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Trump Booed and Cheered at Kennedy Center Les Misérables Performance

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Trump Booed and Cheered at Kennedy Center Les Misérables Performance

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump encountered a divided audience reaction Wednesday night at the Kennedy Center’s opening performance of “Les Misérables,” drawing both boos and cheers as he attended his first show at the venerable performing arts institution since his election while continuing his controversial overhaul of the center.

The drama unfolding in the audience rivaled the theatrical spectacle on stage as Trump took his seat alongside first lady Melania Trump for the three-hour musical production. Near the end of intermission, someone loudly cursed the president’s name, drawing applause from portions of the crowd. Several drag queens attended the performance as a form of protest against Trump’s previous complaints that the Kennedy Center had hosted too many drag shows.

Despite the vocal opposition, the evening maintained what observers described as a “MAGA-does-Broadway” atmosphere. Ric Grenell, Trump’s appointed interim leader of the Kennedy Center, attended alongside Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha. Before the curtain rose, Attorney General Pam Bondi mingled with guests while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posed for selfies with attendees. Conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who has advised Trump on personnel decisions, posted video from her seat near the stage.

Trump and the first lady walked the red carpet upon arrival at the Kennedy Center, which the president has been systematically remaking in his image while removing what he characterizes as liberal ideology from its programming.

“We want to bring it back, and we want to bring it back better than ever,” Trump stated regarding his vision for the institution.

The Republican president has expressed particular fondness for “Les Misérables,” the sprawling musical set in 19th-century France, occasionally incorporating its songs into his political events. One featured song, “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” serves as a revolutionary rallying cry inspired by the 1832 rebellion against the French monarchy.

The evening’s production featured traditional singing and dancing accompanied by sounds of explosions and gunfire as protesters and soldiers clashed on stage. For Trump critics, the theatrical violence created an unsettling parallel to current events in Los Angeles, where the president has deployed National Guard troops in response to protests over his deportation policies.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, responded to Trump’s attendance on social media, writing “Someone explain the plot to him.”

Audience members displayed varying reactions to the president’s presence. Terry Gee, a bartender who purchased his ticket in November, expressed indifference to Trump’s attendance. Attending his sixth performance of “Les Misérables,” Gee stated, “I’m going to enjoy the show regardless.”

Hannah Watkins, a nurse, learned of Trump’s planned attendance only when the Kennedy Center distributed information about enhanced security measures. “I’ve seen a lot of famous people so far, which is exciting,” said Watkins, who secured a position near the VIP entrance with her mother. “Honestly, we just like ‘Les Mis’ and are excited to be here.”

Historically, presidential involvement in Kennedy Center affairs remained limited to appointing board trustees and attending annual honors program tapings. However, following his January return to office, Trump stunned the arts community by dismissing the center’s longtime director and board, replacing them with loyalists who subsequently named him chairman. Trump has promised comprehensive overhauls of programming, management, and physical appearance as part of his effort to influence the national arts landscape.

These changes have generated significant opposition among patrons and performers. In March, audiences booed the Vances when they attended a National Symphony Orchestra performance in upper-level seats. Trump has appointed Usha Vance to the Kennedy Center board alongside Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Fox News hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham.

Subscription package sales have reportedly declined since Trump’s takeover, while several touring productions, including “Hamilton,” have canceled planned Kennedy Center runs. Actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens withdrew from scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned their positions.

Understudies may have performed certain roles Wednesday night due to boycotts by regular “Les Misérables” cast members, though Trump dismissed concerns about performer absences, stating “I couldn’t care less.”

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has adopted an increasingly aggressive stance toward arts institutions. The administration has moved to cancel millions of dollars in previously awarded federal humanities grants to arts and culture organizations, while Trump’s budget blueprint proposes eliminating both the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Trump has also targeted Smithsonian museums through executive orders restricting funding and attempts to remove the National Portrait Gallery director. The president has characterized previous Kennedy Center programming as “out of control with rampant political propaganda,” citing what he termed “some very inappropriate shows,” including a “Marxist anti-police performance” and “lesbian-only Shakespeare.”

The Kennedy Center, supported through government funding and private donations, opened in 1971 and has traditionally maintained an apolitical celebration of the arts. The institution originated in the late 1950s during Republican President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration, which supported Democratic-led Congressional legislation calling for a National Culture Center. Democratic President John F. Kennedy launched fundraising initiatives in the early 1960s, and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed 1964 legislation renaming the project the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, honoring Kennedy following his 1963 assassination.

Air India Flight Carrying 244 Crashes in Ahmedabad Shortly After Takeoff, First-Ever Boeing 787 Fatal Accident

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Air India Flight Carrying 244 Crashes in Ahmedabad Shortly After Takeoff, First-Ever Boeing 787 Fatal Accident

AHMEDABAD, India (BN24) — An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed Thursday afternoon in a densely populated neighborhood of Ahmedabad, in India’s northwestern state of Gujarat, killing an unknown number of people and marking the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, officials confirmed.

The aircraft, operating as Flight AI171, took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. local time before it plummeted into the Meghani Nagar residential area just five minutes into the flight. The widebody Boeing 787-8 was carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members.

Television footage from the scene showed towering smoke columns rising above the crash site, as rescue teams swarmed the area. Emergency responders and aviation personnel were dispatched immediately, according to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, director general of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

“This is a deeply tragic incident. Rescue teams have been mobilized and are providing urgent medical assistance and relief,” Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on X, formerly Twitter. “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all agencies to respond swiftly and in coordination.”

Air India, India’s flagship carrier, acknowledged the crash in a statement posted on X, noting that the airline is “ascertaining details” and will issue further updates. The airline referred to the crash as “an incident” as initial reports emerged from the crash site.

London Gatwick Airport confirmed it had been scheduled to receive AI171 at 6:25 p.m. local time and said it was coordinating with Indian authorities. The flight path and aircraft data show the Boeing 787 transmitted its final signal just seconds after takeoff, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24.

Police have cordoned off the impact zone in Meghani Nagar, where local media report multiple residential structures were damaged or destroyed by the crash and fire. There was no immediate word on survivors.

The crash marks a grim milestone for Boeing, as it is the first-ever fatal accident involving a 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered service in 2011, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

As the investigation begins, both Indian and international aviation authorities are expected to examine flight data, crew communications, and mechanical records to determine the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet confirmed how many people may have died or survived.

Paris Saint-Germain Touches Down in Los Angeles Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup Debut

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Paris Saint-Germain Touches Down in Los Angeles Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup Debut

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Fresh off their UEFA Champions League triumph in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday to commence final preparations for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. The French champions are set to play their opening matches at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena as they chase a global title in a newly expanded competition.

“It’s a nice feeling because it’s a unique competition, a new competition,” said PSG Head Coach Luis Enrique. “We’re happy to be here. Now, it’s a moment to rest.” He added, “It’s the first Club World Cup, it’s amazing. We are looking forward to training and to competing next week.”

PSG is set to begin Group B play this Sunday with a high-profile clash against Spain’s Atlético Madrid, followed by a June 19 matchup against Brazil’s Botafogo. They will wrap up the group stage on June 24 against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders, with that match scheduled to take place in Seattle.

The tournament features an elite lineup of global clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. International stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Erling Haaland are expected to headline the competition.

In anticipation of the tournament, Real Madrid finalized the early signing of England right back Trent Alexander-Arnold to ensure his participation. Midfielder Jude Bellingham is also reportedly postponing shoulder surgery to remain eligible for the competition.

Despite a challenging season that saw Manchester City finish without silverware, forward Phil Foden acknowledged the team’s mental fatigue but reaffirmed their resolve. “We are mentally drained,” he said. “But we’re determined to compete for this title.”

The new FIFA Club World Cup comes with high stakes—both in prestige and financial incentive. The winning team could collect up to $125 million from a record $1 billion prize pool, adding significant weight to the tournament’s allure.

U.S. to Partially Evacuate Baghdad Embassy Amid Rising Tensions Over Iran

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U.S. to Partially Evacuate Baghdad Embassy Amid Rising Tensions Over Iran

BAGHDAD (BN24) — The United States is evacuating non-essential personnel and their families from its embassy in Baghdad, citing escalating security threats across the region amid faltering negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. officials said Wednesday.

A U.S. State Department official told the BBC that the decision reflects a routine reassessment of staffing levels, adding, “Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.”

The evacuation comes as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran appear to have stalled, raising concerns over the potential for conflict. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is increasingly doubtful Iran will halt uranium enrichment efforts, a central issue in the negotiations.

Tensions surged earlier this week after Trump reportedly held a tense 40-minute phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has urged a more aggressive stance against Iran.

Pressed about the decision to evacuate staff from multiple U.S. posts across the Middle East, Trump acknowledged the deteriorating security situation. “They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens,” he said. “We’ve given notice to move out, and we’ll see what happens.”

Iran’s Defense Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, warned that his country would retaliate against American bases in the region if talks failed and military action was taken. The statement added to fears that diplomatic breakdowns could spark a wider conflict.

Reuters reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also approved the voluntary departure of family members of American military personnel stationed in countries such as Kuwait and Bahrain. The Pentagon confirmed the move during a congressional hearing, with officials noting there are “plenty of indications” Iran may be preparing to develop a nuclear weapon.

Tehran continues to insist its nuclear activities are intended solely for civilian energy production, denying any plans to develop atomic weapons.

The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations, a branch of the Royal Navy, issued a maritime security alert on Wednesday warning that elevated military tensions could disrupt commercial shipping in the region.

Following news of the evacuation, global oil prices spiked over 4% due to growing concerns about instability in the Middle East and its potential impact on energy supplies.

Approximately 2,500 U.S. troops remain deployed in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Detaining or Deporting Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil

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Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Detaining or Deporting Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil

NEW YORK (BN24) — A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration cannot detain or deport Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil based solely on a determination made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, handing a temporary legal victory to Khalil and civil liberties advocates.

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz issued a preliminary injunction barring Khalil’s removal from the country, stating that the government’s attempt to justify his detention through an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 is insufficient. The ruling will take effect Friday at 9:30 a.m., allowing the administration time to appeal.

Khalil, a former Columbia student who emerged as a prominent figure in campus demonstrations protesting Israel’s war in Gaza, has been detained since March following his arrest by federal agents. He has not been charged with a crime but has faced allegations from the Department of Homeland Security that he glorified and supported terrorist groups.

Rubio had invoked a Cold War-era clause in immigration law that allows the secretary of state to “personally determine” whether an individual poses a national security threat and should be expelled. Farbiarz rejected this reasoning, ruling that Khalil’s ongoing detention appears to stem primarily from Rubio’s assertion, rather than from any substantiated legal violation.

“The evidence is that lawful permanent residents are virtually never detained pending removal for those types of omissions,” Farbiarz wrote, referring to claims that Khalil had provided inaccurate information on his green card application. “That strongly suggests that it is the Secretary of State’s determination that drives the Petitioner’s ongoing detention — not the other charge against him.”

Khalil’s wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, welcomed the judge’s decision in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union, one of several legal organizations representing him. “This is the news we’ve been waiting over three months for,” she said.

Ramzi Kassem, co-founder of the Center for Constitutional Rights and one of Khalil’s attorneys, called the ruling a vindication. “This confirms what Mahmoud has maintained since day one — that the government cannot detain or deport him based on Rubio’s say-so,” he said. Khalil’s legal team is now pushing for his immediate release.

The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Khalil is among the first student activists to face federal immigration consequences under President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on Gaza-related protests. The administration has accused universities such as Columbia and Harvard of failing to protect Jewish students, with Trump recently threatening Columbia’s accreditation over alleged civil rights violations.

The ACLU described the ruling as “a huge win” and a critical check on executive power in immigration enforcement.

Fuel Tanker Ignites in Fiery Crash Near NASFAT Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria

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Fuel Tanker Ignites in Fiery Crash Near NASFAT Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria (BN24) — A petrol-laden tanker burst into flames on Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, triggering panic among motorists and worshippers near the NASFAT prayer camp.

The incident occurred when the tanker reportedly lost control and overturned directly in front of the NASFAT (Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria) facility, immediately catching fire. Thick plumes of black smoke filled the air as fire spread from the tanker, raising fears of a possible explosion and causing gridlock on the major highway.

Eyewitness accounts on social media described a chaotic scene. A user on X, formerly Twitter, with the handle @SegunOladejo_ wrote: “A tanker is burning on Lagos-Ibadan expressway just opposite NASFAT praying ground. The fire is horrible.”

Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene, but as of press time, it was unclear whether the fire had been fully extinguished or if any injuries had occurred. Authorities have yet to release an official statement.

The blaze marks the second fuel-related incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in recent days. On Monday, another tanker fire broke out between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo areas, severely affecting traffic flow. Though no casualties were reported in that case, the inferno lasted for hours before being contained by the Oyo State Fire Service.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors and is often plagued by traffic incidents, particularly involving articulated vehicles.

Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution while driving along the corridor and to adhere strictly to safety regulations as investigations continue into the latest fire.

Ukrainian Mother Accused of Killing 3-Year-Old Daughter in Alleged Ritual Sacrifice

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Ukrainian Mother Accused of Killing 3-Year-Old Daughter in Alleged Ritual Sacrifice

KALUSH, Ukraine (BN24) — Ukrainian authorities have launched a murder investigation after a three-year-old girl was found dead in what police describe as a suspected ritual killing allegedly carried out by her mother in the western city of Kalush.

Yuliia Doloshytska, a 32-year-old graphic designer and artist, has been detained on suspicion of murdering her daughter, Alyna Petryv, following a series of disturbing events that have stunned residents of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Police say the child was drowned and possibly stabbed after being forced to participate in a ritual intended to “expel evil spirits.”

According to investigators, Doloshytska picked up her daughter from nursery ahead of the incident and later dressed the toddler in a white dress and floral wreath, compelling her to recite phrases associated with ritual practices. Neighbors reported hearing screams during the night and contacted authorities.

When police arrived at the residence the following morning, they gained access using a key obtained from the landlord. Inside, they discovered the girl’s body in the bathtub. Early reports indicated signs of drowning, with some accounts also suggesting stab wounds.

“The woman did not offer any explanation for her actions,” police said in an official statement. “During the initial investigation, officers collected substantial evidence pointing to the premeditated involvement of the 32-year-old suspect in the child’s death.”

Doloshytska, who is divorced, had reportedly lived in the Czech Republic with her daughter during part of the ongoing war but returned to Ukraine approximately six weeks ago. She had been residing alone with the child in a rented apartment at the time of the killing.

The child’s father, who remains in the Czech Republic, has been informed of the tragedy. Alyna’s funeral, held at a local church, drew an outpouring of grief from the community. Mourners brought children’s toys, wreaths, and flowers to honor the slain girl.

Local outlet Kalush Informator described an emotional scene, quoting a mourner’s eulogy: “What a beautiful girl, what a horror! How is this possible?”

Police say the investigation is ongoing. The suspect has formally been informed of her status in the case and remains in custody pending further proceedings.

U.S. Immigration Raid on Omaha Meat Plant Halves Workforce, Heightens Food Supply Concerns

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U.S. Immigration Raid on Omaha Meat Plant Halves Workforce, Heightens Food Supply Concerns

OMAHA, Neb. (BN24) — A federal immigration raid on a meat processing plant in Omaha, Nebraska, has left Glenn Valley Foods operating with just 30% of its workforce, raising fears over broader disruptions to the U.S. meat supply chain amid record-high beef prices and a nationwide labor shortage.

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained between 74 and 76 workers—more than half of the plant’s 140 employees—during a targeted operation, according to Glenn Valley Foods President Chad Hartmann. By Wednesday, the plant’s production had plummeted to roughly 20% of normal output, with additional workers staying home due to trauma or fear following the sweep.

“The hole that got punched into our business is staffing,” Hartmann said. “We’re now working to figure out how long it will take to rebuild our workforce.”

The facility produces beef, chicken, and corned beef products for restaurants and grocery chains, according to the company’s website.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway into what officials described as a “large-scale employment” of immigrants present in the United States unlawfully. ICE released footage of agents handcuffing and detaining workers, underscoring the scale and intensity of the enforcement action.

The raid came at a precarious time for the meatpacking industry. Beef prices have surged amid a shrinking U.S. cattle herd, now at its smallest size in seven decades due to prolonged drought and rising feed costs. Despite these challenges, consumer demand for beef remains robust.

The surprise ICE operation immediately rattled livestock markets. On Tuesday, cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange fell as traders braced for a potential slowdown in processing demand. Analysts warned that labor disruptions could curb meatpackers’ capacity to purchase and process cattle from farms.

“There’s certainly going to be nervousness out there on where the labor situation goes, going forward,” said Matt Wiegand, a commodity broker at FuturesOne in Nebraska.

Julie Anna Potts, president of the North American Meat Institute, emphasized that the industry is still struggling with labor shortages worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Major producers such as Tyson Foods and JBS USA were forced to close plants in 2020 due to staffing shortfalls, and full recovery remains elusive.

More than half of U.S. meatpacking workers are immigrants, according to data from the Center for Economic and Policy Research. Enforcement actions targeting undocumented workers threaten to deepen the workforce crisis and disrupt food production.

Hartmann said Glenn Valley Foods used E-Verify, the federal system for confirming employment eligibility. Homeland Security officials told him there was “no better system” currently available, he said, but the raid has cast new doubts on the tool’s reliability.

“We will have to continue to use it,” Hartmann said, despite its apparent shortcomings.

ICE officials have ramped up enforcement efforts in recent weeks in line with President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, which includes record levels of deportations. Over the weekend, tensions flared in Los Angeles, where ICE agents detained migrants at retail stores and industrial sites. Demonstrations erupted Tuesday night in New York, Atlanta and Chicago in response to the aggressive tactics.

The Omaha World-Herald reported that additional immigration actions occurred at other meatpacking sites in the region, including facilities operated by Tyson Foods and JBS USA. Both companies told Reuters their plants were not involved in Tuesday’s raids.

As Glenn Valley Foods struggles to restore operations, the episode underscores the growing collision between immigration enforcement and the U.S. food supply, with industry leaders warning that continued raids could severely strain an already fragile system.

Musk Backs Down After Feud With Trump, But Tensions Remain Between Tech Tycoon and White House

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Musk Backs Down After Feud With Trump, But Tensions Remain Between Tech Tycoon and White House

WASHINGTON (BN24) — Elon Musk walked back scathing remarks he made about President Donald Trump last week, signaling a truce in a public feud that had unsettled both Wall Street and Washington. But despite Musk’s conciliatory tone, questions linger over whether the uneasy peace between the world’s wealthiest businessman and the world’s most powerful leader will hold.

“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk wrote Wednesday on his social platform X. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s remarks followed a series of pointed exchanges with Trump, whom Musk had sharply criticized over a sweeping tax-and-spending package, which he called a “disgusting abomination.”

The dispute rapidly escalated, with Musk suggesting Trump should be impeached and floating the idea of forming a new political party. For Musk’s sprawling business empire — from electric cars to satellite internet — the confrontation carried significant risks. Several of his companies, including Starlink, rely heavily on U.S. government contracts and regulatory approvals.

Musk’s change in tone followed outreach from top White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Trump adviser David Sacks, who is also a longtime friend of Musk. Sources familiar with the matter said the administration was concerned about the rift’s potential fallout ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

While Musk deleted several contentious posts — including one endorsing Trump’s impeachment — he did not retract his criticism of the legislation. The billionaire entrepreneur had given nearly $300 million to Republican campaigns during the 2024 cycle, a cash infusion that helped propel the GOP to sweeping victories in the White House and Congress. He had also briefly led Trump’s federal cost-cutting initiative before stepping down in May.

Musk’s change of heart reportedly followed a direct conversation with Trump on Monday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the two had spoken and said the president appreciated the outreach. She dismissed rumors that the administration was reviewing Musk’s federal contracts in response to last week’s tensions.

Tesla shares were marginally lower Wednesday, having recouped some ground lost during the public spat. The stock remains down 19% year-to-date, shedding roughly $300 billion in market capitalization. Analysts attribute the downturn partly to declining sales in key markets including Europe, China, and U.S. states such as California, where consumers have grown wary of Musk’s increasingly partisan posture.

The entrepreneur is staking Tesla’s future on autonomous vehicle technology, including plans to mass-produce robotaxis without steering wheels or pedals. That ambitious vision will require regulatory approvals from the U.S. Department of Transportation — approvals that could face heightened scrutiny amid political friction with the White House.

“Musk’s recent conciliatory remarks may reflect a broader effort to safeguard his business interests,” said Mamta Valechha, a consumer discretionary analyst at Quilter Cheviot, a Tesla shareholder.

Shawn Campbell, an adviser at Camelthorn Investments and Tesla investor, said Musk and Trump might repair their working relationship but doubted it would ever return to its prior closeness.

“The stakes are enormous — billions of dollars in contracts and sweeping regulatory authority. Both men know what’s on the line,” Campbell said.

Trump made clear Saturday that their relationship had fractured. He warned of “serious consequences” if Musk chose to fund Democratic challengers to Republican lawmakers who supported the controversial tax bill. Despite this, a top Trump aide called one of Musk’s advisers to thank him for encouraging a reconciliation, sources said.

For now, Musk appears to be seeking a de-escalation. But with the 2026 midterms looming and policy decisions affecting everything from electric vehicles to satellite networks on the table, the relationship between Trump and Musk remains one of the most consequential — and fragile — alliances in American politics.

Northern Ireland Police Warn of Escalating Violence After Second Night of Rioting in Ballymena

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Northern Ireland Police Warn of Escalating Violence After Second Night of Rioting in Ballymena

BELFAST (BN24) — Authorities in Northern Ireland say residents of Ballymena are living in fear following a second consecutive night of rioting, as tensions escalate across the province. Police reported that 32 officers have been injured since unrest began Monday, sparked by public outrage over an alleged sexual assault involving two teenage boys.

The violence, centered in the County Antrim town 28 miles north of Belfast, has since spread to the capital and other towns, prompting concerns about a broader wave of disorder. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the unrest has been marked by petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks being hurled at officers. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police are bracing for further unrest amid social media calls for protest action.

“People are waking up today feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods,” Henderson said at a press conference Wednesday. “We have seen social media activity promoting protest events this evening at various places across Northern Ireland. It’s difficult to precisely predict the scope and scale, but we saw how it played out last night.”

The unrest was triggered by public reaction to the court appearance of two 14-year-old boys accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The pair were formally charged earlier this week, with proceedings conducted through a Romanian interpreter, according to the BBC. Both boys denied the charges and were remanded into custody until July 2.

What began as protests over the incident quickly descended into chaos. Police say four homes set on fire during the rioting are now being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.

“For a second consecutive day, this mob violence has targeted both our diverse communities and the police,” Henderson said. “While I am not labeling entire communities as racist, when families from diverse backgrounds have their doors kicked in, I must call it out for what it is — racist behavior.”

Local residents have reported taking measures to avoid being targeted. One Romanian woman told The Irish Times she placed a British flag in her window in hopes of deterring attackers. Another home displayed both British and Filipino flags alongside a note stating, “Filipino lives here.”

On Tuesday, police deployed water cannons and attenuated energy projectiles — non-lethal rounds — in response to petrol bombs, burning vehicles, and projectiles thrown at officers. Riot police using armored vehicles were met with resistance in areas including Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, where bins were set alight and makeshift barricades erected.

Separate protests also disrupted traffic in parts of Belfast, with some roads temporarily blocked.

Henderson confirmed that the PSNI had requested reinforcements from police forces on the British mainland to bolster their response. He cited the role of online platforms in amplifying unrest: “Social media is clearly being used to escalate the situation.”

The British and Irish governments, along with local politicians, condemned the attacks on officers and property.

“There is absolutely no justification for the disgraceful attacks we have seen on PSNI officers, and on people’s homes and property,” said Hilary Benn, Britain’s Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. “This appalling violence and vandalism must cease immediately, and those involved will be brought to justice.”

The current wave of violence comes 27 years after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Although peace has largely held, sporadic violence still erupts when political and social tensions flare.

As police brace for further unrest, residents across Northern Ireland remain on edge, fearing the riots could intensify and spread further in the days ahead.

Reuters

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