Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 95

Verlander remains winless as SF Giants drop first game to Marlins

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants have understood the stakes every time that Justin Verlander has taken the mound this season.

On 12 occasions, Verlander has started for the Giants in search of his first win of the season. On 12 occasions, including Tuesday night’s 4-2 loss to the Miami Marlins, Verlander has ended a game without a victory to his name, the longest streak to start a season by a Giants starting pitcher in franchise history. On five occasions, Tuesday included, he’s taken the loss in the process.

There have been a dozen different reasons as to why Verlander remains winless. He pitched five innings against the Marlins — the minimum necessary to be in line for a victory — and allowed three runs in the process. On a night where Christian Koss’ two-run homer constituted the Giants’ only offense, Verlander saw his record on the season fall to 0-5 — unfamiliar territory for the future Hall of Famer.

Pitching in his first game since welcoming his second child, Verlander did not ascribe blame to the offense. The offense, still, knows it must do its part.

“It’s not on them; it’s on me,” Verlander said. “I haven’t put us in good position. Obviously, there was a couple times early in the year, but you can’t expect too many wins when you go out there and give up three-plus runs and don’t go deep in the game. That’s where I need to be better, for sure. I plan on it.”

Said Koss: “Every game as a team, we have the mentality that we’re going to win no matter who’s on the mound. It’s just one of those weird baseball things that’s playing its course. Eventually, he’s going to get a win. He is who he is and he’s been throwing well. One day, the offense will click for him.”

The offense has seldom clicked with Verlander on the mound. Excluding Verlander’s start against the Chicago Cubs, one where the Giants scored nine runs in the 11th inning, San Francisco is averaging 3.5 runs per game on days that Verlander starts. Over his last four starts, specifically, the Giants have scored eight total runs.

Given their cold offense, the Giants took a risk in the bottom of the fifth inning. With two outs and Rafael Devers on first, Heliot Ramos pulled a double down the left-field line and into the corner. Third base coach Matt Williams waved home Devers, who ranks in the 13th percentile of sprint speed.

If Devers scored, the game would’ve been tied at three apiece. Verlander, at the minimum, would’ve ended the day with a no decision. To go a step further, Ramos would’ve been on second base with Wilmer Flores due up, putting San Francisco in position to take the lead — and Verlander in position to receive a win.

The Marlins tossed cold water on that possibility with a textbook relay. Left fielder Kyle Stowers played the carom off the side wall and fired to shortstop Otto Lopez, who in turn threw a one-hopper to catcher Liam Hicks. The throw arrived plenty early, and Devers, who has been dealing with a bit of a groin ailment, didn’t bother sliding as Hicks applied the tag.

“You had to make two perfect throws,” Melvin said. “We’re not swinging the bats well. Sometimes, you have to take some risks as far as sending guys. … When the ball was down in the corner, I was saying send him because we’re trying to tie the game right there. It was a good pickup, good throw, good second throw and it ended up being out.”

Verlander’s preparation for his outing against the Marlins was significantly different compared to the other 537 regular season starts he’s made. Verlander welcomed his second child into the world, reporting that everybody is back home happy and healthy.

For obvious reasons, Verlander deviated from his normal routine in between starts ahead of Tuesday’s outing. Verlander didn’t extensively detail his preparation but did note that he played catch on Monday.

“Having a six-and-a-half year old and knowing the journey that’s ahead of me is really incredible,” Verlander said. “I’m really looking forward to reliving some of those times.”

And perhaps in his next start — one that will likely come against the lowly Chicago White Sox — Verlander will be able to relive another experience he’s lived on 262 occasions: being a winning pitcher.

“Everybody wants to get him a win, I know that,” Melvin said. “The way he handles himself in between starts, he’s very professional. He’s always prepared. He’s got a great game plan and what he needs to do. All those things we feel when he takes the mound. We just haven’t been able to get it for him.”

SF Giants’ Chapman takes important steps in rehab, could be back before break

SAN FRANCISCO — There’s no guarantee Matt Chapman will return from his right hand injury prior to the All-Star Break, but on Tuesday, the third baseman took two important steps toward coming back before the season’s midway point.

Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins, Chapman took 20 swings off of a batting tee and played catch for the first time since landing on the injured list two weeks ago. Manager Bob Melvin said Chapman progressed to swinging and throwing “a little bit” sooner than expected, adding that it’s realistic for Chapman to return prior to the All-Star Break.

Related Articles Verlander remains winless as SF Giants drop first game to Marlins SF Giants’ top prospect Eldridge diagnosed with right hamstring strain SF Giants option Fitzgerald to Triple-A Sacramento, activate Verlander from paternity list Following Rafael Devers trade, how does SF Giants’ rotation depth look going forward? SF Giants capitalize on Red Sox’s costly errors to secure series win

“Everything felt good,” Chapman said. “Normal soreness. Nothing out of the ordinary. I think I just have to work through some of that, get my strength back. It’s probably up to 85 percent. Not quite all the way there. I’m going to keep progressing, and the hope is to come back before the All-Star Break. … All signs point to yes, but until I face velocity and really start to push it, it’s going to be really hard to know. But I think today was a good first step.”

Added Melvin: “It’s the start of a process to where we can day-by day kind of figure out where we think he’s going to come back. We’ll see how he responds tomorrow. We’ll see how (trainer Dave Groeschner) ramps up the hitting portion of it. I know he feels pretty good in the fact that he can do more things.”

Chapman, placed on the injured list June 10 (retroactive to June 9), will travel to the team’s Arizona complex to continue his rehab after the Giants fly to Chicago to face the White Sox and begin a 10-game road trip. He hopes to return during the Giants’ final home stand before the break against the Philadelphia Phillies (July 7-9) and Los Angeles Dodgers (July 11-13).

“I’m going to use our spring training facilities, try to use every resource that I have to get myself right,” Chapman said. “I think after Arizona — that’s probably a little over a week — we’ll know a lot. It shouldn’t be much longer than that.”

Chapman said he does not plan on playing a rehab assignment before returning, but added “some of that stuff’s out of my control.”

“I think it just depends on how good my hand feels,” said Chapman, who has a .812 OPS. “If there’s question marks, maybe I would go play and see how it feels. But if my hand feels really good, then probably just go for it.”

Once Chapman returns, it’s very likely that Casey Schmitt slides from third base over to second base and starts at that position.

In 12 games as Chapman’s replacement, Schmitt is posting a slash line of .415/.478/.732 with four home runs and 12 RBIs while providing above-average defense. With the Giants optioning second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald to Triple-A Sacramento, there is now a clear path for Schmitt to start at second when Chapman is activated.

“I know what he’s capable of doing. Our whole team knows what he’s capable of doing,” Chapman said of Schmitt. “For him to step up and help this team while I’m gone is huge. … He’s playing so good he’s going to demand to stay in the lineup. It’s fun to see. What I was trying to preach to him was that this was a really good opportunity for him to show everybody what he could do. When you force their hand like that, it’s a good thing. It’s a good problem to have guys competing for remaining spots.”

Added Melvin: “There’s still some time left before we get there. Things tend to change pretty quickly. We’ll see how Tyler does. We’ll see how we get there and the timing of Chapman coming back. But if you sit here right now and look at it, the way he’s swinging the bat, we’d like to get his bat in there regardless.”

As for Fitzgerald, the Giants hope his stint in Triple-A will provide him with an opportunity to have some success and re-gain his confidence. At the time of his demotion, Fitzgerald was posting a .472 OPS over 32 games since returning from the injured list. With Fitzgerald optioned, Christian Koss and Brett Wisely will share time at second.

“When he has confidence, there are a lot of things he can do on the baseball field that a lot of guys here can’t do,” Melvin said. “It’s just clearing his mind, going down there, getting some at-bats without the stress of having to perform at the big league level. Hopefully, that gets him going.”

Said Chapman: “I think it was needed for him. It’s tough. You saw how much success he had last year and what he’s capable of doing. We all know what he’s capable of doing. It’s just unfortunately, we’re in a spot right now where we have to win right now. We have to play the best nine players that we have, and right now, he needed to just go get it right. … It’s not his swing. It’s not his skill. He just fell out of rhythm a little bit and wasn’t able to get going offensively.”

What’s in and out of Trump’s big bill as Senate races to meet Fourth of July deadline

By LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says “NO ONE GOES ON VACATION” until the big, beautiful bill is on his desk by the Fourth of July deadline. And Republicans in Congress are staying put to get it done.

Related Articles Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuracies Royal upgrade: Trump will stay at the Dutch king’s palace during his NATO visit Court orders Trump administration to facilitate another deported man’s return from El Salvador Early US intelligence report suggests US strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months Trump administration authorizes $30 million for Israeli-backed group distributing food in Gaza

The Senate is gearing up for weekend work, while House Speaker Mike Johnson told lawmakers Tuesday to keep their schedules “flexible” as they prepare for more votes.

“We are making good headway,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. He expects the Senate will get this “past the finish line” by the end of the week, sending it back to the House for swift action.

But Republicans who have majority control of the House and Senate are finding that their push to move fast and change things — namely cuts to federal government programs including Medicaid and SNAP food stamps used by millions of Americans — is easier said than done.

Not all GOP lawmakers are on board, and the Senate parliamentarian has advised that several key proposals violate procedural rules. With Democrats flatly opposed, it’s all leaving GOP leaders scrambling days before final votes.

Here’s the latest on what’s in, out and still up for debate as lawmakers work to finish the massive 1,000-page plus package.

What’s the goal of the big bill? Tax cuts.

The top priority for Republicans is preventing what they warn would be a massive tax hike, some $3.8 trillion, after December when the tax breaks they put in place during Trump’s first term, in 2017, expire.

The big bill seeks to make existing tax rates and brackets permanent, while also temporarily adding new ones Trump campaigned on — no taxes on tips, overtime pay or some automotive loans, along with a bigger $6,000 deduction in the Senate draft for seniors who earn no more than $75,000 a year.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks with reporters about the process to advance President Donald Trump’s spending and tax bill, during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The wealthiest households would see a $12,000 increase, while the bill would cost the poorest people $1,600 a year, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Middle income taxpayers would see a tax break of $500 to $1,500, CBO said.

One provision for families would boost the $2,000 child tax credit to $2,200 under the Senate proposal or $2,500 in the House. But families at lower income levels won’t see the full amount, if any.

And one unresolved issue is the House’s proposed $40,000 cap on state and local deductions, called SALT, that GOP senators say is too high and want limited.

The bill also funds deportations, a border wall and Trump’s heroes garden

There’s also some $350 billion of new funding in the package for Trump’s border and national security agenda.

Trump promises the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, and the package proposes money to hire 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, with $10,000 signing bonuses, and for 100,000 immigration detention beds with a goal of deporting some 1 million people a year.

Additionally, the House bill proposes $12 billion for the Homeland Security secretary to provide grants to states that help with federal immigration enforcement and deportation actions. The Senate package also provides the attorney general with $3.5 billion to create a similar state fund — called Bridging Immigration-related Deficits Experienced Nationwide, or Biden, referring to the former president.

Immigrants entering the U.S. would face stiff new fees, including $1,000 for those seeking asylum protections.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks about his discussions with Elon Musk this week as he meets with reporters to discuss work on President Donald Trump’s bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

There’s also money for the development of Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense system over the U.S., and quality of life measures for servicemen and women.

And there are extras: One provision from the Senate would provide $40 million to establish Trump’s long-sought “National Garden of American Heroes.”

How to pay for it? Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and green energy programs

To help partly offset the lost tax revenue, Republicans are seeking to cut back some long-running government programs — Medicaid, food stamps and green energy incentives — basically unraveling the accomplishments of the past two Democratic presidents: Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

Republicans argue they are trying to right-size the safety net programs for the population they were initially designed to serve — mainly pregnant women and children — and root out waste, fraud and abuse.

The package includes new 80-hour-a-month work requirements for many adults receiving Medicaid and food stamps, including older people up to age 65. Parents of children older than 10 would have to work to qualify for food aid, and those with teens would have to comply with the work requirement for Medicaid.

“It’s wildly popular,” Johnson said Tuesday, noting people can work, volunteer or go to school or job training programs. “For heaven’s sake, do something constructive.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is joined by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., left, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, as he talks to reporters about Senate Republicans’ efforts to pass President Donald Trump’s tax cut and spending agenda with deeper Medicaid cuts, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Some 80 million Americans rely on Medicaid, which expanded under Obama’s Affordable Care Act, and 40 million use the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, and most already work, according to analysts.

All told, the CBO estimates at least 10.9 million more people would go without health coverage, and 3 million more would not qualify for food stamps.

Deeper SNAP cuts that would shift cost-sharing to the states were called into question by the Senate parliamentarian and undergoing revisions. And more Medicaid changes are up for debate — including a Senate plan to reduce the so-called provider tax that most states impose on hospitals and other entities.

Key GOP senators and a coalition of House Republicans warn that lower Medicaid provider tax cuts will hurt rural hospitals. “We cannot support a final bill that threatens access to coverage,” said 16 House GOP lawmakers in a letter to leadership.

Senators are considering the creation of a new rural hospital fund, but the plan remains a work in progress. They’ve also had objections to the House’s proposed new $35 co-pay on Medicaid services.

Both the House and Senate bills propose a dramatic rollback of the Biden-era green energy tax breaks for electric vehicles and also the production and investment tax credits companies use to stand up wind, solar and other renewable energy projects.

FILE – Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., speaks during a confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

All told, the cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and green energy programs are expected to produce at least $1.5 trillion in savings.

What’s the final cost?

Altogether, keeping the existing tax breaks and adding the new ones is expected to cost $3.8 trillion over the decade, CBO says in its analysis of the House bill. The Senate draft is slightly higher.

The spending cuts tally at least $1.5 trillion.

The CBO estimates the package from the House would add $2.4 trillion to the nation’s deficits over the decade.

Or not, depending on how one does the math.

Senate Republicans are proposing a unique strategy of not counting the existing tax breaks as a new cost, because they’re already “current policy.” They argue the Budget Committee chairman has the authority to set the baseline for its preferred approach.

Under the Senate GOP view, the cost of tax provisions would be $441 billion, according to the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

Democrats and others argue this is “magic math” that obscures the costs of the GOP tax breaks. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget puts the Senate tally at $4.2 trillion over the decade.

“Current policy baseline’ is a budget gimmick,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Budget Committee. “This bill will add trillions upon trillions of dollars to the national debt to fund tax breaks for billionaires.”

Trump, en route to Europe for a NATO meeting, told senators to lock themselves in a room if needed, and “GET THE BILL DONE.”

Associated Press writesr Darlene Superville and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuracies

By JONEL ALECCIA and JAMIE STENGLE

DALLAS (AP) — A new Texas law promoting the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda requires first-ever warning labels on foods like chips and candies that contain dyes and additives not allowed in other countries.

Related Articles What’s in and out of Trump’s big bill as Senate races to meet Fourth of July deadline Royal upgrade: Trump will stay at the Dutch king’s palace during his NATO visit Court orders Trump administration to facilitate another deported man’s return from El Salvador Early US intelligence report suggests US strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months Trump administration authorizes $30 million for Israeli-backed group distributing food in Gaza

It could have far-reaching effects on the nation’s food supply, but a review of the legislation shows it also misrepresents the status of some ingredients that would trigger the action.

The law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday requires foods made with any of more than 40 dyes or additives to have labels starting in 2027 saying they contain ingredients “not recommended for human consumption” in Australia, Canada, the European Union or the U.K. But a review shows that nearly a dozen of the targeted additives are either authorized in the cited regions — or already restricted in the U.S.

The law, which will send the food industry scrambling to respond, is laudable in its intent, but could lead to incorrect citations and potential legal challenges, a consumer advocacy group said.

“I don’t know how the list of chemicals was constructed,” said Thomas Galligan, a scientist with the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “Warnings have to be accurate in order to be legal.”

The law, approved with wide bipartisan support, is part of a flurry of similar legislation this year by GOP-led statehouses as lawmakers align themselves with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Texas would be the first in the U.S. to use warning labels to target additives, rather than nutrients like sugar or saturated fat, to change American diets.

It will force food companies to decide whether to reformulate products to avoid the labels, add the newly required language, pull certain products from Texas shelves or oppose the measure in court.

It’s unclear how the list of additives was created. Inquiries to the office of the bill’s author, Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, were not immediately returned.

Some of the targeted ingredients are allowed in all the named regions

Regulators in Australia, Canada, the EU and the U.K. take a cautious approach to food additives: If a product’s safety is uncertain, it can be banned or restricted until it is determined to be safe. By contrast, the U.S. generally allows products on the market unless there is clear risk of harm.

Three additives targeted by Texas — partially hydrogenated oils, Red Dye No. 4 and Red Dye No. 3 — are not approved or have been banned in food by U.S. regulators.

Several of the other listed ingredients are allowed in all four of those regions, noted Galligan and representatives from the Consumer Brands Association, a food industry trade group.

Examples of those include: Blue Dye No. 1; Blue Dye No. 2; butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA; butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT; diacetyl; interesterified soybean oil; lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol; and potassium aluminum sulfate.

In addition, the legislation contains regulatory loopholes that could prevent certain ingredients from being labeled at all, said Melanie Benesh, an analyst with the Environmental Working Group, an activist organization that focuses on toxic chemicals.

For example, the food additive azodicarbonamide, known as ADA and used as a bleaching agent in cereal flours, is included on the Texas list. But under the Federal Code of Regulations, it may safely be used in food under certain conditions. That federal regulation likely exempts ADA from the state labeling law, Benesh said.

“The law, as passed, may not end up having the impact that legislators intended,” Benesh said.

Nutrition experts welcome a look at food additives

Nutrition experts have long worried about the potential health effects of food additives, even as it remains unclear how much of a role processed foods have in driving chronic health disease.

Research has shown that requiring food label warnings can help steer consumers toward healthier choices and prompt industry to remove concerning ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed front-of-package labels that would flag levels of saturated fat, sugar and sodium.

“This represents a big win for Texas consumers and consumers overall,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports. “It’s a reflection of states not wanting to wait for the federal government to act.”

The law also creates a state nutrition advisory committee, boosts physical education and nutrition curriculum requirements in public and charter schools, and requires nutrition courses for college students and medical professionals doing continuing education.

States take on additives

Several states have been taking action to restrict dyes and additives in foods.

In 2023, California became the first state to ban some chemicals and dyes used in candies, drinks and other foods because of health concerns. The state expanded on that last year by barring several additional dyes from food served in public schools.

Other laws passed this year include one in Arkansas banning two particular additives from food sold or manufactured in the state and a West Virginia law includes a statewide ban on seven dyes.

Lawmakers in several states have passed measures this year banning certain additives from food served or sold at public schools, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural. That includes Texas, where the governor last month signed a bill banning foods with certain ingredients from being served in school lunches.

“It’s a pretty dizzying time to be watching what’s happening, because usually policies that are not very industry friendly are opposed, particularly in red states,” said Christina Roberto, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Food and Nutrition Policy, “With RFK and the MAHA movement, it’s really turned things upside-down in some ways.”

At the federal level, Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary have pledged to remove artificial dyes from foods and have pressured industry to take voluntary action. Some large food manufacturers have complied.

Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children.

The FDA previously has said that the approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.”

Aleccia contributed to this report from Temecula, Calif. Associated Press writer David A. Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Mo.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Royal upgrade: Trump will stay at the Dutch king’s palace during his NATO visit

By MIKE CORDER

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump has a sleepover this week in the Netherlands that is, quite literally, fit for a king.

Related Articles What’s in and out of Trump’s big bill as Senate races to meet Fourth of July deadline Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuracies Court orders Trump administration to facilitate another deported man’s return from El Salvador Early US intelligence report suggests US strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months Trump administration authorizes $30 million for Israeli-backed group distributing food in Gaza

Trump is visiting The Hague for a summit of the 32 leaders of NATO on Wednesday, and his sleeping arrangements have received a significant upgrade.

He is scheduled to arrive Tuesday night and be whisked by motorcade along closed-off highways to the Huis Ten Bosch palace, nestled in a forest on the edge of The Hague, for a dinner with other alliance leaders hosted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander.

Trump had been expected to stay at a swanky hotel in the town of Noordwijk on the Dutch North Sea coast, but not anymore.

“President Trump has accepted King Willem-Alexander’s invitation to spend the night at Huis ten Bosch in The Hague,” said a White House official granted anonymity to discuss plans not yet made public. “This is a historic event – marking the first time an American President will stay at the King’s residence.”

A spokesperson for the Dutch government information service, Anna Sophia Posthumus, told The Associated Press that the president will be sleeping at the palace that is home to Willem-Alexander, his Argentine-born wife, Queen Maxima, and their three daughters, though the princesses have mostly flown the royal nest to pursue studies.

Parts of Huis Ten Bosch palace date back to the 17th century. It has a Wassenaar Wing, where the royal family live, and a Hague Wing that is used by guests. The centerpiece of the palace is the ornate Orange Hall, named for the Dutch Royal House of Orange.

NATO heads of state and government pose for a group photo prior to a formal dinner at the Paleis Huis ten Bosch on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Christian Hartmann, Pool Photo via AP)NATO heads of state and government attend a dinner at the Paleis Huis ten Bosch ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Frank van Beek, Pool Photo via AP)President Donald Trump, center, speaks with Netherland’s King Willem Alexander during a dinner at the Paleis Huis ten Bosch ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Remko de Waal, Pool Photo via AP)Show Caption1 of 3NATO heads of state and government pose for a group photo prior to a formal dinner at the Paleis Huis ten Bosch on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Christian Hartmann, Pool Photo via AP)Expand

The palace is also close to the new U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands.

Trump is no stranger to royal visits. In 2019, he dropped in to Windsor Castle for tea with Queen Elizabeth II during a tumultuous visit to the United Kingdom.

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim in Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands, Molly Quell in The Hague and Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report.

Court orders Trump administration to facilitate another deported man’s return from El Salvador

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court in New York on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a man who was deported to El Salvador roughly 30 minutes after the court suspended an order to remove him from the U.S.

Related Articles What’s in and out of Trump’s big bill as Senate races to meet Fourth of July deadline Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuracies Royal upgrade: Trump will stay at the Dutch king’s palace during his NATO visit Early US intelligence report suggests US strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months Trump administration authorizes $30 million for Israeli-backed group distributing food in Gaza

The ruling in Jordin Alexander Melgar-Salmeron ‘s case marks at least the fourth time this year that President Donald Trump’s administration has been ordered to facilitate the return of somebody mistakenly deported.

The government said “a confluence of administrative errors” led to Melgar-Salmeron’s deportation on May 8, according to the decision by a three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The panel said administration officials must facilitate his return to the U.S. “as soon as possible.” The judges gave them a week to identify his current physical location and custodial status and to specify what steps they will take to facilitate his return.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation in March became a flashpoint in Trump’s immigration crackdown, was returned from El Salvador this month to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee.

In April, a Trump-nominated judge in Maryland ordered his administration to facilitate the return of a man who was deported to El Salvador in March despite having a pending asylum application. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled that the government violated a 2019 settlement agreement when it deported the 20-year-old man, a Venezuelan native identified only as Cristian in court papers.

And in May, another judge ordered the administration to facilitate the return of a Guatemalan man whom it deported to Mexico despite his fears of being harmed there. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy found that the removal of the man, who is gay, likely “lacked any semblance of due process.”

SF Giants’ top prospect Eldridge diagnosed with right hamstring strain

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants announced on Tuesday afternoon that top prospect Bryce Eldridge has sustained a moderate right hamstring strain and will rehab in Arizona for the next three-to-four weeks.

“I saw the report just like you did … I don’t really know how bad it is, but these things pop up during the course of the season,” said manager Bob Melvin before Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins.

Eldridge’s odds of making his debut this season likely took a hit after the Giants acquired three-time All-Star Rafael Devers since the team no longer had a pressing need at designated hitter at first base. Following this injury, it’s now even more likely that Eldridge won’t make his debut until next season.

Eldridge, 20, was promoted from Double-A Richmond to Triple-A Sacramento earlier this month. The first baseman left in the fifth inning of last Saturday’s game alongside a trainer after hitting a double against the Salt Lake Bees.

Prior to sustaining the injury, Eldridge was hitting .230/.284/.426 with three homers and 13 RBIs for the River Cats. Eldridge earned a promotion to Triple-A after hitting .280/.350/.512 with seven homers and 20 RBIs with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Sand City proposed multiuse trail to close recreation trail gap

Sand City is working toward closing the gap in the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail in its environs by building a multi-use trail from Canyon Del Rey (Highway 218) and Del Monte boulevards to the Highway 1 northbound on-ramp at the city’s northern boundary.

“The 30% project design has been completed and was presented to and approved by the City Council on June 16,” said Sand City City Manager Vibeke Norgaard in an email. “This milestone included detailed civil, landscaping, and lighting specifications that illustrate the trail alignment, intersection crossings, plants/landscaping, parking areas, outdoor exercise equipment areas and proposed trail amenities.”

The 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail extends from Pacific Grove to Castroville, but there is a gap in the system within Sand City, according to city documents. As a result, trail users are diverted approximately 2 miles onto city streets and behind the Sand Dollar shopping center before reconnecting with the regional trail system. The Sand City Multiuse trail aims to close that gap in the regional trail system.

(City of Sand City)

In 2023, Sand City staff and EMC Planning Group applied for the Monterey Bay Air Resources District’s Clean Air Management Program grant funding to support planning efforts for the construction of a multi-use trail in the city. On March 19, 2024, MBARD approved grant funding for $205,000 for the city to prepare preliminary plans and a conceptual design for an approximately 1-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail segment within the Transportation Agency for Monterey County railway corridor, extending through both Sand City and Seaside.

On May 8, 2024, the Association of Monterey Bay Governments approved grant funding for $1,960,000, which Norgaard said would go to “getting the plans from 30%-100% (construction ready) and funding initial construction.”

The estimated total cost for the Sand City trail is about $10 million.

EMC and city staff continue to work closely with the city’s grant writer to seek additional funding to cover the full cost of construction and implementation of the Sand City Multiuse Trail project.

Sand City will build the trail from Canyon Del Rey to Playa Avenue and Monterey-Salinas Transit will build the trail from Playa Avenue to the city’s northern boundary, according to city documents. The proposed trail alignment will run directly alongside the 214-room hotel, currently under construction and scheduled to open in early 2026, and 356-unit multi-family residential project, known as the South of Tioga development, which includes 52 deed-restricted affordable units.

The proposed trail system will span approximately a mile within the TAMC railway corridor, connecting the existing recreational trail system at the Del Monte and Canyon Del Rey boulevards intersection in Seaside to the future MST SURF! station located at the intersection of Playa and California avenues in Sand City.

The southernmost end of the proposed trail, approximately 0.2 miles, will be located within Seaside, running from the Sand City limit at Olympia Avenue to the existing Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail at the intersection of Del Monte Avenue and Canyon Del Rey Boulevard (Highway 218).

The majority of the proposed trail, approximately 0.8 miles, lies within Sand City’s limits, extending from the future MST SURF! project site at the intersection of Playa and California avenues to the city’s southern boundary at Olympia Avenue.

In next steps, Sand City will work with TAMC and Seaside to enter into use agreements. Sand City is preparing a request for proposals for architecture and engineering to take the project from 30% through construction, and the issuance by Sand City of a Coastal Development Permit.

Once the design reaches 100% completion, Sand City will initiate the bid phase to secure a qualified construction contractor, followed by the initiation of construction based on finding availability. Based on the availability of finding, the Multiuse Trail project may be built in phases or all at one time.

At its June 16 meeting, the City Council directed the city manager to take all actions necessary to move the project to completion.

Soledad man arrested after pursuit in Bolsa Knolls

SALINAS — A Soledad man was arrested early Saturday morning after leading Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit both in the car and on foot in the Bolsa Knolls area.

At about 12:51 a.m., deputies reportedly saw a dirt bike traveling at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly near Van Buren Avenue and Filmore Street.

Deputies said when they attempted a traffic stop near Van Buren Avenue and San Juan Grade Road, the rider failed to yield, turning it into a chase lasting about a quarter mile.

The chase ended when the dirt bike stalled near the intersection of San Juan Grade Road and Newlyn Street. The rider, identified as 30-year-old Benny Joe Rodriguez from Soledad, fled on foot but was apprehended after deputies deployed a taser.

Deputies reported they found a loaded, unregistered handgun with a high-capacity magazine tucked in Rodriguez’s waistband. They said he was also in possession of methamphetamine, heroin, and stolen property. Further investigation revealed the dirt bike had been reported stolen, and Rodriguez had two outstanding warrants, one felony and one misdemeanor.

Rodriguez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges, including possession of a loaded unregistered firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, felony reckless evading, possession of a stolen vehicle and drug possession.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

Horoscopes June 24, 2025: Mindy Kaling, staying active will ease stress

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Lionel Messi, 38; Minka Kelly, 45; Mindy Kaling, 46; Sherry Stringfield, 58.

Happy Birthday: Think big this year, but figure out how to make a splash on a tiny budget. Ingenuity, experience, research and common sense will carry you a long way and buy you respect among your peers. Staying active will ease stress and encourage you to be flexible. Work with others to finish things on time. Be wary of anyone who makes unrealistic promises or uses compliments to manipulate you. Your numbers are 3, 12, 18, 22, 29, 38, 44, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep an open mind and heart and live in the moment. Take things as they come and face any encounter with truth, understanding and the intent to compromise. Use your discipline and ingenuity to stand up and make a difference. Invest time and money in what’s most important to you. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put your money and muscles into comfort and turn your home into a place where you want to spend time and entertain friends. Sign up for activities that encourage better health and lifestyle choices. Be open to learning and expanding your mind and interests. A physical change will boost your confidence. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your thirst for knowledge will lead to research and discovery. The possibilities are endless if you put a plan in place. Getting ahead takes work, and being vigilant about what’s new and available is mandatory. Don’t sit on the sidelines; master the art of staying ahead of the competition. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Think each move through before you act. Having a solid plan in place and a budget to cover the costs will eliminate interference and setbacks. It’s OK to think big, but common sense is necessary to complete your mission. A financial gain is apparent if you follow the rules and oversee expenditures. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When faced with uncertainty, research and sort through the pros and cons and the legitimacy of the information you receive. It’s best to step back and take a pass when in doubt. Making a premature move will put you in a vulnerable position. Trust your instincts, not what someone else claims is true. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Be discreet, handle your responsibilities and finish what you start. Refuse to let what others do or say interfere with your progress. Choose the path that allows you to show off your talents and value instead of letting someone light the fuse that leads to regression and anger. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Share what’s necessary, but don’t reveal information that will place you in a vulnerable position. Nurture partnerships; listen, respond and offer positive reinforcement, and you’ll get the desired results and a shift in how others treat you. Domestic changes will improve your personal life. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Speak your mind, get your point across and move on to what’s important to you. Your time is valuable, and opportunities require your immediate attention. Changing how you handle others will help you gain respect and the support you need to reach your goal. Review your partnerships and discuss changes that will improve stability. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Improve your surroundings, but don’t go over budget. Haste makes waste, and snap decisions will cost you. Listen to reason before you sign contracts that lock you into something you cannot afford. You are best to put your energy into bringing more cash in than letting it slip through your fingers. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay attention to your relationships with others. Nurturing will help smooth any uncertainty or disagreements you have with someone you value. Fix up your personal space to suit your needs. Network and share information with people who can help you bring about positive change personally and professionally. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Get active, and you’ll be ready to conquer the world. Refuse to let the changes others make interfere with your plans. Overspending to appease someone will not help you gain respect or manipulate others to do or see things your way. Your best path forward is alone, with determination to finish what you start. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put your feelings aside and concentrate on being and doing your best. Home improvements, networking, marketing and promoting what you offer will bring stellar results. Don’t pass up an opportunity to display what you have to offer and what you are willing to do to advance. Opportunity is within reach, and personal gain is favored. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, thoughtful and generous. You are revolutionary and methodical.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.