Author: Lester Holt

Senator Lindsey Graham has secured the Republican nomination for his reelection bid in South Carolina, with strong backing from President Donald Trump helping him avoid a runoff in a closely watched primary election. The results mark a major win for Graham, who has served in the US Senate since 2003 and in Congress since 1995. Despite years of criticism from some grassroots conservative activists, he won more than 50 percent of the vote, allowing him to clinch the nomination outright without needing a second-round contest. Graham’s victory came in a competitive Republican primary field that included several challengers. The most…

Hotels in Washington State are seeing real changes in how they operate after working with student consultants from Washington State University’s Carson College of Business. Two hotels partnered with students to find better ways to improve service, boost revenue, and enhance the guest experience. The project was part of a senior entrepreneurship capstone course led by Assistant Professor Asa Brown. Students spent the spring 2026 semester studying hotel operations, analyzing guest data, and visiting sites in person. They then presented their findings in a final pitch competition judged by industry professionals. The partnership was created with The Hotel Group, a…

The United States is preparing major changes to US visa processing Africa operations under a proposal that would centralize how visa applications are handled across the continent. The plan could reduce the number of embassies and consulates conducting visa interviews from around 50 locations to about 20 regional hubs, according to internal State Department documents reported by US media. Under the proposed system, routine visa interviews would be moved out of many individual embassies and concentrated in selected regional centers. While US embassies would remain open, their role in processing visa applications would be significantly reduced. Instead, applicants in some…

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an agreement with tight end Darnell Washington on a new four-year contract extension worth $42 million, according to reports. The Darnell Washington contract includes $21 million in guaranteed money, marking a significant commitment from the franchise as it continues to strengthen its offensive roster for the coming seasons. ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler first shared details of the agreement on Wednesday night, confirming that both sides had finalized the long-term extension. The deal comes shortly after reports that linebacker Nick Herbig also agreed to a major extension with the Steelers, signaling an active period of roster…

The death toll has risen to 11 after a major industrial accident at a paper packaging facility in the US state of Washington, where a chemical storage tank ruptured earlier this week. Authorities confirmed that all nine missing workers have now been recovered following an extensive search operation. The incident took place at a Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in the city of Longview, where a large tank containing a chemical solution known as “white liquor” collapsed. The substance, used in paper pulp production, contains sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Officials said the initial blast killed two people instantly, while nine…

Washington State authorities are warning drivers about a seasonal rise in fatal crashes as the so-called “100 deadliest days” of summer begin. Law enforcement says the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day consistently sees a sharp increase in road deaths compared to other times of the year. The Washington State Patrol Washington State Patrol has issued the alert as officials prepare for heavier traffic volumes, increased travel, and more inexperienced drivers on the road during the summer months. According to officials, the combination of holiday travel, long-distance road trips, and younger drivers recently licensed contributes significantly to the seasonal…

Climate scientists are raising new alarms as evidence builds that the planet is changing faster and in more dangerous ways than previously understood. However, political attention in Washington appears to be shifting away from climate policy at a time when researchers say urgent action is needed. Across recent studies, researchers have identified multiple concerning developments in the global climate system. Rising temperatures are increasing the risk of extreme weather impacts, including more intense El Niño conditions that can disrupt rainfall patterns and global food supply chains. Scientists warn that these changes could deepen droughts in some regions while increasing flooding…

Community members in Washington State gathered for a powerful memorial event that honored local veterans who lost their lives in military service. The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project created a special display called Boots on the Ground at the Numerica Veterans Arena. The event focused on remembrance, healing, and respect for those who served in Vietnam and post-9/11 conflicts. It featured nearly 700 pairs of boots placed in a careful display. Each pair represented a local veteran who died while serving. Photos and personal items added meaning to the tribute. Visitors walked through the display and reflected on the sacrifices…

Reports of fake ICE agents are rising across the United States, creating fear, confusion, and danger for immigrant communities already under pressure from strict immigration enforcement policies. Investigations and court records show that criminals posing as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have carried out robberies, assaults, and other violent crimes. In several cases, victims say attackers used the fear of deportation to control and intimidate them. One case in Greensboro, North Carolina, involved a group of armed men who allegedly broke into a home occupied by immigrants while shouting “ICE! ICE!” Victims later discovered the attackers were not federal officers…

A dangerous chemical incident in Southern California has forced a large-scale emergency response after a storage tank at a manufacturing facility began to fail. Officials in California have declared a state of emergency as crews work urgently to prevent a possible explosion or spill. The incident is centered in Orange County, where a tank containing around 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate is overheating. The chemical is highly flammable and widely used in plastic production and aerospace manufacturing. Authorities say the tank’s temperature has been rising steadily, increasing concerns about a possible rupture. Emergency teams are now monitoring the situation around…