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India Issues Coastal Alert After Cargo Ship with Hazardous Materials Sinks Off Kerala

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India Issues Coastal Alert After Cargo Ship with Hazardous Materials Sinks Off Kerala

KOCHI, India  — Authorities in southern India’s Kerala state have issued a coastal alert after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship carrying oil and hazardous chemicals capsized and sank off the coast near Kochi on Sunday, triggering fears of an environmental disaster in one of the country’s most ecologically sensitive and tourist-rich regions.

The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to release flammable acetylene gas. According to the Indian Coast Guard, the ship also had over 450 metric tonnes of fuel onboard — including 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil — raising serious concerns about the potential impact on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Although all 24 crew members were safely rescued in a high-risk operation coordinated by the Indian Navy, several containers were reported to be adrift and drifting toward the coastline, prompting precautionary evacuations in areas near the spill site.

Officials have warned that leaking oil, fuel, and chemicals pose a serious health hazard to local residents and could deal a devastating blow to marine biodiversity. The stretch of coast near Kochi is known for its fragile marine life, thriving fisheries, and significance as a hub for eco-tourism.

“The situation is under close watch,” a senior Kerala disaster management official said, adding that response teams have been deployed to assess the damage and begin containment operations. Hazardous material response units and marine pollution specialists are also being mobilized.

As the drifting containers near shore, authorities fear additional risks from explosions or toxic leaks, particularly from calcium carbide, which reacts explosively in wet conditions.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns about maritime safety in the Arabian Sea, with environmentalists urging immediate steps to strengthen shipping regulations and emergency response capabilities along India’s vulnerable coastal zones.

King Charles Arrives in Canada to Show Support Amid Trump’s Push for U.S. Takeover

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King Charles Arrives in Canada to Show Support Amid Trump’s Push for U.S. Takeover

OTTAWA, Ontario  — King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Canada on Monday, beginning a two-day visit widely seen as a gesture of solidarity with the country as it pushes back against escalating rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently suggested that Canada should become the 51st state.

The royal couple’s visit, their first to Canada since the start of King Charles’s reign, comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose recent election victory was fueled by public backlash against Trump’s provocations. During their stay in Ottawa, the King and Queen will attend ceremonial events, meet with community groups, and hold a private meeting with Carney.

The centerpiece of the visit will come Tuesday when King Charles delivers the Speech from the Throne to Canada’s Parliament — a symbolic and politically significant moment marking the first time in nearly five decades that a reigning monarch has addressed the nation’s lawmakers. The speech, written on the advice of Carney’s government, is expected to emphasize Canada’s sovereignty, directly countering Trump’s claims that the country should be absorbed into the United States.

Canadian officials have framed the speech as a powerful affirmation of national independence, delivered by a monarch who has maintained personal diplomacy with leaders across the world, including Trump. Former high commissioner Jeremy Kinsman said the message is one King Charles will be pleased to convey. “It’s going to be very affirmative of Canadian sovereignty. And I can say personally that it’s something King Charles will celebrate saying,” Kinsman said.

The monarch is also expected to meet with Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon, and participate in cultural engagements with First Nations communities. A ceremonial welcome was held at the Ottawa airport, reflecting the significance of the occasion for a nation under renewed political pressure.

The royal itinerary is deliberately more subdued than the grandeur of Britain’s State Opening of Parliament, with King Charles expected to wear a suit rather than ceremonial robes. Nevertheless, the symbolism is profound. The King follows in the footsteps of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who delivered the Speech from the Throne in Canada in 1957 and again in 1977.

In recent days, Canada has seen a surge in patriotic displays, including “Proudly Canadian” posters in businesses throughout Ottawa, as Trump’s annexation rhetoric inflames public opinion. When Carney visited Trump at the White House earlier this month, he firmly stated that “Canada is not for sale,” a sentiment echoed in statements from his administration ahead of the royal visit.

Though the King is expected to strike a diplomatic tone, observers note the challenge of balancing his dual role as head of state for both the United Kingdom and Canada. In the UK, King Charles has worked to maintain cordial relations with the U.S., including extending an invitation to Trump for a second state visit. In Canada, however, he is expected to reflect the country’s clear rejection of Trump’s ambitions.

A royal aide noted that King Charles is well-suited to the moment. “The King has long experience and great skill in walking that diplomatic tightrope. He’s held in high regard around the globe and across the political spectrum, with good relations with world leaders who understand his unique position.”

5 Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt, Switzerland, After Glacier Avalanche

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5 Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt, Switzerland, After Glacier Avalanche

ZERMATT, Switzerland  — Five skiers have been found dead on the Adler Glacier near Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s most popular Alpine resort towns, following a search mission triggered by reports of abandoned ski equipment, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The grim discovery was made after Air Zermatt launched a search operation on May 25. The search was prompted around 4:30 p.m. local time when two skiers climbing nearby Rimpfischhorn mountain alerted police to four unattended skis on the glacier. The helicopter crew located three bodies on what they described as an “avalanche cone,” while the remaining two were found in a snow-covered area slightly higher up the slope.

Canton Valais Police released a statement confirming the fatalities and noted that the victims have not yet been identified. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an official investigation into the accident to determine the cause and sequence of events that led to the deaths.

The incident occurred in a region renowned for winter sports, drawing affluent skiers from across Europe, particularly Britain, according to Reuters. Zermatt, nestled in the Swiss Alps, sits about 128 miles southeast of Geneva and 127 miles northwest of Milan, Italy, and is widely known for its picturesque views of the Matterhorn and challenging ski terrain.

The latest tragedy underscores the persistent risks of Alpine adventures, even in well-frequented and professionally monitored areas. No further details about the nationalities or identities of the victims have been released pending notification of next of kin.

 Trump Delays 50% Tariff on EU Imports Until July 9 After Call With Von der Leyen

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 Trump Delays 50% Tariff on EU Imports Until July 9 After Call With Von der Leyen

WASHINGTON  — President Donald Trump has agreed to delay a proposed 50% tariff on European Union imports until July 9, following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested additional time to finalize a trade agreement.

Trump announced the decision Sunday on his Truth Social platform, writing, “I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union. I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so.”

The move came shortly after von der Leyen described their conversation as a “good call,” emphasizing the urgency of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. “The EU and US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship,” she said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.”

The extension offers a temporary reprieve in what has been a tense standoff over trade terms. Trump had previously imposed 20% tariffs on EU imports under his broader “reciprocal tariffs” initiative, later reducing the rate to 10% for a 90-day period. But just last week, he signaled plans to implement a flat 50% tariff starting June 1, citing stalled negotiations.

“Our discussions with them are going nowhere!” Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social. At a White House event, he reinforced his stance, saying, “I just said, it’s time that we play the game the way I know how to play the game,” indicating no immediate intention to strike a pre-deadline deal.

The new July 9 deadline now sets the stage for another round of high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and the 27-nation European bloc, which together account for one of the world’s most significant economic partnerships.

Juveniles Among 7 Injured in Jackson, Tennessee, Park Shooting, Police Say

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Juveniles Among 7 Injured in Jackson, Tennessee, Park Shooting, Police Say

JACKSON, Tenn.  — Gunfire erupted at a public park in Jackson, Tennessee, on Saturday night, injuring seven people, including multiple juveniles, and leaving one in critical condition, authorities said.

The Jackson Police Department said the shooting took place around 8:41 p.m. at Kate Campbell Park, located northeast of downtown Jackson. Officers responded swiftly after receiving reports of a shooting involving young individuals.

According to a statement issued Sunday morning, one of the gunshot victims remains in critical condition, while two others are hospitalized in stable condition. The remaining four victims were treated and released, police said. Officials have not yet disclosed the ages of those injured or how many were juveniles.

No arrests have been made, and police say the circumstances and motive behind the shooting remain under investigation. Detectives spent Sunday collecting evidence at the scene and interviewing witnesses in an effort to identify those responsible.

The Jackson Police Department is urging anyone with information, including potential video footage of the incident, to contact authorities as the search for suspects continues.

The shooting is the latest instance of gun violence in public spaces that has drawn renewed concern across the country, particularly as summer months and public gatherings increase the risk of such incidents.

 At Least 11 Hospitalized After South Carolina Shooting During Memorial Day Weekend

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 At Least 11 Hospitalized After South Carolina Shooting During Memorial Day Weekend

LITTLE RIVER, S.C. — A shooting in Little River, South Carolina, sent at least 11 people to the hospital on Sunday during the busy Memorial Day weekend, police confirmed.

The incident unfolded on Watson Avenue, just north of Myrtle Beach, prompting a large law enforcement response from the Horry County Police Department. Officers said additional victims may have arrived at local hospitals via private vehicles, suggesting the total number of injured could rise.

Police have not released information on suspects or a motive but emphasized that the situation appears to be an isolated incident. Authorities reassured residents that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The scene remained active Sunday evening as investigators worked to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach, a popular destination for Memorial Day travelers.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information or video footage related to the shooting to come forward as the investigation continues.

The Memorial Day weekend, often marked by travel and celebration, has again been marred by gun violence, a recurring concern across the United States during public holidays.

 Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Kills 25 Amid Escalating Offensive

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 Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Kills 25 Amid Escalating Offensive

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  — An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza killed at least 25 people early Monday, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, in one of the deadliest incidents since Israel resumed its military offensive in March. Local medics said the toll could climb significantly, with multiple victims, including children, trapped beneath the rubble.

Officials at the scene described a chaotic and grisly aftermath at the Faami Aljerjawi School, where families had taken refuge from weeks of Israeli bombardment. The Health Ministry’s emergency service chief reported that over 55 people were wounded, among them a father and his children who were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the strike, saying it targeted a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command center embedded in the school compound. The military stated that “key terrorists” were operating within the facility and claimed “numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians.”

Despite those claims, the pre-dawn strike on a civilian shelter has intensified global criticism of Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with humanitarian groups and international leaders expressing outrage over the rising civilian death toll. The Israeli military maintains that it only targets militants, placing blame on Hamas for operating within densely populated areas and using civilians as human shields.

The renewed Israeli offensive began in March after a fragile ceasefire with Hamas collapsed. Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of dozens of hostages still held by the group since the October 7, 2023, terror attacks, which ignited the current war. The Palestinian militant group, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., Germany, Israel, and others, has said it will only release hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The latest strike follows a weekend incident that has further inflamed tensions: a doctor couple in Gaza lost nine of their ten children in an Israeli missile strike on their home. The tragedy triggered a wave of international condemnation and calls for restraint from global humanitarian organizations.

In a separate development, German airline group Lufthansa announced Monday it would suspend all flights to Tel Aviv through June 15, citing the “current situation” in the region. The decision affects flights operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa Cargo.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. Monday’s school strike underscores the increasing cost of the conflict for civilians, especially those seeking shelter in places once thought safe. With no diplomatic breakthrough in sight, the cycle of violence appears far from over.

 Russia Launches Record 355 Drones on Ukraine as Trump Blasts ‘Crazy’ Putin for Escalating War

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 Russia Launches Record 355 Drones on Ukraine as Trump Blasts ‘Crazy’ Putin for Escalating War

KYIV, Ukraine  — Russia launched a record-breaking 355 drones into Ukraine in a massive overnight assault, Ukrainian officials said Monday, marking the largest drone attack since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. The unprecedented bombardment came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump sharply condemned Russian leader Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” for escalating the war during peace talks and a major prisoner exchange.

Ukraine’s Air Force said the Sunday night offensive included a combination of 355 Iranian-made Shahed drones, including decoys, along with nine cruise missiles. The barrage triggered six-hour-long air alerts in Kyiv and caused damage across multiple regions, though no fatalities were immediately reported from the drone strikes.

In contrast, one person was killed in Russian shelling in the northeastern Sumy region, which has been under constant bombardment in recent months. In Khmelnytskyi, 18 residential buildings were damaged. In Odesa, a 14-year-old boy was wounded as explosions rocked the southern region.

The onslaught followed a weekend of what Ukrainian officials described as “terror,” capped by a Saturday night missile-and-drone attack that killed at least 12 people and injured dozens. That strike involved 69 missiles and 298 drones, making it the largest aerial assault to date before the overnight record was set just a day later. The figures could not be independently verified, and the Kremlin did not immediately comment on the attack.

Amid the growing violence, Trump publicly rebuked Putin in a rare and forceful statement. Writing on his Truth Social platform Sunday night, Trump said, “He has gone absolutely CRAZY! I’ve always said he wants ALL of Ukraine—not just a piece of it—and maybe that’s proving to be right. But if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”

Trump, who has long claimed a good relationship with Putin, acknowledged a growing frustration with Moscow. “He’s needlessly killing a lot of people,” Trump wrote. “Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever.” He added that the Kremlin’s aggression was especially appalling amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I don’t like it at all. And I’m surprised. I’m very surprised.”

Trump also signaled that he is considering additional sanctions on Moscow, telling reporters he was “not happy with what Putin is doing” and responding “absolutely” when asked if more punitive measures were on the table.

While Trump aimed most of his criticism at Putin, he also expressed irritation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying the Ukrainian leader was “doing his country no favors by talking the way he does,” without elaborating further.

The strikes came amid a rare moment of cooperation between Russia and Ukraine, as both sides completed a three-day prisoner exchange—one of the few tangible results of recent Istanbul-hosted talks. On Sunday, each side exchanged 303 detainees, following two earlier swaps involving 307 and 390 individuals, respectively. The total exchange of 1,000 prisoners was the largest such swap since the war began.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, peace efforts have stalled, and the record-setting drone attack underscored the ongoing volatility. The U.S., backed by European allies, continues to push for a ceasefire, but a durable resolution remains elusive as Moscow intensifies its air war against Ukrainian cities.

As Ukraine braces for further escalations, Trump’s comments suggest a potential shift in U.S. policy toward a more confrontational stance with Putin, should the conflict continue unchecked.

19-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Carjacking Involving Justice Sotomayor’s Security Detail

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19-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Carjacking Involving Justice Sotomayor’s Security Detail

WASHINGTON — A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to carjack a vehicle occupied by two deputies assigned to protect Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, according to court records unsealed Thursday.

Kentrell Flowers, who pleaded guilty in February to using a firearm during a crime of violence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who also ordered an additional five years of supervised release following his prison term.

The incident took place shortly after 1 a.m. on July 5, 2024, in Washington, D.C., when two U.S. Marshals Service deputies, stationed in an unmarked government car and wearing official Marshals shirts, were confronted by Flowers. According to the criminal complaint, Flowers exited a minivan, approached the vehicle, and pointed a loaded firearm directly at one of the deputies through the car window.

In response, the deputy fired four shots, striking Flowers once in the mouth. Despite his injuries, the deputy provided first aid until medical responders arrived. Flowers was hospitalized for approximately one week. Two other suspects, who fled the scene — one in the minivan and another on foot — remain unidentified.

Although Justice Sotomayor was not named in the court filings, the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the deputies were assigned to the protection of Supreme Court justices. The carjacking occurred near Sotomayor’s residence, but officials said there was no indication she was specifically targeted.

In court filings, prosecutors called Flowers’ actions “chilling” and “a total disregard” for the safety of law enforcement and the community. They recommended the full 10-year sentence, which Judge Leon ultimately imposed.

Flowers’ attorney, Maria Jacob, argued for a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, citing her client’s youth and clean criminal record. She told the court that Flowers had “made the biggest mistake of his life” and noted the seriousness of the encounter, writing, “Given how many shots were fired in his direction, it is unbelievable that only one bullet struck him.”

The case highlights the heightened risks faced by security personnel assigned to federal officials, especially during a time of increased threats against public figures. Flowers will now serve his sentence in a federal facility, with supervised release to follow.

 US-German Citizen Charged After Attempted Firebombing of US Embassy Office in Tel Aviv

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 US-German Citizen Charged After Attempted Firebombing of US Embassy Office in Tel Aviv

NEW YORK — A 28-year-old dual U.S.-German citizen has been charged with attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy’s branch office in Tel Aviv, federal prosecutors announced Sunday. The suspect, Joseph Neumeyer, was apprehended in Israel shortly after the failed attack and deported to the United States.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed in the Eastern District of New York, Neumeyer approached the U.S. Embassy compound in Tel Aviv on May 19, carrying a backpack filled with Molotov cocktails. Security footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that he got into a confrontation with a guard at the entrance before fleeing the scene. As the guard attempted to detain him, Neumeyer dropped his backpack and ran off.

Law enforcement quickly located him at a nearby hotel just blocks from the embassy, where he was taken into custody by Israeli authorities. He was deported to New York on Saturday and appeared before a federal judge in Brooklyn on Sunday, the same day the charges were made public.

Prosecutors allege that Neumeyer, who was born in Colorado, made a series of threatening social media posts prior to the incident. According to court records, he left the United States for Canada in early February and arrived in Israel in late April, weeks before the attempted attack.

Officials have not disclosed a specific motive, but the incident occurred amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, now in its 19th month, a conflict that has fueled global political tensions and raised security concerns at diplomatic posts worldwide.

Neumeyer’s court-appointed attorney, Jeff Dahlberg, declined to comment on the case.

During President Donald Trump’s first term, the U.S. formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocated its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem—a controversial decision that remains a flashpoint in U.S.-Middle East relations. However, the Tel Aviv office still operates as a branch of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Israel.

The charges against Neumeyer underscore the heightened security threats facing U.S. embassies abroad amid ongoing geopolitical instability. He is expected to remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

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