National Spelling Bee finals: nine finalists compete for orthographic glory – live buildup

Health officials are tracking a growing salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers from a Florida supplier, with at least 45 people falling ill across 18 states. The situation appears to be widening, prompting concerns about contaminated produce in the food supply chain.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another food recall—it's a spreading outbreak that could affect more people if contaminated cucumbers are still on shelves or in kitchens. Salmonella infections can be serious, especially for vulnerable groups, so this story matters for anyone who's bought cucumbers recently or cares about food safety gaps. Stay tuned for updates on affected brands and states.

A tragic crash near Yellowstone National Park involved a pickup truck driver whose blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit, according to Idaho police. The collision with a tour van resulted in fatalities, highlighting yet another preventable incident tied to drunk driving.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another traffic accident—it’s a stark reminder of how dangerous impaired driving is, especially in areas like national parks where roads can be unpredictable. The fact that this happened near Yellowstone, a place families visit for safe, memorable experiences, makes it even more jarring. Stories like this often reignite debates about stricter DUI enforcement and public awareness, but they also leave communities grieving lives lost to reckless decisions.

The U.S. government will now screen the social media activity of visa applicants bound for Harvard, specifically looking for evidence of antisemitic content. This move targets students, staff, and visitors affiliated with the university, reflecting heightened scrutiny over online behavior in visa approvals.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Harvard—it signals a broader shift in how the U.S. assesses visa applicants, tying online conduct to eligibility. After rising concerns over campus antisemitism, officials are taking a harder line, which could set a precedent for other schools or visa categories. For applicants, it’s a reminder that their digital footprint might carry more weight than they realize.

A quick-thinking Marine stepped in when a passenger reportedly tried to open an emergency exit mid-flight from Tokyo to Houston. The situation was defused, and the plane was safely rerouted to Seattle—no injuries, just a tense moment handled by someone with the right training.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "passenger acting up" story—it’s a reminder of how unpredictable air travel can be and why having trained individuals onboard matters. The Marine’s actions likely prevented a dangerous scenario, showing that sometimes, the right person really is in the right place at the right time. For travelers, it’s oddly reassuring (and maybe a nudge to thank service members when you see them).

A federal appeals court has upheld a previous ruling that stops the Trump administration from shrinking the federal workforce. Essentially, the court is saying "not so fast" to plans for major cuts, at least for now.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a big deal for federal employees and how the government operates. The ruling keeps thousands of jobs in place for the time being, but it’s also part of a larger tug-of-war over the size and role of the federal workforce. If you care about how the government functions (or if you or someone you know works for it), this decision has real-world ripple effects.