The Kennedy Center is removing President Donald Trump’s name from its building after a court ordered it. This follows a legal fight over renaming the center, changes Trump made to its leadership, and controversy about its future.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center was temporarily renamed to include President Trump’s name in December.
President Trump replaced the center’s leadership with his allies and made staff cuts.
Ticket sales dropped, and some artists left after these changes.
A U.S. judge ruled that only Congress can rename the center and ordered Trump’s name removed.
The judge blocked the center’s planned closure for renovations set for 2026.
Trump’s lawyers appealed to delay the removal, but the appeal failed.
Workers have removed the bronze letters with Trump’s name from the facade under a tarp.
The exact date when the tarp will be removed is unclear, and the center’s future plans remain uncertain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian Special Air Service (SAS) soldier charged with war crimes, has been allowed to attend the opening of the Anzac Hall at the Australian War Memorial. However, he was not permitted to attend a military graduation party due to concerns about meeting another alleged war criminal, Oliver Schulz.
Key Facts
Ben Roberts-Smith faces charges for allegedly murdering or ordering the murders of five unarmed detainees in Afghanistan (2009–2012).
He denies all allegations and says he acted according to military rules and his values.
A court approved his attendance at the Anzac Hall opening but restricted him from discussing the legal cases.
Roberts-Smith was barred from attending a military graduation after-party to avoid contact with Oliver Schulz, who faces similar war crime allegations.
He applied to change his home address to be closer to family in Queensland.
The court is discussing where he must report to police as part of his bail conditions.
Roberts-Smith has not pleaded guilty and intends to clear his name in trial.
His bail was secured with a $250,000 surety paid by his father, a former judge.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This week, several states and Washington DC will hold primary elections to choose candidates for the US midterm elections in November. These elections are important because they affect who will control Congress and reflect public opinion on President Donald Trump’s second term, especially amid ongoing issues like the war with Iran and the cost of living.
Key Facts
Primary elections are taking place in Alabama, California, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Washington DC.
Alabama’s Republican Senate primary is in a runoff between Barry Moore, endorsed by President Trump, and Jared Hudson.
Alabama Democrats are choosing between Dakarai Larriett, an aromatherapy business owner, and Everett Wess, a former judge.
California is holding a special primary on June 16 for the 14th Congressional District seat after Eric Swalwell resigned.
California uses an open primary system where all candidates run together regardless of party.
Governor Gavin Newsom called a special election for August 18 for Swalwell’s seat.
The midterm elections will influence control of the US Congress and serve as a measure of support for President Donald Trump’s policies and leadership.
Some state primaries were delayed or adjusted due to recent redistricting decisions by the US Supreme Court.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, killing all eight people on board. The crash happened shortly after takeoff during a routine test flight, and officials are investigating the cause.
Key Facts
The B-52 bomber crashed at about 11:20 a.m. local time near Edwards Air Force Base.
All eight people on board, including military members and two Boeing employees, died.
The bomber caught fire upon impact and was nearly destroyed.
The aircraft was involved in a radar upgrade program to modernize its systems.
The B-52 is a long-serving bomber launched in 1955, capable of carrying nuclear weapons and flying long distances without refueling.
Edwards Air Force Base was closed and incoming flights were diverted after the crash.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed condolences and praised first responders.
The investigation into the crash could take up to six months.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A teenager in Oklahoma became critically ill after participating in the "Benadryl challenge," a dangerous social media trend. The challenge involves taking large amounts of Benadryl to try to stay awake while feeling drowsy, which can cause severe health problems.
Key Facts
Leah Presson, age 15, is in intensive care with no brain activity after the challenge.
The "Benadryl challenge" involves taking too much Benadryl and trying to stay awake to feel a high.
The challenge can cause seizures, heart problems, and even death.
Leah’s father hopes for a miracle and wants to raise awareness about the risk.
This trend has caused several children to be hospitalized.
Authorities warn parents to educate kids about the dangers of such social media challenges.
The story is still developing, with more updates expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elena Katherine Moore, a personal trainer in Lexington, South Carolina, went missing after leaving a Planet Fitness gym on Thursday evening. Police are searching the nearby wooded area and asking the public for any information about her whereabouts.
Key Facts
Elena Katherine Moore is a 39-year-old personal trainer at Wolf's Fitness Center in Lexington.
She was last seen leaving Planet Fitness at 560 Whiteford Way around 6:40 p.m. on Thursday.
Moore was walking toward a wooded area near a Lowe’s Home Improvement store when last seen.
Police have searched the woods using drones and on foot but have found no sign of her.
She is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, about 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
At the time she disappeared, she wore an olive-green hoodie and black athletic pants.
It is unclear if she has her cellphone with her.
Police ask anyone with information to call 803-358-7271 or email asantoro@lexsc.gov.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A report by the Social Market Foundation found that false news about Labour candidate Andy Burnham increased a lot on local Facebook groups during the Makerfield byelection campaign. The study shows that social media spreads misinformation quickly, which can affect politics, especially when local journalism is weak.
Key Facts
Nearly 1 in 6 news posts in local Makerfield Facebook groups during the campaign were false.
Before the byelection was called, only 4% of posts were false; during the campaign, this rose to 16%.
The report analyzed over 1,800 posts across four local Facebook groups with about 66,000 members.
Social media often spreads misinformation because of how its algorithms promote engaging posts, even if they are false.
Almost half of people in Britain get local news from social media, which usually lacks fact-checking like traditional journalism.
The Social Market Foundation says big tech companies like Facebook should do more to stop fake news.
The rise in misinformation coincides with less strong local journalism in many places.
The report is part of a larger study on social media’s impact on politics and news consumption.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An ICE agent was hit by a vehicle during an attempt to arrest a man in New Jersey and fired his weapon. The suspect, Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno, fled the scene and remains at large, while the injured officer was taken to the hospital.
Key Facts
The incident happened on Monday around 9:30 a.m. on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive in Stafford Township, New Jersey.
An ICE agent was struck by a vehicle driven by Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno.
The ICE agent fired his weapon during the encounter.
Castillo-Ormeno is a Peruvian national who had a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge on January 30, 2026.
The suspect fled after hitting the officer and has not been captured.
The injured ICE agent was taken to the hospital, but the severity of the injuries is unknown.
Stafford Township Police helped with traffic and scene security but were not part of the ICE operation.
The FBI has taken over the investigation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A plane crash in Missouri killed 12 people, including 11 passengers and the pilot, during a skydiving trip near Butler Memorial Airport. Some victims have been identified by family, friends, and organizations, while authorities have not yet publicly released all names.
Key Facts
The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. near Butler Memorial Airport, about 65 miles south of Kansas City.
The plane belonged to Skydive Kansas City and caught fire after landing in a nearby field.
At least 12 people died, including 11 passengers and the pilot.
Jen Sharp, technology director for the United States Parachute Association, was identified as one of the victims.
Michael Shanahan was identified by a family friend; he was going for his 23rd tandem skydive.
Dave Hershberger, an orchestra teacher in North Kansas City School District, also died in the crash.
Authorities have not officially released the full list of victim names.
The story is still developing and updates are expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In January 2023, New South Wales police responded to a call about a woman being assaulted behind a building but did not leave their cars to investigate. Hours later, the woman’s partner led police to her body, and an official report found the police response was inadequate but did not find misconduct.
Key Facts
A call was made at 7pm reporting a woman was being attacked behind the Salvation Army building in Ballina, NSW.
Police logged the call as priority 2, but a dispatch error delayed the broadcast to officers until 7:10pm.
Officers arrived about 45 minutes after the call but stayed inside their cars and did not search the area.
The woman, Lindy Lucena, died at or near the time of the attack.
Her partner, Robert Huber, later reported her death and was convicted of manslaughter in 2025.
An independent police watchdog investigated and found the police response inadequate but no criminal or serious disciplinary action was warranted.
Police officers said they did not realize how serious the situation was and thought the assault had stopped.
The report noted systemic problems may have contributed to the delayed police response.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police arrested two more men as part of their investigation into Dezi Freeman, who killed two officers in August 2025 and evaded capture for seven months. Freeman was found and shot dead by police in March 2026 near the Victoria-New South Wales border, and authorities believe he was helped by several people during his time on the run.
Key Facts
Dezi Freeman killed two police officers in Porepunkah, Victoria, in August 2025.
He fled into the bush and remained on the run for seven months until March 2026.
Police believe Freeman traveled between Victoria and New South Wales during that time.
Two men were arrested after police searched seven properties in Victoria and NSW under Operation Summit.
The arrested men are a 64-year-old from Lucyvale and a 47-year-old from Wombeyan Caves.
Police seized various electronic devices during the searches.
Freeman had links to “sovereign citizen” beliefs and was heavily armed when he fled.
Investigators are looking for people who helped Freeman and ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Lindsey Graham and UFC CEO Dana White criticized UFC fighter Josh Hokit for making false and offensive comments about Michelle Obama after a fight at a White House event. Hokit repeated an unfounded claim about the former first lady during his post-fight interview, which both Graham and White said was inappropriate and took away from the spirit of the event.
Key Facts
Josh Hokit made false claims about Michelle Obama after winning a UFC fight at the White House.
Hokit thanked President Donald Trump before making the comment in his interview.
The claim about Michelle Obama has been a long-running and false conspiracy theory.
Senator Lindsey Graham called Hokit's comments “not good” and called him an “idiot.”
Graham said the comments distracted from the event’s purpose of celebrating America and sportsmanship.
UFC CEO Dana White condemned the remarks and said he opposes spreading false and hurtful statements about people’s families.
The event was called the UFC Freedom 250 and was held at the White House.
Both public figures stressed respect and the importance of sportsmanship during the celebration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a new deal with Iran to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which includes lifting a U.S. naval blockade and providing financial incentives to Iran if it meets specific goals. Many Republican senators on Capitol Hill expressed doubt and said they need more information from the White House before supporting the agreement.
Key Facts
The deal aims to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway.
The United States plans to lift its naval blockade on Iran under the agreement.
Iran will receive financial aid if it meets certain benchmarks, including a possible $300 billion fund for rebuilding.
Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune, say they have not received detailed briefings on the deal.
Senators worry about enforcement and how to verify Iran’s compliance with the terms.
Vice President JD Vance said the White House will release the full text of the agreement soon.
The agreement’s details on Iran’s nuclear program and uranium removal are unclear.
Senators have not seen the memorandum of understanding and want clarity before the planned signing in Geneva.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s endorsements are being tested in several Republican primary races on Tuesday in Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, California, and Washington, D.C. In Georgia, billionaire Rick Jackson has spent over $100 million to compete against Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, while other races show mixed results for candidates supported by Trump.
Key Facts
A Trump endorsement is often a strong advantage in Republican primaries.
Georgia’s gubernatorial runoff features Burt Jones, endorsed by Trump, and Rick Jackson, who has spent over $100 million of his own money.
Jones received 38% and Jackson 33% of votes in the May 19 primary in Georgia.
Oklahoma’s Republican governor primary has no clear front-runner; Trump recently endorsed Mike Mazzei.
In Iowa, Trump’s chosen candidate lost a recent primary.
Alabama’s Senate primary runoff pits Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Barry Moore against outsider Jared Hudson.
Democrats are also holding primaries focused on progressives versus moderates ahead of the November elections.
The influence of Trump’s endorsement versus large personal spending is being closely watched in these races.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Voters in Washington, DC, are choosing candidates for mayor and the city’s delegate to Congress in primary elections. These elections come as President Donald Trump’s administration has increased federal control over the city, affecting local government power and policies.
Key Facts
Washington, DC, voters are selecting party candidates for mayor and the district’s congressional delegate.
This is the first time in many years that the city will vote for both a new mayor and delegate at the same time.
Mayor Muriel Bowser is not running for a fourth term. Leading candidates to replace her are Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the city’s longtime delegate to Congress, is stepping down; council members Brooke Pinto and Robert White Jr. are running for the position.
Republican Denise Rosado is running unopposed for the delegate role.
This primary is the first in Washington to use ranked-choice voting, which may delay results.
President Trump increased federal control in DC by deploying federal law enforcement and the National Guard.
Trump’s administration has also changed or renamed city landmarks and threatened to take back more control over Washington’s local government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several preservation and cultural groups filed a federal lawsuit to stop President Donald Trump’s plan to build a “National Garden of American Heroes” in West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. The lawsuit claims the project breaks laws that protect how public land in D.C., especially the National Mall area, can be used.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The groups say a law forbids new commemorative works in the “great cross-axis of the Mall,” which includes West Potomac Park.
West Potomac Park is located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial and already has several memorials.
The lawsuit says the President and his administration did not follow federal land use laws or proper procedures for public input.
President Trump announced the project last month, describing it as a major improvement to a “barren” area by the Potomac River.
The planned garden will feature 250 life-size statues of famous Americans, including Johnny Cash, Julia Child, Kobe Bryant, and Muhammad Ali.
The government offers up to $200,000 to artists who create statues for the project.
The Department of the Interior defended the project, calling it a celebration of American greatness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A birthkeeper testified at an inquest into the death of Stacey Warnecke, who died after a home birth without medical professionals. The birthkeeper said her role was to support as a friend, not to make the birth safer or provide medical advice, even though Warnecke experienced heavy bleeding and difficulty breathing.
Key Facts
Stacey Warnecke died on 29 September in a hospital after a home birth.
She chose a "freebirth," giving birth without professional medical help.
Warnecke hired Emily Lal as a birthkeeper, who has no medical training.
Lal said she was there to support as a friend, not to provide medical care or safety.
Lal asked three times if Warnecke wanted to call an ambulance after heavy bleeding; Warnecke agreed only on the third ask.
Warnecke lost up to 1.5 liters of blood and had a massive postpartum hemorrhage.
Lal took a course from the Free Birth Society, which promotes birth without medical help and has faced medical criticism.
Medical experts say postpartum hemorrhage deaths are rare with hospital births due to quick treatment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Travelodge apologized after a "Free Palestine" message appeared on a TV in a Jewish guest’s hotel room in London. The hotel investigated but could not find who put the message there, and it plans to give staff training about antisemitism.
Key Facts
The message showed up on the TV in a room booked by a visibly Orthodox Jewish guest, Sruly Fogel from New York.
The incident took place at Travelodge’s Manor House hotel in north London near a large Orthodox Jewish community.
Travelodge launched an investigation including checking CCTV, staff interviews, and TV activity logs but could not find who placed the message.
The hotel apologized directly to the guest through its CEO, Jo Boydell.
Travelodge reported the incident to the police, who closed their investigation pending new information.
The hotel plans to work with a Jewish organization to provide antisemitism and cultural sensitivity training for staff.
This incident follows another Travelodge controversy about hotel room security after a sexual assault case in a different location.
The hotel chain said the "Free Palestine" message was found only in this guest’s room and not in others checked.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A report from early 2016 revealed serious problems with staff workload, poor workplace culture, and safety concerns in Nottingham City Hospital’s maternity unit. This report came out just days before the stillbirth of baby Harriet Hawkins, a case that led to a major NHS maternity review.
Key Facts
The report was created by a workplace psychologist between December 2015 and March 2016.
It included anonymous interviews with 49 staff members, including doctors and midwives.
Staff reported being short-staffed and under high pressure regularly.
Some senior staff were described as unsupportive or belittling towards junior staff.
Unsafe conditions were noted, such as poor hygiene in delivery rooms and missing essential equipment like thermometers.
Newer midwives were sometimes assigned high-risk cases, while experienced staff handled less risky patients.
The report praised staff commitment but highlighted urgent need for changes in culture and staffing.
Eight recommendations were made to improve teamwork, vision, and support for maternity staff.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Voters in Washington, D.C. are voting in primary elections to choose new candidates for mayor and the district’s congressional delegate. This election is happening during significant changes in the city under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has affected local control and government jobs.
Key Facts
Washington, D.C. is holding primaries for mayor and congressional delegate candidates.
Current Mayor Muriel Bowser and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton are both stepping down.
Leading candidates for mayor include Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie.
Brooke Pinto and Robert White Jr. are top candidates for the delegate position; Republican Denise Rosado runs unopposed.
This is the first time rank-choice voting is used in a D.C. primary, possibly delaying results.
President Trump’s actions have reduced D.C.’s autonomy and led to federal law enforcement presence in the city.
Trump has also reshaped parts of the city, including changing landmarks and adding his name to buildings.
The candidates’ campaigns focus on issues like public safety, affordability, and the impact of the Trump administration on federal jobs and policing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
