OCA

Starbucks is closing stores across the United States as part of a wider downsizing of its coffeehouse footprint, and a running list of affected locations by state is being circulated. The cull adds to a string of closures the chain has announced as it restructures its retail presence, prompting customers to check whether their local store is on the list.

A non-residential building was hit in Kyiv's Obolonskyi district, and a warehouse caught fire at another location in the Ukrainian capital, according to Ukrinform's report. The strikes come amid ongoing Russian air attacks on Kyiv, which regularly target infrastructure across the city and its districts. Emergency services were understood to be responding to the scenes. Further details on casualties or the extent of the damage were not immediately available.

Congress appropriated $1.3 billion in funding that the Trump administration has not spent, leaving money allocated by lawmakers unused. The report raises questions about whether the administration is deliberately withholding funds that were approved by Congress, a move that could spark disputes over executive authority and the power of the purse.

Many homeowners are opting to renovate their current properties rather than sell and move, as high mortgage rates and limited housing inventory continue to weigh on the market. The trend suggests people are investing in upgrades instead of taking on the costs and uncertainty of relocating in difficult conditions.

Lawmakers, veteran advocates and military families are marking Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, highlighting ongoing efforts to address suicide among veterans. The observance draws attention to the scale of veteran suicides and pushes for greater awareness, support services and legislative action for service members and their families.

China's central government has instructed local authorities to run pilot programmes testing 'high quality' policies aimed at stimulating consumer spending. The move signals Beijing's continued concern over weak domestic demand, as officials look for locally tailored measures to encourage households to spend and support economic growth.

A San Antonio church has had feral cats removed from its property, and the relocation is now drawing questions from locals. It remains unclear who carried out the removal, where the cats were taken, and whether animal welfare groups were involved. Residents and animal advocates are seeking answers about the circumstances and the cats' fate.

Hurricane Polo is being tracked off the Pacific coast, with forecasters watching whether its trajectory could bring rain, surf, or humidity to the Southern California region. ABC7 Los Angeles is covering what the storm's path could mean for the area. Interest centers on how close the hurricane will come and whether any effects will reach the coast.

Arizona State University's MODL initiative is working to bolster the resilience of local elections through the use of artificial intelligence. According to The State Press, the effort applies AI tools to help election systems withstand disruptions and maintain integrity. Details on specific projects or partners are limited, and the university has not commented further.

Southern California is preparing for the effects of Hurricane Polo, with residents and officials getting ready for heavy rain, flooding and dangerous surf. News outlets in Los Angeles are tracking the storm's path and urging people in low-lying and coastal areas to stay alert as conditions develop over the coming days.

An athletic apparel company is moving its store to a prominent retail center on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the city's premier shopping corridor. The relocation underscores continued competition among retailers for high-profile space on the corridor as it works to recover foot traffic following pandemic-era vacancies. Details on the brand's identity, timing and store size were not provided in the report.

Johnson County, Kansas has changed two polling locations that were housed at churches where pastor Adam Hamilton ministered. Election officials moved voting to other sites ahead of upcoming elections. The change is drawing attention because of the churches' connection to Hamilton, a prominent United Methodist minister, though officials' stated reasoning and public reaction remain limited in early reports.