fliers and stuff."

When asked how many fliers he made, Liam said he made "probably a gajillion."

Bracken said he hopes the growing momentum leads to a permanent solution. "I love that we got to do this, but I don't want to do it again next year. I want to be able to show up and say there's no school lunch debt," Bracken said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was originally published by John Franchi with the Scripps News Group station in Salt Lake City.

The Detroit Public Safety Foundation honored 24 women from the Detroit Police and Fire departments Wednesday at its Women in Blue event, recognizing first responders nominated by their peers for the impact they make daily.

Watch Whitney Burney's video report: Detroit women first responders honored at Women in Blue event

Four women were nominated from Detroit Fire and 20 from Detroit Police.

After 9 years as an officer, Alexis Campbell received the Detroit Police Women in Blue Officer of the Year honor.

"My biggest challenge has been balancing and being a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter but the sacrifices that my children make so I can serve the other children in the community is just so worth it," Campbell said.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison spoke to the significance of women in the department.

"24% of the Detroit police department is female and so the men cannot do it without the women and we have some brave women. It's not just police but fire and EMS and police," Bettison said.

Taylor Butts, a Detroit firefighter, reflected on what the recognition meant.

"I thought it was awesome. It highlighted so many women in the department because we do feel unseen sometimes," Butts said.

During her acceptance speech, the winner of Detroit Fire Department Woman of the Year used the moment to highlight struggles she says firefighters face when the job results in health issues.

"Right now, one of our own is battling aggressive brain and kidney after years on the job. Instead of simply being taken care of, he's forced to fight over whether the cancer is duty related," the firefighter said. "This ceremony is beautiful. It's great to have all these people to celebrate only when we do not have to fight our own employer for the things the law guarantees as we faithfully serve."

According to the National Institute of Health, occupational cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters, with firefighters having a 9% greater risk of a cancer diagnosis and 14% higher rate of cancer-related death than the general public.

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms addressed the department's stance on cancer claims.

"We support every firefighter on this job and matter fact, we made it a demand that any firefighter that has been on this job that is diagnosed with cancer, it will automatically be considered an on-duty injury," Simms said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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In todays Health Alert, a new blood test is now being added to the list of recommended screening options for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society hopes it will encourage Americans who avoid traditional screenings to get tested.

New blood test now among recommended screening options for colorectal cancer

I too often see this cancer in my practice. And I cant stress enough how important screening is. Colorectal cancer cases are rising, especially in adults under 65. So having another testing option could really help.

That said, there are key things people should know about this new test called Shield. Studies show it detects about 83% of colorectal cancers. It works by looking for tiny DNA fragments that tumors release into the bloodstream. A big advantage of this test is that its a simple blood draw. And that convenience may encourage more people to get screened.

But heres the important part - finding cancer early can dramatically improve survival. This test, though, is better at finding more advanced cancers and less effective at detecting early-stage disease.

The blood test is not meant to replace a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is still the best screening tool we have. Why? Because it doesnt just detect cancer, it can actually prevent it. During the procedure, doctors can find and remove precancerous polyps before they ever become dangerous. And I know it can be time-consuming, but it remains the gold standard.

Another option is stool-based tests like Cologuard Plus and ColoSense. Those can be done at home, and many people find them easier to complete. But, just like the blood test, if results come back positive, you still need a colonoscopy for confirmation and treatment.

Now, when should people get tested? If youre at average risk, screening starts at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or if youre unsure, speak with your family doctor.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death overall. But when its caught early, survival rates are very high. So, while a blood test is not the first choice for screening, its still better than no screening at all.

PayPal helped invent online checkout. Nearly three decades later, its struggling to defend its turf.

The iconic online payments company is facing its biggest challenge in nearly three decades of existence. Its core business of customers using the app to check out when shopping online is barely growing and new management has bluntly warned investors that significant changes will be needed to fix the companys problems.

One of the biggest success stories of the original dot-com era, PayPal has seen its territory steadily conquered by new and existing competitors, particularly Apple, Shopify, the buy now, pay later companies like Affirm and Klarna, and peer-to-peer money transfer services like Cash App and Zelle, particularly in the past five years.

As a result, PayPals stock has fallen nearly 40% in the past 12 months. The stock, which soared during the pandemic as millions of Americans started shopping online for groceries and other necessities, has plunged roughly 80% in the past five years as investors worried that PayPal missed an opportunity to leverage its name recognition and dominance in online payments and allowed its competitors to take market share that will be hard to recover.

Investors concerns are not about profitability, although PayPal did warn investors that 2026 profits would be down from the previous year. The concerns lie more with how will PayPal grow and maintain its market with increasing competition.

PayPal said in its first-quarter earnings report that branded checkout the companys most profitable business by margin grew just 2%. While the company noted there had been a slowdown in its European division and other discretionary purchases, a growth of only 2% in one of the fastest growing industries alarmed investors and shares dropped nearly 8%.

RELATED NEWS | Walmart to use tariff refunds to ease inflations strain on shoppers

The pressures on PayPal's business have led to some dramatic changes at the top of the company. The board ousted CEO Alex Chriss in February and replaced him with Enrique Lores, the former president and CEO of HP Inc., and a member of PayPals board. Lores announced a cost-cutting plan that includes reorganizing the company into three divisions and relying more on artificial intelligence. He told investors at Mays shareholder meeting he expects to update them on the companys turnaround plan in a few months."

The biggest threat to PayPals dominance has been Apple and its Apple Pay service. Apple rolled out Apple Pay in 2014, which allowed Apple customers to store virtual credit and debit cards on their devices to pay online. The company also integrated tap-to-pay technologies into iPhones and the Apple Watch to allow Apple users to pay for items at stores in person.

So, while PayPal has embedded itself as a checkout button on countless merchant websites, that checkout button has become less useful when a customer can store their payment information on their phone and pay using a fingerprint or a glance of their face, analysts said.

This has caused customers to drift away from PayPal as a default payment method. PayPal in 2019 controlled roughly 9% of e-commerce in the U.S. and globally, with Apple Pay having a 3% market share, according to analysts at UBS. Six years later, Apple overtook PayPal as the dominant checkout option, and its market share is expected to continue to grow as Apple rolls out Apple Pay to non-iOS users.

There is also the growing popularity of buy now, pay later companies such as Klarna and Affirm. While PayPal now offers buy now, pay later services like its pay-in-four plan, and longer-term monthly payment plans, it lags its major competitors including Affirm, which was founded by one of PayPals founders, Max Levchin.

PayPal has had a lot of trouble evolving from being just a way to pay on your desktop computer, said Sanjay Sakhrani, an analyst who covers credit cards and payment methods at investment bank Keefe Bruyette & Woods.

MORE BUSINESS NEWS | Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein to buy eco-friendly Everlane in an unlikely fit

Going forward, investors worry that if the branded checkout business continues to lag behind it competitors, it could spell future trouble for PayPal. Wall Street analysts have questioned whether Venmo or Braintree may be spun off from the company, noting that Lores was previously responsible for spliting HP into two separate companies.

Earlier this year, PayPal's stock jumped briefly on unconfirmed reports that the payments company Stripe was interested in acquiring all or parts of PayPal.

Falling oil prices are pushing stocks near record highs, but drivers shouldn't expect significant relief at the gas pump just yet.

The average fuel price in the U.S. is hovering around $4.47 per gallon, down from about $4.50 two weeks ago. Experts say the decline will be slow, as the gas Americans buy today is refined from crude oil purchased weeks ago at a more expensive price. Even though oil prices have fallen to under $90 per barrel, that effect won't be felt for at least a few weeks.

Investors are watching energy markets closely as crude oil prices drop amid the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

RELATED STORY | Market rebound: Why some stocks are looking past the Iran war

The U.S.-Iran ceasefire is holding, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The International Energy Agency says 20 million barrels of crude oil were shipped through the strait in 2025, making up about 25% of the world's seaborne oil.

Reuters has reported that Iranian state television says, per a framework deal with the U.S., Iran will restore commercial traffic within a month to pre-war levels and will manage ship traffic through the strait.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Oil companies look beyond Middle East for new supply sources

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says it is critical that the strait be reopened soon.

"What's happening there is unlawful," Rubio said. "It's illegal. It's unsustainable for the world. It's unacceptable. The straits need to be open, unimpeded, without tolls, and obviously that needs to happen immediately as soon as anything is agreed."

If the ceasefire holds and the Strait of Hormuz opens, more oil supply will become available potentially even a surplus later this year that could trigger much lower gas prices.

Dolly Parton is putting her sparkle on the world of travel plazas and truck stops!

The iconic singer-songwriter is opening her first "Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop" next month in her home state.

The inaugural location is off Interstate 65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, which is about 60 miles south of Nashville. The travel stop is "a brand-new roadside destination built around comfort, care and Tennessee hospitality," the company said on social media.

Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop will feature DLY BBQ, Dollys Cup of Ambition Coffee, custom merch and a full-service restaurant, it said.

There's a dog park, multiple event spaces, a stage that will regularly feature live music, EV charging stations and a tour bus inspired by the one used by Parton for a fun photo-op.

RELATED STORY | 'Do I look sick to you?': Dolly Parton releases video amid health concerns

The travel stop will also be trucker-friendly. There is parking for tractor-trailers and fueling stations, as well as a trucker's lounge. Even the logo for Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop is a nod to truckers.

The grand opening is scheduled for June 24.

Matthew Perrys live-in personal assistant, who had a central role in the Friends stars descent into ketamine addiction and injected him with the fatal dose of the drug, was sentenced Wednesday to three years and five months in prison.

Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett handed down the sentence to 60-year-old Kenneth Iwamasa in federal court in Los Angeles. He was also sentenced to two years of probation and a $10,000 fine.

It was the fifth and final sentencing in the 2 1/2-year investigation and prosecution that followed Perrys death at age 54 on Oct. 28, 2023.

RELATED STORY | Drug counselor who gave Matthew Perry fatal ketamine gets 2 years in prison

Iwamasa was at Perrys side through the final days of his life, acting as the actors enabler, drug messenger and de facto doctor. He was the last person to see Perry alive, and he was the one who found him dead in his Jacuzzi.

RELATED STORY | 'Ketamine Queen' gets 15 years in prison for selling Matthew Perry the drugs that killed him

He was the first person to reach a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty in August of 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death, and became their most important witness.

Iwamasas lawyers said in a court filing that he was an employee doing his employers bidding and had a particular vulnerability in his relationship to Perry. In short, he could not simply say no. That inability had tragic consequences.

Michigan State Police say they are investigating a reported shooting on the Southfield Freeway on Wednesday.

According to MSP, the calls came in around 1:29 p.m. about a freeway shooting on M-39 northbound near Plymouth Road.

Police say no injuries have been reported, but northbound M-39 is currently shut down. The closure is from Warren Road to Joy Road as police investigate.

Stay with

WXYZ.com

for updates on this developing story.

As part of the Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that will provide funding for improvements to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report on the first day of the Mackinac Policy Conference: Big moves on Mackinac Island on first day of conference

The $152 million will pay for runway and taxiway upgrades as the base prepares to host a new fighter mission. It also unlocks $792 million in federal funding for investments in the base.

Watch the signing ceremony: Governor Whitmer signs Selfridge funding

Selfridge is in the midst of a transformation, with President Donald Trump announcing last year that it would receive the new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, which are replacing the retiring A-10 Warthogs, as well as replacing its KC-135 refueling tankers with the new KC-46A refueling tankers.

At the time of the F-15 announcement, the A-10s were due to begin being phased out this year, with the K-135 replacement beginning in 2027.