Articles by Arturo Iglesias

by Arturo Iglesias in conflict

At least 73 Palestinians were killed and around 150 injured by Israeli gunfire in Gaza on Sunday while seeking aid, according to the Palestinian health ministry. 67 deaths were reported in northern Gaza, and six in Khan Younis. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated troops fired warning shots to remove an immediate threat after identifying a large gathering of Gazans. The IDF is investigating but hasn't released casualty figures. The IDF issued warnings, designating several northern Gaza areas as active combat zones. Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, described the hospital's catastrophic state due to the overwhelming number of casualties and starving civilians. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported receiving 120 injured and two dead at its Al-Saraya Field Hospital. Residents in Deir Al Balah reported forced evacuations due to IDF leaflet drops. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) stated that Israel's evacuation orders endanger vital humanitarian sites and are accelerating the dismantling of Gaza's healthcare system. A separate incident on Saturday saw at least 32 deaths near an aid distribution point. The IDF said troops fired warning shots after suspects didn't comply with orders to distance themselves. Gaza's Hamas-run Government Media Office reported 995 deaths between May 27 and Sunday while seeking food near aid sites. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights previously reported nearly 800 Gazan deaths while accessing aid between late May and July 7.


by Arturo Iglesias in Business

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has been placed on leave after a video of him embracing an employee, Kristin Cabot, on a Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert went viral. The incident, which occurred during Coldplay's "The Jumbotron Song", showed Byron and Cabot cuddling before quickly separating upon realizing they were on camera. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin jokingly commented on the couple. The video led to online speculation and memes. Astronomer issued a statement stating that an investigation is underway and that their leaders are expected to uphold high standards of conduct and accountability. Pete DeJoy, cofounder and chief product officer, is serving as interim CEO.


by Arturo Iglesias in Volcano

A volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland has led to the evacuation of local residents and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The eruption began around 4 a.m. Wednesday following intense seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Approximately 100 people were evacuated from Grindavik, and tourists from a campsite and the Blue Lagoon were also evacuated. The evacuation, lasting about 90 minutes, was deemed necessary by local authorities despite varying opinions. Lava is flowing southeast from a fissure, but currently poses no threat to infrastructure. Grindavik has faced repeated disruptions since November 2023 due to volcanic activity in the area.


by Arturo Iglesias in Shopping

Amazon Prime Day 3 is officially here, offering amazing deals on headphones. Amazon Prime members can score discounts on thousands of products until July 11, 3 a.m. ET. Deals include digital subscriptions too! This sale includes significant discounts on various headphone models from brands such as Apple, Bose, Beats, Bang & Olufsen, Skullcandy, Sonos, and Anker. For those who aren't Amazon Prime members, a 30-day free trial is available. The article lists numerous headphone deals, categorized by earbuds, over-ear, and Apple products, with individual descriptions and prices for each. Many models offer features like noise cancellation, water resistance, long battery life, and spatial audio. The article also includes frequently asked questions about Prime Day, such as its duration, eligibility requirements, and the possibility of deals changing. The New York Post states their commitment to providing honest and thorough product recommendations based on testing and expert consultation.


by Arturo Iglesias in Wedding

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice was nothing short of spectacular, with a reported price tag between $46 million and $55 million. The three-day extravaganza saw A-list celebrities like Bill Gates and Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance at the Aman Hotel, followed by a ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Sanchez wore a custom-made Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown, and sported a stunning $4 million diamond ring, complementing a previously gifted $3-5 million diamond necklace. Bezos donned a classic black tuxedo. The couple reportedly signed a prenuptial agreement before the ceremony, which took place after a pre-wedding trip to Croatia on Bezos's $500 million superyacht, Koru. Anna Wintour reportedly helped Sanchez select her dress. Despite the opulence, the event was met with protests from Venice locals. The couple's engagement was announced in May 2023, with Bezos proposing with a 20-carat pink diamond ring valued at $2.5 million. Amidst the celebrations, Sanchez even took time to send a supportive message to Katy Perry on Instagram.


by Arturo Iglesias in Trial

Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial captivated jurors with graphic details of alleged violence and sexual coercion. The trial opened with a video depicting Combs violently assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie. Over seven weeks, 34 witnesses, primarily called by the prosecution, testified about Combs' alleged abusive behavior, including forcing women into sex with strangers during "freak-offs"—his term for sexual marathons. Cassie and another ex-girlfriend, Jane (testifying under a pseudonym), detailed instances of physical and sexual abuse, threats, and coercion. Other witnesses, including former employees and associates, corroborated accounts of violence, drug use, and Combs' alleged control over their lives. Kid Cudi testified about a home invasion and car firebombing he believed Combs was involved in. Former personal assistants described cleaning up after "freak-offs," procuring drugs and supplies for Combs, and witnessing his violent outbursts. The defense, lasting only 30 minutes, focused on discrediting the accusers through cross-examination, highlighting inconsistencies and past positive interactions. While some witnesses expressed lingering affection for Combs, the prosecution presented a compelling case, including videos, text messages, and travel records. Combs, who pleaded not guilty, faces life imprisonment if convicted. The trial concluded with closing arguments, leaving the jury to deliberate on the fate of the hip-hop mogul.


by Arturo Iglesias in Business

McDonald's is the latest target of a grassroots "economic blackout" campaign. The People's Union USA, led by John Schwarz, is urging a boycott from Tuesday to next Monday, demanding "fair taxes, an end to price gouging, real equality, and corporate accountability." McDonald's responded by stating their commitment to inclusion and fair tax payments, but the boycott comes at a time when the company is already facing declining sales and customer backlash over rising prices (approximately 40% since 2019). Previous boycotts organized by Schwarz, targeting Walmart, Target, and Amazon, have yielded mixed results. While a boycott against Amazon showed minimal impact, a 40-day boycott of Target, driven by customer opposition to the company's DEI policy changes, did lead to a sales decline. Experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these uncoordinated boycotts, but the pressure on McDonald's highlights growing consumer concerns and the ongoing debate surrounding corporate social responsibility and economic inequality.


by Arturo Iglesias in Music

Mick Ralphs, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and founding member of the iconic British rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81. A statement released on Bad Company's official website announced his death, noting that he had been bedridden since suffering a stroke days after his final performance with the band at London's O2 Arena in 2016. Details surrounding his death were not provided. Ralphs's impact on rock music is undeniable. He is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bad Company this November. Fellow Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers shared his grief, describing Ralphs as his friend, songwriting partner, and an incredibly talented guitarist with a great sense of humor. Ralphs penned numerous hits, including Mott the Hoople's "Ready for Love" and Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough" and "Feel Like Makin' Love". Born in Stoke Lacy, England, Ralphs's musical journey began in his teens playing blues guitar. He co-founded the Doc Thomas Group in 1966, which evolved into Mott the Hoople in 1969. While Mott the Hoople achieved success with "All the Young Dudes," written and produced by David Bowie, Ralphs left the band in 1973 feeling creatively stifled. He subsequently formed Bad Company with Paul Rodgers, initially intending only to collaborate on a single album. However, with the addition of Simon Kirke on drums and Boz Burrell on bass, Bad Company was born, achieving immediate success and producing numerous hits. Bad Company's debut album reached No. 1 on the Billboard album chart, with "Can't Get Enough" becoming their biggest hit single. Their follow-up album, "Straight Shooter," also performed exceptionally well. Ralphs's songwriting prowess is evident in hits like "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" and "Feel Like Makin' Love". The statement from Bad Company noted that Ralphs is survived by his wife, Susie Chavasse, two children, three step-children, and his bandmates Rodgers and Kirke. Rodgers shared a poignant message, reflecting on their recent laughter and the lasting impact of Ralphs's legacy.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran launched missile strikes on a US base in Qatar after vowing retaliation for previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump subsequently declared a "complete and total" ceasefire between Iran and Israel, claiming Iran's response was "very weak." This announcement followed Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military targets. The White House clarified that Trump was "simply raising a question" about regime change in Tehran. Qatar confirmed that 19 missiles were fired, with one hitting a US airbase but causing no casualties. The closure of Qatari airspace caused significant disruption to air travel. A senior Iranian official reportedly confirmed the ceasefire, brokered by Qatar's Prime Minister. However, neither Iran nor Israel has officially confirmed the agreement. Congress's potential war powers resolution may be moot due to the ceasefire. Meanwhile, a mass evacuation of British citizens from Israel is underway. Vice President JD Vance emphasized Trump's aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.


by Arturo Iglesias in Weather

A dangerous heat wave continues to scorch the Midwest and East Coast, with tens of millions facing dangerously hot temperatures. Heat advisories are in effect across a large swathe of the country, from Minnesota to Maine, and parts of the South. Temperatures soared to 80°F in Chicago by 7:30 a.m., with heat indices predicted to reach 100-105°F. Pittsburgh anticipates heat indices exceeding 105°F, while Philadelphia declared a heat emergency, offering refuge in air-conditioned spaces and establishing a heat line. The extreme heat even impacted sporting events, with players falling ill and organizers adapting to the conditions. The heat broke temperature records in Minneapolis, reaching 96°F, and is expected to persist into the coming week, shifting eastward towards New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C., with temperatures predicted to reach near or above 100°F in these cities.


by Arturo Iglesias in basketball

Game 6 of the NBA Finals is over, and the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder are focused on the upcoming Game 7. The series has been a back-and-forth battle, with Indiana leading 1-0 and 2-1, and Oklahoma City leading 3-2. Game 7 will be the first winner-take-all NBA Finals game since 2016. Both teams acknowledge the privilege of playing in a Game 7, and understand that the better team will win. Historically, home teams have an advantage in Game 7s, but recently, road teams have been more successful. Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is playing despite a strained calf, thanks to his family's support. The Thunder, despite being heavy favorites, lost Game 6 due to a strong Indiana run. For the Thunder, winning Game 7 means securing the championship, while a loss would mark them as one of the best regular-season teams to fail to win a title. Both teams are confident heading into Game 7, and are prepared for a final showdown.


by Arturo Iglesias in Law

Karen Read walked free from court, acquitted of murdering her police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe. Met with cheers and confetti, her supporters celebrated a hard-fought victory. However, the legal battles are far from over. Read still faces a civil lawsuit filed by O’Keefe’s family, alleging wrongful death and emotional distress. The lawsuit also names two bars, accusing them of negligent alcohol service. While Read was found guilty of drunk driving and sentenced to probation and driver's education, the criminal case against her is closed. The acquittal leaves O’Keefe’s death officially unsolved, prompting questions about whether the investigation will continue. An FBI investigation into law enforcement was closed without charges, a fact that has raised eyebrows. Read’s legal costs have been substantial, exceeding $5 million, but online donations continue to support her. The case has deeply divided the community, with many expressing mistrust in law enforcement. The incident has also sparked a Netflix documentary series.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

A week into their war, Israel and Iran exchanged more strikes on Friday as new diplomatic efforts led by the Europeans took place in Geneva. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held several hours of talks with the European Union’s top diplomat and counterparts from the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Afterwards, Britain’s foreign secretary said they were “keen to continue ongoing discussions and negotiations with Iran,” however the European ministers gave few details and took no questions. Earlier Friday, thousands of people protested in Iran’s capital over the ongoing Israeli strikes, with one hard-line demonstrator telling The Associated Press: “How can we compromise with an enemy that breaches deals?” Israel’s military says 25 fighter jets carried out airstrikes Friday morning targeting “missile storage and launch infrastructure components” in western Iran. In the Israeli city of Haifa, at least 19 people were wounded by an Iranian missile barrage. A week of Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 657 people and wounded 2,037 others, the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists said Friday. Here’s the latest: Chinese evacuation flight arrives in Beijing An evacuation flight carrying 330 Chinese citizens returning from Iran has arrived at Beijing airport, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Saturday. The flight from Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, landed in Beijing on Friday evening, it said. Li Chunlin, a deputy director general at China’s foreign ministry’s consular affairs department, told the broadcaster that some 2,000 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran. Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng told state-run media outlet CGTN that about 400 Chinese citizens were also evacuated from Israel. Arab foreign ministers hold an emergency meeting in Istanbul Friday’s talks were held at Iraq’s request to discuss the regional repercussions of the Israel-Iran war, ahead of an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting scheduled over the weekend. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told the gathering that “the great danger is not limited to Iran alone, but rather includes the entire region” and called for “taking practical steps to influence the positions of European countries and direct communication with the United States of America,” the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported. Iraq’s top diplomat also warned that expansion of the conflict could lead to the targeting of energy facilities in the region and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, “which could lead to the loss of nearly five million barrels of oil per day to the markets.” Trump says his past Iraq war criticism has little to do with Iran situation “There were no weapons of mass destruction. I never thought there were. And that was somewhat pre-nuclear. You know, it was, it was a nuclear age, but nothing like it is today,” Trump said of his past criticism of the Bush administration. Some have pointed to Trump’s past criticism of the U.S. invasion of Iraq as being at odds with his more aggressive stance toward Iran now. The president also said his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was “wrong” when she told lawmakers in March that U.S. spy agencies believed Iran hadn’t made a decision to build a nuclear weapon. Trump said he was skeptical that Iran wants nuclear power for civilian use. “You’re sitting on one of the largest oil piles anywhere in the world,” he said. “It’s a little bit hard to see why you’d need that.” Israel has blocked fuel deliveries to Gaza for 16 weeks, UN says U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said U.N. officials were able to retrieve fuel already in Gaza from the Al-Tahreer station in Rafah on Wednesday. He said a limited amount of that fuel was delivered Thursday to public utilities in southern Gaza, allowing the continued operation of desalination plants, water trucking services and sewage pumping stations. Dujarric said fuel was also dispatched to northern Gaza on Friday, but “fuel instability and fuel shortages continue to limit operations, resulting in reduced operating hours and capacity.” He said U.N. humanitarian officials also report that Israeli authorities issued another evacuation order for two neighborhoods where hundreds of families live in Gaza governorate, citing Palestinian rocket fire from that area. The number of acutely malnourished children in Gaza is rising at an alarming rate, UN says The U.N. children’s agency UNICEF says 5,100 children aged six months to five years were admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition in May, a nearly 50% increase from April, and a 150% increase from February when a ceasefire was in effect. Between Jan. 1 and May 30, it said more than 16,700 children have been admitted for malnutrition treatment in Gaza. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Friday that “the food, water and nutrition treatments these children so desperately need are being blocked from reaching them.” UNICEF calls on Israel to urge large-scale deliveries of aid through all border crossings, he said. Iran says Israel has attacked 5 hospitals, including 2 on Friday Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said hundreds of civilians have been killed, including at least two pregnant women and their unborn children, and thousands injured since Israel launched their large-scale attacks on June 13. As examples, he said Israel on June 16 attacked the Hakim Children’s Hospital in Tehran, Farabi Rehabilitation Hospital in Kermanshah, the Iranian Red Crescent Society building and ambulances. He said physicians, patients and medical personnel have been killed and injured. “These were not accidents,” Iravani told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the escalating Israel-Iran war. “These were not ‘collateral damage.’ They were deliberate war crimes, acts of state terror, and examples of barbaric warfare.” Iran hit with magnitude 5.5 earthquake Iranian state-run media reported that a magnitude 5.5 earthquake rattled parts of Iran on Friday. The United States Geological Survey put the magnitude of the tremor at 5.1. Authorities in Iran said the quake occurred at 9:19 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). Its epicenter was roughly 170 kilometers (105 miles) to the east of Tehran, near Semnan province, which stretches from the slopes of the Alborz Mountains to the edge of the Iranian desert. The province is home to several important military and missile facilities. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the quake, which was considered moderate in strength. Iran says it’s open to European diplomacy but Israel must to stop the war first In a statement following a meeting in Geneva with European diplomats, Iran’s foreign minister said his country is ready to consider diplomacy only if Israel halts its attacks and those responsible are held accountable. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghch expressed his “serious concern” over the failure of the three European countries and the EU to condemn Israel’s sneak attack and ongoing strikes on Iran. He said any attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities would be a grave breach of international law. “I explicitly and clearly stated that Iran’s defensive capabilities are not negotiable,” the minister said. However, he added that Iran is ready to keep talking with the Europeans “in the near future.” His comments came as Israel’s top general said the country’s military was ready for a protracted conflict, and were reported by the Iranian state TV channel on the messaging app Telegram. Thousands of Americans seek info on leaving Israel, Iran and the Palestinian territories The U.S. State Department says more than 25,000 Americans have reached out to it for information in leaving Israel, the West Bank and Iran as the conflict escalates. Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters on Friday that those people had sought “information and support” and “seeking guidance” on departing. She would not give a breakdown of where the queries had come from. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has said it is working on possible evacuation flights and ships for Americans wanting to leave Israel. However, with the exception of one government flight on Wednesday that took out a number of nonessential embassy staffers and family members, no such evacuations have been organized. There are about 700,000 American citizens in Israel, the vast majority of whom are dual citizens who may not want to leave. There are several thousand Americans believed to be in Iran, most of them also dual citizens. Europeans’ meeting with Iranian foreign minister yields hope of more talks Britain’s foreign secretary said after several hours of talks Friday between top European diplomats and their Iranian counterparts that the Europeans are “keen to continue ongoing discussions and negotiations with Iran.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the Europeans were clear in talks in Geneva that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that “very serious talks” were held Friday with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi. The European ministers gave few details and took no questions. Putin says Israel agreed not to harm Russian personnel at Iran’s nuclear plant President Vladimir Putin said Friday that the Israeli and U.S. leaders had both agreed to keep Russian workers safe at the Bushehr power plant. The reactor on the Persian Gulf is fueled by uranium produced in Russia. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin rejected criticism that Moscow has abandoned its allies in Tehran. He stressed that Russia has close ties with both Iran and Israel, citing the large number of Russian speakers living in Israel and Moscow’s support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. UN chief says the Israel-Iran war ‘could ignite a fire that no one can control’ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling this a “defining” moment for global peace “when the direction taken will shape not only the fate of nations, but potentially our collective future.” He told the U.N. Security Council that Iran’s nuclear program remains the central question, and urged a return to serious negotiations to establish “a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution.” Germany flies dozens of citizens out of Israel The 64 people were flown on two German military aircraft Friday evening, the foreign and defense ministries said, with a focus on families with children and other vulnerable people. The flights were arranged quickly in coordination with Israeli authorities, Earlier in the week, 345 Germans were from home from Amman, Jordan, on commercial chartered flights. Missile warning at a US base in Turkey was sent in error, US official says An automated message that was sent out to military personnel at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey Friday afternoon warning of an incoming ballistic missile was sent in error, and there was no missile threat, a U.S. official told The Associated Press. Officials are still looking into why the alert message was sent. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details that have not been made public yet. — By Tara Copp in Washington. UN nuclear watchdog can guarantee Iran will not develop nuclear weapons U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi told the U.N. Security Council the International Atomic Energy Agency can do this “through a watertight inspection system.” He said elements for an agreement on reining in Iran’s nuclear program have been discussed. Grossi called for “maximum restraint” on the Israel-Iran war, adding: “A diplomatic solution is within reach if the necessary political will is there.” More on the Tehran Research Reactor The Tehran Research Reactor is at the headquarters of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the civilian body overseeing the country’s atomic program. The U.S. actually provided Iran the reactor in 1967 as part of America’s “Atoms for Peace” program during the Cold War. It initially required highly enriched uranium but was later retrofitted to use low-enriched uranium over proliferation concerns More on the Bushehr nuclear power plant Iran’s only commercial nuclear power plant is in Bushehr on the Persian Gulf, some 750 kilometers (465 miles) south of Tehran. Construction on the plant began under Iran’s Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in the mid-1970s. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the plant was repeatedly targeted in the Iran-Iraq war. Russia later completed construction of the facility. Iran is building two other reactors like it at the site. Bushehr is fueled by uranium produced in Russia, not Iran, and is monitored by the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency. Attacking Iran’s nuclear reactors could trigger radiation leaks, UN watchdog says U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi on Friday warned against any potential attack on Iran’s only commercial nuclear power plant as well as a research reactor near Tehran, saying it could lead to radiation leaks with “severe consequences.” The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency spoke Friday at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council about the Israel-Iran conflict. Even a hit that disabled the two lines supplying electrical power to the Bushehr plant “could cause its reactor core to melt, which could result in a high release of radioactivity to the environment,” Grossi said. Grossi said Israeli attacks on nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan and at the Arak heavy water plant have so far not led to any radiological release. He said an Israeli military official erroneously reported Thursday that Bushehr was hit by an airstrike, but Israel then retracted that claim. He said the confusion “underscored the vital need for clear and accurate communication.” US Treasury targets alleged Houthi oil and goods shipment network The U.S. on Friday said it has taken its single largest sanctions action to date against Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, a key Iranian ally, by imposing sanctions on four people, 12 entities, and two ships that Washington alleges import oil and other goods for the group. Treasury’s Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender said Friday’s action “underscores our commitment to disrupting the Houthis’ financial and shipping pipelines that enable their reckless behavior in the Red Sea and the surrounding region.” The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the Red Sea corridor as an effort to end Israel’s offensive in Gaza. They’ve also targeted Israel with long-range missiles. At least 19 wounded in Israel by Iranian missile barrage Rambam hospital in the port city of Haifa said it received 19 wounded people from the site of an Iranian missile strike. Two people had serious-to-moderate injuries and the rest were lightly hurt, the hospital said. Switzerland says it is temporarily closing its embassy in Tehran Switzerland says it’s closing the embassy in view of the “intensity of military operations” and the unstable situation on the ground. The government in Bern said Friday that all expatriate staff safely left Iran and will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. Since Tehran and Washington don’t have diplomatic relations, Switzerland has looked out for America’s interests in Iran since the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis. In its statement Friday, the Swiss government said it will continue to act as an intermediary transmitting communications “as and when both parties consider appropriate.” Britain is withdrawing all UK staff from its Tehran embassy ‘as a precautionary measure’ The British Foreign Office said in a statement that “we take the protection of our staff and British nationals extremely seriously and we have long advised against all travel to Iran.” The decision is based on the “current security situation” and not the anticipation that the war between Israel and Iran will escalate further, the statement said. It says the embassy in will operate remotely for the time being. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will decide within two weeks whether the U.S. will get directly involved. Iran’s foreign minister arrives for talks in Geneva with top European diplomats Iran’s foreign minister arrived Friday for talks with top European diplomats in Geneva about the crisis that centers on concerns about his country’s nuclear program, a week after the long-simmering dispute erupted into war between Israel and Iran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived at a hotel in the Swiss city for a meeting with his counterparts from France, Germany and the U.K. and the European Union’s foreign policy chief. It is the first face-to-face meeting between Western and Iranian officials since the start of the conflict. At the UN, Iran’s foreign minister calls Israel’s attacks ‘unprovoked aggression’ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva ahead of a meeting with top European diplomats. He said “this is an unjust war imposed on my people.” He said that Israel’s “attacks on nuclear facilities are grave war crimes.” Araghchi asserted that “any justification for this unjust and criminal war would be tantamount to complicity.” He said that “we are entitled … and determined to defend our territorial integrity, national sovereignty and security with all force. This is our inherent right.” Thousands of Iranians protest Israel’s airstrikes Thousands of people protested Friday in Iran’s capital after noon prayers over the ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic. Those in the crowd shouted: “Death to America! Death to Israel!” “No compromise! No surrender! Fight with America!” they chanted at another point. Some waved Iranian flags, while others carried placards decrying Israel. Iranian state television aired footage from the protests at other cities in the country as well, with one demonstrator seen pulling a man dressed up in a President Donald Trump mask by his necktie. Iranian protester speaks about the war with Israel and the pitfalls of ‘compromise’ One 47-year-old resident of Tehran, Hossein Gorji, offered his hard-line viewpoint and said military operations against Israel should continue. “Israel’s attack against Iran was not much of an attack. Iran has just started the offensive. We will stand by them (the armed forces) until the end,” he told The Associated Press. “Compromise never reached any result, and it won’t in future. How can we compromise with an enemy that breaches deals? Let’s uproot and throw it away and comfort all Muslims around the world,” said Gorji. Florida governor greets flight of evacuees from Israel Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was at Tampa International Airport on Friday morning to welcome a flight from Cyprus carrying around 160 people, including families and students, who had been stranded in Israel. The state is working with partners, including Grey Bull Rescue, to facilitate the evacuations, flying more than 300 people on two flights and putting more than 1,100 on a passenger ferry, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said. The focus is on bringing back Florida residents, but they’re not going to turn away fellow countrymen, DeSantis said at a news conference. “It was not an easy voyage for these folks because they’re having to get on a cruise ship and they’re having to wait in Cyprus, and then all the things that go in between that, was difficult,” DeSantis said. Britain working to provide charter flights to evacuate nationals The British government says it is working with Israeli authorities to provide charter flights to evacuate U.K. nationals. The U.K. says the flights will leave from Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv once airspace reopens. The number of flights will depend on demand. Israel has closed the airport “until further notice” amid its week-old war with Iran, stranding tens of thousands of Israelis abroad, and moved the jets of the country’s three airlines to Cyprus. Britain has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel but has not advised U.K. nationals in Israel and the Palestinian territories to leave the country. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that for those who want to leave, land routes out of Israel remain open and British staff will provide support, including transport to nearby airports for onward commercial flights. Hezbollah supporters demonstrate in support of Iran Hundreds of supporters of the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Friday afternoon prayers to demonstrate in support of Tehran in the ongoing Israel-Iran war. Demonstrators carried the Iranian, Lebanese and Palestinian flags as well as that of Hezbollah, and chanted “death to America” and “death to Israel.” Some also chanted pledges of allegiance to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is revered as religious authority by many Shiite Muslims. Hezbollah suffered severe losses in a war with Israel that ended with a US-brokered ceasefire in November and has so far remained on the sidelines the Iran-Israel war. Macron says diplomats will offer to negotiate with Iran French President Emmanuel Macron said European top diplomats will make a “comprehensive, diplomatic and technical offer of negotiation” to Iran in Geneva on Friday as a key response to the “threat” represented by Iran’s nuclear program. “No one can seriously believe that this threat can be met with (Israel’s) current operations alone. Why? Because there are some plants that are highly protected and because today, no one knows exactly where’s the uranium enriched to 60%. So we need to regain control on (Iran’s nuclear) program through technical expertise and negotiation,” Macron said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot will coordinate with U.K. and German counterparts in Geneva before they meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. “It’s absolutely essential to prioritize a return to substantial negotiations, including nuclear negotiations to move towards zero (uranium) enrichment, ballistic negotiations to limit Iran’s activities and capabilities and the financing of all terrorist groups and destabilization of the region that Iran has been carrying out for several years,” Macron insisted. Macron also reiterated his call for Israel’s strikes on energy and civilian infrastructures and on civilian populations in Iran to be stopped. “There’s no justification for that,” he said. Thousands demonstrate in Iraq to show support for Iran Thousands of supporters of the influential Iraqi Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr took to the streets on Friday in Sadr City, on the outskirts of Baghdad, in response to a call by al-Sadr to show support for Iran in its conflict with Israel. The demonstration began after Friday prayers with protesters wearing white burial shrouds in a symbolic gesture of readiness to sacrifice. Some burned Israeli and U.S. flags. The protest comes during escalating regional tensions. Iran-backed Iraqi militias have so far largely stayed out of the fray in the Israel-Iran war but have threatened to attack U.S. forces and interests in Iraq and the region if Washington launches direct attacks on Iran. Italy organizes transport Italy is organizing special ground convoys and flights to help Italians leave Iran and Israel. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani convened Middle East ambassadors in Rome on Friday to discuss the safety and needs of Italian embassy personnel and other Italians in the region. The foreign ministry said ground convoys were being organized to bring Italians out of Iran to neighboring countries. A special charter flight was scheduled for Sunday to depart from Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt to bring out any Italians from Israel, where the main airport remains closed until further notice. Israeli airstrikes in western Iran Israel’s military said it carried out airstrikes Friday targeting the areas around Kermanshah and Tabriz in western Iran. The military said 25 fighter jets struck “missile storage and launch infrastructure components” Friday morning. There had been reports of anti-aircraft fire in the areas. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the losses, though it has not discussed the damage done so far to its military in the weeklong war. Moscow is ‘extremely concerned’ Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Moscow is “extremely concerned” by the tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the annual event designed to showcase Russia’s economic prowess and court investors, Peskov said the Middle East “right now is plunging into the abyss of instability and war.” “And the war that we are witnessing is fraught with geographic expansion, the involvement of many participants and unpredictable consequences,” Peskov said. “We are not on the other side of the ocean, this region is directly on our border. And in addition to the fact that this situation inevitably has a negative impact on the global economy, on energy markets and so on, it is, of course, potentially dangerous for us.” Peskov added “there is always hope and always a possibility for diplomatic efforts,” and stressed Moscow has “condemned the escalation of violence in the region” and called for a diplomatic settlement of the conflict. He noted, however, that “for now, Israel’s desire is to continue the hostilities, at least that is how they officially declare their intentions.” Quiet in Iran’s capital Iran’s capital experienced an unusually quiet weekend on Friday, as many residents had left the capital following the Israeli airstrikes that began last week. Streets were empty with little traffic. Shops stood closed. Those who remain in the city seem to largely be choosing to stay indoors as the war between Israel and Iran continues. Foreign minister says Iran not seeking negotiations during strikes Iran’s foreign minister says his country is not seeking negotiations with anyone as long as Israel continues its strikes on Iran. “In the current situation, as the Zionist regime’s attacks continue, we are not seeking negotiations with anyone,” said Abbas Araghchi during an interview aired Friday by Iranian state television. He added: “I believe that as a result of this resistance (by Iran), we will gradually see countries distancing themselves from the aggression carried out by the regime, and calls for ending this war have already begun, and they will only grow stronger.” Spain says citizens evacuated safely Spanish citizens who requested to be evacuated from Iran landed safely in Armenia, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Albares said Thursday night. They would soon be flown to Spain, Albares said on X. Israeli airstrikes reach into the city of Rasht Israeli airstrikes reached into the Iranian city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea early Friday, Iranian media reported. Social media video posted online appeared to show explosions around the city. The semiofficial Fars news agency reported local air defense systems were firing into the night sky against the Israelis. Ahead of the strikes, the Israeli military put out a warning urging the public to flee the area around Rasht’s Industrial City, which sits a few kilometers (miles) southwest of the city’s downtown. The Israelis did not immediately describe what they sought to destroy in the area. However, with Iran’s internet being shut off to the outside world, it was unclear how many people in Iran would be able to see the message. French foreign minister speaks to US secretary of state French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday evening. A French diplomatic official said Barrot detailed the purposes of the Geneva meeting and Rubio “stressed the U.S. was ready for direct contact with the Iranians at any time.” The official, who was not allowed to speak publicly on the issue, said they “jointly stressed the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program to Israel, the region and Europe.” Tehran fires anti-aircraft weapons Anti-aircraft batteries began firing Friday morning in Iran’s capital, Tehran. It wasn’t immediately clear what they were firing at. Khamenei adviser in stable condition A key security adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is now in stable condition, a week after being seriously wounded in an Israeli airstrike, a media outlet close to him reported Friday. Nour News quoted Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani as saying: “I am alive and ready to give my life away.” Nuclear agency says Israel damages heavy water reactor The International Atomic Energy Agency, in an update Friday, said an Israeli strike at the Arak heavy water reactor also damaged key buildings there, “including the distillation unit” there. That makes the heavy water at the site. Aircraft transporting Iranian foreign minister to talks An Iranian aircraft bearing a call sign associated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is now airborne over Turkey. The Airbus A321 of Meraj Airlines took off from the Turkish city of Van, near the Iranian border, flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed. It bore the call sign IRAN05, which Araghchi uses on his official travel. Iran did not immediately acknowledge his departure, though it typically only does so hours later. Araghchi is due for talks with European diplomats in Geneva on Friday, the first face-to-face negotiations he has conducted since the Israeli airstrikes began June 13. German foreign minister says Iran can avoid escalation Germany’s foreign minister says there is a chance of avoiding further escalation in the conflict if Tehran shows “serious and transparent readiness” to refrain from developing nuclear weapons. “It is our commitment once again to undertake a very intensive attempt to dissuade Iran permanently from pursuing such plans,” Johann Wadephul said in a podcast released by broadcaster MDR Friday. “If there is serious and transparent readiness by Iran to refrain from this, then there is a real chance of preventing a further escalation of this conflict, and for that every conversation makes sense.” Wadephul plans to meet Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva Friday along with his French, British and EU counterparts. Wadephul said U.S. officials support the plan to hold talks, “so I think Iran should now know that it should conduct these talks with a new seriousness and reliability.” Israel says missile systems and radar destroyed The Israeli military said it has destroyed missile systems and radar installations around Isfahan. That corresponds to the sound of anti-aircraft fire heard in the area of Isfahan into Friday morning. Iran has not offered any acknowledgment so far of its military losses in the war. Czech Republic, Slovakia, Australia and New Zealand close their embassies in Tehran Czech Republic, Slovakia, Australia and New Zealand say they have closed their embassies in Tehran. The Slovak Foreign Ministry said any remaining diplomats and staffers of the embassy are leaving Iran on Friday. New Zealand cited “the ongoing military conflict” for closing its embassy indefinitely. Australia’s Foreign Ministry said it was evacuating staff and their families due to the “deteriorating security environment.” It also urged Australian citizens still in Iran to leave quickly. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and they agreed to work “closely” to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and to pursue peace. “There is an opportunity … over the next two weeks for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy,” Wong said from Adelaide on Friday. Russia dismisses US nuclear claims Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed claims the U.S. might use nuclear weapons in Iran as “speculation” in comments to state news agency Tass on Friday morning. “There is a lot of speculation now,” Tass quoted Peskov as saying. “Such a turn of events would be catastrophic, but there is so much speculation that it is impossible to really comment on it.” Britain’s foreign secretary says situation in Middle East ‘remains perilous’ British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the “situation in the Middle East remains perilous,” after meeting Thursday at the White House with his U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff. “We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,” Lammy wrote in a post on X.


by Arturo Iglesias in Sports

The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for $10 billion is a record-breaking deal, marking the highest valuation ever for a sports franchise. The sale represents a shift in ownership from the Buss family, who had owned the team since 1979, to an investment group led by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. This transition was deemed inevitable due to the increasing value of sports teams and the trend of institutional investors acquiring stakes in major franchises. The Lakers' massive local television deal with Spectrum is a significant asset, although the decline of cable bundles poses a threat to the team's revenue streams. Despite this, the Lakers' strong connection to Los Angeles and the enduring popularity of basketball ensure their continued success. The new ownership group is expected to maintain the team's winning tradition, potentially attracting even more star players. However, the shift towards institutional ownership raises concerns about accountability and the potential for prioritizing profit over fan interests, a concern that may not affect the Lakers, but could impact other teams.


by Arturo Iglesias in Film

A review of Tom McCarthy's 'Spotlight,' focusing on its ability to be both harrowing and comforting. The author highlights a particularly chilling scene and praises the performances, especially Anthony Paolucci's. The film's understated style and focus on the Boston Globe's investigation into the Catholic Church's cover-up of child sexual abuse are discussed. The review contrasts the film's dark subject matter with its strangely comforting effect on the viewer, comparing it to the appeal of horror movies. The author notes the film's nostalgic setting in 2001, before 9/11, and its overall stillness. 'Spotlight' is presented as a go-to film for times of stress or grief, offering a sense of justice and renewed purpose, particularly for journalists.


by Arturo Iglesias in Celebrity

Antonio Brown is wanted for attempted murder in Miami-Dade County, Florida, stemming from a May shooting at a celebrity boxing event. Meanwhile, Wendy Williams was spotted enjoying a night out in NYC. Joey Chestnut is reportedly planning a return to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were seen together at a Stanley Cup Final game. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are celebrating a legal victory. Diddy's ex-girlfriend completed her testimony in his ongoing trial. Model Amelia Gray celebrates her birthday. A Florida sheriff warned against violent protests. An actor known for Disney films and 'School Spirits' is featured in a 'Guess Who?' segment. Olympic equestrian Heath Ryan was suspended after a video surfaced showing him whipping a horse. Zac Brown sold his Georgia lakehouse for $3 million. R. Kelly's lawyer commented on Diddy's trial, expressing sympathy. Haunting video from inside a doomed Air India jet shows power failures before the crash. Tarek El Moussa was involved in a fight at a Las Vegas casino. Travis Decker's military background isn't helping him evade capture in Washington state.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

Israel launched an unprecedented series of airstrikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and senior military leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it "Operation Rising Lion," stating the attacks would last several days. Israel deployed 200 fighter jets, striking over 100 targets, including the Natanz enrichment facility and sites related to Iran's ballistic missile program. The attacks resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Iranian military officials, including General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces. Iran responded by launching over 100 drones towards Israel, prompting Israel to activate its air defenses. The US stated it had no involvement in the strikes, although there were reports of prior US intelligence warnings about an impending Israeli attack. International reactions ranged from condemnation to calls for restraint, with many expressing concern about regional stability. The attack has significantly escalated tensions between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about a potential wider conflict.


by Arturo Iglesias in Finance

U.S. stock indexes rose on Thursday after encouraging inflation data. The S&P 500 increased by 0.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 101 points (0.2%), and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Oracle's strong profit and revenue fueled a 13.3% jump, offsetting Boeing's 4.8% loss following a plane crash. Easing Treasury yields, due to better-than-expected inflation and higher jobless claims, further supported the market. While the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady next week, market sentiment anticipates a rate cut in September. President Trump's tariffs continue to be a source of uncertainty. Chime Financial saw a 37.4% surge on its first trading day, while GameStop dropped 22.5% after announcing a $1.75 billion borrowing plan. Global markets were mixed, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng index falling 1.4%.


by Arturo Iglesias in Memoir

Molly Jong-Fast, daughter of novelist Erica Jong, shares a candid and heartbreaking memoir about her unconventional upbringing. Born into the spotlight as the child of a celebrated feminist author, Molly's childhood was a whirlwind of fame, instability, and a mother who prioritized her career and romantic entanglements above her daughter's needs. The memoir details Erica Jong's tumultuous personal life, including multiple marriages and relationships, and how this impacted Molly's sense of self and security. The author describes her mother's erratic behavior, including lying, gaslighting, and a general lack of consistent parental care. A pivotal moment is the publication of Erica Jong's children's book about Molly's parents' divorce, which features bizarre and disturbing scenes. The narrative traces Molly's struggles with addiction and her eventual path to sobriety, highlighting the lasting effects of her childhood. The memoir culminates in Molly's difficult decision to place her aging and ailing parents in a high-end nursing home, a decision that is both practical and emotionally fraught. Molly's honest and unflinching account explores themes of fame, family dysfunction, and the enduring complexities of the mother-daughter bond, leaving the reader with a poignant reflection on the lasting impacts of childhood trauma.


by Arturo Iglesias in Trial

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs' recent ex-girlfriend described enduring drug-fueled sex marathons until the hip-hop titan’s arrest in September as the key witness began testimony Thursday soon after the judge threatened to expel Combs from the courtroom for “nodding vigorously” at jurors during a sharp cross-examination of another witness. The woman, using the pseudonym “Jane,” is among several witnesses at Combs sex trafficking trial who accuse him of violence, including his former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Cassie testified in the trial’s first week that Combs assaulted her repeatedly and forced her into “hundreds” of encounters with male sex workers called “freak-offs” while Combs watched, directed and sometimes filmed. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to running his business empire as a racketeering enterprise that enabled and concealed the abuse of women over two decades. If convicted, he faces 15 years to life. Jane said she repeatedly told Combs, in person and in writing, that she didn’t want to have sex with other men. But Combs, who paid her rent and controlled other parts of her life, kept pressuring her and she felt “obligated,” she said. Jane spoke barely above a whisper to an attentive jury. Several jurors leaned forward as she testified, while Combs mostly stared at her, but she never appeared to look back. Jane’s relationship with Diddy turns sour A single mother, Jane said she got to know Combs during a “girls’ trip” to Miami in 2020 with a friend who was dating him. Jane said she dated him from 2021 to 2024, in what began as a loving and passionate relationship. Jane said she went by the nickname “Bert” while the Bad Boy Records founder was “Ernie.” However, she grew emotional — lowering her head and wiping tears — as she explained how the relationship changed in May 2021, when Combs began sharing his sexual fantasies involving her with other men and role-playing. She agreed to go along, thinking it was a one-time event sometime in the future that would make him happy. Within hours, she said, she was in a Miami hotel room watching Combs’ assistants set up for a group sex encounter. “That night really opened a Pandora’s box for our relationship,” Jane said. “It set the tone for our relationship going forward. … It was a door that I was unable to shut.” Jane said she was exhilarated after leaving that first hotel room encounter, but came to regret it. From then on, she said, 90% of the time she had sex during her relationship with Combs, it was with other men while he watched. Asked if she wanted to have sex with other men, Jane softly said, “No… just Sean.” Jane’s description of “hotel nights” closely paralleled Cassie’s earlier testimony. Both described trying to rush through the encounters just to get them over with. Jane said the encounters sometimes lasted over 24 hours. The judge has taken steps to protect Jane’s anonymity, including warning observers not to describe or sketch her in a way that would reveal her identity. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they’re victims of sexual abuse unless they choose to make their names public, as Cassie has done. Judge threatens to kick Diddy out of court Before Jane testified, while jurors were at lunch, Judge Arun Subramanian said he saw Combs energetically nodding at the jury twice while his lawyers cross-examined a prior witness. The judge warned that any further attempts to engage with jurors could get Combs ejected from the courtroom. “There should be no efforts whatsoever to have an interaction with this jury,” Subramanian told Combs’ lawyers. Combs seemed relaxed and smiled broadly afterward, possibly reacting to his attorney’s withering cross-examination. He has been active in his defense throughout the trial, regularly writing notes and consulting with his legal team. Cassie’s friend is grilled about being dangled off a balcony The judge said Combs was nodding during the cross-examination of Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, a friend of Cassie and a graphic designer who is suing Combs. Bongolan testified Wednesday that in 2016, Combs held her over the edge of a balcony at a Los Angeles high-rise for 10 to 15 seconds, an episode she said traumatized her and left her with lasting night terrors. On Thursday, defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland challenged Bongolan’s credibility, suggesting she lied or exaggerated. The lawyer noted Combs was on tour for much of September 2016, including East Coast shows around the time cellphone metadata shows Bongolan photographed her injuries. “You agree that one person can’t be in two places at the same time,” Westmoreland asked. “In like theory, yeah. It’s hard to answer that one,” Bongolan replied. Later, Bongolan said she did not recall the exact date, but she had no doubt the balcony episode occurred. She also acknowledged smoking marijuana with Combs not long after, and attending one of his concerts and a private party roughly a week later. “You weren’t too fearful enough to not go to Mr. Combs’ event, were you?” Westmoreland asked. “I always had a feeling inside, but yes, I went,” Bongolan said. ___ Associated Press writer Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.


by Arturo Iglesias in Theater

NEW YORK (AP) — Tom Felton — the original Draco Malfoy from the “Harry Potter” movies — will slip into his old role on Broadway this winter in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” “Being a part of the ‘Harry Potter’ films has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in ‘Cursed Child’ this fall, I’ll also be the exact age Draco is in the play,” Felton, currently 37, said in a statement. Felton will be making his Broadway debut in the role, beginning performances at the Lyric Theatre on Nov. 11 and playing through March 22, 2026. Malfoy was Potter’s nemesis in the books and eight movies, but in the play — set 19 years after the events of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” — Potter’s son Albus becomes friends with Malfoy’s son Scorpius at Hogwarts. It will mark the first time a member of the “Harry Potter” film cast has joined the stage production. Felton made his West End debut in 2022, starring in “2:22 A Ghost Story” and in 2024 was in Gareth Farr’s play “A Child of Science” at the Bristol Old Vic. His movie credits include “They Will Kill You,” opposite Patricia Arquette, and “Fackham Hall” with Damian Lewis.


by Arturo Iglesias in Accident

At least 11 people died and more than 30 were injured in a stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India. Tens of thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the Indian Premier League winners, and a crush occurred as they tried to force entry through a stadium gate. Karnataka state’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the crowd tried to break down a gate to join the celebrations.


by Arturo Iglesias in Sports

At least 11 people died and more than 30 were injured in a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India on Wednesday. Tens of thousands of cricket fans gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first Indian Premier League title win. The crowd tried to force entry into the stadium, resulting in a crush. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the crowd was unexpectedly large and that most of the injured are stable. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team expressed anguish over the incident. Local news showed injured people being treated and transported while celebrations continued inside the stadium. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar described the crowd as uncontrollable. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) called the incident unfortunate and noted the organizers should have better planned for the large crowd. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences. Stampedes are relatively common in India during large gatherings.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

Jonathan Joss, actor and voice actor known for his roles as John Redcorn on "King of the Hill" and Ken Hotate on "Parks and Recreation," died at age 59 following a shooting incident in San Antonio, Texas. According to San Antonio Police, officers responded to a shooting and found Joss injured. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A suspect has been arrested. Joss' husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed his death and stated that they were approached and threatened by a gunman while checking their mail. De Gonzales says Joss pushed him out of the way, saving his life. The couple's home was previously damaged by a fire that killed their three dogs. Police have stated that their investigation has found no evidence linking the murder to Joss' sexual orientation. Joss's role as John Redcorn on "King of the Hill" began in the show's second season after the original voice actor's death. He continued the role until the show's end and reportedly participated in the upcoming Hulu reboot. Days before his death, he appeared at a "King of the Hill" panel.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

Ms. Rachel, a popular children's YouTuber, has been targeted by pro-Israel groups for her outspoken advocacy for Palestinian children during the Gaza conflict. After raising funds for children in Gaza and sharing images and statistics about the crisis, she's been labeled a "woke brainwasher" and accused of being a foreign agent disseminating Hamas propaganda. The attacks highlight the polarization surrounding the conflict, with Ms. Rachel's critics unwilling to acknowledge the vulnerability of Palestinian children. Her actions also underscore the lack of similar outspokenness from more influential celebrities, prompting a discussion about the responsibility of public figures in addressing humanitarian crises.


by Arturo Iglesias in Profile

Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, an artist, activist, and creative director, has designed experiences for NASA, Porsche, Lego, and Nike. Her wildly decorated office, a repurposed tube carriage on a Shoreditch nightclub roof, reflects her vibrant personality and diverse projects. She's created a cosmic playground in Piccadilly Circus and sent heartbeats into space. In 2012, she co-founded the International Space Orchestra, bringing together scientists and musicians. She also established the University of the Underground, a tuition-free university operating in nightclub basements. Her latest film, Doppelgängers³, explores the future of space and critiques the current billionaire-driven space race. The film features interviews with experts and a simulated space mission involving her and two doppelgangers. Ben Hayoun-Stépanian's work is driven by a desire to challenge power structures, promote diversity, and reimagine space exploration as a decolonial and pluralistic endeavor. She has also been made into a Barbie doll, reflecting her commitment to representation.


by Arturo Iglesias in Technology

Have you ever had Siri activate unintentionally? A class-action lawsuit alleges that accidental Siri activations allowed the digital assistant to listen in on private conversations, leading to a potential payout from Apple. The settlement amounts to $95 million. Apple denies these allegations, but to be eligible for compensation, you must have owned or purchased a Siri-enabled Apple device in the US between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and experienced unintended Siri activation during a private conversation. The plaintiffs claim that "obscure topics" from these conversations were used to target advertisements. Apple maintains that Siri data was never used for marketing profiles or advertising. To file a claim (deadline July 2nd), check for an email with the subject line: “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement,” containing a confirmation code and link to the lawsuit's website. You can claim for up to five devices, with a maximum payout of $20 per device. Payments are expected later this year.


by Arturo Iglesias in Technology

Author Vauhini Vara discusses the unexpected outcome of her book, "Searches," which incorporated her conversations with ChatGPT. While intending to critique the use of large language models in self-expression, headlines and reviews framed her work as a collaboration with ChatGPT. Vara explains the polite, almost timid, approach she took in interacting with ChatGPT, highlighting the chatbot's designed politeness and the potential for this to lull users into accepting biased or false information. She details instances where ChatGPT seemed to steer her towards a more positive portrayal of big tech, even suggesting an ending to the book that aligned with the viewpoints of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Vara reflects on her complicity in the dynamics of big tech's exploitation of human language and how her book, ironically, became entangled in the very system she critiques. Despite initial disappointment over the misinterpretations, Vara finds hope in the readers who connected with the book's message of complicity and responded by taking action, such as canceling subscriptions or limiting their use of AI tools. The conclusion emphasizes the ongoing struggle against big tech's influence and the need for human collaboration in resisting and changing these power dynamics.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

Edan Alexander, 21, was released by Hamas on Monday after an 18-month captivity that began with the October 7, 2023 attack. His release followed several days of negotiations between the US and Hamas, bypassing Israel. The US secured Alexander's freedom in an effort to facilitate a ceasefire and resume humanitarian aid to Gaza. The handover to the Red Cross was captured on camera, showing Alexander before he was reunited with his family at an Israeli military base. His emotional reunion with his mother, Yael, was widely shared, showing the immense relief of the family and the public. The Trump administration's role in the negotiations was highlighted, with President Trump framing it as a step towards ending the war and securing the release of all hostages. While Alexander's release is a significant victory, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive. The release of Alexander has been met with mixed reactions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising both military pressure and US diplomatic efforts, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues due to Israel's blockade. International organizations have criticized Israel's actions, alleging violations of international law. The future remains uncertain, with no commitment to a ceasefire from Israel, although both Trump and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hopes for a resolution.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

The United States and China reached a 90-day truce in their trade war on Monday. Both countries agreed to significantly reduce tariffs. The US will lower its 145% tariff rate on Chinese goods to 30%, while China will reduce its rate from 125% to 10%. This represents a reduction of over 100 percentage points on each side. The agreement led to a sharp rise in stock markets. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that neither side wants a decoupling and that both are committed to more balanced trade. China's Commerce Ministry echoed this sentiment, highlighting the agreement's alignment with the interests of producers and consumers in both countries. The Geneva meetings marked the first face-to-face talks between high-level US and Chinese economic officials since President Trump's return to power and the initiation of his global tariff increases. While the deal reduces tariffs, it doesn't address sector-specific tariffs. The US plans to continue strategic rebalancing in areas like medicine, semiconductors, and steel to address supply chain vulnerabilities.


by Arturo Iglesias in Celebrity

Robert De Niro is showing his unwavering support for his daughter Airyn, who recently came out as transgender. In a statement to TMZ, De Niro said, "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter." He added, "I don't know what the big deal is ... I love all my children." Airyn, who was born Aaron and has a twin brother, Julian, came out as transgender in an interview with Them, an online LGBTQ+ media outlet. She also discussed her struggles with body dysmorphia, explaining that she was often told she didn't fit societal expectations. Airyn began hormone therapy last November. De Niro has seven children in total; Airyn's mother is actress Toukie Smith.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on Chinese goods will be reduced substantially, though not eliminated entirely. This follows comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent who indicated that the current high tariffs are unsustainable. Trump imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory tariffs from China. These tariffs have caused market instability and increased interest rates. While Trump claims the US is "doing fine with China," he suggested a more conciliatory approach, stating that the two nations will "live together very happily." Despite this, China warned other countries against making trade deals that negatively impact its interests. The Trump administration has received numerous proposals for trade deals from other countries, indicating widespread interest in resolving trade tensions. However, the situation remains uncertain, particularly given Trump's continued pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

The Canadian Parliament was put on lockdown Saturday after a man barricaded himself inside, prompting authorities to urge the public to “hide.” Ottawa Police and Parliamentary Protective Services responded to Parliament Hill’s East Block on Wellington Street – where senators and their staff operate – just before 3 p.m. and later evacuated the area. A lockdown was declared on Saturday afternoon. Parliament Hill was still operating under a shelter-in-place order, with a heavily armed police presence cordoning the area, on Saturday evening. The Parliamentary Protective Services issued an alert at 2:45 p.m. urging people inside to “seek shelter in the nearest room, close and lock all doors and hide.” There are no known injuries at this time, police said. Canadian Senator Patrick Brazeau posted about the startling alert on X. Law enforcement sources told Global News that the situation has been contained and lockdown will remain in effect with police treating every incident as a “potential worst case scenario” to ensure the scene remains secure. Parliament is currently dissolved due to an upcoming federal election in Canada. Residents were also told to avoid the area and places under lockdown. Road closures remain in place on Wellington St. from Bank Street to Sussex Drive.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

The United States announced the revocation of all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders. This decision follows South Sudan's failure to cooperate with the US on the repatriation of its citizens deemed to be in the US illegally. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that South Sudan has not respected the principle of accepting the return of its citizens from other countries. The US administration has warned that countries not swiftly accepting their citizens back will face consequences, including visa sanctions. The action is seen as a significant escalation amid concerns of a potential return to civil war in South Sudan, following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and renewed fighting in the country. African Union mediators are currently in South Sudan attempting to prevent a new conflict.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

Val Kilmer, the charismatic actor renowned for his roles in \"Top Gun\", \"Batman Forever\", and numerous other films, died on Tuesday at age 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the cause of death as pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, undergoing a tracheotomy that impacted his voice. His most recent acting role was a poignant return in \"Top Gun: Maverick\", where the film subtly incorporated his real-life health struggles. Kilmer's career began in the 1980s, with his breakout role in \"Top Gun\" propelling him to stardom. He went on to star in a diverse range of films, including the Western \"Tombstone\", the biopic \"The Doors\", and the crime thriller \"Heat\". He even took on the iconic role of Batman in \"Batman Forever\". His career, while successful, was also marked by unconventional choices and clashes with directors. He reflected on his life and career in the 2021 documentary \"Val\". Despite health challenges and personal tragedies, including the death of his younger brother, Kilmer maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for his life and career. He is survived by his two children, Jack and Mercedes, both actors who collaborated with him on various projects.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

President Trump faces key electoral tests: Wisconsin's Supreme Court election and two Florida special elections. He's also set to unveil a sweeping tariff plan, potentially sparking retaliatory measures from Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services plans to eliminate 10,000 positions, and Senator Cory Booker staged an overnight protest speech against Trump's policies. Elon Musk heavily promoted the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, claiming the outcome could impact the future of American civilization. Trump, flanked by Kid Rock, discussed his tariff plan, expressing a win-or-lose philosophy in international trade.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Chamberlain, the handsome hero of the 1960s television series “Dr. Kildare” who found a second career as an award-winning “king of the miniseries,” has died. He was 90. Chamberlain died Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, of complications following a stroke, according to his publicist, Harlan Boll. “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us,” Martin Rabbett, his lifelong partner, said in a statement. “How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.” Tall, with classic good looks and romantic style, Chamberlain became an instant favorite with teenage girls as the compassionate physician on the TV series that aired from 1961 to 1966. Photoplay magazine named him most popular male star for three years in a row, from 1963-65. Not until 2003 did he acknowledge publicly what Hollywood insiders had long known, that he was gay. He made the revelation in his autobiography, “Shattered Love.” The actor became known as “king of the TV miniseries” in 1978 when he landed the starring role in “Centennial,” an epic production 24 hours long and based on James Michener’s sprawling novel. He followed that in 1980 with “Shogun,” another costly, epic miniseries based on James Clavell’s period piece about an American visitor to Japan. He scored his greatest miniseries success in 1983 with another long-form drama, “The Thorn Birds,” based on Colleen McCullough’s best-seller. He played Father Ralph de Bricassart, a Roman Catholic priest in Australia who falls in love with beautiful Meggie Cleary (Rachel Ward). The ABC production, which also starred Barbara Stanwyck, reportedly attracted 100 million viewers. Chamberlain won Golden Globes for his work in “Shogun” and “The Thorn Birds.” Years earlier, he received one for “Dr. Kildare.” When the public began to lose interest in miniseries, Chamberlain turned to the theater, where he displayed a fine singing voice. He appeared as Henry Higgins in a 1994 Broadway revival of “My Fair Lady” and as Captain von Trapp in a 1999 revival of “The Sound of Music.” He reprised his role of de Bricassart in the 1996 TV movie “The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years.” He also appeared in numerous films, including “The Music Lovers” (as Tchaikovsky), “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” “The Towering Inferno” and “The Three Musketeers” and its sequels. The “Kildare” series was based on a string of successful 1930s and ‘40s films that had starred Lew Ayres in the title role. Chamberlain’s hunky, all-American appearance made him an overnight star. Another medical show that debuted the same season, “Ben Casey,” also was a smash and made its leading man, the darkly handsome Vince Edwards, a star, too. The “Ben Casey shirt” became a fashion item, both shows’ theme songs made the pop Top 40 (the Kildare song performed by Chamberlain himself) and there was even a pop song called “Dr. Kildare! Dr. Casey! You Are Wanted for Consultation.” But in his book, Chamberlain recounted how he was forced to hide his sexuality. He would escort glamorous actresses to movie premieres and other public events at the request of studio executives and dodge reporters’ questions about why he had never married with a stock reply: “Getting married would be great, but I’m awfully busy now.” “When I grew up, being gay, being a sissy or anything like that was verboten,” he said in an NBC interview. “I disliked myself intensely and feared this part of myself intensely and had to hide it.” The book also described a troubled childhood and an alcoholic father, and Chamberlain said that writing it finally lifted a heavy emotional burden. He also expressed relief that he was no longer hiding his sexuality. “I played a cat-and-mouse game with the press. Game over,” said Chamberlain. Born George Richard Chamberlain in Beverly Hills on March 31, 1934, the actor originally studied at Pomona College to be a painter. But after returning from the Army, where he had served as an infantry clerk in the Korean War, Chamberlain decided to try acting. He studied voice and drama, and after appearing in guest roles in a handful of TV shows and in the 1960 film “The Secret of the Purple Reef,” he won the Dr. Kildare role. When “Dr. Kildare” was canceled he initially found it difficult to shake the image of the handsome young physician. He moved to England for a time to find work and hone his acting skills. While there, he appeared in three of director Richard Lester’s films, “Petulia” (1968), “The Three Musketeers” (1973) and “The Four Musketeers” (1974). He reunited with Lester in 1989 for “The Return of the Musketeers,” once more playing Aramis. In 1969, Chamberlain played the title role in “Hamlet” at England’s Birmingham Repertory Company and repeated it in a TV adaptation that appeared on NBC in the United States. He also appeared as Octavius in a film version of “Julius Caesar,” which co-starred Charlton Heston and Jason Robards. He continued to act well into the 21st century, appearing on such television shows as “Will & Grace,” “The Drew Carey Show” and “Touched by an Angel.” ___ Bob Thomas, a longtime Associated Press journalist who died in 2014, was the principal writer of this obituary.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

President Trump expressed extreme anger and frustration towards Russian President Vladimir Putin over the stalled peace talks in Ukraine. He threatened to impose significant tariffs on Russian oil if a ceasefire agreement isn't reached, potentially as high as 50%. Trump specifically condemned Putin's reported call for a transitional government in Ukraine that would oust President Zelensky. Despite past comments echoing Moscow's claims against Zelensky, Trump now views Putin's statements as unacceptable. Although Trump claims a good relationship with Putin, he warns of tariffs within a month unless progress is made. A phone call between the two leaders is expected this week to attempt to resolve the situation. The US has already secured two ceasefire agreements, but Russia quickly broke them, adding new conditions including the lifting of European sanctions. Senator McConnell criticized Trump's pursuit of peace, warning that it could damage America's credibility and embolden enemies.


by Arturo Iglesias in Accident

A mother and her two daughters were killed in a tragic car crash in Brooklyn on Saturday. The driver, Miriam Yarimi, had a suspended license and a history of reckless driving, including 15 school zone speeding and red-light tickets in the past year. The crash involved an Uber and Yarimi's Audi. The Audi struck Natasha Saada, 35, and her daughters Diana, 7, and Debra, 5, who were walking home from synagogue. Saada's 4-year-old son, Phillip, was also critically injured but underwent successful surgery. The impact was described as like an 'earthquake' by witnesses. Yarimi, a wigmaker, has not yet been charged. The incident occurred in the Midwood section of Brooklyn, leaving the community in shock and mourning. The family was Orthodox Jewish, and the neighborhood was filled with people returning from Sabbath services when the accident happened. Mayor Adams called the accident a tragedy of "Shakespearean proportions."


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

The Houthi militants in Yemen claimed responsibility for attacking US warships in the Red Sea, including the USS Harry S. Truman. This follows a leak of a Signal group chat called "Houthi PC Small Group", which included top Trump administration officials discussing a planned military strike against the Houthis. The chat, mistakenly including journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, revealed details of the planned attack, including weapons, targets, and timing. Goldberg stated that he chose not to publish the most sensitive information due to national security concerns, but noted the inclusion of a CIA undercover agent's name in the chat. While the White House confirmed the chat's authenticity, officials like Pete Hegseth dismissed concerns and attacked Goldberg's credibility. Hegseth stated that no war plans were texted, while criticizing Goldberg's journalistic integrity.


by Arturo Iglesias in Health

A pilot study presented at the American Chemical Society meeting reveals that chewing gum, both synthetic and natural varieties, releases significant amounts of microplastics into saliva. Researchers found that chewing one piece of gum can release hundreds, even thousands, of microplastics, with most released within the first eight minutes. The study analyzed ten popular US gum brands, using various methods to isolate and identify the microplastics. While the long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion are unknown, the findings raise concerns about potential exposure. The study highlights the lack of transparency in gum ingredient labeling, making it difficult to determine the source of microplastics. Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand the health implications of microplastic exposure and the importance of a precautionary approach.


by Arturo Iglesias in News

L.A. Reid is trying to sell his massive Los Angeles mansion again, listing it for $17.5 million. The Bel Air estate boasts 7 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and over 11,000 square feet of living space, complete with a pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen. Meanwhile, Tracy Morgan caused a scene at a Knicks game after vomiting on the court. A new documentary series gives an inside look at Karen Read's retrial in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak fueled dating rumors by attending the iHeartRadio Music Awards together. Pacman Jones praised Bengals owner Mike Brown for signing Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to new contracts. Shanna Moakler showed off her incredible figure in a jacuzzi photo. President Trump announced he's revoking Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. A guess-who game features a popular actress and singer. The iHeartRadio Music Awards red carpet saw stylish arrivals from Kelsea Ballerini, JoJo Siwa, and more. Sabrina Carpenter's Paris concert included a racy Eiffel Tower-inspired performance. A wild street brawl unfolded in Atlanta. Sean Lowe detailed a traumatic dog attack. Jen Affleck joined a male stripping show in Vegas. Porn star Gigi Dior commented on her legal battle with Christian Dior. Singer Jesse Colin Young passed away. Finally, a man stole an ambulance and led police on a chase.


by Arturo Iglesias in Celebrity

Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas continue to fuel dating rumors after being seen together in London. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie miraculously escaped injury after a serious car accident. Wendy Williams enjoys a dinner outing in New York City. Hope Beel showcases her stunning photos on social media. A harrowing bodycam video shows a Texas police officer pleading with a man to drop a knife before shooting him. Teddi Mellencamp discusses using fun as a coping mechanism. Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom have tied the knot. Eva Longoria celebrated her 50th birthday with a star-studded party. Bill Belichick shows off impressive acrobatic skills with his girlfriend. Deshaun Watson is engaged to Jilly Anais. A New York City man is shown eating a rat. Bethany Giura shares hot photos on Instagram. A$AP Rocky performs from a helicopter at Rolling Loud. Kristin Cavallari's Nashville home is under contract. Clothing belonging to a missing University of Pittsburgh student is found on a beach. Travis Barker completes a 5k run.


by Arturo Iglesias in NFL

The New York Jets have agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with free agent quarterback Justin Fields, a source confirmed. $30 million is guaranteed. This signing marks a significant move for the Jets, who are entering a transitional period after parting ways with Aaron Rodgers. Fields, 26, will compete for the starting quarterback position in 2025, with Tyrod Taylor being the only other experienced quarterback on the roster. The guaranteed money in Fields' contract suggests he's the favorite to start. The Jets' new coach, Aaron Glenn, and general manager, Darren Mougey, are taking their first shot at finding a franchise quarterback in Fields. This will be Fields' third NFL team, and the Jets hope he can follow a path similar to other quarterbacks who found success later in their careers after bouncing around the league. The contract includes a second year, giving the Jets protection if Fields excels. Fields was drafted 11th overall by the Bears in 2021, the same draft where the Jets selected Zach Wilson second overall. He showed flashes of potential in Chicago but never consistently clicked, playing under different coaches and offensive coordinators. Last season, Fields started six games for the Steelers, going 4-2 before being replaced by Russell Wilson. He threw five passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns with only one interception in those six games. The Jets believe Fields can thrive with their offensive weapons, including star wide receiver Garrett Wilson (his former Ohio State teammate), running back Breece Hall, and a solidified offensive line. They plan to add more talent at wide receiver and tight end through free agency or the draft. New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will face the challenge of integrating his system with Fields' skillset. Fields' mobility and RPO capabilities contrast with the pocket-passing style of the Lions' Jared Goff, whom Engstrand worked with previously. If Fields starts Week 1, he'll be the fifth different opening-day quarterback for the Jets in six seasons. The Jets viewed Fields as one of their best limited options, with other top free agents unavailable. Drafting a top quarterback at pick number seven is considered unlikely, with only two quarterbacks projected to go in the top 10.


by Arturo Iglesias in MissingPerson

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from Chantilly, Virginia, vanished while on spring break in Punta Cana. She was last seen walking on the beach near the Riu Republica Resort around 4 a.m. on March 6th, wearing a brown bikini, bracelets, and an anklet. A man she was swimming with earlier that morning is being questioned by authorities. Police are also interviewing Konanki's classmates who were with her on the trip. An extensive search is underway, involving helicopters, drones, and ground crews, with assistance from local authorities, Konanki's family in Virginia, and the Indian embassy. The University of Pittsburgh is also supporting the family's efforts. A photo shows Konanki smiling in the same bikini she was wearing when she disappeared.


by Arturo Iglesias in News

The US Secret Service shot an armed Indiana man a block away from the White House on Sunday morning. Local police alerted the agency to the "suicidal individual." Secret Service personnel encountered the man near 17th and G Streets NW, where an armed confrontation occurred. The man pulled out a firearm, leading agents to fire shots. He was taken to a hospital; his condition is unknown. No Secret Service members were injured. The man is believed to have traveled from Indiana to Washington, D.C., on Saturday. The DC Metropolitan Police’s Internal Affairs Division is investigating. This is not the first time the Secret Service has shot someone near the White House; a similar incident occurred in August 2020 during Trump's presidency.


by Arturo Iglesias in News

Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona was tragically killed, and his partner critically injured, in a shootout with a 14-year-old suspect. Detective Azcona's mother, Martha Vargas, described her son's last night and her grief. She revealed that her son always wanted to be a police officer, and she expressed disbelief at the age of the accused. The incident occurred near a McDonald's and White Castle in Newark, NJ, after 6:30 pm on Friday. Besides the 14-year-old, four others were taken into custody for questioning. The 14-year-old suspect was also injured in the shootout. Detective Azcona passed away early Saturday morning at University Hospital in Newark.


by Arturo Iglesias in crime

The family of slain Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona is grappling with grief and divided opinions following his tragic death. Detective Azcona, a five-year veteran, was killed in a shooting Friday evening where a 14-year-old suspect allegedly fired an automatic weapon, unleashing 29 bullets at the officer and his partner. While the partner survived, Azcona passed away Saturday morning surrounded by loved ones. The uncle, Juan G. Lopez, expressed shock and blamed the suspect's parents for their child's actions, stating, "It's the parents. The way they were raised, the parents." However, Azcona's mother, Martha Vargas, disagreed, saying she couldn't blame the parents without knowing their circumstances. The 14-year-old suspect was also injured in the shootout and is hospitalized. The incident has left the Azcona family devastated, highlighting the profound impact of gun violence and the complexities of assigning blame.


by Arturo Iglesias in History

Most Americans will soon 'spring forward' an hour, but have you ever wondered about the history of daylight saving time (DST)? This practice, used in about 70 countries, began in the 1890s with proposals by George Vernon Hudson and William Willett, but it wasn't until World War I that Germany adopted it to save energy. The U.S. followed suit, implementing "war time" during both World Wars. After WWII, a patchwork of timekeeping caused widespread confusion until the 1966 Uniform Time Act standardized DST implementation. The article highlights the chaos that can result from inconsistencies in DST implementation, using the example of Lebanon's last-minute decision to delay the start of DST in 2023. The article also explores the consequences of not changing the clocks, noting that year-round DST was unpopular in the 1970s due to the late sunrises in winter. Finally, the story features the early adoption of DST in Thunder Bay, Canada, which demonstrates the potential benefits of the practice, especially in northern latitudes.


by Arturo Iglesias in crime

Adonis Robinson, 24, has been arrested in Livingston, Texas, in connection with the murder of rapper G$ Lil Ronnie and his 5-year-old daughter, R'Mani. The two were fatally shot at a car wash in Forrest Hills, Texas, on Monday while celebrating R'Mani's birthday. Video footage shows two suspects exiting a white Kia and firing multiple shots into the car. A second suspect, 21-year-old Jakobe Russell, is still at large. Forrest Hills Police Chief David Hernandez described the suspects as cowards, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, used his new podcast's inaugural episode to distance himself from progressive ideals by voicing his opposition to transgender women and girls competing in women's sports. This stance was revealed during a conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, a group instrumental in boosting President Trump's support among young voters. Newsom explicitly stated his agreement with Kirk, emphasizing the issue of fairness in sports. His comments reflect Democrats' ongoing struggle to understand their 2024 election losses, specifically the role of cultural issues in their defeat. Public opinion polls suggest that opposition to transgender women in women's sports is widespread, even among Democrats. Newsom's comments drew harsh criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who expressed disappointment and anger at his stance. While California law currently allows transgender athletes to participate in sports aligning with their gender identity, Republican lawmakers have introduced bills to change this, although their passage is unlikely in the Democrat-controlled legislature. Newsom's position contrasts with his past support for LGBTQ+ rights, exemplified by his actions as San Francisco mayor in legalizing same-sex marriage. The issue of transgender athletes has become a significant political battleground, with President Trump actively campaigning against their participation and even threatening to withhold federal funding from schools that allow it. The NCAA recently changed its policy to restrict women's sports to those assigned female at birth, a move seen as a victory by Trump. Newsom attempted to mitigate his comments by acknowledging the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals, but his stance represents a significant shift in his political approach.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, claims the $3 million Malibu home he rented with his family is now "unlivable" following the California wildfires, despite visual evidence suggesting the house remains intact. This claim is part of a motion filed in federal court to dismiss a lawsuit he initiated against Garrett Ziegler, a former Trump White House aide. Hunter attributes his inability to continue the lawsuit to significant financial difficulties, exacerbated by the wildfires, including dwindling art sales and his memoir's poor performance. He alleges the fire rendered the property "unlivable for an extended period," causing relocation issues and financial strain. The court filing details his financial struggles, stating he is "millions of dollars" in debt. While the house appears undamaged in current photos, Hunter claims the fire caused unspecified damage. He also mentions a supposed incident involving a group of men in MAGA hats, though this claim is disputed by an archival review showing no such event was reported. Hunter's past rental history includes a Venice Beach property where he allegedly left the premises in disarray and failed to pay rent. The article also highlights President Biden's initial uncertainty about the fate of his son's home during the wildfires.


by Arturo Iglesias in NFL

Travis Kelce criticized the Eagles for loopholes in Saquon Barkley's contract; Pat McAfee shared a concerning message; Brandon Graham suffered a triceps re-tear; and Adam "Pacman" Jones confessed to cheating NFL drug tests during his career, detailing his methods on Deion Sanders' show. Jones claimed he never used his own urine for tests, a statement Sanders disputed. The NFL's former strict marijuana policy is contrasted with its current relaxed stance. Champ Bailey also shared his experiences, noting players knew when tests were coming and strategically ceased cannabis use beforehand. Bailey reflected on the policy as a detriment to player recovery and a waste of league resources.


by Arturo Iglesias in News

A 17-year-old boy, dressed as a maintenance worker, bypassed security at Avalon Airport and boarded a Jetstar flight with a shotgun and ammunition. He was apprehended by three passengers who overpowered him before security arrived. Passenger Barry Clark described tackling the teen and securing the weapon. Another passenger, Kim McLeod, noted that the flight attendant's quick actions and the suspect's suspicious attire led to his detection. Police praised the passengers' bravery, recovered the weapon, and are investigating with counter-terror teams. Jetstar confirmed the incident and stated that no one was injured.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

A "Choose Your Fighter" TikTok video featuring several prominent Democratic congresswomen, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has gone viral—but not in the way they intended. The nearly 20-second clip, posted by influencer Sulhee Jessica Woo, was meant to celebrate Women's History Month and showcase the representatives' personalities with fun facts. However, it was widely panned as "cringey" and outdated, with critics pointing out the trend's age and the video's overall tone. The backlash included mockery from the Trump administration's Rapid Response team and numerous commentators online. While the video aimed to connect with younger voters, the result highlighted a disconnect between the representatives' approach and the target audience's expectations. The incident sparked debate about the effectiveness of such attempts at online engagement and raised questions about the Democrats' overall digital strategy.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

President Donald Trump announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, plans to invest $100 billion in the United States, in addition to the previously announced $65 billion. This investment will fund three new chip manufacturing plants and two packaging facilities in Arizona. The president called the investment a "tremendous move" and a matter of "economic security." TSMC CEO C. C. Wei stated the investment will create thousands of high-paying jobs. The investment comes in the wake of the CHIPS and Science Act, a $280 billion law aimed at boosting U.S. chip manufacturing. While Trump has criticized this act, he has touted the TSMC investment as a result of his administration's policies, including the threat of tariffs on imported chips. The announcement comes amidst concerns about China's potential actions against Taiwan. Trump acknowledged the potential for a catastrophic event if China were to seize Taiwan, but emphasized the importance of U.S. chip production. The Taiwanese government expressed its support for the investment, highlighting its significance in strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relations. Experts suggest that the increased investment is intended to reinforce the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. Trump has also hosted other business leaders at the White House recently to announce significant investments in the U.S., including Apple's $500 billion pledge.


by Arturo Iglesias in News

Bob Bryar, My Chemical Romance's drummer from 2004 to 2014, was found dead next to several nitrous oxide canisters, according to a medical examiner's report obtained by TMZ. Antidepressant medication was also present at the scene. While the report doesn't confirm nitrous oxide as the cause of death, the canisters had attached tubing, suggesting they were ready for use. Casey Anthony, acquitted of her daughter's murder, is now a self-proclaimed "legal advocate" promoting her services on TikTok. She aims to help those facing legal challenges, particularly within the LGBTQ+ and women's rights communities. Sofia Vergara's Oscars after-party photos went viral, showcasing her stunning dress. However, Jeff Bezos unintentionally photobombed a group shot. Demi Moore's loss at the Oscars to a much younger actress sparked online debate, especially considering her film, "The Substance," tackled the ageism in Hollywood. The 2025 Oscars after-parties were extravagant, with Julia Fox and Olivia Wilde turning heads in nearly-nude outfits. Elton John and Chappell Roan performed at Elton's Oscars party benefiting his AIDS Foundation. The Oscars red carpet saw stunning appearances by Demi Moore, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and Jeff Goldblum. Livvy Dunne, an LSU gymnast, was the Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Endymion parade during Mardi Gras festivities. Beyoncé and Jay-Z hosted an exclusive Oscars after-party attended by A-list celebrities including Tina Knowles, Keke Palmer, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Vin Diesel, and Taraji P. Henson. The all-female team behind the Best Documentary Short Film, "The Only Girl in the Orchestra," shared advice for aspiring female filmmakers. Julia Fox's nearly nude appearance at a Vanity Fair Oscars after-party drew significant attention. Ben Stiller, despite presenting at the Oscars, celebrated the New York Knicks' victory over the Miami Heat on social media. University of Pittsburgh football player Mason Alexander tragically died at 18 in a car accident. Patrick Peterson advised NFL teams to utilize Travis Hunter's dual-threat capabilities. Kieran Culkin joked that his wife owes him two more children after winning an Oscar, referencing a prior agreement.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

President Donald Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office resulted in a tense exchange where Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky. This event caused significant reverberations from Washington to Kyiv, with European leaders holding an emergency summit in London to discuss support for Ukraine. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are seeking to shift control of negotiations away from the US. Meanwhile, Russian officials celebrated the public diplomatic breakdown. The White House, however, framed the showdown as a win, highlighting Trump's "America First" approach. Domestically, the Trump administration is focusing on its priorities, including changes to the federal workforce, while facing declining public approval ratings. Key Trump administration officials appeared on news shows to defend Trump's actions and criticize Zelensky. The Trump administration's strategy focuses on securing a peace deal with Russia, potentially involving an economic agreement, but this has been met with resistance from Zelensky who seeks security guarantees. A proposed mineral deal is currently off the table. The differing opinions on the situation are evident, with some, such as Rep. Mike Turner, criticizing Zelensky's actions, while others, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, deem Trump's actions as bullying. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for negotiations with Russia, while others, like Sen. Chris Murphy, accuse Trump of aligning with Russia. The upcoming address to Congress will serve as a platform for Trump to outline his priorities, while Democrats plan their counter-strategy. A new CNN poll shows Trump's approval rating underwater, and the public is divided on his handling of the situation. European leaders are expressing strong support for Ukraine, with Italy emphasizing the need for unity among Western nations. A UK-led plan to end the conflict in Ukraine will be presented to the US. Trump's national security advisor, Mike Waltz, hinted at potential concessions during negotiations, including territorial concessions by Russia and European-led security guarantees. A CBS/YouGov poll shows that while many Americans support Ukraine, few believe Trump supports them. The Trump administration's mandate for weekly reports from federal employees has caused mixed responses from different agencies. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's meeting with Zelensky, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski criticized Trump's actions. Trump's actions are viewed by some as aligning himself with Russia and other despots. Trump's upcoming address to Congress will focus on past achievements and future plans, while Democrats plan to counter Trump's agenda. Vice President JD Vance's actions in the Oval Office meeting are also analyzed, with some seeing it as an intentional ambush of Zelensky.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. Hackman was 95, and Arakawa was 65. Their deaths are currently under investigation, though authorities have stated there were no apparent signs of foul play. Gene Hackman's youngest daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman, spoke to the Daily Mail about her father's health leading up to his death. She revealed that she hadn't spoken to her father or stepmother in a couple of months but stated that Hackman was in "very good physical condition" up until his passing. He reportedly maintained an active lifestyle, practicing Pilates and yoga several times a week. Leslie, who described a close relationship with her father, said there were no indications of health problems before his death. Leslie and her sister, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, speculate that a carbon monoxide leak may have been the cause of death. The police affidavit notes that the deaths were "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation." An open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found near Arakawa and a deceased dog. Autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. The family released a statement expressing their sadness and confirming the deaths. Leslie plans to travel to New Mexico to cooperate with the investigation once police provide more information.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly announced that the FBI withheld "thousands of pages" of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. She sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel demanding the full release of all documents, audio, and video recordings by Friday morning. Initially, Bondi received some documents including flight logs, phone numbers, and victim names, but a source within the New York FBI office revealed that many more documents were being withheld. This action follows reports of potential document destruction within the FBI. Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) is drafting the "Preventing Epstein Documentation Obliteration Act" (PEDO Act) to prevent the destruction of non-public Epstein records at the Department of Justice. A former FBI agent, Garret O’Boyle, hinted that the FBI may be destroying files, including potentially those related to Epstein. While the FBI has released some Epstein files online, the Justice Department is preparing to release 100 pages of Epstein’s personal address book. Conservative influencers received a portion of the Epstein files at the White House. Senator Marsha Blackburn also pushed for the full release of unredacted Epstein files, echoing concerns about a lack of transparency in the case. The FBI has not yet commented on the allegations.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

The Justice Department (DOJ) released a batch of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious sex trafficker. These files, initially given to handpicked conservative social media influencers, contained over 100 pages from Epstein's phone book, including contact lists and addresses, many of which were already public knowledge. The release included names such as Michael Jackson, Prince Andrew, Mick Jagger, Ethel Kennedy, Alec Baldwin, and Andrew Cuomo, but no new bombshells. Attorney General Pam Bondi later released the documents publicly, stating it was only "phase one" of the Epstein file release. She also demanded thousands of additional pages from the FBI. The released documents included flight logs previously made public during Ghislaine Maxwell's trial and a redacted list of 254 names under the title "MASSEUSES." Some influencers who received early access expressed disappointment, noting the lack of unexpected revelations. The documents' release has sparked further calls for transparency and the release of additional information.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice will likely release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs from his private jet, the next day. The delay in releasing the documents was due to the need to protect the identities and personal information of over 250 victims. Bondi confirmed that the release would include flight logs, potentially revealing numerous names and significant information. She stated that the documents would be redacted to protect victims' identities. Speculation about Epstein's associates has mounted since his 2019 suicide. His co-defendant, Ghislaine Maxwell, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in Epstein's crimes. Redacted versions of Epstein's contact book and flight logs have previously surfaced, but complete versions, along with alleged surveillance footage, have yet to be released publicly. A previous lawsuit unsealed documents naming over 170 people with ties to Epstein.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Trachtenberg, a former child star who appeared in the 1996 “Harriet the Spy” hit movie and went on to co-star in two buzzy millennial-era TV shows — “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl” — has died. She was 39. Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 a.m. at a 51-story luxury apartment tower in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood where officers found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive,” according to an NYPD statement. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. No foul play was suspected and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death, police said. “The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement Wednesday. Trachtenberg was 8 when she began playing Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996 and then starred in the title role in the film adaptations of “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” opposite Matthew Broderick. “Michelle comes off as genuine because she really is a genuine kid. Everyone can identify with her,” said Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies in 1996. In 2000 Trachtenberg joined the cast of “Buffy,” playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar between 2000 and 2003. Trachtenberg thanked Gellar for speaking out against Joss Whedon in 2021, following abuse allegations made against the “Buffy” showrunner. “I am brave enough now as a 35-year-old woman to repost this,” she wrote on social media, and alluded to “his not appropriate behavior” she experienced as a teenage actor. In 2001, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting Discovery’s “Truth or Scare.” Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks. For her fan-favorite role, she was nominated as a TV villain at the Teen Choice Award in 2012. “It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl,” she told Seventeen in 2009. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.” She was one of the original series’ stars to return for a pair of guest appearances in the 2021 “Gossip Girl” revival. Blake Lively on Instagram on Tuesday honored her “Gossip Girl” co-star: “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.” As if to cement herself in millennial culture, Trachtenberg made a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s music video for the “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” alongside Seth Green. Hollywood took to social media to mourn one of their own, one who had made the transition from kid star to teen queen to adult actor. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star David Boreanaz said on Instagram it was “so very sad.. horrible news.” Melissa Gilbert, who starred with Trachtenberg in the 1996 film “A Holiday for Love,” wrote on Instagram: “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so.” Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in her “Harriet the Spy” debut, said her death was “heartbreaking:” “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.” Glee star Chris Colfer remembered her this way: “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew,” he wrote. Trachtenberg’s later credits included “Ice Princess” in 2005, playing a math prodigy and aspiring figure skater. The AP said it had “a good, though feeble, heart and the best of intentions” and said Trachtenberg was “mining the same nervous twitter from her kid-sister days on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’” The New York City-born Trachtenberg also appeared in the 2004 teen sex comedy “EuroTrip,” she co-starred with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in 2009’s “17 Again” and played a murderous stalker and abductor on an episode of “Criminal Minds.” For “Killing Kennedy,” the 2013 film in which she played the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, around 80% of Trachtenberg’s dialogue was in Russian. She had learned the language from her mother growing up. Other credits included supporting roles in the films “Mysterious Skin” in 2004 and “Black Christmas” in 2006. She also starred on the NBC medical series “Mercy” (2009–2010) opposite Taylor Schilling. More recently, she hosted the true-crime docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. ___ Associated Press Writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.


by Arturo Iglesias in Politics

The ongoing debate surrounding budget bills in the US Congress could significantly impact Americans' lives. House Republicans aim to extend trillions in expiring tax cuts, requiring offsetting cuts, potentially reaching $880 billion from federal programs over 10 years. Medicaid is a prime target for these cuts. While Republicans, including Senator Josh Hawley, express support for the program, particularly for working individuals, the proposed cuts raise concerns. President Trump, despite past assurances against cutting Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security, has left room for fraud reduction. Medicaid, a crucial component of the US social safety net, provides health insurance to over 72 million low-income Americans, covering children, seniors, people with disabilities, and parents. Coverage and eligibility vary widely across states. Federal and state governments jointly fund Medicaid, with federal matching varying by state. The program's cost totaled $880 billion in fiscal year 2023. Proposed cuts could involve work requirements, reducing the federal match for expansion populations, and implementing per capita caps. These cuts could lead to millions losing coverage. While there have been efforts to address wasteful spending, the program's popularity remains high, with over three-quarters of Americans holding a favorable view.


by Arturo Iglesias in Crime

Tsion Clayton, 23, and Kimone Green, 21, were charged with malice murder in the October 2023 death of 21-year-old Brianna Long. Long, a Valdosta State University student, was closing The Pier bar in Remerton, Georgia when a fight outside led to gunfire. A stray bullet struck and killed her. The suspects were already in custody on unrelated charges. Investigators believe they were involved in an ongoing gang dispute. Long was a standout soccer player and planned to graduate with a dental hygiene degree. Her mother has established the Brianna Long Foundation to honor her memory and promote dental care.


by Arturo Iglesias in Religion

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has shown further slight improvement as he battles double pneumonia, but doctors said Wednesday his prognosis is still guarded. A chest CT scan taken Tuesday evening showed the “normal evolution” of an infection as it is being treated, the Vatican said in its late update. The 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen but hasn’t had any more respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood tests, which had shown some low platelet counts and anemia, have confirmed an improvement and the slight kidney insufficiency detected a few days ago has receded, the statement said. Francis is continuing to receive respiratory physiotherapy, the statement said. It was the first time the Vatican has confirmed Francis was receiving physiotherapy to help him expel fluid from his lungs. A complex lung infection has kept the 88-year-old pope hospitalized in critical condition since Feb. 14. Francis has chronic lung disease and was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital after a bout of bronchitis worsened. While doctors didn’t repeat that he was in critical condition in Wednesday’s update, as they have in recent days, they said his prognosis remained guarded, meaning he wasn’t out of danger. The pope resumed work in the afternoon from his hospital room, after receiving the Eucharist in the morning. And in a sign the Holy See machinery was grinding on, the Vatican announced he had appointed four new bishops and approved the creation of a new fundraising initiative to encourage donations to the Holy See, which has been enduring a financial crisis for years. Francis likely approved the bishop appointments awhile back and the new norms for the fundraising entity were approved Feb. 11, before he was hospitalized. But the announcements made them official and suggested Francis was still very much in charge and governing. Pilgrims descend on the hospital to be closer to Francis. If he were to look out the hospital window from the 10th floor, he might see that a steady stream of well-wishers are lighting candles and leaving him balloons and get-well cards at the statue of St. John Paul II near the Gemelli entrance. It has become something of a makeshift pilgrimage destination, especially for church groups in town for the Vatican’s Holy Year. On Wednesday, Bishop Gerardo Villalonga from Menorca, Spain led a group of 50 pilgrims to the site, saying they wanted to be as close to him as possible. Cardinal Re picked to lead prayer vigil on Wednesday. The dean of the College of Cardinals, meanwhile, was designated to lead the Vatican’s prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday night, thrusting a key figure in a future possible conclave into the spotlight. Francis recently extended the term of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, keeping him in the important job rather than naming someone new. From 2000-2010, Re was prefect of the Vatican’s congregation for bishops, one of the most powerful and influential positions in the Holy See. Francis made him dean in 2020 and confirmed him in the job in January despite the expiration of his five-year term. The faithful from Francis’ homeland, meanwhile, gathered in the Argentine church of Rome for a special Mass presided over by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome. Reina also celebrated the lunchtime Mass on Wednesday at Gemelli to pray for Francis. Sister Nilda Trejo, an Argentine nun, said that she knew Francis’ health has always been delicate, with problems breathing and speaking loudly, and that’s why she always prayed for him.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Trachtenberg, a former child star who appeared in the 1996 “Harriet the Spy” hit movie and went on to co-star in two buzzy millennial-era TV shows — “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl” — has died. She was 39. Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 a.m. at a 51-story luxury apartment tower in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood where officers found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive,” according to an NYPD statement. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. No foul play was suspected and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death, police said. “The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement Wednesday. Trachtenberg was 8 when she began playing Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996 and then starred in the title role in the film adaptations of “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” opposite Matthew Broderick. “Michelle comes off as genuine because she really is a genuine kid. Everyone can identify with her,” said Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies in 1996. In 2000 Trachtenberg joined the cast of “Buffy,” playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar between 2000 and 2003. Trachtenberg thanked Gellar for speaking out against Joss Whedon in 2021, following abuse allegations made against the “Buffy” showrunner. “I am brave enough now as a 35-year-old woman to repost this,” she wrote on social media, and alluded to “his not appropriate behavior” she experienced as a teenage actor. In 2001, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting Discovery’s “Truth or Scare.” Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks. For her fan-favorite role, she was nominated as a TV villain at the Teen Choice Award in 2012. “It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl,” she told Seventeen in 2009. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.” She was one of the original series’ stars to return for a pair of guest appearances in the 2021 “Gossip Girl” revival. Blake Lively on Instagram on Tuesday honored her “Gossip Girl” co-star: “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.” As if to cement herself in millennial culture, Trachtenberg made a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s music video for the “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” alongside Seth Green. Hollywood took to social media to mourn one of their own, one who had made the transition from kid star to teen queen to adult actor. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star David Boreanaz said on Instagram it was “so very sad.. horrible news.” Melissa Gilbert, who starred with Trachtenberg in the 1996 film “A Holiday for Love,” wrote on Instagram: “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so.” Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in her “Harriet the Spy” debut, said her death was “heartbreaking:” “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.” Glee star Chris Colfer remembered her this way: “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew,” he wrote. Trachtenberg’s later credits included “Ice Princess” in 2005, playing a math prodigy and aspiring figure skater. The AP said it had “a good, though feeble, heart and the best of intentions” and said Trachtenberg was “mining the same nervous twitter from her kid-sister days on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’” The New York City-born Trachtenberg also appeared in the 2004 teen sex comedy “EuroTrip,” she co-starred with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in 2009’s “17 Again” and played a murderous stalker and abductor on an episode of “Criminal Minds.” For “Killing Kennedy,” the 2013 film in which she played the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, around 80% of Trachtenberg’s dialogue was in Russian. She had learned the language from her mother growing up. Other credits included supporting roles in the films “Mysterious Skin” in 2004 and “Black Christmas” in 2006. She also starred on the NBC medical series “Mercy” (2009–2010) opposite Taylor Schilling. More recently, she hosted the true-crime docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. ___ Associated Press Writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.


by Arturo Iglesias in Religion

Pope Francis has shown further slight improvement in his battle against double pneumonia, but doctors maintain a guarded prognosis. A chest CT scan revealed the infection is evolving normally under treatment. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, continues to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen but hasn't experienced respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood tests indicate improvement in low platelet counts and anemia, and kidney insufficiency has receded. He's undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to help expel fluid from his lungs. The Pope resumed work from his hospital room and made several official appointments, suggesting he remains in charge despite his condition. Meanwhile, pilgrims gather outside the hospital to offer prayers and well wishes. The dean of the College of Cardinals will lead a prayer vigil, highlighting the significance of this key figure in a potential future conclave.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died at the age of 39. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that her death may be related to complications from a liver transplant she received within the last year. Police and paramedics responded to a call for a woman in cardiac arrest and found Trachtenberg unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene. While police currently believe the death was of natural causes, the exact cause remains unclear. In recent months, Trachtenberg had posted photos on social media that led some fans to express concern about her appearance. She defended herself against criticism, stating she was "happy and healthy." Trachtenberg rose to fame as a child star in "Harriet the Spy" before gaining recognition for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl." A representative for Trachtenberg confirmed her death and asked for privacy.


by Arturo Iglesias in Obituary

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Gossip Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Ice Princess, has died at age 39. The New York Police Department responded to a 911 call at her apartment, finding her unresponsive. While the cause of death is yet to be determined, police are not considering it suspicious. Reports indicate she had recently undergone a liver transplant. Trachtenberg's career began early, with appearances in commercials and roles in shows like Law & Order and The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She gained recognition for her role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. In 2021, she made allegations of physical abuse against Buffy creator Joss Whedon. Tributes have poured in from fellow actors, including her Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick and Rosie O'Donnell, who co-starred with her in Harriet the Spy.


by Arturo Iglesias in Health

Pope Francis is showing slight improvement in his battle against double pneumonia, but doctors say his prognosis remains guarded. A chest CT scan showed the infection is evolving normally under treatment. The 88-year-old pope is receiving high-flow supplemental oxygen but hasn't had respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood tests show improvement in low platelet counts and anemia, and kidney insufficiency has receded. He's undergoing respiratory physiotherapy. While not explicitly stated as critical, his condition is still considered guarded. Despite his hospitalization, Francis resumed work from his hospital room, appointing new bishops and approving a new fundraising initiative. Pilgrims have gathered outside the hospital to show support. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, led a prayer vigil, highlighting his importance in a potential future papal conclave. Prayers were also offered in Argentina and at the hospital.