U.S. Park Police are investigating large “8647” markings found in the grass on the National Mall near the Washington Monument. Officials said grass samples were collected and the cause of the discoloration has not been determined.
News Mash
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup began Thursday at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca with Shakira, Burna Boy and local performers headlining the first of three opening ceremonies. Mexico faced South Africa in the tournament’s first Group A match.
President Donald Trump said he will nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and former SEC chair, as director of national intelligence. Trump urged the Senate to confirm Clayton quickly as his acting pick, Bill Pulte, faces criticism on Capitol Hill.
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned after rejecting the government’s military funding plan, saying it would leave the armed forces under-resourced and could make the country less safe. The BBC reported he had pushed for defense spending to reach 3% of GDP by 2030 but was offered a smaller increase.
Hazmat crews responded to the Pentagon after systems detected an air quality issue, prompting a shelter-in-place order for an affected area. Officials said the measures were precautionary while the issue was assessed.
Trump threatened new strikes on Iran and the seizure of Kharg Island as U.S.-Iran fighting widened across Gulf states and the Gulf of Oman. Iran said the latest U.S. attacks made the ceasefire “practically meaningless,” while mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan continued.
NOAA says El Niño has begun in the tropical Pacific, with a 63% chance it becomes one of the strongest events recorded since 1950. Scientists warn it could intensify global heat and disrupt weather, food supplies and economies into 2027.
Vance Boelter is expected to plead guilty to federal charges in the June 2025 shootings that killed Melissa and Mark Hortman and wounded John and Yvette Hoffman. Federal prosecutors said they will not seek the death penalty under a proposed plea agreement.