Record Heat and Drought Grip Europe Amidst Climate Emergency | JQJO

Federal monitoring data has revealed that two extensively studied PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have been found in drinking water across the United States. The findings highlight the widespread presence of these persistent contaminants in the nation’s water supply.

Russia released retired American teacher Stephen Hubbard, 74, who had been detained in Ukraine in 2022. The move follows U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, where Witkoff praised Putin for the release. President Donald Trump said he had personally requested Hubbard’s release and described the action as an unprecedented gesture of respect. Hubbard’s family thanked Trump and his team for opening dialogue with Russia, noting the release brings them “joyful blessings.” The release comes as Washington pressures Kyiv to agree to a deal to end Moscow’s war. The State Department had previously designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained in Russia.

Silgan Holdings, a U.S. packaging manufacturer, has partnered with private‑equity firm American Industrial Partners to purchase Trivium Packaging. The deal, announced in a Yahoo Finance report, will see Silgan expand its packaging portfolio through the acquisition of Trivium’s assets.

Stephen Hubbard, a seventy‑four‑year‑old American teacher, was freed from a Russian prison after a visit by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to St. Petersburg. Hubbard had been detained for more than four years on accusations of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. President Donald Trump had urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure Hubbard’s release. Witkoff thanked Putin for the decision, and Hubbard was released at Pulkovo airport. The release follows a broader effort to free Americans wrongfully detained in Russia.

Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers’ two‑time All‑Star, threw twenty‑three live pitches to the team’s A‑team lineup at American Family Field, clocking a fastball in the ninety‑to‑ninety‑two mph range. He said he only faced live hitters once and that the World Series starts in three days. The Brewers are still deciding whether to include him on the postseason roster, with president of baseball operations Matt Arnold noting the team is still working through meetings. MLB rules allow teams to replace a player who suffers a non‑chronic injury during the postseason, a factor the Brewers are considering.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk capped the speeds at which Ukrainian hardware could stay connected to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, according to the Wall Street Journal. The slowdown, reported by U.S. officials, has rendered some offensive and interceptor drones virtually useless, limiting Kyiv’s battlefield communications and drone operations. Musk allegedly discussed the decision with U.S. President Donald Trump shortly after it became public, though Trump has denied ordering the restriction. Neither Musk, SpaceX nor the White House has responded to the report. The move follows Trump’s criticism of Ukraine for attacking Russian diesel refineries, which he says has contributed to high energy prices.