Politics

GOP senators raise red flags over House’s ambitious Trump legislative package

A House Republican bill proposing major tax cuts and Medicaid spending reductions faces strong opposition in the Senate, where GOP lawmakers from rural states warn it could harm hospitals and strip millions of Americans of health coverage. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill could cause 8.6 million to lose insurance. Senators are also concerned about phasing out clean energy tax credits, which support thousands … Continue reading GOP senators raise red flags over House’s ambitious Trump legislative package

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U.S. News

Mystery of ‘exploding birds’ deepens in California city

In Richmond, California, a disturbing mystery is unfolding as residents report multiple birds dying violently, with some appearing to “explode” after landing on power lines. Security footage showed one bird falling to its death following a loud pop. Necropsies on two birds revealed trauma consistent with pellet guns or slingshots, but the exact cause of the deaths remains unclear. At least 13 birds have been … Continue reading Mystery of ‘exploding birds’ deepens in California city

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U.S. News

Climber survives 400-foot fall that killed 3 friends in Washington state

A rock climber, Anton Tselykh, survived a fall of hundreds of feet in Washington’s North Cascades mountains that killed his three companions. After suffering internal bleeding and head trauma, Tselykh managed to extricate himself from tangled equipment and hiked for hours to a pay phone to call for help. The group had been descending the Early Winters Spires when their anchor, a piton, was dislodged, … Continue reading Climber survives 400-foot fall that killed 3 friends in Washington state

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U.S. News

Boy missing, elementary schools in Maryland evacuated amid flooding

Heavy rain caused flooding across several states on Tuesday, with a 12-year-old boy reported missing in Albemarle County, Virginia, after being swept away by floodwaters. A search for the boy was paused overnight due to safety concerns. In Maryland, schools in Allegany County were evacuated, and flash floods triggered warnings for over 17 million people from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. More than 5 inches of … Continue reading Boy missing, elementary schools in Maryland evacuated amid flooding

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U.S. News

NY assisted dying bill moves forward

Advocates for physician-assisted death in New York are optimistic after the Assembly passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act. The focus now shifts to the Senate, where support for the bill has been growing. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins plans to bring the bill to a vote once it has enough Democratic backing, with 25 senators currently sponsoring it. The bill requires 32 votes to … Continue reading NY assisted dying bill moves forward

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U.S. News

Wisconsin judge indicted on allegations she helped man evade ICE agents

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, 66, has been indicted on charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction after allegedly helping an undocumented migrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade arrest by ICE agents. Prosecutors claim Dugan attempted to assist Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer in leaving the courtroom through a back door. Dugan faces up to six years in prison if convicted. She denies the … Continue reading Wisconsin judge indicted on allegations she helped man evade ICE agents

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U.S. News

Erik and Lyle Menendez are now eligible for parole after judge resentences them

A California judge has resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez, making them eligible for parole after serving over 30 years for the 1989 shotgun killings of their parents. The brothers, previously sentenced to life without parole, were resentenced to 50 years to life following testimony about their rehabilitation. The parole board will now decide their fate, with a clemency recommendation due to Governor Gavin Newsom by … Continue reading Erik and Lyle Menendez are now eligible for parole after judge resentences them

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World News

Iraq frees over 19,000 prisoners under new amnesty

Iraq has released over 19,000 prisoners under a new amnesty law aimed at easing overcrowding in its prisons, including some convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The law, passed in January, halts executions and allows retrials for those who claim confessions were obtained under torture. While excluding those convicted of extremist killings, it has been supported by Sunni lawmakers who argue anti-terror laws disproportionately targeted their communities. … Continue reading Iraq frees over 19,000 prisoners under new amnesty

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World News

Germany arrests ‘King Peter’

German authorities have banned the extremist “Kingdom of Germany” group and arrested its self-declared monarch, Peter Fitzek, along with three top members. Linked to the far-right Reichsbürger movement, the group rejected the legitimacy of the German state and operated illegal financial schemes while claiming to be a sovereign monarchy. Raids involving 800 officers targeted properties across the country. Officials say the group’s activities were criminal … Continue reading Germany arrests ‘King Peter’

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World News

Hamas releases American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, held hostage in Gaza for over 19 months, was released by Hamas on Monday and returned to Israel via the Red Cross. His release, which Israeli PM Netanyahu credited to military and political pressure from President Trump, comes amid ongoing negotiations and calls for a ceasefire. Alexander, 21, was captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, NBC News has … Continue reading Hamas releases American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

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Archaeology

U.S. returns parts of queen’s temple, ancient gold coin and other rare smuggled artifacts to Egypt

The U.S. has returned 25 rare Egyptian artifacts, including sarcophagus lids, a Greco-Roman portrait, and temple fragments believed to belong to Queen Hatshepsut, after a three-year recovery effort. The items, spanning over 5,500 years of history, were seized in multiple investigations and held at Egypt’s New York consulate before being sent to Cairo. Egypt has recovered nearly 30,000 artifacts over the past decade, many looted … Continue reading U.S. returns parts of queen’s temple, ancient gold coin and other rare smuggled artifacts to Egypt

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World News

Relatives of El Chapo enter US as part of ‘negotiation,’ Mexico’s security secretary says

Several relatives of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán have entered the U.S. as part of negotiations linked to a plea deal involving his son, Ovidio Guzmán López, according to Mexico’s Security Secretary. Ovidio, extradited to the U.S. in September 2023 on drug trafficking charges, initially pleaded not guilty but recently agreed to change his plea. Reports say 17 of his relatives crossed the border, though none … Continue reading Relatives of El Chapo enter US as part of ‘negotiation,’ Mexico’s security secretary says

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World News

Israeli strikes in northern Gaza kill at least 48, hospital says

At least 48 Palestinians, including 22 children and 15 women, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza overnight, according to a local hospital. The strikes hit homes in Jabalia town and refugee camp following rocket fire into Israel. Meanwhile, a separate Israeli strike on the European Hospital in southern Gaza killed 28 people, allegedly targeting Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar. The UN’s humanitarian chief accused … Continue reading Israeli strikes in northern Gaza kill at least 48, hospital says

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Space

China Has A Plan to Collect a Sample from Venus’s Killer Atmosphere

China has announced an ambitious mission to sample Venus’s harsh atmosphere between 2028 and 2035, aiming to search for signs of microbial life and study the planet’s toxic clouds, extreme heat, and geological history. Led by top Chinese space agencies, the mission will use two spacecraft—one to orbit Venus and another to dive into its atmosphere to collect gas and particle samples. The effort could … Continue reading China Has A Plan to Collect a Sample from Venus’s Killer Atmosphere

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Space

NASA’s Webb Space Telescope captures bright auroras on Jupiter

New images from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal that Jupiter’s auroras are hundreds of times brighter than Earth’s, powered by solar storms and particles from its volcanic moon Io. Captured in detail using Webb’s near-infrared camera, the fast-changing auroras were observed by a team led by Jonathan Nichols from the University of Leicester. The study, conducted on December 25, 2023, was published in Nature Communications, … Continue reading NASA’s Webb Space Telescope captures bright auroras on Jupiter

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Space

Uncontrolled Soviet Probe Crashes to Earth, Hitting Unknown Location

After 53 years orbiting Earth, the failed Soviet Venus mission Kosmos 482 reentered the atmosphere on May 10, likely splashing down in the Indian Ocean. Built to endure Venus’ harsh conditions, the spacecraft may have partially survived reentry, but no debris has been found. Launched in 1972, Kosmos 482 failed to reach Venus due to a malfunction and remained in orbit until atmospheric drag caused … Continue reading Uncontrolled Soviet Probe Crashes to Earth, Hitting Unknown Location

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Technology

Scientists Build Soft Robot Inspired By Inflatable, Dancing Tube Men

Scientists in the Netherlands have developed a soft, air-powered machine that can walk, jump, and swim—without any electronics, AI, or software. Inspired by inflatable tube men, the robot uses continuous airflow and fluid dynamics to synchronize its tubular legs and move. It can adapt to various environments and even swim when placed in water, reaching speeds faster than most other air-powered machines, Mental Floss has … Continue reading Scientists Build Soft Robot Inspired By Inflatable, Dancing Tube Men

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Technology

Nations meet at UN for ‘killer robot’ talks as regulation lags

Countries met at the U.N. on Monday to revive stalled efforts to regulate AI-controlled autonomous weapons, which are increasingly used in modern conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. Despite growing reliance on AI in warfare, there are still no binding international rules, and progress has been slow since talks began in 2014. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has set a 2026 deadline for creating clear regulations, but … Continue reading Nations meet at UN for ‘killer robot’ talks as regulation lags

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Business

Dow jumps 1,100 points, S&P 500 and Nasdaq surge after US-China tariff rollback

U.S. stocks surged Monday after the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day pause on tariffs, easing trade war fears. The S&P 500 jumped 3.3%, the Dow gained over 1,100 points, and the Nasdaq rose 4.3%, with Big Tech stocks like Nvidia, Amazon, Apple, and Tesla leading the rally. The U.S. will slash tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will cut … Continue reading Dow jumps 1,100 points, S&P 500 and Nasdaq surge after US-China tariff rollback

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Business

NRG Buys 18 Natural-Gas Power Plants in Bet on Soaring Energy Demand

NRG Energy will acquire 18 natural gas power plants from LS Power for $12 billion, doubling its generation capacity to meet rising electricity demand from data centers. The deal, expected to close in early 2026, adds 13 gigawatts of capacity across nine states and positions NRG as a key energy supplier amid growing AI-driven power needs. NRG’s stock surged 25% following the announcement, and the … Continue reading NRG Buys 18 Natural-Gas Power Plants in Bet on Soaring Energy Demand

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Business

McDonald’s announces plans to hire 375,000 workers with Trump Labor secretary

McDonald’s announced plans to hire up to 375,000 workers this summer, its largest hiring target in years, during a news conference with U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the company’s “Archways to Opportunity” education program. McDonald’s has strengthened ties with the Trump administration during his second term, including a $1 million donation to his inauguration, CNBC has reported. … Continue reading McDonald’s announces plans to hire 375,000 workers with Trump Labor secretary

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Politics

Trump departing today for Saudi Arabia, the first international trip of his new term

President Trump will begin his first international trip of his second term Monday with a visit to Saudi Arabia, the first stop on a four-day Middle East tour that includes Qatar and the UAE. The trip focuses on diplomacy and business, with Trump expected to attend a major U.S.-Saudi investment summit featuring top CEOs. The visit aims to strengthen ties, promote investment, and build on … Continue reading Trump departing today for Saudi Arabia, the first international trip of his new term

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Politics

Trump Expects He’ll Speak with Chinese President Xi at End of Week

President Trump announced plans to possibly speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week after U.S. and Chinese officials reached a key trade agreement over the weekend. The deal includes a 90-day, 115% reduction in tariffs—excluding items like cars, steel, and pharmaceuticals—while both sides work on broader structural issues. Talks in Geneva were described as friendly and swift, marking the second major trade … Continue reading Trump Expects He’ll Speak with Chinese President Xi at End of Week

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Politics

GOP charges ahead despite deep divisions on Medicaid

House Republicans are pushing ahead with a major budget package that includes deep Medicaid cuts and a partial extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, despite sharp divisions within the GOP. Moderates and conservatives are clashing over proposals such as raising the SALT tax deduction cap and imposing stricter Medicaid work requirements. Key moderates from high-tax states oppose the current SALT cap proposal, while conservative hardliners … Continue reading GOP charges ahead despite deep divisions on Medicaid

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Politics

Macron ‘Cocaine’ Claims Erupt After Kyiv Meeting

Authorities in France and Germany have dismissed viral social media claims suggesting Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders used cocaine during a train trip to Kyiv as baseless disinformation. The trip, involving Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Social media users and Russian propagandists, including Maria Zakharova, spread what some have claimed … Continue reading Macron ‘Cocaine’ Claims Erupt After Kyiv Meeting

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