2025-06-06 00:00:20.741

Rebel Wilson shares her most fun on-set experience was filming Pitch Perfect, describing it as "theatre camp." She details working with Sir Derek Jacobi, praising his easygoing nature and storytelling abilities. Her collaboration with Dame Judi Dench on Cats involved a humorous boot camp experience. Wilson recounts her experience on the Graham Norton Show, explaining her rap performance and her struggles with high heels. She discusses winning $250,000 for charity on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, using the funds to sponsor a school in Tanzania. Wilson's acting career began after a severe bout of malaria during a gap year in Africa, where she hallucinated winning an Academy Award. Her body transformation has led to diverse roles, including a love interest to Kiefer Sutherland in Tinsel Town. She expresses her hope for a fourth Pitch Perfect film and reveals her unusual dislike for Vegemite and Marmite. Finally, she discusses the challenging role in The Almond and the Seahorse, which focused on traumatic brain injury.

2025-06-05 06:00:35.631

NEW YORK (AP) — The English pop singer Jessie J says she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery after her performance at the London music festival Capital’s Summertime Ball next weekend. Jessie J, 37, shared the news in an Instagram video on Wednesday. “I was diagnosed with early breast cancer,” she said in the clip. “Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding onto the word ‘early’. “It’s a very dramatic way to get a boob job. I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive (expletive) and more music.” The annual Summertime Ball will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, June 15. She told her social media audience that she felt compelled to share her diagnosis. “I just wanted to be open and share it,” she said. “One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard. I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I’m an open book. It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse – that’s the bit that kills me.” The Grammy-nominated Jessie J has long been celebrated for her robust soprano and R&B-informed pop hits, like the 2014 collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande, “Bang Bang,” and 2011’s “Domino.” RELATED STORIES Cancer before age 50 is increasing. A new study looks at which types Tina Knowles is tracing the throughline of Beyoncé and Solange’s success Trial begins for Nadine Menendez, wife of former US Sen. Bob Menendez She has released five albums across her career, most recently, 2018’s Christmas album, “This Christmas Day.” She has been releasing new music in 2025, including the singles “Living My Best Life” and “No Secrets.” A new album is expected later this year. She has a son, Sky Safir Cornish Colman, born in 2023. A representative for Jessie J did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.

2025-06-04 00:00:51.381

Ukraine announced on Tuesday that it had successfully targeted the Crimean Bridge, a vital supply route for Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. The SBU, Ukraine's security service, claimed responsibility, stating that they used 1,100 kilograms of explosives planted underwater to damage the bridge's supporting pillars. This marks the third attack on the bridge since the start of the full-scale war in 2022. The operation, which took several months to plan, involved mining the bridge's piers and detonating the explosives. While traffic was temporarily suspended, the extent of the damage remains unclear. The SBU head, Vasyl Malyuk, emphasized that the bridge is a legitimate military target due to its use in supplying Russian troops. This attack follows a recent SBU drone strike on Russian airfields, which allegedly caused significant damage to Russian bombers and cruise missile carriers. The Crimean Bridge holds significant symbolic value for Russia, having been built after the 2014 annexation of Crimea and opened by President Putin in 2018. The attacks highlight Ukraine's continued efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and undermine the symbolic importance of the bridge.

2025-06-03 18:00:46.862

Jonathan Joss, a voice actor best known for his role as John Redcorn in the animated series "King of the Hill," was fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday. Police responded to a shooting call and found the 59-year-old wounded near his home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed his death and stated that the shooter yelled homophobic slurs before opening fire. De Gonzales said that earlier in the evening, they were checking their mail when a man approached them and threatened them with a gun. Joss pushed de Gonzales out of the way before being shot. Police arrested 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja and charged him with murder. While police initially stated that their investigation found no evidence linking the murder to Joss's sexual orientation, de Gonzales maintains it was a hate crime. Joss's death occurred just days after he participated in events related to the upcoming "King of the Hill" revival. A GoFundMe was set up earlier this year to help Joss recover from a house fire that killed his three dogs.

2025-05-30 00:00:25.839

10. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) Wielding a Belarusian accent like a weapon, Huston joins the Wickiverse as The Director, head of the Ruska Roma syndicate, who is forced to help Wick when every assassin in Manhattan is trying to kill him. She can also be seen bullying a dancer, a taste of things to come since The Director will be back very soon, in Ballerina, the new Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas (out on 6 June). 9. Enemies, A Love Story (1989) In 1949 New York, a Polish refugee finds himself married to three women. Paul Mazursky’s adaptation of Isaac Bashevis Singer’s tragicomedy is like straight-faced Woody Allen, and Huston nabbed her second Academy Award nomination for playing Tamara, a cynical yet sensitive concentration camp survivor. A pity the film doesn’t revolve around her instead of her less compelling husband. 8. Ever After (1998) Drew Barrymore makes an adorable proto-feminist heroine in this daft but charming revisionist Cinderella. Meanwhile, Huston’s eyebrows are working overtime, but she still imbues her wicked stepmother with more nuance than we usually see in a panto villain. If only Disney had taken this as the model for their live-action fairytale remakes. 7. Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) In Woody Allen’s darkest film, Huston plays Dolores, a flight attendant whose lover (Martin Landau) takes drastic action when she threatens to ruin his marriage. Allen himself stars in a lighter parallel thread, but it’s the Dostoevskian half that packs the punch here, helped by Huston’s fearlessly uningratiating performance as a woman at the end of her tether. 6. The Grifters (1990) Stephen Frears’ film of Jim Thompson’s novel about a trio of small-time scammers in Los Angeles is powered by Huston’s Oscar-nominated performance as a bleached-blond con artist whose feelings towards her adult son (John Cusack) may be more than just maternal. It’s scrappy, lowlife Greek tragedy, capped by Huston’s gut-wrenching howl of despair. 5. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) In the first of her five films for Wes Anderson, Huston plays Etheline, wife of a neglectful patriarch (Gene Hackman), and holds her own amid the wacky characters and directorial quirks by playing it low-key, almost naturalistic. No wonder her accountant (Danny Glover) is smitten. 4. The Addams Family (1991) Was there ever such a delightfully romantic couple as Huston and Raul Julia as Morticia and Gomez Addams? Barry Sonnenfeld’s directing debut is little more than a procession of deliciously morbid sight gags and punchlines ripped straight from the original New Yorker cartoons, but who cares when Huston is giving a masterclass in deadpan delivery, and looking fabulous with it. “Don’t torture yourself, Gomez. That’s my job.” 3. Prizzi’s Honor (1985) On the set of John Huston’s black comedy, Anjelica overheard someone saying, “Her father is the director, her boyfriend’s the star, and she has no talent.” She duly silenced any whispers of nepotism by stealing every scene she was in, as Maerose, a scheming mafia princess trying to win back her ex (Jack Nicholson, with whom she had a long-term relationship). She was the third generation of Hustons to bag an Academy Award. 2. The Witches (1990) In a perfect world, Huston would have won another Oscar for her formidable German-accented turn as the Grand High Witch in Nicolas Roeg’s film of Roald Dahl’s kiddie horror-comedy. Roeg insisted she wear a “sexy” dress, and before she removes her wig to reveal her true witchy self in all its Jim Henson Creature Shop hideousness, she does indeed look splendid, as well as terrifying. 1. The Dead (1987) Huston, who grew up in her father’s house in Galway, fits right in with the Irish ensemble cast of the director’s small but perfectly formed final film, adapted (by her brother Tony) from a story by James Joyce, set during and after a party in snowy Dublin, 1904. She is deeply affecting as a woman whose melancholy reminiscence of a long-lost love triggers a bittersweet epiphany in her husband. “One by one, we are all becoming shades,” he reflects. Sublime.

2025-05-29 12:00:20.636

Miley Cyrus's ninth album, Something Beautiful, is presented as a concept album with "healing sound properties" and an accompanying film described as a "pop opera." However, the film is more of a collection of music videos than a cohesive narrative, lacking a plot and resembling extended perfume commercials. The album itself starts with a left-field approach but mostly settles into a mix of 80s-inspired pop, soft rock, and dance tracks. While well-written and performed, it lacks a standout hit single and doesn't deliver on its promise of psychedelic experimentation. Despite its shortcomings, the album is considered well-made and features Cyrus's signature powerful vocals, showcasing a variety of styles ranging from soul and rock to disco-infused pop and hi-NRG. The album's ambition clashes with its overall execution, leaving its commercial success uncertain.

2025-05-29 06:01:25.324

A federal court has blocked President Donald Trump's global tariffs, ruling that he overstepped his authority. The administration immediately appealed. The US will aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, impacting higher education. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, ended his time in the administration. The State Department is reviewing all Harvard University-affiliated visa holders. The administration also cut off some US companies from selling certain goods to China and canceled $100 million in federal contracts with Harvard. Asian markets reacted positively to the tariff ruling. Hong Kong's financial secretary suggested the decision would bring Trump to reason. The Trump administration is appealing the tariff ruling, leaving the situation uncertain. Elon Musk cited concerns about Trump's tax and spending cuts as a reason for his departure. A White House spokesperson said the court ruling shouldn't decide how to address a national emergency. The Justice Department is investigating whether a California law allowing transgender student athletes to play on girls' sports teams violates Title IX. A Venezuelan student in a NYC high school was detained by ICE. Katie Miller, a top White House advisor, left her position and is working with Elon Musk. The Trump administration has effectively cut off some American companies from selling goods to China. President Trump issued another pardon, and more are expected. Trump commented on the "big, beautiful bill," his attacks on Harvard, and pardons. House Republicans are ready to formalize the DOGE cuts. Trump indicated that a luxury Boeing 747 accepted from Qatar is being retrofitted by the US military. Vice President JD Vance championed the Trump administration's stance on cryptocurrency, criticizing the Biden administration's regulations. President Trump said he would consider pardoning the men convicted of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

2025-05-18 06:00:20.616

Hasan Piker, a popular left-wing streamer, was stopped and questioned by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at Chicago's O'Hare airport. While he cooperated for nearly two hours, his actions drew significant criticism. Many argued he should have invoked his right to remain silent, fearing his cooperation could set a dangerous precedent. The incident highlights the tension between citizens' rights and the broad powers of CBP, particularly at the border where constitutional protections are less stringent. Experts emphasize the importance of remaining silent when questioned by law enforcement, as any information provided can be used against oneself or others. The event underscores the need for individuals to understand their rights and how to protect themselves from potential government overreach.

2025-05-17 00:00:22.674

Kristen Stewart's directorial debut, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch's 2011 abuse memoir, is a powerful and emotionally charged film. It recounts a writer's journey of recovering from abuse and transforming pain into literary success. The film interweaves present-day struggles with childhood memories, exploring themes of failed relationships, substance abuse, and the lasting impact of trauma. Imogen Poots delivers a compelling performance as Lidia, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of abuse by her father. The film also touches upon Lidia's complicated relationship with her body, her sexuality, and her pursuit of artistic expression. The narrative is punctuated by Lidia's reading list, highlighting the influence of writers like Vita Sackville-West, William Faulkner, and Kathy Acker on her own development as a writer. Despite some stylistic indulgences, the film is ultimately an earnest and heartfelt exploration of trauma, recovery, and the complexities of the creative process. Stewart's direction elicits strong and intelligent performances from the cast.

2025-05-16 18:00:21.486

House Republicans are pushing forward President Donald Trump's ambitious legislative package, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This 1,116-page bill includes over $5 trillion in tax cuts, partially offset by spending cuts and tax code changes. Key tax provisions include making permanent 2017 individual income tax cuts, eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and some auto loan interest (all temporary, expiring in 2028), and increasing the SALT deduction to $30,000 for joint filers under $400,000 annually. Temporary increases to the standard deduction and child tax credit are also included. The estate tax exemption rises to $15 million. The bill also introduces significant changes to social programs. It shifts some SNAP (food assistance) costs to states and expands work requirements for food aid and Medicaid. New Medicaid eligibility requirements include community engagement mandates (80 hours/month) for able-bodied adults and a $1 million home value cap. The Congressional Budget Office estimates at least 7.6 million people could lose Medicaid coverage. Planned Parenthood would be defunded, and a tax on gun silencers would be repealed. A new "MAGA" savings account program would provide $1,000 in government contributions for children born between 2024 and 2028. The bill allocates $46.5 billion for border wall construction, along with funding for additional Border Patrol agents, customs officers, and ICE personnel. It imposes a $1,000 fee on asylum seekers and aims to remove 1 million immigrants annually. The Pentagon receives nearly $150 billion, including funding for a missile defense system and naval expansion. Student loan programs are overhauled, resulting in $330 billion in budget cuts, and a tax on some university endowments is introduced. Increased public land leasing for drilling, mining, and logging is also included, along with a controversial provision authorizing the sale of public lands in Nevada and Utah. Republicans face internal divisions, with fiscal conservatives expressing concern over insufficient Medicaid spending cuts and those in swing districts worried about jeopardizing access to social programs.

2025-05-16 12:01:13.254

President Donald Trump concluded a Middle East trip filled with significant events. He secured various deals, including a partnership with the UAE to build a massive AI data complex and a commitment from Saudi Arabia for a $600 billion US investment. Qatar also agreed to purchase US-made Boeing planes. Trump hinted at new global tariff terms and appeared to confirm that Iran received a nuclear deal proposal. He also stated his intention to meet with Vladimir Putin soon, as trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey commenced. The trip also saw Trump defend his administration's decision to grant refugee status to White South Africans, a move criticized by many. He also discussed the possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran, though Iranian officials haven't commented publicly. Furthermore, Trump discussed new tariff rates with approximately 150 countries and complained about the age of Air Force One, mentioning Qatar's potential gift of a new Boeing plane. He also expressed concern that future presidents may take credit for his administration's accomplishments in the Middle East. Finally, Trump toured the Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi.

2025-05-16 00:03:14.99

At the Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro received an honorary Palme d'Or. His acceptance speech was a passionate denouncement of autocrats and fascists, particularly targeting Donald Trump. The overwhelmingly positive response deeply moved De Niro. He reflected on his career, touching on his work in franchises and his iconic roles that solidified his place in cinematic history. De Niro expressed his deep concern over the current political situation in the US, highlighting the importance of speaking out against injustice. He criticized those who remained silent in the face of Trump's actions, emphasizing the need for resistance. He shared his own experiences with facing potential backlash for his outspoken criticism, but maintained his commitment to opposing bullies and speaking truth to power. He also discussed the complexities of his position within the film industry, where many share his views but hesitate to speak out publicly due to potential repercussions. De Niro connected his activism to the classic American narrative of the sheriff standing up to the bad guys, and expressed his hope that resistance will ultimately prevail. Despite receiving a lifetime achievement award, De Niro remains humble, focusing on his passion for acting since childhood and his commitment to his craft. He reflected on aging and the changing perspectives he encounters, but maintains his physical and mental strength, acknowledging the inevitable passage of time.

2025-05-09 12:00:30.235

Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanged heavy fire across the Kashmir border, resulting in at least five civilian deaths in Pakistan and two in India. The intense artillery exchanges continued into Friday morning, with reports of continued firing well into the morning. The death toll has risen to 18 in Indian-controlled Kashmir and 17 in Pakistan-administered Kashmir since Wednesday. Tens of thousands of civilians have been evacuated from border villages. Tensions escalated after an attack on a tourist site in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, which India blames on Pakistan. India subsequently conducted airstrikes in Pakistan, and both countries allege attacks from the other side. India ordered X (formerly Twitter) to block over 8,000 accounts, citing censorship concerns. The crisis led to the suspension of the Indian Premier League cricket tournament, school closures, and flight cancellations. US Vice President JD Vance stated that a potential war between India and Pakistan would be "none of our business."

2025-05-09 12:00:30.215

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Americans in St. Peter’s Square were stunned and joyous when they learned that an American cardinal, Robert Provost, was elected pope Thursday and had taken the name Leo XIV. “Who in our lifetime would have thought that we would see a North American Holy Father?” said Father Thomas Montanaro, an American priest with the Legionaries of Christ. Montanaro was among the many tens of thousands of people who filled St. Peter’s Square for the historic moment. Cheers of “viva il papa” and applause rippled across the crowd to celebrate the new pope. Father Darius Lawrence, a priest from California, said the announcement caught him completely off guard. “As an American, it’s a huge surprise,” he said. “I would have never expected an American to be named as pope. He wasn’t on any of the lists I’d seen — and I’d been looking into it a little bit.” The flags of many nations waved. But tellingly there very few American flags. The Americans had not come prepared. They also did not hear Leo speak to them in their native tongue. He used Italian to greet the crowds before turning to Spanish, using a language he used during years of missionary work in Peru, where he also obtained citizenship. Past popes have shaped the larger world beyond the Catholic Church, and it was not lost on some that Leo might too. ”I’m just hoping that the new pope can help steer us in a good direction and in terms of politics, you know, right now it’s very complicated,” said Andrea Gallardo, a Texan. “I’m just hoping that he’s able to rekindle a good relationship with our president and all the government officials so that we can start going into a good route, I would say.” In Washington, President Donald Trump said it was an honor for an American to be chosen. “What greater honor can there be?” Trump said. “We’re a little bit surprised and we’re happy.” Once white smoke started billowing out from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, “an extraordinary influx of over 150,000 people” came from elsewhere in Rome to fill the square, police said in a statement. “I was at home, but as soon as the smoke went up, I put on my clothes and I came to the Vatican,” said Thomas Nicolini, 22, a Peruvian from Lima, who is studying economics in Rome. “I’m really happy about this. I know he’s American, but he was in Peru for a long time, 20 years. He worked in the region of Chiclayo. That’s a beautiful area, but one of the regions that needs lots of hope. So now I’m expecting that the new pope helps as many people as possible, and tries to reignite, let’s say, the faith young people have lost.”

2025-05-09 06:01:02.931

Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano near Oregon, is exhibiting increased seismic activity and magma inflation, indicating a potential eruption. The volcano, located on the Juan de Fuca Ridge where tectonic plates are spreading, experiences frequent earthquakes. Scientists predict an eruption sometime later this year or early 2026, but it could happen sooner. Past eruptions involved thousands of small earthquakes and magma flows covering miles of the seafloor. The eruption is expected to be relatively mild, unlikely to harm marine life or be noticeable on land. The observatory plans to livestream the eruption, a first for undersea volcanic events. Interestingly, previous eruptions have occurred between January and April, possibly due to lunar gravitational influences on the volcano's magma chamber.

2025-05-09 06:01:02.921

President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, calling it the first of many. While details were sparse, a White House fact sheet revealed that a 10% tariff on UK imports will remain, but car tariffs will be reduced. The announcement had a muted effect on US markets, which rallied briefly before enthusiasm faded. The Dow closed up 254 points, the S&P 500 gained 0.58%, and the Nasdaq rose 1.07%. Despite the limited details, investors reacted positively, with Bitcoin surpassing $101,000. The agreement includes a carve-out for ultra-luxury cars, lowering tariffs on brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Jaguar, to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles imported annually, while additional vehicles face a 25% tariff. This preferential treatment for luxury cars drew criticism. Trump's top trade advisor, Peter Navarro, stated that more trade deals are forthcoming, urging patience. The US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, indicated positive trade talks with Vietnam and other South Asian countries, but cautioned that deals aren't guaranteed. The UK deal is seen by some as a template for future negotiations. While the deal was hailed as a win for Trump, analysts pointed out its limited scope and the persistence of the 10% baseline tariff. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, emphasized that the deal is an improvement over the previous day's situation. The agreement also includes provisions for beef and ethanol exports. Trump expressed optimism about upcoming trade talks with China, suggesting potential tariff reductions if the talks are successful. He urged investors to buy stocks, predicting strong economic growth. Markets showed a "greed" sentiment according to CNN's Fear and Greed index. Despite the positive market reaction, some analysts expressed concerns about the lack of detail and the limited benefits of the deal, particularly for the UK. The 10% tariff remains a significant barrier, and the deal primarily benefits luxury car imports, not everyday consumers. The US-UK agreement includes tariff reductions for luxury cars, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% tariff on most other goods. The deal also provides for increased access to the UK market for US beef and ethanol. The overall agreement is seen as a framework for future negotiations, with many details yet to be determined. President Trump continued his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates faster. The White House fact sheet highlighted a potential $5 billion opportunity for new US exports to the UK, although the specifics remain unclear. Trump emphasized that the 10% tariff is not a template for future deals, suggesting that other countries might face higher tariffs. Despite the minimum 145% tariff on most Chinese goods, Trump indicated a willingness to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing optimism about the upcoming trade talks. He stated that more trade deals are in the works.

2025-04-30 19:07:36.968

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

2025-04-29 06:02:45.912

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

2025-04-05 12:00:36.263

The Japanese Grand Prix, only the third race of the Formula 1 season, is full of exciting developments. McLaren has emerged as a dominant force, winning the first two races with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Their strong performance raises questions about whether they will dominate the season like Red Bull has in recent years. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, is seeking his first victory for the team after a sprint win in Shanghai and a disqualification in the main race due to technical infringements. The race also marks a significant moment for Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, recently promoted to Red Bull from its feeder team, Racing Bulls. A Japanese driver has never won an F1 race, making Tsunoda's performance a major focus for the home crowd of approximately 115,000. Despite McLaren's current dominance, other teams remain hopeful. George Russell of Mercedes acknowledges McLaren's strength but points to Red Bull's past dominance and subsequent decline as a reason for optimism. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari also expresses the need for improvement, highlighting the team's performance gap compared to McLaren. Hamilton's past success in Japan, with five wins, adds another layer of intrigue, though his current points total is low. The race also carries high expectations for Tsunoda, with fans hoping he will become the first Japanese driver to win an F1 race. His promotion to Red Bull and his known speed give him a strong chance. Pierre Gasly, a former Red Bull driver, comments on Tsunoda's maturity and improved driving. The potential for rain adds another element of excitement, favoring Verstappen, known for his skill in wet conditions. Friday's practice sessions saw McLaren setting the fastest times, further solidifying their position as the team to beat. However, a crash involving Jack Doohan during the second practice session caused several disruptions. Despite this, McLaren's dominance seems to continue.

2025-03-29 00:02:32.888

Singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were found guilty on all five counts of federal wire fraud. Kingston reportedly cried upon hearing the verdict and asked marshals to protect his mother. Separately, the family of late actress Kim Sae-ron is accusing actor Kim Soo-hyun of grooming their daughter, citing alleged inappropriate text messages sent when she was underage. Actor Ben Affleck was seen test-driving several motorcycles delivered to his home. The Chainsmokers' Drew Taggart had an uninvited guest, a woman who falsely claimed to be his wife, at his house. A Resorts World casino in Las Vegas was fined $10.5 million for money laundering. Jake Paul's fiancée, Jutta Leerdam, showed off her surfing skills at an indoor water park. Brooke Hogan and her mother, Linda Hogan, are engaged in a public feud with accusations of narcissism and past abuse being thrown around. A video shows an elderly woman casually walking across a basketball court during a game. Sydney Sweeney shared new vacation photos without her fiancé. Astronaut Mae Jemison gave advice to Lauren Sanchez and Gayle King about their upcoming space mission. Rachel Uchitel, Tiger Woods' ex-girlfriend, is engaged. Bodycam footage shows the arrest of a mother who allegedly stabbed her 11-year-old son to death. Finally, a poll asks users to choose between Livvy Dunne and Chantel Jeffries in animal print bikinis.

2025-03-27 12:00:10.377

The Trump administration's approach to mRNA technology, crucial for COVID-19 vaccines and future medical advancements, is alarming scientists. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is collecting data on mRNA research funding, sparking fears of defunding. Scientists report informal warnings against applying for mRNA grants, creating a climate of fear and secrecy. While the NIH claims it's a data call, concerns center on the administration's apparent mistrust of mRNA, fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. This distrust extends to a review of a large contract with Moderna for flu vaccine research. The situation is worsened by the appointments of mRNA vaccine skeptics to key positions within the administration, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at HHS and potential appointments of Jay Bhattacharya at NIH and Martin Makary at the FDA. These individuals have previously voiced concerns about COVID-19 responses and vaccines. Experts fear this opposition could impact FDA approvals of future mRNA-based drugs and therapies, potentially hindering medical progress and jeopardizing preparedness for future pandemics. Despite these concerns, the FDA maintains its commitment to a science-based approach, and some remain hopeful that the drug approval process will remain protected from politicization.

2025-03-27 06:01:38.526

Fourteen-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died suddenly while vacationing with his family at an upscale resort in Costa Rica. Doctors who treated the boy revealed that he was unresponsive upon arrival and could not be revived despite over 30 minutes of CPR. Dr. Kevin Gannon, who led the medical team, stated that they could not determine a cause of death at the scene. The family, including Brett and Jessica Gardner and their other son, Hunter, had all experienced vomiting after dinner the previous night. While initial speculation pointed to food poisoning or an allergic reaction, Dr. Gannon deemed these unlikely due to the time elapsed before Miller's collapse. Authorities initially suspected asphyxiation from food poisoning but later ruled it out. A new theory suggests a possible allergic reaction to medication, but Dr. Gannon considers this improbable as well. Toxicology tests are pending, but results could take months. The resort is attempting to distance itself from reports of food poisoning. The sudden and unexplained death has left authorities and the public searching for answers.

2025-03-20 06:02:52.053

US President Donald Trump’s administration has detained Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University scholar, and is seeking to deport him. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accuses Suri of ties to Hamas, alleging he spread propaganda and antisemitism on social media. The DHS statement, shared with Fox News and reposted by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, lacked evidence. Secretary of State Marco Rubio deemed Suri’s activities deportable. Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, is married to a US citizen and was arrested outside his home. His lawyer stated Suri is awaiting a court date and that the government's actions are problematic. Georgetown University stated it was unaware of any illegal activity by Suri. This case follows the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate, for participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Both cases have sparked outcry from civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups, who accuse the administration of unfairly targeting political critics. Suri’s wife, Mapheze Saleh, is from Gaza and has written for Al Jazeera and Palestinian media outlets. Suri teaches a class on "Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia" and holds a PhD in peace and conflict studies. The Trump administration's actions are seen by some as conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

2025-03-20 06:02:52.044

A North Dakota jury ruled against Greenpeace, ordering the environmental group to pay Energy Transfer, a pipeline company, hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. The lawsuit, filed in 2017, alleged defamation and the incitement of criminal behavior during protests against the Dakota Access pipeline in 2016 and 2017. Energy Transfer claimed Greenpeace orchestrated a misinformation campaign that fueled the protests. Greenpeace denied the allegations and stated that the lawsuit aimed to stifle peaceful protest. The jury awarded Energy Transfer at least $660 million, a sum Greenpeace says could bankrupt its US operations. Concerns were raised about the impartiality of the jury, with more than half having ties to the fossil fuel industry and expressing negative views of anti-pipeline protests. Greenpeace plans to appeal the verdict, arguing that the trial was unfair and that the massive award could have a chilling effect on free speech. The case has drawn attention from the non-profit community and First Amendment experts, with some characterizing it as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) designed to silence critics. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which had also protested the pipeline, released a statement asserting their leadership of the protests and accusing Energy Transfer of seeking to silence their voices. Energy Transfer maintained that the verdict vindicated the rule of law and held Greenpeace accountable for disrupting the community.

2025-03-18 06:03:11.078

President Trump expressed his disappointment with the state of the Kennedy Center during his first visit since becoming board chairman. He described the building as being in "tremendous disrepair," blaming poor management. Trump specifically pointed to structural issues, including the columns and "underground" rooms deemed a waste of money. Despite a recent $250 million renovation project, he intends to request Congressional funding to "save the structure." He further criticized the high costs associated with events, citing an example of Lee Greenwood facing a $30,000 charge for stage preparation. Trump linked these issues to broader concerns about financial waste and bureaucracy in the country. He highlighted the Kennedy Center's importance to Washington, D.C., and the nation, stating his goal is to improve the visitor experience and overall quality of performances. The renovation effort is part of a larger agenda to "clean up" D.C., encompassing crime reduction, removal of homeless encampments, and dismantling of Black Lives Matter Plaza. Trump noted the upcoming performance of "Les Misérables" and expressed optimism for future improvements at the Kennedy Center.

2025-03-08 18:00:32.436

Bhad Bhabie was spotted at LAX, departing for Atlanta after a frightening week. Armed gunmen attempted to break into her L.A. home while she and her boyfriend, Le Vaughn, were inside. The suspects fled before police arrived. This incident follows a shooting at Sam's Hofbrau strip club, where Le Vaughn (father of Bhabie's child) was shot in the hand during an altercation. Police are investigating both incidents, but it remains unclear if they are connected.

2025-03-08 00:01:04.233

The Trump administration announced a $400 million funding cut to Columbia University, canceling grants and contracts due to what the government describes as the university's insufficient response to antisemitism. This action comes after federal agencies reviewed Columbia's eligibility for over $5 billion in federal grants and considered halting work on $51 million in contracts. The decision followed the establishment of a new disciplinary committee at Columbia and increased investigations into students critical of Israel, raising concerns among free speech advocates. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that universities must comply with federal antidiscrimination laws to receive funding, asserting that Columbia had failed in its obligation to Jewish students. Columbia vowed to work with the government to regain the funding, emphasizing its commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring student safety. The impact on specific research projects remains unclear, but the announcement caused significant worry among researchers. While some, including a Jewish oceanographer, viewed the government's claims as false, Columbia/Barnard Hillel welcomed the decision, hoping it would prompt the university to address antisemitism more seriously. The New York Civil Liberties Union criticized the move as an unconstitutional attempt to censor student speech. This action marks the first target in President Trump's campaign to cut federal funding from colleges accused of tolerating antisemitism, following campus protests and demonstrations at Columbia related to the Israel-Hamas war. The university's former president faced congressional questioning regarding antisemitism, and a university task force reported instances of ostracization and harassment of Jewish students and Israelis. Recent smaller protests at Columbia-affiliated Barnard College resulted in further arrests. The protests involved students expressing solidarity with Palestinians and criticizing Israel's actions, with many asserting that their actions were not antisemitic. However, some students and their legal counsel see the university's disciplinary actions as an attempt to appease the government. Columbia is among several universities under federal antisemitism investigation.

2025-03-07 18:01:14.186

Model Brooks Nader caused a stir in Paris with her nearly-nude sheer outfit. Meanwhile, Octomom (Natalie Suleman) discussed her experiences with Child Protective Services. Rick Harrison of "Pawn Stars" proposed to Angie Polushkin with a stunning 6.5-carat ring from his pawn shop. Wendy Williams seeks to end her guardianship, and Johnny Manziel's mother was arrested for DWI. Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane are dismissing their divorce. The suspect in rapper G$ Lil Ronnie's murder was arrested. Stephen A. Smith addressed his pregame argument with LeBron James. Livvy Dunne announced she'll miss LSU's Senior Night due to injury. Bhad Bhabie's home was targeted by alleged gunmen. Post Malone and his fiancée have reportedly separated. Charles Barkley criticized ESPN and Kendrick Perkins on "Inside the NBA." Teddi Mellencamp revealed multiple brain tumors. Soulja Boy paid tribute to his late friend G$ Lil Ronnie. Finally, a star-studded concert raised money for charity.

2025-03-06 06:00:19.894

Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz vibraphonist best known for his iconic song "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," has passed away at the age of 84. His family announced his death on Tuesday, stating that he died in New York City after a prolonged illness, without specifying the nature of his ailment. The statement expressed the family's wish for privacy during this time, promising a future celebration of his life. Ayers' music achieved widespread popularity, notably through his contributions to the Pam Grier Blaxploitation film "Coffy" and the release of "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" in 1976. This enduring hit boasts over 130 million Spotify streams. His music has been sampled and covered by numerous artists, including Kanye West, Common, Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo, and Tyler, the Creator. He is survived by his wife Argerie and their two children, Ayana and Mtume.

2025-03-04 22:26:33.049

"Shahs of Sunset" star Paulina Ben-Cohen filed for a restraining order against Golnesa Gharachedaghi after a physical altercation at Bloomingdale's. Gypsy Rose Blanchard is open to meeting with President Trump about prison reform. Alec Baldwin's new reality show is facing criticism for its portrayal of the "Rust" shooting aftermath. Rapper G$ Lil Ronnie and his 5-year-old daughter were tragically shot and killed. Teddi Mellencamp is recovering from brain tumors. Woah Vicky shared photos from her trip to Africa. The fiancée of Faster Pussycat's lead singer died after falling overboard from a cruise ship. Hilaria Baldwin revealed Alec's suicidal thoughts after the "Rust" shooting. Quinton Aaron was hospitalized with the flu and pneumonia. The Menendez brothers' resentencing hearing was postponed. Montana Yao filed for legal separation from Malik Beasley. Angie Stone's family is planning a memorial and funeral. Chelsea Handler and Ralph Fiennes are reportedly casually dating. Jax Taylor revealed his cocaine addiction. Chris Hemsworth was seen surfing in Australia. Mike Epps criticized Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" podcast for its lack of focus on white athletes.

2025-03-04 22:26:33.046

Paulina Ben-Cohen is seeking a restraining order against Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi following an alleged physical altercation at a Bloomingdale's in Los Angeles. According to court documents, GG allegedly confronted Paulina, forced her out of the store, and verbally abused her, using insults like "How does it feel to be a whore" and "I'm going to f*** you up!" GG allegedly taunted a security guard, claiming he couldn't do anything to stop her. Paulina claims GG struck her in the face with her phone, leading to a physical fight where GG allegedly pulled Paulina's hair. The altercation ended with the intervention of a security guard. Paulina reports that GG continued the verbal abuse, even insulting Paulina's daughter. GG's representative has not commented on the incident.

2025-03-04 00:01:21.425

Kroger, America's largest grocery chain, announced the resignation of its Chairman and CEO, Rodney McMullen, following an internal investigation into his personal conduct. The investigation, unrelated to Kroger's business operations or financial performance, concluded that McMullen's actions were inconsistent with the company's ethics policy. Ronald Sargent, a long-time board member with extensive experience in the grocery industry and as former CEO of Staples, will serve as interim CEO and chairman. McMullen's career with Kroger spanned four decades, beginning as a part-time stock clerk. The investigation, initiated after the board learned of the situation on February 21st, was conducted by independent counsel. Kroger's board will conduct a search for a permanent CEO. This news comes as Kroger is recovering from its failed merger attempt with Albertsons. The merger, which would have created the largest supermarket in the US, was blocked by judges due to antitrust concerns. Albertsons also announced the retirement of its CEO, Vivek Sankaran, to be replaced by Susan Morris.

2025-03-03 00:03:31.701

• Fallout from Oval Office meeting: The reverberations of Friday’s tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated the Ukrainian leader over Russia’s war on the country — are still being felt from Washington to Kyiv. • Global reaction: European leaders held an emergency summit Sunday in London to rally support for Ukraine as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to wrestle control of negotiations away from the US. Russian officials and state media have expressed glee at the highly public diplomatic breakdown. The White House, meanwhile, is making clear it views the showdown as an overwhelming win that underscores Trump’s “America first” leadership. • Trump’s domestic agenda: Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pursuing his top priorities at home, including shaking up the federal workforce with a new round of mass emails to government employees. Meanwhile, the American public’s view of Trump’s presidency and the direction he’s leading the country is more negative than positive just ahead of his first formal address to Congress, according to a new CNN poll. The owner of a plant in Georgia that makes a special peanut butter paste for severely malnourished children told CNN on Sunday he has yet to hear from the federal government about his company’s canceled contracts with the US Agency for International Development, hours after Elon Musk said on social media he would “investigate” and “fix it.” “We will investigate whether this is real or not and fix it if it is,” Musk wrote on X on Sunday, in response to CNN’s reporting last week about the plant’s canceled contracts with USAID. Mark Moore, the owner of Fitzgerald, Georgia-based MANA Nutrition, told CNN last week that his contracts with USAID were abruptly canceled. Moore said as of Sunday afternoon, he had heard only unofficial rumblings that the contracts with MANA may be restored. Some background: MANA Nutrition makes a special kind of peanut butter paste that is fortified with milk and essential vitamins, packed with calories and sent to severely malnourished children around the world, including some countries in Africa. Moore said he immediately stopped using “USAID” labels on the peanut butter paste pouches since he would not be able to distribute anything labeled as such without contracts with the agency. He also said he had some 400,000 boxes of RUTF, or “Ready-for-Use Therapeutic Foods,” in his warehouse already made for USAID. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the relationship between the United States and his country “will continue” when asked by reporters in London how he would salvage it following an explosive meeting Friday with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. “I think that our relationship will continue,” Zelensky told reporters Sunday. “We are grateful to all of the societies in the countries that support us. Indeed, we are very thankful, and the bipartisan support has always been on our side, and I think at the same level, the support will continue.” Zelensky called the US a “strategic partner,” saying it would not benefit anyone other than Russia if US assistance to Ukraine were to stop. London summit: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gathered European leaders for a pivotal summit in London on Sunday, as the continent sought to wrestle control of negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war away from the US and present a united front. Zelensky and an ensemble of European leaders were in attendance, at a moment of intense anxiety in the conflict. Starmer told reporters he was working with France and a small number of other nations to craft a ceasefire plan, which would then be presented to the US. First lady Melania Trump is expected to speak publicly Monday for the first time since her husband returned to office, highlighting her support for a bill aimed at protecting Americans from deepfake and revenge pornography. Trump will hold a roundtable discussion Monday on Capitol Hill, according to the first lady’s office, to shine a light on the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act, which boosts protections for victims of nonconsensual sharing of sexual images, including content generated by artificial intelligence, also known as deepfake porn. In the past year, targets of AI-generated, nonconsensual pornographic images have ranged from prominent women such as Taylor Swift and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to high school girls. The bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, “would criminalize the publication of nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII (or ‘deepfake pornography’), and require social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content upon notification from a victim,” according to Cruz’s office. It passed the Senate with bipartisan support during the last session of Congress and again in February, but it has yet to pass the House. Cruz and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, have supported the effort, and the first lady is now lending her support. Some background: During President Donald Trump’s first term, Melania Trump unveiled her “Be Best” platform, which included a focus on online safety. She indicated in an interview last year that she was interested in reinvigorating those efforts and suggested she could take on “new issues.” Read more here. This post has been updated with additional information. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday directed civilian employees at the Pentagon to respond to the Trump administration’s request to detail their job accomplishments. In a video posted on X, Hegseth called the request a “pulse check” and said employees would receive more instructions after responding to an email from the Office of Personnel Management about how to remain compliant with guidance to the federal workforce. In a memo distributed to the Pentagon workforce on Friday and obtained by CNN, Hegseth ordered all civilian employees to respond to an email they were expected to receive on Monday asking for five bullet points “on their previous week’s achievements.” Defense Department leaders had previously ordered all employees to hold off on responding to the initial OPM request. Hegseth also said employees shouldn’t include classified information in their replies. “The directive to civilian employees will be clear:, reply to the email, cc your supervisor, provide without any classified or sensitive information, basic topics of what you did last week,” Hegseth said in Sunday’s video. Hegseth acknowledged the department’s “civilian patriots who dedicate themselves to defending this nation,” adding that “most” civilian Pentagon employees are “critical to our national security.” Elon Musk, a significant force behind the Trump administration’s efforts to drastically cut the federal government, posted on X that Hegseth’s video was “much appreciated.” Musk, who is the CEO of X, warned federal workers at the time that failure to respond to initial OPM email would be “taken as a resignation,” though several agency leaders have since directed employees not to reply to the message as its implications are under consideration. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the US is an important and “reliable” ally, speaking in London after a summit of European leaders discussed support for Ukraine on Sunday. “Nobody wanted to see what happened last Friday but I do not accept that the US is an unreliable ally; the US has been a reliable ally to the UK for many, many decades and continues to be,” Starmer said, referring to the heated exchange between the US and Ukrainian presidents at the White House this week. The prime minister also said the United Kingdom, France and others will work with Ukraine on a plan to end to the fighting with Russia. Here’s what else Starmer said on Sunday: • He unveiled a new deal for Ukraine’s defense, allowing it to use £1.6 billion ($2 billion) of UK export finance to buy more than 5,000 advanced air defense missiles, which would be made in Belfast, Ireland, Starmer said. • Leaders also agreed on sustained economic pressure on Russia and to keep military aid to Ukraine flowing, Starmer said, adding that “any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security” and that “Ukraine should be at the table.” • The prime minister also said countries would develop a “coalition of the willing” to defend a deal in Ukraine and guarantee peace, and that his country would back this with “boots on the ground and planes in the air.” “Europe must do the heavy lifting,” Starmer said, adding that this needs strong US backing. “Our starting point must be to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position now, so that they can negotiate from a position of strength.” • And, he said any potential peace plan would have to involve Russia. But Starmer insisted that Moscow would not dictate the terms of “any security guarantee.” The White House is making clear it views Donald Trump’s Friday Oval Office showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as an overwhelming win that underscores the US president’s “America first” leadership, dispatching top officials and allies to amplify Trump’s handling of the situation even as European leaders are expressing unified support for Ukraine. Trump often took aim at US aid for Ukraine on the campaign trail, reflecting waning support among Americans for Ukraine and Zelensky over the past three years of the war. Trump views the conflict through an economic lens, seeking to rebuild a partnership with Russia and recoup some of the financial support the US has provided to Ukraine. The president’s top lieutenants, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — all of whom were in the Oval Office during the explosive meeting — appeared on news shows Sunday to offer praise to their boss and criticism of his Ukrainian counterpart. The efforts come as dozens of European leaders are gathering in London for what British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as a “once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe,” a major show of support for Zelensky. Trump’s team, meanwhile, is doubling down, framing the contentious Friday meeting from a position of US strength, even as it has been met with glee by the Kremlin. Read more about about the Trump administration’s strategy here. When he steps onto the dais in the House chamber on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump will have another major platform to relay his second term priorities. For Democrats, the moment will present a fresh test of whether they can effectively counter Trump’s primetime programming. Democratic leadership chose a first-term senator elected in a battleground state Trump won in November to deliver the party’s official response. A Democratic senator whose name is often talked about for 2028 is among those skipping the address, predicting it will be a “MAGA pep rally.” And a protest movement organizing online has identified March 4th – the day of Trump’s speech – as its next day of action. The varying tactics of Democrats in Washington and across the country will be on display as Trump delivers his address to a joint session of Congress six weeks into a second term where he’s swiftly moved to remake the federal government and implement his foreign policy vision, at times unnerving US allies. While Democrats have rallied against Elon Musk and DOGE cuts, lawmakers in Washington have struggled to stop the president’s early actions or settle on a cohesive approach to push back on them. It comes amid an ongoing debate within the Democratic party about the best way to handle Trump’s second term and position Democrats for success in the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election – with some saying Democratic leaders aren’t doing enough. Heading into Tuesday’s speech, Democratic leaders – from Capitol Hill to the Democratic National Committee – are hoping to present a united front. Read how they plan to do that here. Former House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner, historically an avid supporter of Ukraine and hardliner on Russia, called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions during his tense Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump “inappropriate.” “Well, I mean, the first thing, obviously, is, you know, we have to realize why this is important and really what was at stake here. I mean, this is important because Ukraine is important. This is about the fight but between, you know, authoritarianism and freedom and democracy,” the Ohio Republican said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” adding, “The second thing is, is really how inappropriate this was for Zelensky.” “Zelensky came to sign a minerals deal with the United States and it was inappropriate for him to publicly ask for security guarantees during the meeting, while defending Trump’s handling of Ukraine,” Turner said. “You got to hear President Trump. I mean, he engaged by saying people are dying. We need to stop the dying. We can’t have we can’t go into World War III and imploring him to, let’s go forward with the peace negotiations, and then we’ll determine what security arrangements need to be made around the peace negotiations,” he said. Turner said Zelensky was putting “the cart before the horse” and he was very confident in Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s ability to get a peace negotiation done. “I believe that Zelensky needs to trust him, and he needs to not have this precondition of American security guarantees, which are not coming,” he said. A proposed investment deal to secure access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals is not currently on the table, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday, following Friday’s tense Oval Office meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump last week. “I don’t know what President Zelensky was thinking — we had President of France Emmanuel Macron in on Monday, great meeting; we had Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, fantastic meeting. They were all on board the arc of the peace agreement,” Bessent, who was in the Oval Office for Friday’s meeting, said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “All President Zelensky had to do was come in and sign this economic agreement and again, show no daylight, no daylight between Ukrainian people and the American people, and he chose to blow that up.” Pressed in a follow-up exchange on whether the deal was still on the table, he added, “Not at present.” After Friday’s explosive meeting, Trump said in a Truth Social post that Zelensky could come back to the White House “when he is ready for peace.” “I think we have to see if President Zelensky wants to proceed — what’s the use in having an economic agreement that’s going to be rendered moot if he wants the fighting to continue? President Trump wants a peace deal,” Bessent said. On Friday, Zelensky said Ukraine would like to see an end to the war, but expressed concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin was likely to break a ceasefire if any economic agreement between the Ukraine and the US didn’t come with security assurances. “We need more than just that. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We’ve been fighting for three years, and Ukrainian people need to know that America is on our side,” Zelensky said. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed a “divergence” exists between the values that President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are fighting for and those of many European countries coming to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s defense, arguing those who criticize Trump’s efforts “are not committed to peace.” “What we should pay attention to here in the United States of America is the American people, so many people across the country, celebrating the strong leadership that President Trump and Vice President Vance demonstrated in the Oval Office, something we have not seen over the last four years of the Biden administration,” Gabbard said on “Fox News Sunday.” “I think those who are criticizing his efforts in this way are showing that they are not committed to peace, and in the case of many of those European countries, that they’re not committed to the cause and values of freedom, even though they speak of this,” Gabbard continued. Gabbard named Germany, the UK and the “tossing out of the elections in Romania” as examples, suggesting that European countries are more interested in helping Zelensky continue the war, rather than end it. Gabbard also pointed to “the canceling of elections in Ukraine.” Since Russia invaded in 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which prohibits elections. Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he regrets voting to confirm Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this year amid the escalating tension between the United States and Ukraine. “I regret that vote, because as a member of the Senate, Secretary Rubio was somebody who stood up for American values, American principles,” the Maryland senator said on “Fox News Sunday.” “He acknowledged that Russia was the aggressor against Ukraine, he realized that it wasn’t Zelensky who was the dictator, and now he’s simply taking his directions for the State Department from Elon Musk and essentially parroting the President’s position.” Van Hollen said President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance showed a “despicable display of bullying” toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the fiery meeting. “This was a total disaster for those of us who believe in American foreign policy where we respect our allies and our friends and we stand up for democracy and freedom around the world,” Van Hollen said. Trump’s mineral deal — which was scheduled to be signed after the meeting with Zelensky — was “extortion, pure and simple,” Van Hollen said. “It was Zelensky’s idea originally to include some kind of deal on minerals to provide for reconstruction, but what happened was that idea got transformed originally into an idea where it was really extortion, it was like, ‘Give us half of this stuff for what we’ve already done,’” Van Hollen said. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday he expects Canada and Mexico will be hit with tariffs on Tuesday, but the level will be fluid, though he praised both countries for their respective efforts on border security. “(President Donald Trump is) sort of thinking about, right now, how exactly he wants to play with Mexico and Canada, and that is a fluid situation. There are going to be tariffs on Tuesday on Mexico and Canada. Exactly what they are, we’re going to leave that for the president and his team to negotiate. And obviously I’m talking to him all the time to discuss what that’s going to be on Tuesday,” Lutnick said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” with Maria Bartiromo. He also indicated that additional 10% tariffs on China remain on the table for Tuesday. “Both Mexico and Canada have done a reasonable job on the border. They’re both working hard on the border. … But the fentanyl continues to come into this country and continues to murder our people, and the ingredients are made in China. They’re sent to Mexico and Canada, and then they come and attack our country, and that’s got to end,” he said. Pressed on whether there might be tariffs on Mexico and Canada at a lower rate, Lutnick suggested that was a distinct possibility. CNN has reported Mexico, China and Canada are America’s top three trading partners. Simultaneous tariffs on all three nations could lead to soaring prices for American consumers, especially at a time when inflation is already heating up. Republican Sen. James Lankford called Russia President Vladimir Putin a thug and defended President Donald Trump’s commitment to Ukraine after Friday’s contentious Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “No, we’re not turning our back on Ukraine, nor should we. Putin is a murderous KGB thug that murders his political enemies and is a dictator there. … We’ve seen his aggression. Countries around him have seen that,” Lankford said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Lankford did not comment directly on the tension in the meeting between Zelensky and Trump, which resulted in Trump berating Zelensky — a scene lauded by the Kremlin. But Lankford argued Trump only wants a resolution to the fighting — though he said he understands why Zelensky does not trust Putin to abide by any agreement. “What I hear President Trump saying over and over again is we need to get to a stop in fighting, find some resolution. I understand Zelensky is rightfully concerned that Putin has violated every single agreement he’s ever signed, and that he can’t be trusted,” he said. Lankford said he did not agree with senators who’ve suggested Zelensky should resign and said he is simply seeking security guarantees. “I think they understand each other and that obviously there are differences, where Zelensky wants more in the way of some kind of security guarantees. The United States is not willing to be able to put troops on the ground,” he said. President Donald Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz indicated US support for new leadership in Ukraine following Friday’s Oval Office showdown with President Volodymyr Zelensky. “We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians and end this war,” Waltz told Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday. “And if it becomes apparent that President Zelensky’s either personal motivations or political motivations are divergent from ending the fighting in this country, then I think we have a real issue on our hands.” Waltz said that the Ukrainian leader needs to make it clear “publicly and privately” that he is “ready to go to peace.” Waltz also offered new insight into potential concessions during negotiations for a deal between Russia and Ukraine. “What I’m saying is this war needs to end, and that’s going to take concessions on territory. That’s going to take Russian concessions on security guarantees. That’s going to take all sides coming to the table. And we are working very hard to drive those negotiations forward,” he said. Pressed by Bash for specifics on those concessions for Russia, he said, “This will clearly be some type of territorial concession for security guarantees going forward,” pointing to “European-led security guarantees,” including the UK and France’s boots on the ground. US security guarantees, he added, are “to be negotiated.” A little more than half of Americans say they personally support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, but few believe President Donald Trump is on the same side, according to a CBS/YouGov poll released Sunday and conducted prior to the Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. We’ve broken down the key findings from the poll for you here: The survey puts Trump’s overall approval rating at 51%, with 49% disapproving. That’s a slight downtick from his standing in CBS’ early February polling, but it remains higher than other recent polls – including the CNN survey released Sunday, as well as February polls from Reuters/Ipsos, Washington Post/Ipsos, Quinnipiac University and Gallup – that show Trump’s approval rating underwater. Secretary of State Marco Rubio repeatedly stressed that the United States’ goal is getting Russia to the negotiating table, arguing that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky derailed that effort in the Oval Office on Friday by talking about the need for security guarantees, challenging Vice President JD Vance and trying to “Ukraine-splain” history. “We’re trying to get Putin to a negotiating table,” Rubio said on ABC This Week. “Everyone knows the history here, the back and forth. We understand that. We all understand that. But the question now is, can we get them to a table to negotiate? That’s our goal. Don’t do anything to disrupt that. And that’s what Zelensky did, unfortunately, is he found every opportunity to try to ‘Ukraine-splain’ on every issue.” “Then he confronts the vice president when the vice president says, ‘The goal here is diplomacy,’ he immediately jumps in, and challenges the vice president, ‘Well, what kind of diplomacy?’” Rubio continued. Rubio claimed that Trump is the only person “who has any chance” of bringing Putin to the negotiating table to see what it would take to end the war. “Maybe their claims are what they want, their demands will be unreasonable. We don’t know, but we have to bring them to the table. You’re not going to bring them to the table if you’re calling them names or you’re being antagonistic,” Rubio said. ABC’s George Stephanopoulos pressed Rubio, asking, “Why is it OK to call Zelensky a dictator, but not, as you say, call Putin names?” “We’ve spent three years calling Vladimir Putin names. That’s not the point. The point that we’re at now is we’re trying to get the man to a table,” Rubio said. “I would ask everybody this if there are no negotiations, what is the alternative?” “No one here is claiming Vladimir Putin is going to get the Nobel Peace Prize this year, or that he should be the Man of the Year of the humanitarian association,” Rubio added. “We need to figure out, is there a way to get them to stop the war and the only way you’re going to do that is to get Russians engaged in negotiations.” Rubio said that he has not any contact with Zelensky since Friday’s Oval Office meeting but did not answer for Trump. Rubio called security guarantees “deterrence” and said that “everybody understands” that safeguards must be put in place, but the first step is engaging with Russia “to see if it’s even possible.” “It’s been explained crystal clear to the Ukrainians and the Europeans and everyone else who wants to know for weeks now, for weeks now, and the only thing they were told is, do not do things to derail it. And sadly, President Zelensky, you know, couldn’t contain himself in that regard. I hope this could all be reset. I hope he comes to the realization that we’re actually trying to help his country here, before it suffers thousands of more casualties,” Rubio said. Asked what concessions he expects Russia to make, Rubio said, “Why would I say that on a news broadcast? That’s what negotiations are about.” While the Trump administration and Elon Musk are now mandating that federal employees file weekly reports on their activities, certain agencies are giving somewhat different guidance to their staff, as they did in response to the initial demand a week ago. Federal workers received a second “What did you do last week?” email on Friday from the Office of Personnel Management directing them to reply with five bullet points about their accomplishments and to CC their managers. But the State Department told its staff that it will take care of the request. At the Department of Homeland Security, leaders instructed employees to submit a list of their work accomplishments but said the information will remain internal to the agency. The Pentagon advised civilian staffers to reply but likewise noted that the responses will be kept within the Department of Defense, rather than going to OPM. Friday’s OPM email followed a similar one the previous weekend demanding the nation’s more than 2 million federal employees send the office a list of their accomplishments, with Musk threatening that those who didn’t comply could lose their jobs. The directive sent shock waves through the workforce, and agencies scrambled to determine how to respond, with many departments dealing with national security advising staff not to answer. Hours before the deadline, OPM provided guidance that replying to the email was voluntary. One million employees ultimately complied, the White House said last week. Unlike the initial demand, the latest OPM email noted that workers whose activities are classified or sensitive can write, “All of my activities are sensitive.” Musk, who called the first email a “pulse check” to make sure the federal government is not being defrauded by people claiming the identities of dead or fake workers, posted on X Saturday that employees must respond to the latest demand but acknowledged that some information should not be disclosed. “The President has made it clear that this is mandatory for the executive branch,” Musk wrote. House Speaker Mike Johnson staunchly defended President Donald Trump’s tense White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday and called his Republican colleague Sen. Lisa Murkowski “plainly wrong” for accusing the president of embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin over US allies. “The person who walked away from the table yesterday was President Zelensky. I mean, look, I’ve been involved in a lot of bilateral meetings like this with heads of state and dignitaries. There’s a certain protocol to these events. But for him to act as he did was rather shocking to everyone,” Johnson said on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, adding that Zelensky “interrupted and berated his hosts at a very perilous time for his country.” Zelensky should have been “anxious” to enter into the mineral agreement, which Johnson said would have been a “win, win” for both countries, as higher economic stakes in Ukraine would have given the US further incentive to help defend the country. “We would have created an economic partnership with Ukraine at a time when it needs to be reemerging, and that would have been a great thing, and I don’t understand why President Zelensky would not accept that gratefully,” he said, adding, “I think it’s a big mistake, and I hope he changes his mind.” Johnson said he believes Trump is restoring President Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” foreign policy doctrine, saying Trump “is a strong hand to return to the White House in a very perilous time on the world stage. We have to bring about an end to this war in Ukraine.” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said Sunday that President Donald Trump and his entire team are “pretending as if Ukraine started this war” to help align themselves with Russia. “It is absolutely shameful what is happening right now. The White House has become an arm of the Kremlin,” Murphy told CNN’s Dana Bash on State of the Union. “There are still facts in this world and the fact is this: Vladimir Putin is a brutal dictator. Russia started this war. And the entire pretext for that meeting yesterday was an attempt to rewrite history in order to sign a deal with Putin that hands Putin Ukraine,” Murphy said. The Democratic senator also claimed that Trump was aligning himself with “despots all around the world because that makes it easier for him to transform America into a kleptocratic oligarchy where Elon Musk and Donald Trump rule and steal from the American people.” Separately, Murphy was asked about his decision to skip Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday. He described the speech as a “farce” and a “MAGA pep rally.” While he said it was up to Democrats to make a decision on whether they’d attend the speech, he said he was making a case to them to “fight every single day.” “Republicans flood the zone. Democrats have to flood the zone. They flood the zone with lies. We flood the zone with truth. We are going to stop this billionaire takeover of government. We are going to stop their destruction of democracy,” he said on CNN. Trump adviser Jason Miller offered a preview of President Donald Trump’s upcoming address to a joint session of Congress, suggesting that the president is planning to highlight accomplishments so far but also look ahead to next steps. “What comes next is so critical,” Miller said during a Sunday appearance on Fox News. He pointed to efforts to tackle inflation by cutting federal spending, the proposed tax bill, and funding for the border, as well as “making sure that we continue to bring peace and stability around the world, but we have to do it with respect and strength.” Trump is also expected to look ahead, Miller said, to “making sure we get to Mars, winning the AI race against China, … (and) making sure we have a Marshall Plan for the next generation.” The president will connect those topics, he said, “with people in their everyday lives.” “President Trump has this unique ability to speak directly to the American people and let them know in a transparent and accountable way how he is helping them,” Miller said.

2025-03-02 18:28:07.872

President Zelensky's Friday meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office ended disastrously, with Trump angrily dismissing Zelensky. Before meeting Trump, Zelensky met with anti-Trump Democrats who advised him to reject a proposed mineral deal. This meeting undermined claims of an ambush by Trump and Vice President Vance, suggesting Zelensky had an ulterior motive and no intention of signing the deal. The author criticizes Zelensky for prioritizing partisan advice over dealing directly with Trump, potentially jeopardizing Ukrainian interests and leaving them without crucial American support. The article suggests Zelensky's actions were a gift to Putin and highlights the political motivations of Democrats in using the incident to attack Trump. The author argues that Trump's proposed minerals plan, while not including a security guarantee, offered a path to peace and accuses Zelensky of rejecting a viable opportunity for a cease-fire. The author concludes that Zelensky's actions were a tragic mistake, leaving Ukraine vulnerable and dependent on unreliable European allies.

2025-03-02 18:28:07.865

“Saturday Night Live” faced backlash for its cold open spoofing the tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sketch depicted a comedic, yet controversial, portrayal of the encounter, featuring James Austin Johnson as Trump, Bowen Yang as Vice President JD Vance, Mikey Day as Zelensky, and Marcello Hernandez as Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The skit included a goofy appearance by Mike Myers as Elon Musk, carrying a chainsaw, referencing Musk's appearance at CPAC. The sketch's humor included Trump and Vance belittling Zelensky, Musk's nonsensical antics, and the creation of a fictional Department of Undoing Child Healthcare and Education (DOUCHE). Social media reactions were divided, with some criticizing the sketch as unfunny and classless, particularly taking issue with Myers' portrayal of Musk and a T-shirt he wore referencing Trump's proposal to make Canada the 51st state. Others defended the sketch, finding it humorous.

2025-03-02 12:05:26.937

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully touched down on the moon on March 2, 2025, becoming the first private company to achieve a successful, upright landing. The lander, carrying 10 NASA experiments costing $145 million, landed on the northeastern edge of the near side of the moon. The mission includes a drill to measure subsurface temperatures, a vacuum to collect moon dirt, and a device to mitigate lunar dust. Blue Ghost's journey also provided stunning images of Earth and the moon. This successful landing is part of NASA's commercial lunar delivery program, aiming to establish a lunar economy with private companies. Other private companies, including Intuitive Machines and ispace, are also vying for lunar landings, with Intuitive Machines' lander scheduled for landing on March 6th. Despite past failures by some of these companies, NASA aims to maintain a pace of two private lunar landings per year, recognizing that some missions will inevitably fail. The success of Blue Ghost represents a significant step towards a future with increased private sector involvement in space exploration.

2025-02-28 18:01:01.259

Authorities are investigating the deaths of Oscar-winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found dead in their Santa Fe home. Autopsies and carbon monoxide testing are pending to determine the cause of death. Investigators believe the couple may have been deceased for days or weeks before discovery. A search warrant revealed prescription medication at the scene, but there is no indication of foul play. The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff's office is working to piece together the timeline of events leading up to their deaths. Hackman was a highly acclaimed actor known for roles in films such as "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven."

2025-02-28 18:01:01.254

A grassroots organization, the People’s Union USA, is calling for a 24-hour "economic blackout" on Friday, urging Americans to abstain from all spending as a form of protest against the perceived negative influence of billionaires, large corporations, and both major political parties on working Americans. This follows similar boycotts targeting companies like Target for scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The planned blackout aims to pressure corporations by reducing consumer spending, particularly at large retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Experts offer mixed opinions on the potential impact, with some suggesting limited effects, while others point to previous boycotts—such as those against Goya Foods and Bud Light—which yielded varied results. The success of such actions depends on factors like consumer participation, the availability of alternative brands, and the political leanings of the consumer base. While the short-term impact may be minimal, the movement is seen by some as an opportunity to demonstrate consumer power and influence corporate behavior.

2025-02-28 12:00:14.417

Amidst accusations of the FBI withholding "thousands of pages" of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, Attorney General Pam Bondi has demanded their immediate release. The FBI, under new Director Kash Patel, has been instructed to hand over all records by Friday morning. However, the initial release of approximately 200 pages, dubbed "Phase 1," proved underwhelming to many conservative figures. The documents included flight logs, a partially redacted contact list, and a completely blacked-out list of "masseuses." Much of the information was previously public knowledge, stemming from Ghislaine Maxwell's trial and other previously released documents. Despite the lack of new revelations, the release has been framed as a significant event by some, while others view it as a distraction from other matters. The situation continues to unfold, with ongoing debate about the extent of the withheld information and its potential implications.

2025-02-28 00:07:37.076

Gene Hackman, the iconic actor known for roles in films like "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," passed away at age 95. His death, along with that of his wife Betsy Arakawa, is being investigated as suspicious by authorities. Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting in 2008 due to heart concerns. His career spanned decades, starting in the theater before transitioning to Hollywood where he became a beloved and celebrated figure. While his family initially suggested carbon monoxide poisoning, police found no evidence of a gas leak. The investigation is ongoing. Hackman's daughters and granddaughter released a statement confirming his death and expressing their grief.

2025-02-28 00:07:37.061

Gene Hackman, the acclaimed actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their $3.3 million Santa Fe home. Police described the scene as suspicious, noting Arakawa's body showed signs of mummification and bloating. Hackman's body displayed similar signs of death. One of their dogs was also found dead. While there were no signs of forced entry or theft, an open pill bottle was found near Arakawa. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, which remains undetermined. The couple's family released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss.

2025-02-27 08:10:53.967

Michelle Trachtenberg, the star of 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' died Wednesday morning at the age of 39. A friend, photographer Amanda de Cadenet, shared on Instagram that Trachtenberg had been recently hospitalized and that they had a FaceTime conversation from her hospital bed. De Cadenet stated that Trachtenberg was aware that death was a significant possibility. Sources suggest that Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant within the last year and that her body may have rejected it, leading to her death from natural causes. Trachtenberg's representative confirmed her death, and law enforcement stated that her death is not considered suspicious. Tributes poured in from fellow actors, including Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, Rosie O'Donnell, James Marsters, and Alyson Hannigan. Her boyfriend, Jay Cohen, also released a statement.

2025-02-27 08:03:24.932

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, announced a significant shift in the newspaper's opinion section, narrowing its focus to personal liberties and free markets. This decision led to the resignation of opinion editor David Shipley. Bezos justified the change as a modernization, arguing that the internet covers a broader range of opinions. The move has drawn both praise from some conservatives and criticism from others who see it as a capitulation to Donald Trump or an example of the influence of billionaire ownership. The decision follows other recent changes at the Post, including the decision not to endorse a presidential candidate and a restructuring of the newsroom. Critics like former Post executive editor Marty Baron and Senator Bernie Sanders have voiced concerns about the implications of this shift for media independence. The change is immediately apparent on the Post's website, with opinion pieces now focusing on the selected themes.

2025-02-27 07:43:45.146

Former CBS News investigative journalist Catherine Herridge has released photos of confidential files seized by the network last year, reigniting controversy surrounding the network's handling of her reporting. The files, which included sensitive information on Hunter Biden and the origins of COVID-19, were returned after a year-long battle involving a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing and intervention from SAG-AFTRA. Herridge described the network's actions as a "journalistic rape" and an attack on investigative journalism. The incident highlights concerns about media bias and editorial decisions at CBS News, particularly regarding Herridge's reporting on Hunter Biden's laptop, which was not aired before the 2020 election despite her efforts. The network's delayed coverage and subsequent editing of an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris on "60 Minutes", which led to a $20 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump, further fuels accusations of bias. Herridge's case underscores broader concerns about the protection of journalists and their sources.

2025-02-27 07:39:49.262

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died at age 36. Her mother discovered her unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment. Trachtenberg had received a liver transplant within the last year, and authorities believe she may have suffered complications from organ rejection. She was reportedly active and out with friends just days before her death. Tributes have poured in from fellow actors, including Blake Lively and James Marsters, who praised her talent and dedication. The news has shocked fans and the entertainment industry.