South Coast cities gear up for summer tourism season amid economic uncertainty

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But in a time of economic uncertainty in Massachusetts and the country, there is some anecdotal evidence of people pulling back, even as some tourism officials are optimistic.
Beauchamp said that his bed and breakfast saw a slight slowdown for summer bookings. Typically, his business starts to receive reservations in January or February for the summer. This year, it took a bit longer and the bookings are for shorter stays than in the past.
'It was not unusual for us to see people book for a week or 10 days before. I don't think we have many bookings like that,' he said. Still, 'things are starting to fill in.
...
There were concerns early but things have turned around."
A view of the Delano Homestead, a bed and breakfast in Fairhaven.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
In nearby
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'We're off to a very good start,' she said.
McMullen said the current economic uncertainty reminded her of 2021 and 2022 as the severity of the COVID pandemic was waning. People were reluctant to travel far, either for health or financial reasons. A similar dynamic could come into play this year if Americans become more worried about their pocketbooks.
'I think we're going to see an increase of that local traveler,' she said.
The museum, for example, has been doing targeted social media advertising within a 90-mile radius in anticipation that people may not travel far this year, she said.
Whale skeletons at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
Alyssa Botelho, who runs the office that coordinates tourism and economic development in Fairhaven, said the town is ramping up events for the summer like an event in June to commemorate the
'I've gotten a lot of calls from the Midwest ... Kentucky, Ohio, all these places people are tracing back the Delanos and their own family lines,' she said. 'That history piece is really big.'
Botelho said the town is hoping to entice regional travelers to opt for Fairhaven as their destination of choice this summer. The town has advertised in Boston- and Rhode Island-based publications to lure local tourists. Plus, she hopes that the
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'We had never advertised in the Boston area before,' she said. 'We've got the infrastructure now, and in case you haven't heard, Fairhaven, it's a nice place to come.'
Alyssa Botelho manages the tourism and economic development portfolio for Fairhaven.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
Laura Orleans, who runs the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center that's a few steps away from the Whaling Museum, suggested that in times of economic anxiety, people may choose to stay closer to home in their vacations, which could help New Bedford and the broader South Coast.
'Instead of taking a trip to Europe, maybe you're taking a tour to New England or maybe within New England,' she said.
For families looking for budget travel options, New Bedford is situated to help them take advantage of all the attractions the South Coast has to offer, said Ashley Payne, the director of tourism and marketing for the city.
'You're not going to find tourists trapped here in our city,' Payne said. 'Where we're positioned geographically and how we're positioned as that budget-friendly option that's great for families that are traveling, it's great for older couples who might be looking for a quieter destination that fits within their budget as well.'
Genevieve Iorio could be the type of tourist that Payne and others hope to see more of on the South Coast this summer season.
On a recent afternoon, she drove from Quincy to New Bedford looking for what she described as a little bit of Europe in Massachusetts.
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'I came down to New Bedford out of curiosity to enjoy the day with my niece. You know, looking for a different flavor in the state,' she said. 'Everybody knows Cape Cod. I know Boston well. I've been to Gloucester. But New Bedford just seemed very interesting because of the Portuguese community, the cuisine, being on the water, the historical district, the whaling history, and so we came down to explore and learn more about the city.'
Omar Mohammed can be reached at

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23 minutes ago

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Vertex Presents Positive Data for Zimislecel in Type 1 Diabetes at the American Diabetes Association 85th Scientific Sessions

– Results from the study continue to demonstrate the transformative potential of zimislecel with consistent and durable patient benefit – – All 12 patients with at least one year of follow-up who received a full dose of zimislecel as a single infusion achieved ADA-recommended target HbA1c levels <7% and >70% time-in-range (70-180 mg/dL), and 10/12 patients were insulin free – – Data presented at ADA simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine – – Vertex to host investor webcast tonight, June 20, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. CT / 8:15 p.m. ET – BOSTON, June 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced simultaneous presentation and publication of updated data from the Phase 1/2 portion of the Phase 1/2/3 FORWARD-101 clinical trial of zimislecel (VX-880), an investigational stem cell-derived, fully differentiated islet cell therapy, in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemic events (SHEs). The data were featured in an oral presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) annual conference in Chicago as part of the symposium, "Innovation and Progress in Stem Cell-Derived Islet-Cell Replacement Therapy," from 6:15-6:30 p.m. CT (abstract 2025-A-1921) and published online by the New England Journal of Medicine. The data are from 12 patients who received the full dose of zimislecel as a single infusion and were followed for at least one year, as of October 2024. Results from the study to date continue to demonstrate the transformative potential of zimislecel with consistent and durable patient benefit with longer follow-up. All 12 participants: Demonstrated engraftment with glucose-responsive endogenous C-peptide production, which was durable through one year of follow-up. Achieved the ADA targets of HbA1c <7% and time in range of >70%. Were free of SHEs from day 90 onwards. Had a reduction in exogenous insulin use (mean reduction in daily insulin dose: 92%). 10/12 (83%) no longer required exogenous insulin at Month 12. Achieved the Phase 1/2 primary endpoint of elimination of SHEs with HbA1c <7%. Zimislecel continues to be generally well tolerated. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate, and there were no serious AEs related to zimislecel treatment. As previously reported, two patient deaths occurred, both unrelated to treatment with zimislecel. The safety profile is generally consistent with the immunosuppressive regimen used in the study, the infusion procedure, and complications from long-standing diabetes. "These data on the first fully differentiated, stem cell-derived, off-the-shelf islet cell therapy continue to be unprecedented. The magnitude, consistency and durability of the results from all 12 patients with more than one year of follow-up reinforce the transformative potential of zimislecel for people living with T1D complicated by severe hypoglycemia," said Carmen Bozic, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. "We are excited to complete enrollment and dosing in the Phase 1/2/3 Program and look forward to potential regulatory submissions next year." "It's remarkable to see 12 out of 12 patients with baseline HbA1c above 7% and multiple severe hypoglycemic events reach consensus targets for glycemic control by both HbA1c and time in range as well as elimination of severe hypoglycemic events," said Michael R. Rickels, M.D., M.S., Medical Director, Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplant Program, Willard and Rhoda Ware Professor in Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Presenting Author and Steering Committee Co-Chair for the zimislecel clinical program, and author on the New England Journal of Medicine paper. "As I think about my patients and the unmet need in the type 1 diabetes community, the results we've seen so far for restoring endogenous insulin secretion with a stem cell-derived islet therapy bring me hope and confidence for a transformative treatment option for individuals with type 1 diabetes in the not-so-distant future." About Type 1 DiabetesT1D results from the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in pancreatic islets. Insulin deficiency results in hyperglycemia and can lead to acute life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. People with T1D are reliant on lifelong treatment with exogenous insulin that requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels. Even with the availability of advanced exogenous insulin delivery and glucose monitoring systems, people with T1D can have periods of very low and very high blood sugar levels. Exogenous insulin has a narrow therapeutic range and carries an inherent risk of causing low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemic events, which can potentially result in arrhythmias, seizures, coma and even death. Due to the limitations and complexities of exogenous insulin treatment, it can be difficult for people with T1D to achieve and maintain good glucose control. Exposure to prolonged periods of high blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia, can lead to long-term complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease/failure, eye disease (including vision loss), cardiovascular disease, stroke and even death. HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose over the most recent ~2-3 months, and the consensus guidance is to maintain an HbA1c of <7% to reduce the risk of long-term complications; only ~1 in 4 people with T1D globally meet this clinical target. Current standards of care do not address the underlying cause of the disease and leave people with T1D susceptible to both hypo- and hyperglycemia and their associated morbidity and mortality. There is no cure for T1D. About ZimislecelZimislecel (VX-880) is an investigational allogeneic stem cell-derived, fully differentiated, insulin-producing islet cell therapy manufactured using proprietary technology. Zimislecel is being evaluated for patients who have T1D with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemia. Zimislecel has the potential to restore the body's ability to regulate glucose levels by restoring pancreatic islet cell function, including glucose-responsive insulin production. Zimislecel is delivered by an infusion into the hepatic portal vein and requires chronic immunosuppressive therapy to protect the islet cells from immune rejection. The zimislecel trial has expanded to additional sites that are currently active and enrolling in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Zimislecel has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and has secured an Innovation Passport under the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Zimislecel is investigational and has not been approved by health authorities globally. About VertexVertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, (i) statements by Carmen Bozic, M.D., and Michael R. Rickels, M.D., M.S., in this press release, (ii) plans, expectations for, and the potential benefits of zimislecel, (iii) expectations for the Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial for zimislecel, including expectations for the trial to complete enrollment and dosing, and (iv) plans for potential regulatory submissions next year. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from a limited number of patients may not be indicative of final clinical trial results, that data from the company's research and development programs may not support registration or further development of its potential medicines in a timely manner, or at all, due to safety, efficacy, that timelines for regulatory submissions may be longer than anticipated, and other risks listed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Vertex's most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at and available through the company's website at You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available. (VRTX-GEN) Investor Event and Webcast Vertex will host an investor event on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. CT/8:15 p.m. ET, in Chicago, to discuss the positive zimislecel data in type 1 diabetes. A live webcast of the presentation and Q&A portions can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of Vertex's website at An archived webcast will be available on the company's website. View source version on Contacts Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedInvestors: InvestorInfo@ Media: mediainfo@ orInternational: +44 20 3204 5275

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Citizens Launches New Suite of Mastercard Credit Cards Designed to Meet the Evolving Needs of Every Customer

New customer-first credit card continuum built for simplicity, financial stability, and goal realization PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its commitment to empowering customers at every stage of their financial journey, Citizens has launched a new suite of Mastercard credit cards designed to address the distinct financial needs and preferences of today's consumers. Built on years of customers' insights and feedback, the new credit cards offer tailored features that range from establishing credit to maximizing rewards and lifestyle benefits. As customers grow in financial experience and credit strength, they can move seamlessly through a tiered continuum of cards, gaining access to enhanced rewards, higher limits, and premium benefits. The expanded lineup builds on Citizens' commitment to innovation, accessibility, and long-term financial well-being. Developed in collaboration with Mastercard, the suite sets a higher standard for simplicity and personalization, positioning Citizens to engage customers in more meaningful and impactful ways. "We created this new suite by listening to our customers and designing cards that grow with them," said Adam Boyd, Head of Lending at Citizens. "This launch with Mastercard is about more than just offering new options; it's about delivering real tools to help customers build credit, manage spending, and unlock new opportunities. At Citizens, we are committed to being our customers' true partner on their financial journey - offering the flexibility, support, and innovation they need to reach their goals." Whether a student taking their first steps toward financial independence, a young professional balancing everyday expenses, or an affluent cardholder looking to maximize their spending power, there's now a Citizens credit card developed to support them. The newly launched suite of credit cards features a range of perks and benefits, including savings in everyday spending through offers from various partners, as well as access to extraordinary travel, dining, and entertainment experiences. New credit card options include: Citizens Amp™ Mastercard®: Build your for those just starting their financial journey, Citizens Amp™ is a no-annual-fee card designed for individuals with limited or no credit history to help establish strong credit habits. Key features and benefits include: Access to learning tools, financial literacy content, and personalized support Opportunity for credit line increases and product upgrades after 6 months of positive credit behavior Rotating merchant offers (e.g., travel and entertainment discounts) through Mastercard Priceless® Citizens Spring™ World Mastercard®: Power your for customers focused on managing and paying down debt, Citizens Spring™ offers flexible options with no annual fee and a competitive low APR. Key features and benefits include: Save on interest with a low introductory APR designed to help reduce existing debt Consolidate balances with an extended 18-month balance transfer window Access to World Mastercard® benefits, such as Peacock, Lyft and Instacart, and Mastercard Priceless® experiences Citizens Summit™ World Mastercard®: Reward your everyday for customers with active, eventful lives, Citizens Summit™ makes everyday spending more rewarding with no annual fee. Key features and benefits include: Unlimited 3% cash back on dining and groceries Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases Low introductory balance transfer offers Access to World Mastercard® benefits, such as Peacock, Lyft and Instacart, Mastercard Priceless® experiences Citizens Summit Reserve™ World Elite Mastercard®: Access even more for those looking to get more from their financial success, Citizens Summit Reserve™ offers premium rewards and exclusive travel and lifestyle perks. Key features and benefits include: Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, groceries, and entertainment (including streaming, ticketed events, museums, and sports venues) Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases Over $950 value in product features1 No foreign transaction fees and access to annual travel credits, including: $120 Lyft annual statement credit ($10/month) Up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® application credit $140 airport lounge visit credits (4 visits) $99 Priority Pass Digital Lounge Membership – Access membership to 1,700+ airport lounges worldwide for a premium travel experience World Elite Mastercard® rewards and benefits that span travel, entertainment and lifestyle – including World Mastercard partners Access to a complimentary 24/7 Citizens Concierge service through World Elite Mastercard®, acting as a personal assistant for travel, dining, and special requests worldwide In addition, Citizens has introduced a new card designed specifically for Citizens Private Bank clients. "At Mastercard, we're proud to collaborate with Citizens on a credit card suite that reflects a shared commitment to empowering consumers through every stage of their financial journey," said Julie Schanzer, Executive Vice President of U.S. Financial Institutions at Mastercard. "Through innovation and experiences intentionally designed for consumer needs, we're delivering meaningful tools that help people build credit, manage spending, and unlock new possibilities in their everyday lives." Citizens is committed to providing secure and reliable payment solutions both in person and online. Over the last year, the bank has made significant investments to enhance its card solutions, including smarter credit analytics, a more seamless account opening process, and sustainable card manufacturing. All new cards feature recycled material and the Mastercard Touch Card feature, reinforcing the bank's commitment to environmental sustainability and accessibility, in this case with unique, tactile notches — rounded for debit, squared for credit and triangular for prepaid — so anyone can identify their cards with just a touch. These innovations reflect Citizens' dedication to delivering meaningful, modern, and purpose-driven financial tools. Building on this momentum, Citizens is also developing new commercial card solutions tailored to the evolving needs of middle market companies with a customizable product for growth-stage businesses expected to launch later this year. As part of the launch, Citizens is honoring its longest-tenured colleague, Barbara Varone, a branch teller in Rhode Island, by featuring her name on sample cards and marketing materials. With more than 50 years of dedicated service, Barbara represents the enduring trust and commitment Citizens brings to every customer relationship. To learn more or apply for Citizens' new credit card options, please visit: Existing Citizens credit card customers will not be required to convert to the new suite. While we're no longer accepting new applications for legacy cards, we're committed to supporting all current cardholders. About Citizens Financial Group, Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation's oldest and largest financial institutions, with $220.1 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,100 ATMs and approximately 1,000 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at or visit us on X, LinkedIn or Facebook. The information about the costs of each card described in this press release are accurate as of 06/12/2025. This information may have changed after that date. To find out what may have changed, call us toll-free at 800-684-2222 or write us at Credit Card Services, P.O. Box 7092, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06601-7092. 1Features and rules subject to change without notice. Restrictions may apply. See website for terms and additional information. View source version on Contacts Allison Sign in to access your portfolio

Fox Sports

an hour ago

• Fox Sports

Paddock Buzz: Foyt Team Honors Memory of Dear Friend at Road America

INDYCAR A.J. Foyt Enterprises honors this weekend at Road America the legacy of longtime friend, supporter and team sponsor Marlyne Sexton (photo, left), who passed away June 11 at age 86. In her memory, the team debuted a special tribute livery on the No. 14 Sexton Properties/AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet driven by Santino Ferrucci during this weekend's XPEL Grand Prix at Road America Presented by AMR. Ferrucci was the 11th quickest among 27 drivers in Friday's opening practice session with a top lap of 1 minute, 45.7423 seconds. 'Man, just hanging out with Mrs. Sexton and A.J. in Indy is just always fun, just watching them,' Ferrucci said. 'They had some good banter back and forth. 'She's such a wonderful lady. She did wonders for the team. She made me feel like family when I first joined in 2023. I know she thought of Larry (Foyt) like a son, so heavy hearts with her passing, and very honored to be driving the special livery in her honor for this weekend.' Sexton, along with her husband, Joe, founded Sexton Properties, an Indianapolis-based real estate development company, in 1962. Their first Indiana project was located just minutes from Indianapolis Motor Speedway and marked the beginning of a friendship between the Sextons and A.J. Foyt, one of the development's first tenants. 'I met Marlyne's husband, Joe Sexton, years ago,' Foyt said. 'I was one of the first customers, and from then on, we were just great friends." Joe passed away in 2002, but Marlyne continued to lead the company and remained a powerful influence in real estate and motorsports. Sexton Properties began sponsoring AJ Foyt Racing during the 2015 Indianapolis 500 as an associate partner on an entry driven by Alex Tagliani. The partnership grew each season, culminating in a primary sponsorship role by 2022. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Marlyne Sexton,' said Larry Foyt, team president of AJ Foyt Racing. 'It can't be overstated the positive effects she has had on not only our team but on me personally. Her strength and positive influence are a huge piece of our recent successes. I will forever be grateful for the life lessons she taught me and the confidence she instilled in all aspects of my life. 'Marlyne loved watching INDYCAR and cheering for AJ Foyt Racing. I will miss our talks about the races and the team, but her teachings and impact will be remembered for the rest of my life.' Kirkwood Riding Momentum Into Road America Kyle Kirkwood enters Road America aiming for a feat Andretti Global hasn't pulled off in over a decade. Kirkwood has three victories this season, with back-to-back wins in the last two races in the series, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on June 1 and Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline on June 15. He has a chance in Sunday's 55-lap race to become the first Andretti Global driver since Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2012 to win three races in a row. RHR pulled off a hat track that year at Milwaukee Mile, Iowa Speedway and the streets of Toronto. 'Momentum is a big thing in motorsports,' Kirkwood said. 'When you have that kind of momentum, things come to you a little bit easier.' Kirkwood is off to a great start Friday, quickest in the No. 27 Siemens Honda with a lap of 1:44.9881. Kirkwood has improved his finishing position at Road America all three years. He finished 20th as a rookie for AJ Foyt Racing in 2022, then ninth and fifth, respectively, for Andretti Global the last two years. The steady upward trend, paired with his current form, positions him as a legitimate threat to contend for the win Sunday. This is also the first time this season Kirkwood hasn't had a week off between wins. 'To do well, you've got to celebrate with the crew for a couple of hours, and then you're straight back to work to do it all over again,' he said. 'I've gone home after each win and been able to relax and wind down from it, but this week it's been like, 'OK, it's Road America, here we go again,' which isn't a bad thing. Just keep it rolling. It doesn't allow the ball to stop.' Herta Strives for Road America Victory Colton Herta has been one of the most consistent performers at Road America, but victory at the 4.014-mile Wisconsin road course continues to slip just out of reach. In eight starts, Herta has never finished worse than eighth and has qualified on the front row five times, including each of the last two years. He earned NTT P1 Award honors in 2019 as a rookie and in 2023. He's only started outside the top seven once – 11th in 2022. 'I've always been really strong here,' Herta said. But have still never won. I've had close ones. This is the place I've never really had a bad weekend.' Herta's best chances slipped away due to small but costly mistakes. In 2019, managing tire wear caught him off guard as he faded to eighth. In 2023, a pit stop one lap too early forced him to save fuel late, and he ultimately finished fifth. Andretti Global Drivers Stick With Pacers Andretti Global's NBA loyalty got complicated this week as Mark Walter, who is part of Andretti Global's TWG Global ownership group, made headlines this week for purchasing the Los Angeles Lakers. Walter, already a stakeholder in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks and owner of the Professional Women's Hockey League, holds a significant presence in both racing and LA sports. However, Andretti Global is based in Indianapolis, and co-owner Dan Towriss' company Gainbridge, has naming rights to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers. So, where do Andretti Global drivers Marcus Ericsson, Herta and Kirkwood's allegiances stand? Herta took a bipartisan approach. 'I'll have an Eastern Conference team in the Pacers and a Western Conference team in the Lakers to cheer for,' he said. Florida native Kirkwood was more loyal to his adopted home. 'I don't know anything about that situation,' Kirkwood said. 'I live in Indiana. I know all the Pacers players' names, at least. I watch them play, and I know their style. I'm a big, big fan of the Pacers. I scream at the TV.' Ericsson, like Kirkwood, remains loyal to the Pacers. Fatherhood Helps McLaughlin Through Rough Stretch Scott McLaughlin is navigating a challenging stretch of the season, with a string a setbacks that have dropped him from fifth in points entering the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge to eighth in the standings entering Sunday's 55-lap race at Road America. McLaughlin crashed on the pace lap and finished 30th in the '500' on May 25. A week later, he was penalized for avoidable contact after rear-ending Nolan Siegel's No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and finished 12th at Detroit. In last Sunday's race at World Wide Technology Raceway, McLaughlin qualified second, ran in the top five, but suffered a mechanical failure on Lap 216, ending 24th. McLaughlin likened this difficult period to his 2015 season in Australian V8 Supercars, though with a more grounded perspective this time around. Becoming a first-time father to daughter Lucy during the offseason has provided emotional balance and perspective. 'Obviously, her college fund has taken a hit, but I think at the same time she's so very refreshing,' McLaughlin said. 'Being a dad and having a life outside of the sport, not that I didn't have that before without Lucy. I mean, I always had (wife) Karly, and she's great at taking my mind of stuff. But the dad part of life is awesome, and I'm probably the most happy I've ever been off the track.' McLaughlin has yet to win at Road America in four starts, but his performance improved each year, climbing from 14th in 2021, seventh in 2022, eighth in 2023 and third after leading 18 laps last year. He was sixth quickest Friday with a time of 1:45.3191 in the No. 3 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet. Franchitti, Buxton Shave Foster's Mustache for Charity NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie Louis Foster made a surprising and charitable style change ahead of the Road America race weekend by losing the mustache he had sported all season. Foster, an English driver for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, wore the mustache as a nod to three-time series champion Bobby Rahal, co-owner of the team. In May, he joked that his look was very 1986 Indy 500 Bobby Rahal, embracing the retro vibe and team pride. At Thursday night's Welcome Party at Siebkens Stop-Inn Tavern, a beloved Elkhart Lake establishment, Foster joined other drivers as a celebrity bartender, raising funds for Racing For Kids through tips and donations. When asked what it would take to shave the mustache, Foster half-jokingly said $1,000. Dario Franchitti, a four-time INDYCAR SERIES champion, offered $500 if he could shave it off himself. Others, including FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Will Buxton, chipped in, and the mustache was officially shaved for charity. Foster was eighth quickest in the No. 45 Droplight/Desunda Tequila Honda in Friday's practice. Cannon Helps VeeKay Score WWTR Top 10 Finish Rinus VeeKay has found a new groove in recent races and credits veteran engineer Michael Cannon for the turnaround. Cannon rejoined Dale Coyne Racing after this year's Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and brings decades of technical expertise and a proven track record of rapid impact. In their first race together at Detroit, Cannon's input, especially on braking, helped VeeKay qualify seventh. The next race at WWTR, the No. 18 askROI Honda cracked the top 10 and finished seventh thanks to fuel-saving strategy devised by Cannon. Cannon spent six years (2014-19) at DCR, engineering a range of drivers. He also has served as an engineer in recent seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing and AJ Foyt Racing, delivering immediate improvements to those teams, especially on ovals. 'Working with (Scott) Dixon in the past, he gave me some tricks to improve the fuel mileage,' VeeKay said. Odds and Ends Championship leader Alex Palou has new colors on track this weekend with SOLO Cup sponsoring his No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. He was ninth quickest in the opening practice session. Team Penske swept the podium in last year's race and had all three drivers in the top six during Friday's practice session, led by defending race winner Will Power (1:45.1795) in third in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. Two-time Road America winner Josef Newgarden (1:45.2228) in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet was fourth, .0433 of a second behind Power, with McLaughlin sixth. The top 15 drivers in Friday's speed chart were separated by less than a second. Saturday features NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice at 11:05 a.m. ET and then qualifying to set the 27-car lineup for Sunday's race at 2:35 p.m. ET. Both air on FS1, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network. 2012 INDYCAR SERIES champion and 2014 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Ryan Hunter-Reay served as a booth analyst for FOX's INDY NXT by Firestone practice coverage Friday. recommended