Mopreme Shakur, the stepbrother of rapper Tupac Shakur, spoke with the BBC before the start of a trial for the man accused of Tupac’s murder. He expressed that the trial will not bring real justice and reflected on Tupac’s life and influence 30 years after his death.
Key Facts
Mopreme Shakur is Tupac Shakur’s stepbrother.
A trial has begun for the man accused of killing Tupac.
The trial’s opening statements started recently.
Mopreme said the trial won’t bring true justice for Tupac.
Tupac Shakur died 30 years ago.
Tupac is considered a very influential figure in hip-hop music.
Mopreme shared memories of growing up with Tupac and the night Tupac was shot.
The interview was conducted by the BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil.
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Michael Giardina, a Navy veteran, participated in a psychedelic retreat in Mexico aimed at helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The retreat, organized by Heroic Hearts Project, uses substances like psilocybin mushrooms to help veterans face trauma from both their military service and earlier life experiences.
Key Facts
Michael Giardina is a Navy veteran who served overseas and quickly rose in rank.
He experienced emotional abuse from his father, who was also a veteran and police officer.
Giardina used drugs as a teenager to cope with family trauma and lost friends to overdoses.
After leaving the military, he found civilian life difficult, especially after the suicides of his father in 2009 and sister in 2023.
Giardina joined a psychedelic retreat organized by Heroic Hearts Project, which helps veterans with combat-related trauma.
During the retreat, veterans drank a tea made from psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin.
The psychedelic experience helped Giardina confront painful emotions and trauma he had been holding inside.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is now conducting clinical trials using psychedelics to treat veterans’ mental health disorders.
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Every year in New Orleans, Black groups called Mardi Gras Indians make and wear detailed, hand-sewn suits to celebrate their culture and honor ancestors. These suits take a full year to create and are worn during Mardi Gras, where tribes meet for friendly contests showing off their craftsmanship.
Key Facts
The Mardi Gras Indian tradition started in the 1800s to honor ancestors and Native Americans who helped escaped enslaved Africans.
The suits are handmade with beads, rhinestones, feathers, and sequins, requiring months of work.
Many groups, called tribes, have leaders known as big chiefs who lead their crews during Mardi Gras.
Big chiefs compete in mock battles by showing off the beauty of their suits.
Big Chief Demond Melancon is a leader who spends long hours sewing his suit each day.
The designs often tell stories, such as the 1839 Amistad slave ship revolt and its legal victory.
The suits represent pride, joy, protest, and cultural history passed down through families.
Sewing uses detailed techniques, like attaching beads with dental floss, to create intricate patterns.
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In 2024, the U.S. Veterans Administration began funding clinical trials using psychedelic drugs psilocybin and MDMA to treat PTSD, depression, and addiction. Meanwhile, many veterans have traveled to countries like Mexico where these drugs are legal to participate in psychedelic retreats, seeking relief from their symptoms.
Key Facts
The Veterans Administration announced clinical trials for psilocybin and MDMA to treat veterans with PTSD, depression, and addiction.
It may take years before these drugs become officially available through the VA.
Thousands of veterans currently travel abroad to places like Mexico for psychedelic retreats, often involving traditional indigenous ceremonies.
Nine veterans from across the U.S. joined a week-long retreat near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in March 2024.
Veterans at the retreat included TJ Duff, a Navy sailor injured in the USS Cole attack, and Randy Weaver, an Army sergeant with PTSD from combat tours.
Many veterans have tried existing treatments like therapy and medication with limited success.
The Heroic Hearts Project, a nonprofit, organized and funded the retreat to help veterans access these psychedelic therapies.
Veterans hope the retreats offer new ways to cope with trauma and reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression.
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A group of U.S. military veterans who have PTSD attended a week-long retreat in Mexico where they took psilocybin, a psychedelic substance. Almost a year later, most of the veterans said the experience had a big positive impact on their lives.
Key Facts
The veterans all have PTSD, a condition that can happen after trauma and causes lasting stress.
The retreat took place in Mexico and lasted one week.
Participants used psilocybin, a psychedelic drug found in certain mushrooms.
Psilocybin is known to affect the brain and can change perception and mood.
Most veterans reported significant improvements in their mental health nearly a year after the retreat.
The event was covered by the news program 60 Minutes on CBS.
The story shows an alternative approach to treating PTSD outside of traditional methods.
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Some U.S. veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) traveled to Mexico to try psychedelic therapy. The article also features a story about the Mardi Gras Indians maintaining their cultural traditions and an interview with author Margaret Atwood.
Key Facts
U.S. veterans with PTSD took a trip to Mexico for psychedelic treatment.
Psychedelic therapy involves using certain drugs to help mental health conditions.
The Mardi Gras Indians are a group keeping their cultural traditions alive.
Margaret Atwood, a well-known author, was interviewed on 60 Minutes.
The article covers three separate stories in one news segment.
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Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania expressed concern about the growing support for socialism within the Democratic Party. He made these remarks after some democratic socialists and progressive candidates won their party primaries.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman represents Pennsylvania as a Democrat.
He has recently disagreed with his own party on some issues.
Fetterman warned about the increasing influence of socialism in the Democratic Party.
His comments came after democratic socialists and progressive candidates won in Democratic primary elections.
He shared his thoughts in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The warning followed a CBS News poll showing 58 percent support for socialism or related topics in the party.
Fetterman described the rise of socialism in the party as concerning.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating among Republicans dropped by 8 points in the last month, according to a recent poll. Many voters, including Republicans and independents, say they feel worse off financially since Trump returned to office, and most disapprove of how he is handling the economy and inflation.
Key Facts
A Financial Times/Focaldata poll showed President Trump’s net approval among Republicans fell 8 percentage points recently.
Over 53% of registered voters feel financially worse since Trump took office in January 2025.
Nearly 57% of independents and about 25% of Republicans say they are worse off financially.
55% of registered voters disapprove of Trump’s performance as president.
Voters trust Democrats more than Republicans on issues like inflation, cost of living, jobs, and the economy.
About 64% disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation and living costs.
Nearly two-thirds of voters think the economy is heading in the wrong direction.
Some Republican officials, like Representative Don Bacon, say Trump has not effectively communicated understanding of Americans’ financial struggles.
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President Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly cut down the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. He expressed dissatisfaction that the United States had agreed to participate in these exercises for a long time.
Key Facts
President Trump gave orders to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday.
The order was to "substantially reduce" joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
Trump made this announcement on the social media platform Truth Social.
He said he was not happy about the U.S. agreeing to these exercises long ago.
The article mentions South Korea but does not provide more detail on their response.
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Admiral Brad Cooper, leader of U.S. Central Command, spoke about the mental health of military members on the USS Abraham Lincoln. The ship is returning home after spending 265 days involved in the conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
Admiral Brad Cooper is the commander of U.S. Central Command.
He visited the USS Abraham Lincoln on Saturday.
The ship had been deployed for 265 days related to the Iran War.
Cooper mentioned concerns about the mental health of the troops onboard.
He described his visit as “awe-inspiring.”
He said Americans would feel proud of the service members.
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President Donald Trump told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to greatly reduce U.S. military drills with South Korea. President Trump also said South Korea refused to assist the U.S. in efforts to remove nuclear weapons from Iran and mentioned his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Key Facts
President Trump gave an order to cut back U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
The reduction in drills is described as "substantial," meaning a large decrease.
South Korea declined to help the U.S. with denuclearization efforts concerning Iran.
President Trump noted his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is the official receiving this instruction.
The news is breaking and may be updated with more details later.
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Reform UK has proposed a plan to stop most foreign nationals, including EU citizens with settled status, from receiving most welfare benefits in the UK. The plan would require Brexit deal changes and could lead to British expats in the EU losing benefits, while aiming to save £21 billion a year by the fifth year.
Key Facts
Reform UK wants to ban foreign nationals from nearly all welfare benefits like housing, pensions, jobseeker's allowance, child benefit, free childcare, and disability payments.
The ban includes EU citizens who have settled status, meaning they have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years.
Changing the current rules would require renegotiating the Brexit agreement between the UK and the EU.
The party estimates the policy could save the UK £21 billion annually by year five and £50 billion total savings if other welfare changes are included.
British expats living in the EU might lose equivalent benefits if the EU responds with similar restrictions.
Some exceptions apply, such as war widows’ pensions and Armed Forces compensation.
Labour, the Conservatives, the Lib Dems, and the Greens criticized the plan for potential harm to people lawfully living in the UK or questioning its fairness and focus.
Reform UK’s plans will be officially presented by Robert Jenrick in a speech about welfare reforms.
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Senator Elizabeth Warren and other Democrats introduced a bill to stop presidents and senior officials from owning or controlling banks. This follows the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency giving conditional approval to a bank application linked to President Donald Trump's family's cryptocurrency business.
Key Facts
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) gave conditional preliminary approval to World Liberty Trust Company's application for a national trust bank charter.
World Liberty Financial is connected to the Trump family’s cryptocurrency efforts.
Senator Warren says the bank’s approval creates a conflict of interest because President Trump is connected to the bank.
The proposed bill would stop presidents, vice presidents, members of Congress, certain officials, and their immediate families from owning or controlling banks.
The bill asks regulators to review and possibly cancel any banking approvals granted when these individuals had control.
World Liberty Financial states it will operate under strict federal regulation and oversight.
Trust banks manage assets and handle payments but generally do not take deposits or make loans.
President Trump has said he does not manage World Liberty Financial or Trump Organization businesses directly; his children do.
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Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has recently criticized what she calls "Woke 1," a term she uses for her earlier progressive views from around 2020. She has shifted her public statements on issues like policing and immigration but hasn’t clearly explained her current positions on these topics.
Key Facts
AOC has called her earlier "Woke 1" period "crazy," referring to her 2020 cultural progressivism.
She was a major voice for "defunding the police" and prison reform in 2019 and 2020.
AOC supported bills to decriminalize border crossings and once said she might eliminate the Department of Homeland Security.
She used inclusive language like "Latinx" and "menstruating person" to refer to marginalized groups.
Recently, she said she does not support abolishing police and prisons or defunding the Department of Defense.
AOC has not detailed her current views or reasons for changing her rhetoric on these issues.
Some Republicans see her as a strong potential presidential candidate despite her past positions.
Democratic strategists acknowledge her political skill and believe her shift shows growth.
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore criticized President Donald Trump’s reaction to reports about poor conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Moore said the conditions are upsetting and believes the president’s response is also upsetting to everyone.
Key Facts
Poor conditions were reported on the USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
Governor Wes Moore expressed strong frustration about these conditions.
Moore also criticized President Trump’s response to the situation.
Moore said the response from the president upset him and should upset others as well.
The comments were made during an interview or public statement on Sunday.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a significant naval asset for the United States.
The situation has attracted public and political attention due to the ship’s conditions and the presidential reaction.
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Many community and migrant groups in Australia have urged the government not to limit work rights for temporary migrants whose protection visa claims are rejected. These groups warn that removing work rights would harm migrants by taking away their income and independence.
Key Facts
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is planning changes to reduce migration to Australia.
The proposed changes could remove work rights for some temporary migrants after their visa claims are rejected.
Nearly 150 organizations, including Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Jesuit Social Services, signed a letter opposing these changes.
The groups argue that losing work rights would prevent migrants from paying for basic needs like rent and food.
The letter encourages faster visa processing and better legal and work support instead of stricter limits.
This debate occurs while multicultural communities face increased criticism and blame.
The government has delayed the announcement of these changes as it continues to discuss the policy.
Labor party and migrant advocates call for fair treatment and policies that protect migrant communities.
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After Taylor Farms de Mexico was linked to a large cyclospora outbreak, people questioned the company’s political donations and whether they influenced the Trump administration’s response. Records show Taylor Fresh Foods, the parent company, donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned super PAC before the outbreak, but officials say political donations did not affect food safety decisions.
Key Facts
Taylor Farms de Mexico’s lettuce was linked to a multi-state cyclospora outbreak.
Taylor Fresh Foods, the parent company, donated $1 million to the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. in March 2025.
The FDA delayed enforcement of a food tracking rule six days before the donation.
Both Taylor Farms and the White House denied that donations influenced food safety rules or outbreak responses.
Taylor Fresh Foods and its CEO also donated to other Republican political groups in 2025.
The outbreak was associated with both Taco Bell and Taylor Farms lettuce.
The FDA has stated decisions are based on science and public safety, not political contributions.
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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he has not received any updates from Senator Mitch McConnell about McConnell’s health after the senator was hospitalized for several weeks. Beshear spoke about this during an interview on a CBS News program.
Key Facts
Governor Andy Beshear is a Democrat from Kentucky.
Senator Mitch McConnell is a Republican from Kentucky.
McConnell has been hospitalized for several weeks.
Beshear requested health updates about McConnell but has not gotten a response.
Beshear made these remarks during a CBS News interview on "Face the Nation."
Andy Beshear is considered a possible Democratic candidate for president in 2028.
The report focuses on communication and health concerns involving two Kentucky politicians.
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Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and praised the crew despite reports of mental health and supply problems. The ship has been at sea for over 250 days, raising concerns about the crew’s well-being, but the number of mental health cases remains low compared to other carriers.
Key Facts
Admiral Brad Cooper is the commander of US Central Command.
He called the USS Lincoln crew “awe-inspiring” during his visit.
The USS Lincoln has one of the lowest numbers of mental health cases among 11 active US aircraft carriers.
The ship has been at sea for more than 250 days without a port visit.
There have been reports of crew members attempting to jump overboard.
The USS Lincoln plays a key role in US efforts related to Iran.
Congress members have expressed concern about the crew’s mental and physical health.
President Donald Trump said the USS Lincoln’s deployment was not long enough.
The USS George Washington is being sent to replace the USS Lincoln near Japan.
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President Donald Trump said the USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment of over eight months was not long enough, despite concerns about the crew’s well-being. Admiral Mike Mullen warned that extended deployments can harm sailors’ readiness and morale, stressing the importance of rest and recovery time between missions.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for more than eight months, a longer period than usual for a U.S. aircraft carrier.
Typical carrier deployments last about six months, but operational needs can extend this time.
President Trump said the deployment “was not nearly long enough.”
Some sailors reportedly tried to jump overboard, raising concerns about mental health.
The U.S. Navy denies any increase in suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts on the ship.
Admiral Mullen said long deployments wear out crews and reduce future military readiness.
The Pentagon and CENTCOM have denied reports of unrest, saying the ship’s mission continues effectively.
Lawmakers and military experts highlight the stress on sailors and their families from long deployments without port visits.
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