From the Archive

by Abigail Isaacson in Crime

A key witness, Jennifer McCabe, is providing crucial testimony in the retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. McCabe recounts the events leading up to O’Keefe's death, including a gathering at a bar and an after-party. She saw Read's SUV parked outside her sister's house where O'Keefe's body was later found. McCabe's testimony details Read's erratic behavior after O’Keefe’s death, including statements like "Could I have hit him? Did I hit him?", and "I hit him, I hit him, I hit him." The defense, however, alleges a cover-up involving off-duty law enforcement officers at the after-party location, suggesting O’Keefe's death was not caused by Read. The defense is trying to highlight McCabe's ties to law enforcement and inconsistencies in her statements, including a discrepancy about a Google search related to hypothermia. The prosecution aims to counter the defense's claims with expert testimony and evidence. Read's first trial ended in a hung jury, and she has pleaded not guilty to all charges.


by Alan Iverson in Politics

A last-minute disagreement could derail a minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine that was expected to be signed on Wednesday. After weeks of intense negotiations, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had indicated the deal was nearly finalized, with Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko traveling to Washington for the signing. However, sources revealed differing views on the signing process. Ukraine wanted to finalize technical documents later, while the US insisted on signing all documents simultaneously. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Ukraine made last-minute changes, and the US was ready to sign if Ukraine reconsidered. The deal, which would give the US access to Ukraine's untapped mineral riches in exchange for investment, has been under negotiation since President Trump's return to the White House. Previous sticking points included security guarantees, with Trump initially refusing them. Zelensky had previously described the draft agreement as asking him to "sell" his country. The deal aims to create a joint investment fund with equal contributions and management shares. The US may count future military aid as a contribution. Ukraine possesses significant deposits of critical minerals, offering an alternative to China's dominance in the global market. A memorandum of understanding from the Biden administration outlined US investment promotion in exchange for economic incentives and good business practices from Ukraine.


by Amy Ivanov in Politics

• Economy: The US economy experienced its worst quarter since 2022, attributed to President Trump's tariffs. Trump blamed former President Biden. • Immigration: Trump's hardline immigration policies face growing public disapproval, according to a CNN poll. • Ukraine: A minerals deal with Ukraine is jeopardized by a last-minute document dispute. Trump framed the deal as repayment for US aid. • Abrego Garcia Case: A federal judge resumes the fact-finding process regarding the Trump administration's actions in the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador. The Justice Department's request for a pause was denied. • Canada: Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite anti-Trump sentiment in Canada, plans a White House visit to discuss trade issues. • Trade War with China: Trump downplayed concerns about his tariffs on China, suggesting Americans don't need cheap Chinese goods. Retail CEOs warned of potential supply chain disruptions. • Abrego Garcia's Return: Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to disclose communications with El Salvador's President Bukele about Abrego Garcia's return. Trump acknowledged the possibility of securing Abrego Garcia's return but declined to act, deferring to his lawyers. Bukele stated his reluctance to release Abrego Garcia, citing alleged terrorist ties. • Senate Tariff Vote: The Senate is set to vote on a resolution to block Trump's global tariffs, though it faces certain defeat in the House. • Economic Indicators: Trump blamed Biden for negative economic indicators, despite the Dow's recent winning streak and the economy's pre-existing strength. • FEC: The Federal Election Commission is left with three members and lacks a quorum following the resignation of a Republican commissioner and Trump's firing of a Democratic commissioner, impacting its enforcement capabilities. A lawsuit challenges Trump's executive order aiming to control the agency's decision-making. • Iran Sanctions: New US sanctions target Iran's energy sector amid ongoing nuclear deal talks. • Ukraine Minerals Deal: A last-minute disagreement over documents threatens to derail a minerals deal between the US and Ukraine. The US claims all documents need signing, while Ukraine argues for further work on technical details. • Senate Reaction to Economic Report: Some Republican senators expressed unease about the economic report, while others urged patience and support for Trump's policies. • Elon Musk's Role: Elon Musk signaled a step back from the Trump administration, thanking the cabinet for their work and returning to Tesla. There were reported disputes between Musk and other cabinet members. • Republican Senators on Tariffs: Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, plan to vote to block Trump's tariffs. • Consumer Confidence: Recent economic surveys show declining consumer confidence due to concerns about tariffs and the high cost of living. • Trump's Tax Cut Bill: Trump touted his “one big beautiful bill” aiming for the biggest tax cut in US history. • China's Economy: Trump commented on China's struggling economy due to his tariffs, while China denied ongoing trade talks with the US. • Ukraine Minerals Deal Update: The US is ready to sign the agreement, but it depends on Ukraine finalizing the technical details. There are disagreements over governance and traceability of funds. • Abrego Garcia: Despite US efforts, El Salvador's President Bukele has indicated he won't return Abrego Garcia to the US. • Cabinet Meeting: Trump held a cabinet meeting, highlighting the economic report and his accomplishments during his first 100 days. • Republican Senators' Concerns: Republican Senators Tillis and Johnson expressed concerns about the state of the economy, suggesting that the proposed tax cuts could help improve the situation.


by Alex Ingram in News

Jeff Sperbeck, John Elway's longtime agent and friend, died at 62 years old following a golf cart accident. Sperbeck suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling off a golf cart driven by Elway. The accident occurred after a Stagecoach party. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing to change federal regulations over fluoride in drinking water. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco won't have a first dance at their wedding due to Selena's shyness. Bill Belichick defended his girlfriend's behavior during a CBS interview. Mother's Day gift ideas for first-time moms are suggested. Ben Affleck called training with Tom Brady one of the greatest days of his life. Two women were deported from LAX. A shirtless Bachelor is featured. Brittany Cartwright rated Jax Taylor's bedroom skills. An investigation is underway into Sperbeck's accident. Virginia Giuffre's family shared a handwritten note she wrote before her suicide. Kanye West's "Donda 2" album is facing removal due to nonpayment to producers. Rauw Alejandro's pants ripped on stage. The Atlanta Falcons and Jeff Ulbrich were fined for a draft day prank call. Alijah Arenas is out of the hospital after a Cybertruck crash.


by Alice Ibarra in Sports

Jeff Sperbeck, John Elway's longtime agent and friend, passed away at 62 years old. Sperbeck suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling from a golf cart driven by Elway on April 26th. The accident occurred after a Stagecoach party, where Elway, Sperbeck, their wives, and Elway's son were returning. Sperbeck fell from the back of the cart, hitting his head. He was placed on life support, and his organs were donated. Police launched an investigation into the incident, and Elway made the 911 call. Sperbeck and Elway had a long-standing professional and personal relationship, including a business partnership in a winery.


by Aaron Irving in News

Jeff Sperbeck, John Elway's longtime business partner, is hospitalized on life support after a severe golf cart accident. Justin Baldoni escalates his legal battle with Marvel, claiming a 'Deadpool' character mocks him. Diddy faces sex trafficking evidence in his upcoming trial. Jordon Hudson disrupts Bill Belichick's CBS interview. Terrence Howard reveals why he turned down a Marvin Gaye biopic. President Trump jests about Taylor Swift at the Eagles' White House visit. A lawsuit against NBC over a Menudo documentary demands $500 million. TikToker Avani Gregg heats up social media with vacation photos. David Duchovny's Malibu estate is for sale. A man escapes an argument by breaking a window. Rick Ross details his plan to have 100 people fight a gorilla. A fatal boat crash in Florida is captured on video. Bella Hadid showcases her style in NYC. Alijah Arenas shows improvement after his Cybertruck accident. The world's first sperm race plans a Hollywood expansion. Virginia Giuffre's father questions the suicide ruling in her death.


by Abigail Isaacson in Sports

Jeff Sperbeck, John Elway's longtime business partner, is in the hospital on life support after a golf cart accident at The Madison Club in La Quinta, CA. Sperbeck fell off a moving golf cart, hitting his head. His wife and others quickly responded, and he was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center. Doctors have informed his family that there is no hope of recovery, and he is on life support while they prepare for organ donation. Sperbeck, a sports agent and business partner of Elway for over three decades, was instrumental in Elway's career and also represented over 100 NFL players. He and Elway co-founded the winery 7Cellars in 2013.


by Amy Ivanov in Health

Looking for effective ways to lose weight without grueling exercise routines? A groundbreaking study reveals that dancing offers a fun and effective alternative. Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise shows that dancing reduces stress hormones, improves mood, and strengthens social connections. The study highlights dance's ability to lower anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure. Another study in Frontiers in Physiology emphasizes dance's accessibility—requiring no special equipment and adaptable to various settings. Experts suggest different dance styles for varied benefits: ballroom dancing burns approximately 118 calories in 30 minutes for a 150-pound person, while swing dancing burns 207 calories in the same timeframe. Ballet enhances muscle strength and balance, Zumba offers interval training, and pole dancing is also gaining popularity. Incorporating dance into your routine provides a holistic approach to weight management, combining physical activity with stress reduction and improved mental wellbeing.


by Alice Ibarra in Politics

The executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, Ryan Mindell, resigned amidst multiple investigations into the integrity of lottery prizes and the involvement of courier companies. These investigations, prompted by two major jackpots totaling nearly $200 million, involve scrutiny of a $95 million jackpot in 2023 where winners bought nearly every number combination, and an $83 million jackpot won with a ticket purchased at a courier store. Lawmakers are considering significant changes, including banning courier companies or even shutting down the lottery, which contributes about $2 billion annually to public education. While the lottery and officials deny wrongdoing, investigations by the Texas Rangers and the state attorney general's office are ongoing. The Texas Senate has passed a ban on courier sales, but the House version of the state budget includes no funding for the agency, potentially leading to its closure, though this is likely a negotiating tactic.


by Alice Ibarra in Politics

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that he believes his US visa has been revoked by the Trump administration. This revelation came during a Cabinet meeting in Bogota, explaining his absence from upcoming IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington D.C. Petro, who previously relented to Trump's pressure to accept deported migrants, made a sarcastic remark about having already seen "Donald Duck" multiple times. The State Department, citing confidentiality of visa records, refused to confirm or deny Petro's claim. The conflict initially arose in January when Trump threatened sanctions, including visa restrictions, enhanced traveler inspections, and tariffs up to 50%, after Petro initially resisted accepting deported Colombian migrants, referring to them as being treated like "criminals." Following Trump's threats, Petro reversed course, even offering the use of his presidential plane for migrant transfers. The White House celebrated this as a sign of America's renewed respect.