Hiring cools in June, signaling slower labor market

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Tom LoBianco | Quincy News Correspondent

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    Quincy News (Quincy News) — WASHINGTON — U.S. job growth slowed in June, adding to evidence that the labor market is cooling. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday that nonfarm payroll employment increased by 57,000 in June, while the unemployment rate edged down to 4.2% from 4.3%.

The report also revised April and May payrolls down by a combined 74,000 jobs. April was revised to 148,000 from 179,000, and May was revised to 129,000 from 172,000.

Taken together, the data point to a labor market that is losing momentum but not sharply deteriorating. BLS said June payroll growth was about in line with the average monthly gain over the prior 12 months.

“It’s nothing to be jumping up and down about, it’s not the end of the world. I’d say it’s more of a ‘meh’ economy,” said David Mitchell, an economics professor and director of the Bureau for Economic Research at Missouri State University. “I wouldn’t say it’s a red flag, maybe say it’s a yellow flag.”

The weaker June reading reinforces the view that hiring is cooling after a stronger spring.

Leisure and hospitality lost 61,000 jobs in June, reflecting “weaker than usual seasonal hiring,” BLS said.

Mitchell said the weakness in leisure and hospitality could point to households pulling back on discretionary spending, including summer travel, as higher prices continue to weigh on budgets.

The decline in the unemployment rate came alongside a drop in labor force participation, a sign that fewer people are either working or seeking work. The labor force participation rate fell 0.3 percentage point to 61.5% in June.

Mitchell noted that some decline in participation is structural, driven by demographic trends such as the ongoing retirement of Baby Boomers. For policymakers, the report adds to evidence of a cooling labor market, though wage growth remained firm. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% in June and 3.5% from a year earlier.

The report quickly drew political reactions. On X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote that the “foreign-born labor force has fallen sharply over the past year.” BLS nativity data do show a year-over-year decline in the foreign-born labor force, though the agency says its surveys do not identify legal status. House Democrats, also on X, countered that “The Trump economy is FAILING hardworking Americans.”

The data point to a mixed outlook. The labor market is cooling, which could ease price pressures, but it also raises questions about the strength of growth.

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Artist repairs mural of Giannis Antetokounmpo in downtown Milwaukee after vandalism

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Jenna Wells

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    MILWAUKEE (WDJT) — One of Milwaukee’s favorite murals received an unexpected touch-up Wednesday after a disappointing find.

Staff at nearby buildings downtown found graffiti scrawled at the bottom of the massive mural of Giannis Antetokounmpo, located near Wisconsin and Jackson in downtown Milwaukee.

After a call to the mural’s original artist, the graffiti disappeared almost as quickly as it showed up.

Mauricio Ramirez said this was the first time someone vandalized the three-story mural of the beloved Bucks star, which he was commissioned to paint on the wall of Milwaukee’s 600 EAST building in 2022.

The black and white graffiti found Wednesday morning included large unreadable tags, along with, “I will miss you” written in white, and “miss you” written again in black.

By 2 p.m. Wednesday, Ramirez was posted up at the wall with paint cans in hand, covering it up.

“I just felt like it was just a little bit immature to do something like that, obviously, especially for something that people hold really dearly to their hearts,” he said.

Thankfully, it wasn’t difficult for him to fix.

Ramirez said he doesn’t clear-coat his murals, so he is able to paint over them with ease when repairs are needed.

He felt that the graffiti did not represent the love, passion, and respect that true Milwaukeeans have for both Giannis and the city, regardless of his recent trade to the Miami Heat.

“Obviously, that trade sparked a lot of emotions,” Ramirez said. “I just hope that by me coming in and repairing the mural, it shows hope and shows the attitude of how we like to take care of our community.”

It only took him a couple hours to restore the mural back to its striking, bright green color.

A nearby security officer told CBS 58 there is surveillance footage of the people who tagged the graffiti overnight, and the building’s owner plans to share that with police.

We reached out to MPD for more details but haven’t received a response.

While Giannis might be going to Miami, the mural won’t be going anywhere.

Dan Nelson, the owner of 600 EAST, told CBS 58, “As long as I own this building, Giannis will stay on this wall.”

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Parasite in feral cat feces becomes a threat to marine life

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Jasmine Perry

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    HONOLULU (KITV) — A beloved 10-year-old Hawaiian monk seal named Kaʻale was found dead in the waters off Nanakuli back in May.

Confirming that his cause of death was toxoplasmosis which is found in feral animals.

“It’s not the cat’s fault, but they let it get out of control. We never had a feral chicken, feral cat problem, probably going, I’d say 1990s backwards, but the state is famous for squawking about things, but they’re reactive and they’re not proactive, and it’s evident,” said Matt Holck, Kailau resident.

Feral cats can be seen across the island from Diamond Head to Hawaii Kai especially along our shorelines. Now their feces are causing our problem for Hawaii’s marine animals.

“We are losing a lot of our endemic species, whether plants or animals. How do you live to protect the past while going into the future? Hawaii doesn’t have a good reputation. Sadly,” said Holck.

Feral animals like these cats could carry a parasite if spread through their feces they could cause an infection known as “toxoplasmosis” which can be fatal to our ocean species.

“Once they are in the environment, they last indefinitely. Scientists have actually not been able to figure out how long they can survive in soil and water, but we’re probably talking about years, not days, weeks or months, and they can survive in very harsh conditions,” said Stephanie Kendrack, Vice President of Community Engagement Hawaiian Humane Society.

Toxoplasmosis killed a beloved Native Hawaiian Monk Seal on Oahu’s Leeward Coast.

To prevent further fatalities, Hawaii State Senator Chris Lee said the Department of Land and Natural Resources has taken action to create a cat shelter and sanctuary such as the one on Lanai for feral cats.

“So that’s a place where you can take some of these animals that are out in the wild in places where they can endanger a lot of our native species,” said Chris Lee, State Senator and Chair Committee District 25.

Senator Lee tells me that steps have been made to rapidly control the problem.

“We’ve had discussions for years about what we do about feral cat populations, feral other animal populations that are having impacts on our native species, especially our endangered species that we know are facing all kinds of threats,” said Senator Lee.

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‘They left me no other option’: Reedley farmer gives 125,000+ pounds of nectarines away amid lawsuit

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Kerry Mannix

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    REEDLEY, California (KFSN) — A Reedley farmer is being sued for trying to sell his nectarines, so instead, he’s giving them away for free.

Already this week, thousands of people have shown up to third-generation farmer Cesar Mora’s small Reedley orchard bright and early to collect buckets full of free nectarines.

It comes after Mora posted several videos on social media, explaining why he’s giving away the crop.

“These are my white flesh nectarines that I’ve been growing for the last 10 years. I should be picking them right now, but I’m not, all due to a giant ag corporation who has been preventing me from doing anything with this crop,” Mora said in a video he posted to his Instagram account ‘@NoNectarinesWasted,’ which had over 866,000 views as of Tuesday afternoon.

That corporation is the Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company, a leading supplier of fresh produce based in Los Angeles.

Nearly three years ago, the company sued Mora for allegedly breaking their contract when he stopped sending his fruit to them and sent it to another company instead.

A legal complaint filed by Giumarra’s attorneys states Mora was granted rights to grow and sell the Monalise White Nectarine Variety when he signed an agreement with them in 2017.

In a cross-complaint, Mora and his attorneys argued that Giumarra engaged in unfair business practices.

“I followed all their process and did my part, delivered great fruit to them. But I was never able to get a return or make any money, really, I was farming at a cost, at a loss, at just their benefit,” said Mora during an interview with Action News.

That’s when Mora says he decided to market the nectarines elsewhere.

But before long, Giumarra began sending him cease and desist letters, and he says when he tried to go back to the company, they rejected him.

“They left me no other option than to leave it on the tree and to let it rot away,” Mora said.

Instead of allowing another season to pass with a wasted harvest, Mora decided this year to give away more than 125,000 pounds of fruit for free.

So far, Mora’s attorneys estimate between 2,000 to 3,000 people have come to pick the nectarines.

Many of them say they don’t want to see them rotting on the ground another year.

“I don’t think food should go to waste, especially if it’s nice and ripe and just because of a lawsuit. It’s unfortunate that happened last year,” said Alejandra Madrid, who showed up to Mora’s orchard for fruit Tuesday morning.

A Fresno-based attorney representing Giumarra sent a statement to Action News, which reads:

“Giumarra Bros. Fruit Co. remains committed to serving our growers with integrity, honoring our contractual obligations, and safeguarding the proprietary programs that provide value to our grower partners. Litigation involving Mr. Mora remains ongoing and we will provide additional comment as appropriate.”

The legal case is set to go to trial on July 20.

Mora says he will continue giving away nectarines until they are all gone at his orchard located at 21500 E Parlier Ave in Reedley.

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May 17 officially declared “Bruce Lee Day” in California

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Kassia Bonesteel

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    SAN FRANCISCO, California (KPIX) — Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law designating May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, honoring the legacy of the San Francisco-born actor and martial arts icon.

According to Asm. Matt Haney, who authored the proposal, the annual day of recognition honors Lee’s impact on film, culture, and Chinese American history, and makes him the first Chinese American commemorated with a day in California.

“To be the first Chinese American recognized this way is a testament to my father’s enduring legacy and the countless lives he continues to touch,” said Shannon Lee, founder and CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation and Lee’s daughter.

Lee was born in San Francisco in 1940, while his parents were travelling for an international opera tour, but returned to Hong Kong soon after. May 17 was chosen to mark the day Lee left Hong Kong and returned to San Francisco at age 18, a pivotal moment that helped launch his acting and martial arts teaching career.

An international star who transformed martial arts cinema and introduced global audiences to Asian-led storytelling, Lee’s philosophy of adaptability, discipline and self-expression has made him a cultural icon who continues to influence athletes, artists and educators around the world. His films challenged Asian stereotypes that were prevalent in American media at the time, and launched a “kung fu craze” in the 1970’s.

“Bruce Lee represents the very best of California: innovation, diversity, determination, and the courage to challenge convention. Born in San Francisco, he transformed martial arts, redefined Hollywood, and inspired millions around the world to pursue their potential,” Haney said in a statement. “At a time when Asian Americans were too often absent from or stereotyped on screen, Bruce Lee helped generations see themselves represented with strength and dignity.”

According to Haney’s office, the state will encourage voluntary commemorative events across California, including school lessons, cultural exhibits and public events highlighting Lee’s contributions and history.

“Beyond the silver screen, Bruce Lee was a beacon for inclusiveness and tolerance and we feel strongly that his legacy needs to be remembered not only as the world famous martial artist and movie star but as an advocate of bridging diverse communities in the pursuit of equal representation and excellence,” said Justin Hoover, the creative director of Chinese Historical Society of America.

The first Bruce Lee Day will take place on May 17, 2027.

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University of Minnesota scientists create first synthetic cell that can complete a life cycle

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Aki Nace

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Scientists at the University of Minnesota say they’ve made the first synthetic cell that can complete a life cycle, a major breakthrough that could lead to innovation in the medicine and engineering fields.

Called SpudCell, it is made entirely from chemical components but can grow, divide and replicate.

“We’ve replicated in chemistry what only used to be possible in biology: the complete set of behaviors of a cell. It proves that the most fundamental functions of life, like growth and replication, do not need a mysterious magical spark,” said Associate Professor Kate Amadala, who worked on the project with Aaron Engelhart.

Amadala said that it is “likely the most exciting project I’ve ever worked on.”

While the human genome is roughly 3 million kilobase pairs in size, the SpudCell is a miniscule 90 kbp, Amadala said. Instead of dividing like a natural cell, it splits under mechanical stress when proteins come together at the surface. There is also evidence that the cell is capable of selection.

The results of the study, which are outlined in a 190-page paper, could revolutionize the way scientists develop medicines and industrial materials, the university says. Typically molecular transformations require altering natural cells or using industrial chemistry, which comes with huge energy costs.

In order to continue work on the project, Amadala and several external partners are launching a public-benefit research and engineering institution that can help share and scale the technology. They are hoping that the global scientific community participates in the project.

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New Denver rules target neglected properties, offering neighbors hope for long-standing “Poop House”

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Brian Maass

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    DENVER, Colorado (KCNC) — The City of Denver is giving itself stronger enforcement tools to hold owners of neglected and derelict properties accountable, including significantly larger fines for those who fail to comply with city orders.

The changes come as nearly 300 properties remain on Denver’s neglected and derelict property list, including one that has become a symbol of neighborhood frustration: the so-called “Poop House” along Denver’s historic 7th Avenue Parkway.

Some properties on the city’s list have been declared unsafe, while others have accumulated repeated code violations or have been deemed public nuisances. But few have drawn as much attention as the vacant home that neighbors nicknamed the “Poop House.”

“I think it’s very aggravating since it’s a historic district … and we take a lot of pride in the property in the neighborhood,” neighbor Marybeth Lambuth said.

Nearly a year ago, CBS Colorado reported on the home, which had sat vacant for more than six years while falling into severe disrepair. Frustrated by the deteriorating property and what they viewed as a lack of action, neighbors began tossing bags of dog waste into the front yard as a form of protest.

“The only thing that’s ever got the city’s attention is the poop,” neighbor Mimi Garrison said. “And the poop is filling up again.”

The unusual protest quickly earned the property its nickname.

Garrison, who lives next door, said the neglected home affected her own property when she tried to sell it. She said prospective buyers seemed spooked by the derelict property next door.

“Who wants to deal with it? Fact of the matter is nobody wants to deal with it,” she said.

She ultimately removed her home from the market.

This week, officials with Denver Community Planning and Development met with residents concerned about the “Poop House” and other neglected properties to explain new code changes that take effect Aug. 1.

Among the most significant changes is a new enforcement mechanism allowing the city to impose a $5,000 fine on property owners who fail to comply with city requirements.

Lambuth believes the higher penalties could encourage owners to address neglected properties more quickly.

“Hopefully it motivates people because a $5,000 fine gets to be more significant than $1,000 over a year, and hopefully it’s a financial incentive for people to step up,” she said.

Under the new ordinance, owners of properties placed on the city’s neglected and derelict property list must submit a compliance plan within 60 days or face fines. Property owners who fail to respond to the city can also be penalized.

Courtney Ronner with Community Planning and Development said the code changes were approved last year by Denver City Council.

“The changes are significant to how we will handle neglected and derelict properties in the city,” said Ronner.

The revised rules also expand the city’s definition of a neighborhood nuisance to include properties that are poorly maintained or have been vandalized. In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.

Neighbors say the changes represent meaningful progress and could help the city address nuisance properties that have lingered for years.

Denver residents can report suspected neglected or derelict properties by calling 311.

The owner of the “Poop House,” Flavia Montecinos, told CBS Colorado “We have a permit and are working on the house.”

“It’s not a neglected building. It’s a house under renovation and work has not stalled,” Montecinos said.

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Luxury SUV, cosmetic procedures tied to prison smuggling, bribery case in South Carolina

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Stephanie Moore

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    COLUMBIA, South Carolina (WYFF) — A corrections officer in South Carolina spent money from a bribery scheme on a luxury SUV, designer purchases, and thousands in cosmetic procedures, according to the Department of Justice.

According to the DOJ, Lowanda Atkinson worked as a corrections officer at the South Carolina Department of Corrections from 2007 until 2023.

At the time of her resignation, the DOJ said she held the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the property room at Lee Correctional Institution, where she was entrusted to maintain inmate property, search the property for contraband, and enforce contraband laws and policy.

Atkinson is accused of accepting more than $550,000 in bribes from inmates Jason Brown and Williamson, and Jason Brown’s family and associates in exchange for smuggling contraband.

Atkinson is also accused of smuggling phones, phone accessories, tobacco, and marijuana into Lee so that Jason Brown and Williamson could sell and distribute the contraband to other inmates.

Atkinson is accused of receiving a portion of the cash proceeds from the contraband sales and bribes through Cash App, Zelle, and Apple Cash. It is alleged that Atkinson spent the money on a luxury SUV, designer purchases, and thousands of dollars in cosmetic procedures.

A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging two people in the case:

Courtney Briggs, 39, of Sumter County, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Larry Williamson, 51, a former inmate incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, five counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of using an interstate facility to facilitate bribery, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana. The following individuals were charged by information and have agreed to plead guilty:

Lowanda Atkinson, 52, of Kershaw County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Atkinson served as a corrections officer in SCDC and was assigned to Lee Correctional Institution. Jason Brown, 43, an SCDC inmate, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Adriana Conyers, 37, of Sumter County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Christopher Hickman, 46, of Richland County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Mary Ann Hickman-Brown, 64, of Clarendon County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Each of the defendants faces up to 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Samantha Usher are prosecuting the case.

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Pokémon cards worth $25,000 stolen from arcade part of growing trend

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Jason Rantala

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    EAGEN, Minnesota (WCCO) — Thieves stole $25,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards after breaking into an Eagan, Minnesota, claw machine arcade last weekend, employees said.

Surveillance video captured two suspects smashing a window and targeting locked display cases containing the high-value cards at Duck! early Saturday morning.

The theft has left manager Mona Lin shaken, having never expected something like this to happen in Eagan.

The crime mirrors similar thefts reported this year in states like Indiana, Illinois, California and Oklahoma.

According to CNN, the value of Pokémon cards has risen more than 145% over the past year. That soaring demand for the trading cards has made them increasingly attractive targets for thieves.

“It’s mind-boggling. It does happen quite often that break-ins do happen,” said Ben Calcutt, an employee at Triple Diamond Sports Cards & Collectibles.

Pokémon cards now account for about 40% of Triple Diamond’s business, Calcutt said.

“After COVID kind of started, Pokémon started to go crazy because of the popularity and demand of it,” Calcutt said. “It’s just hard to find the product as well, which kind of increases all the prices.”

Triple Diamond has rare Pikachu cards that sell for $14,000, while the most sought-after Pokémon cards are priced even higher.

Duck! has posted a list of the 20 stolen cards on their Facebook page, including serial numbers that could help identify them if they surface at card shops, online marketplaces or card shows.

Lin is asking collectors and vendors to be on the lookout and to let the arcade or police know if the cards are spotted.

Eagan police continue to investigate and have not announced any arrests in the case.

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Florida man charged after severely neglected pig found

CNN Newsource on July 2, 2026

By Vanessa Laurent

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    PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida (WPBF) — A Loxahatchee man is facing animal cruelty charges after investigators said a pig on his property was found severely underweight and in poor health.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Antonio Rodriguez Raymundo-Diego, 20, was arrested on charges of aggravated animal cruelty and failing to provide an animal with enough food and water.

The investigation began in February when Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control responded to a home on Tangerine Drive in Loxahatchee after receiving a complaint about animal conditions.

Officials said they found a pig lying on its side inside a pen. The animal appeared extremely thin, dehydrated and suffering from a skin condition. The pig was surrendered to Animal Care and Control and taken for treatment.

Veterinarians determined the pig was severely malnourished and suffering from mites and parasites. Investigators said the animal quickly improved after receiving food, water and medical care.

Three months later, the pig had gained significant weight and was active and alert, according to the report.

Based on the investigation, deputies charged Raymundo-Diego with aggravated animal cruelty and animal neglect.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.