Texas mother accused of helping son plan school shooting

BBC US • May 15, 2025 • Us

A Texas mother, Ashley Pardo, was arrested for allegedly helping her son plan a violent attack at his school by buying him ammunition and tactical gear. The boy was detained after arriving at school in military-style clothing and was later charged with terrorism.

Key Facts:

• Ashley Pardo, 33, is accused of supporting her son's violent plans by purchasing tactical gear and ammunition.
• Her son was seen at school in military-style clothing but left shortly after. He was later detained off-campus.
• The boy's grandmother contacted the police after noticing alarming items in the boy's room, like ammunition and a homemade explosive.
• The boy reportedly spoke about becoming "famous" before leaving for school.
• Prosecutors say Ms. Pardo knew about her son’s interest in past mass shooters and supported his violent expressions.
• The boy had drawn a map labeled "suicide route" and had been suspended for researching mass shootings.
• Ashley Pardo was charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism and released on bail, to appear in court on 17 July.
• Recent similar cases have seen parents held accountable for their children's violent actions in the United States.

Source Information

BBC US

Walmart says higher prices could hit this month due to tariffs

BBC US • May 15, 2025 • Us

Walmart plans to increase prices in the US soon because new tariffs (taxes on imports) are raising its costs. The US government has imposed new import taxes on many goods, especially from China. Walmart executives say they cannot cover all the new costs without increasing some prices.

Key Facts:

• Walmart plans to raise prices in the US due to higher costs from new tariffs.
• President Donald Trump has introduced import taxes on goods from many countries.
• Chinese products face higher import duties of at least 30%.
• Walmart sells mostly US-made products but relies on China for many toys and electronics.
• New tariffs also affect items from Costa Rica, Colombia, and Peru, like bananas and coffee.
• Walmart's chief financial officer mentioned that price increases might happen this month and in June.
• The company's revenue rose 2.5% from February to April compared to the previous year.
• Walmart's profits decreased by 12% compared to the same period last year.

Source Information

BBC US

US Supreme Court hears arguments on Trump's order to end birthright citizenship

BBC US • May 15, 2025 • Us

The US Supreme Court is considering whether President Trump's order to stop birthright citizenship can be blocked by lower courts. This order, signed by Trump, says that children born in the US to undocumented immigrants should not be considered citizens, but courts have previously stopped its enforcement. If the Supreme Court sides with Trump, it could change how executive orders are used in the future.

Key Facts:

• The Supreme Court is reviewing Trump's order to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
• Trump's order was blocked by federal judges who issued nationwide injunctions.
• The 14th Amendment of the US Constitution states that anyone born in the US is a citizen.
• The case could influence how much power presidents have to issue executive orders.
• Trump appointed three of the nine justices on the Supreme Court.
• Legal experts argue Trump cannot remove birthright citizenship due to the 14th Amendment.
• Nearly 40 nationwide court injunctions have blocked various Trump administration policies.
• Ending birthright citizenship could affect thousands of children born in the US.

Source Information

BBC US

Reddit founder Ohanian buys stake in Chelsea women

BBC US • May 14, 2025 • Us

Alexis Ohanian, the founder of Reddit and husband of Serena Williams, invested in Chelsea Women's Super League (WSL) team by buying an 8-10% stake valued at around £20 million. This investment gives him a seat on the club's board as Chelsea celebrates recent successes, including their sixth consecutive WSL title.

Key Facts:

• Alexis Ohanian purchased an 8-10% share in Chelsea Women's Super League team.
• The investment is approximately valued at £20 million.
• Ohanian will join the club's board as part of this deal.
• Ohanian has previously invested in women's sports, such as Angel City FC in the U.S.
• Chelsea's women team are valued at £200 million after his investment.
• Chelsea recently won their sixth consecutive WSL title and the Women's League Cup.
• Ohanian has a reported net worth of $150 billion.
• Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League this year.

Source Information

BBC US

US judge charged for allegedly helping man evade immigration officials

BBC US • May 14, 2025 • Us

A judge in Wisconsin, Hannah Dugan, faces charges for allegedly helping a Mexican man avoid arrest by immigration officials at a courthouse. A federal grand jury approved two charges against her, and she faces possible prison time. This case is part of a larger debate about immigration and the role of judges.

Key Facts:

• Judge Hannah Dugan is from Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
• She is charged with allegedly helping a Mexican man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, avoid immigration officials.
• Flores-Ruiz was wanted for misdemeanour battery charges and had been deported from the US before.
• Immigration agents were present in court to arrest him, leading to an incident with Judge Dugan.
• A federal grand jury charged her with obstruction and helping someone avoid arrest.
• Judge Dugan faces up to six years in prison if convicted.
• She claims legal immunity, arguing that her actions were official judicial acts.
• The case is part of a broader conflict between Trump administration policies and local authorities.

Source Information

BBC US

US man travels miles for help after 400-ft fall in deadly accident

BBC US • May 14, 2025 • Us

A man from Seattle traveled over 60 miles to get help after a fall in the mountains that killed his three climbing partners. The group was descending a mountain when their climbing equipment failed, leading to the fall.

Key Facts:

• A Seattle man fell 400 feet with three companions in the northern Cascade mountain range; he survived, but they did not.
• Their accident happened in an area called the Early Winter Spires.
• The group was rappelling down a steep area because of an approaching storm.
• The fall involved a 200-foot drop through the air and another 200 feet over rocks, dirt, and snow.
• The only survivor is hospitalized with internal bleeding and a brain injury.
• The deceased climbers were identified as Vishnu Irigireddy, Tim Nguyen, and Oleksander Martynenko.
• The survivor hiked and drove 60 miles to find a payphone for help, possibly taking a longer route due to unfamiliarity with the area.
• A piece of climbing gear called a piton likely caused the accident by failing and coming loose from the rock.

Source Information

BBC US

Congressman falls asleep during an all-night House meeting

BBC US • May 14, 2025 • Us

During an all-night House committee meeting in the U.S., Congressman Blake Moore fell asleep and needed to be woken up by a colleague. The meeting involved discussions and votes on amendments related to a reconciliation bill including Trump's tax cuts.

Key Facts:

• The incident occurred during a House Ways and Means Committee meeting.
• U.S. politicians were discussing amendments to a reconciliation bill.
• The bill included topics on Trump’s tax cuts.
• Representative Blake Moore fell asleep during the meeting.
• Minnesota Republican Representative Michelle Fischbach woke him up.
• The meeting involved debating and voting on specific amendments.

Source Information

BBC US

Mark Carney says Canadians are not 'impressed' by UK's invite to Trump

BBC US • May 14, 2025 • Us

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed that Canadians were not pleased with the UK's invitation for a second state visit to US President Donald Trump. Carney emphasized Canada's concerns about preserving its sovereignty, especially after Trump's remarks about making Canada the 51st US state.

Key Facts:

• Mark Carney is the Canadian Prime Minister.
• Carney said Canadians were not happy with the UK's invitation to Trump for a visit.
• Trump has previously suggested that Canada could become the 51st US state.
• Carney stated the importance of Canada's sovereignty.
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited Trump to visit the UK during a meeting in February.
• Carney plans to welcome King Charles III to Canada at the end of the month.
• King Charles will read a speech in Canada, which is usually done by the governor general.
• This will be the first time since 1977 that a monarch reads the Speech from the Throne in Canada.

Source Information

BBC US

Convicted killer named as suspect in prison stabbing of rapper Tory Lanez

BBC US • May 14, 2025 • Us

Rapper Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was stabbed 14 times in a California prison by an inmate named Santino Casio. Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence for shooting fellow musician Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

Key Facts:

• Tory Lanez was stabbed 14 times inside the California Correctional Institution.
• The suspect, Santino Casio, is already serving a life sentence for murder.
• Casio was sentenced to life with a chance for parole for several serious crimes, including second-degree murder.
• He has been placed in "restricted housing" as officials investigate the stabbing.
• Tory Lanez is in the hospital with collapsed lungs but is reportedly in good spirits.
• Lanez was sentenced for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020 during an incident in Hollywood.
• Before his conviction, Lanez had multiple top 10 albums in the US.
• Santino Casio has committed additional offenses while in prison, including assaults.

Source Information

BBC US

Watch: Cassie details violent relationship with Diddy at trial

BBC US • May 14, 2025 • Us

Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, testified in a New York court about her experiences with Sean "Diddy" Combs. She spoke about being forced to participate in Combs' "freak-off" sex parties during his sex trafficking trial.

Key Facts:

• Cassie is the ex-girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
• Cassie testified in a New York court during Combs' sex trafficking trial.
• She described being forced to take part in what Combs called "freak-off" sex parties.
• Cassie's testimony was emotional as she detailed her past experiences.
• The trial involves allegations of sex trafficking against Diddy.

Source Information

BBC US

Deals, handshakes and Musk - Key moments in Trump's Saudi visit

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has a strong partnership with the country. The visit included announcing a $142 billion arms deal and other investments, which Saudi Arabia's crown prince said might eventually be worth $1 trillion.

Key Facts:

• President Trump visited Saudi Arabia on his first major foreign trip.
• He described Saudi Arabia as a strong partner of the U.S.
• The U.S. and Saudi Arabia announced a $142 billion arms deal.
• Saudi Arabia predicts these investments could grow to $1 trillion over time.
• Trump also announced the U.S. would lift sanctions on Syria during the trip.

Source Information

BBC US

Trump touts $142bn arms deal on Saudi visit and lifts sanctions on Syria

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, former US President Trump announced a $142 billion arms deal with the country and stated the US would lift sanctions on Syria. He also discussed strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia and expressed hope for further investments to boost the US economy.

Key Facts:

• Trump announced a $142 billion arms deal between the US and Saudi Arabia.
• The visit focused on increasing investment and economic cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia.
• Trump declared the lifting of US sanctions on Syria during his speech.
• Trump praised the US-Saudi relationship and emphasized its current strength.
• The visit included discussions on the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and some Gulf countries.
• Trump briefly mentioned the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for a better future for Gaza.
• Trump was joined by business leaders, including Elon Musk, during his trip.
• Trump is planning further stops in Qatar and the UAE, with the UAE committing to $1.4 trillion in US investments over the next decade.

Source Information

BBC US

Canada's Carney unveils economy-focused cabinet amid US trade war

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, announced a new cabinet focused on economic issues during a trade conflict with the U.S. The cabinet includes fresh faces and experienced politicians, aiming to manage relations with the U.S. and address domestic challenges like trade and housing.

Key Facts:

• Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada.
• The new cabinet consists of 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state.
• There is a new foreign minister, Anita Anand, to handle U.S.-Canada relations.
• Dominic Leblanc will focus on trade with the U.S. and improving internal trade in Canada.
• Melanie Joly moves from foreign affairs to the industry portfolio.
• New roles include public safety, defense, and natural resources ministers.
• The cabinet continues to maintain regional and gender diversity.
• The cabinet aims to increase housing construction in response to affordability issues.

Source Information

BBC US

'This is my closure': Emotional Kim Kardashian shares fears and forgives robber in court

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

Kim Kardashian testified in a Paris court about the 2016 robbery where masked gunmen stole her jewelry. She forgave one of the defendants who apologized during her testimony. The trial involves ten people accused of the crime.

Key Facts:

• Kim Kardashian gave testimony in a Paris court about a 2016 robbery.
• She was staying in a luxury hotel when masked gunmen entered her room.
• The robbery involved £10 million worth of jewelry, including her engagement ring.
• During the robbery, she was tied up and a gun was held to her head.
• Kardashian expressed fear for her life but followed the robbers' instructions to stay safe.
• While in court, Kardashian forgave one defendant who apologized to her.
• The trial includes nine men and one woman accused of the robbery.
• This is the first time Kardashian shared her account of the robbery in a criminal court.

Source Information

BBC US

Is President Trump allowed to accept $400m luxury plane?

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

US President Trump stated that his administration plans to accept a luxury Boeing plane from Qatar, valued at about $400 million, as a temporary replacement for Air Force One. The move has raised legal questions and sparked political debate, with some claiming it could violate US laws on receiving foreign gifts.

Key Facts:

• President Trump announced plans to accept a luxury plane from Qatar worth approximately $400 million.
• The plane is intended to temporarily replace the current Air Force One.
• Trump mentioned that the Defense Department will receive the plane as a gift, free of charge.
• Some Democrats argue that accepting the gift could be illegal without congressional approval.
• The U.S. Constitution requires elected officials to get Congress's approval before accepting gifts from foreign leaders.
• The Qatari plane needs modifications to meet Air Force One's safety and security standards, which may take years.
• Qatar denied some media claims about the plane, stating negotiations are ongoing.
• Trump stated that the plane would be used for his presidential library and he wouldn't use it after his presidency.

Source Information

BBC US

Watch: President Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

President Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia for a four-day visit, marking the start of his second term's major diplomatic trips. His main goal is to attract new investments in the United States from the Gulf countries, especially from their sovereign wealth funds.

Key Facts:

• President Trump landed in Saudi Arabia for his first major diplomatic trip of his second term.
• The trip will last four days and includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
• Trump aims to secure new investments in the US from the Gulf states.
• Saudi Arabia was also the first country Trump visited during his first term.
• US presidents often start their foreign trips with the UK, Canada, or Mexico, but Trump chose differently.
• State-backed sovereign wealth funds are large government-owned investment funds.
• Trump's visit is part of his plan to show his "America First" agenda is working.

Source Information

BBC US

'I've practised being booed' Israel's Eurovision entry tells BBC

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

Yuval Raphael, an Israeli singer, is set to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest. She survived a deadly attack at the Nova festival in Israel and has since focused on her singing career. Despite facing protests against Israel's participation in Eurovision, Raphael remains committed to perform.

Key Facts:

• Yuval Raphael is participating in Eurovision representing Israel.
• She survived an attack by gunmen at the Nova festival in Israel on October 7, 2023.
• During the attack, she hid in a bomb shelter and was one of 11 survivors there.
• Raphael began her professional singing career after the attack.
• She will perform with shrapnel still in her leg at the Eurovision semi-final.
• Eurovision rules prevent performers from making political statements.
• Some broadcasters and former contestants have protested Israel's participation in Eurovision.
• Raphael focuses on music and the Eurovision theme "united by music."

Source Information

BBC US

Watch: Coercion or consent? Opening statements in Diddy trial

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs began in New York, where he faces charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Prosecutors presented opening statements with details of alleged assaults and video evidence, while Combs denies all the charges.

Key Facts:

• Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial in New York.
• He faces five charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
• The trial includes video evidence of alleged incidents.
• Combs has denied all the charges against him.
• The main question is whether the "freak-off" parties were consensual.

Source Information

BBC US

Scientists in a race to discover why the Universe exists

BBC US • May 13, 2025 • Us

Scientists in the U.S. and Japan are working on projects to learn why the Universe exists, focusing on a sub-atomic particle called the neutrino. The U.S. team uses the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (Dune) in South Dakota, while the Japanese team uses a device called Hyper K. Both groups aim to find differences in the behavior of neutrinos and their antimatter counterparts, anti-neutrinos, to help reveal why the Universe is made of matter.

Key Facts:

• Scientists are studying neutrinos to understand why the Universe is made of matter and not just energy.
• The U.S. project, called Dune, is located 1,500 meters underground in South Dakota.
• Neutrinos and anti-neutrinos, which are opposite particles, are being studied to see if they behave differently as they travel.
• The Japanese project, Hyper K, hopes to turn on its equipment in less than two years.
• Dune involves 1,400 scientists from 30 countries working together.
• Both projects are in a race to learn more about the origins of the Universe.
• The Japanese team believes their larger detector and earlier start may give them an advantage in making discoveries.

Source Information

BBC US

Watch: Why US is granting white South Africans refugee status

BBC US • May 12, 2025 • Us

A flight carrying 59 white South Africans who were granted refugee status landed in Washington, DC. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) was not involved in their resettlement process, which indicates the refugees were prioritized quickly.

Key Facts:

• A group of 59 white South Africans received refugee status in the US.
• They arrived in Washington, DC on a US-funded flight from Johannesburg.
• The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, did not participate in this resettlement process.
• The resettlement occurred under the Trump administration's refugee policies.
• The fast-tracking of these refugees is noted as different from how others have been processed.

Source Information

BBC US