On June 30 the Palestinian foreign ministry said it strongly condemns a secret expansion plan drawn up by Israeli settler groups and right-wing organizations to establish about 100 Jewish settler strongpoints in West Bank Area A. The ministry said the plan breaches international law and existing agreements and seeks, by force, to destroy the political basis for implementing a two-state solution.

Fed Governor Cook said he welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court decision, which upheld a lower-court order and affirmed the need for due process and proper cause, and recognized that Federal Reserve independence is essential to achieving Congress’s mandates of price stability and full employment. Cook characterized the mortgage-fraud allegations as unrelated to documents he signed before joining the Fed and called the case a fabricated attempt to remove him for refusing to yield to political pressure and for making rate decisions based on what he judged best for the American people. He said he is relieved by the ruling and will continue to defend the Fed’s political independence while in office.

CNBC reports Eli Lilly (LLY.N) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN.O) are among the first companies selected for the US Food and Drug Administration's new pilot program.