US reaches deal with China to speed up rare earth shipments, White House says, amid efforts to end trade war

Fewer Canadians are making trips across the border to the U.S.—May saw a sharp 32% drop in return trips, marking five straight months of decline. StatsCan points to the ongoing trade tensions as a likely culprit, suggesting the back-and-forth tariffs are putting a chill on cross-border movement.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about vacation plans—it’s a sign of how political spats ripple into everyday life. Fewer border crossings could mean less shopping, tourism, or even business deals between the two countries, which might hint at broader economic strain. If this keeps up, border towns and industries relying on cross-border traffic could feel the pinch.

Lawmakers are demanding the release of an Afghan man who worked alongside the U.S. military in Afghanistan but was detained by ICE during a routine green card appointment. His attorneys say he was abruptly taken out of state, sparking outrage among advocates and officials who argue he deserves protection, not punishment, for his service.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another immigration story—it’s about someone who risked his life helping American troops, only to face detention while trying to secure his legal status. It raises tough questions about how the U.S. treats allies and whether the system is failing those who’ve already sacrificed so much. With immigration policies under intense scrutiny, cases like this could fuel bigger debates about fairness and accountability.

At 44 years old, Kansas City Royals pitcher Rich Hill just hit a quirky career milestone—he’s now the oldest active player in MLB after taking the mound in his season debut against the Cubs. This is his 14th team in a career that’s spanned nearly two decades, proving that age really is just a number (at least for him).

Editor’s Note: Hill’s longevity is a fun reminder that baseball isn’t just for the young guns—it’s a game where crafty veterans can still carve out roles, even in their mid-40s. For fans, it’s a cool storyline that blends nostalgia with respect for perseverance. And for the Royals, having a seasoned arm like Hill could pay off in mentoring younger players while eating up innings.

The sentencing hearing for Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students, has started. Families of the victims will have a chance to share how the tragedy has affected them, though it’s still unknown whether Kohberger will offer any explanation for his alleged actions.

Editor’s Note: This case has gripped the nation, not just because of the horrific nature of the crime, but because it shattered the sense of safety in a close-knit college community. The hearing is a critical moment for the victims’ families to confront Kohberger—but without a clear motive, many questions may remain unanswered, leaving a painful void in the search for closure.

The search continues for Eliotte Heinz, a 22-year-old grad student at Viterbo University in Wisconsin, who vanished after leaving a local bar early Sunday morning. Police have recovered her cellphone and are piecing together her last known movements, while her mother pleads for public help. Investigators are treating this as a critical missing persons case, though details remain scarce.

Editor’s Note: A young woman’s sudden disappearance is rattling a small Wisconsin community, and the lack of answers so far has left family and authorities deeply concerned. With her phone found but no sign of Eliotte herself, the urgency to trace her steps is growing—especially since cases like this often hinge on early leads. It’s the kind of story that reminds us how quickly life can turn uncertain, and why public awareness matters in these critical first days.