MOSCOW — Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced Monday that it has arrested nine individuals, including several teenagers, accused of plotting terrorist attacks targeting police in the Stavropol region during Victory Day celebrations earlier this month.
The suspects were taken into custody on May 8, just one day before Russia commemorated its World War II victory over Nazi Germany — a national holiday marked by heightened security across the country.
The FSB said the alleged ringleader is an unnamed teenager who joined an unidentified terrorist organization in 2023 with the intention of committing crimes on its behalf. Authorities claim he recruited an adult relative and seven other teenagers, aged 14 to 16, to participate in planned attacks targeting law enforcement.
The Investigative Committee, which handles major criminal cases in Russia, confirmed that the suspects were preparing to carry out assaults on police officers during the Victory Day festivities.
According to official statements, all nine were formally charged with participating in terrorist activities and have been placed in pre-trial detention.
Russian state media released footage showing excerpts of interrogations with the young suspects, whose faces were blurred. In one video, a teenager described being indoctrinated into a banned extremist group by a peer.
“He told us to repeat after him, then congratulated us for joining some kind of group that’s banned in Russia,” the boy said in the video.
The teen recruiter now faces additional charges for coercing others to join terrorist activities, authorities said.
The case has heightened concerns about radicalization among Russian youth, especially through online platforms and peer-to-peer recruitment. Russian officials have repeatedly warned that foreign and domestic extremist groups are targeting vulnerable minors to carry out attacks on home soil.
While the FSB did not name the organization allegedly behind the plot, authorities emphasized that the group is banned in Russia and that the investigation remains ongoing.
SEOUL, South Korea — A planned Kanye West concert in South Korea has been abruptly canceled by Coupang, the e-commerce giant behind the event, citing “recent controversies involving the artist.” The show, scheduled for May 31 in the city of Incheon, will no longer proceed, Coupang and ticket vendor Interpark announced Monday.
The companies offered no specific details about the decision, but the move comes amid renewed global backlash against the American rapper — now legally known as Ye — following the release of a provocative song titled “Heil Hitler” earlier this month.
West’s latest song has drawn widespread condemnation for its explicit praise of Adolf Hitler, the Nazi dictator responsible for the Holocaust. The lyrics have reignited criticism over Ye’s pattern of antisemitic rhetoric, which had already damaged his standing with corporate partners and the public.
The concert’s cancellation comes nearly two years after Adidas terminated its partnership with Ye over similar comments. The German sportswear giant officially ended the Yeezy collaboration in October 2022, later selling off the remaining inventory in March.
Coupang, which was organizing the concert through its streaming platform Coupang Play, confirmed that all purchased tickets would be fully refunded. In a further step, the company announced the suspension of all sales of West’s Yeezy fashion merchandise from its platform.
The show in Incheon was billed as a high-profile return for Ye to the Asian concert circuit. Instead, the cancellation marks another setback in his effort to rebuild a public platform following years of controversial and inflammatory behavior.
Ye’s unraveling relationship with the entertainment and fashion industries continues to deepen as companies distance themselves from his increasingly erratic and offensive public statements. Monday’s cancellation follows a pattern of event pullouts, product removals, and sponsorship terminations since West began expressing openly antisemitic and extremist views.
Though Coupang and Interpark refrained from citing specific incidents, Ye’s history of inflammatory comments and recent glorification of Hitler have made it increasingly untenable for global brands to remain affiliated with him.
As outrage grows and backlash intensifies, it remains unclear what public platform — if any — Kanye West will retain. For now, South Korea has joined a growing list of markets unwilling to host the rapper amid his continued controversies.
WARSAW, Poland — Polish customs officials have intercepted and seized a shipment of Boeing aircraft tires allegedly bound for Russia, in a move authorities say enforces strict European Union sanctions targeting Moscow’s aviation industry in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The National Revenue Administration announced Monday that officers in Koroszczyn, near the border with Belarus, discovered the undeclared cargo during a routine inspection of a truck. The shipment, falsely declared as car and bus tires, was instead found to contain five metric tons of tires used for Boeing civil aircraft.
“The sender of the goods was a company from Spain, and the recipient was from Azerbaijan,” Polish customs officials said in a statement. “During inspection, it became clear that the cargo included tires intended for civil Boeing planes, not the declared vehicle tires.”
Polish authorities have launched criminal fiscal proceedings related to customs fraud, citing the EU’s sanctions regime, which includes a ban on exporting aviation-related equipment to Russia. The tires were seized and are now being held by Polish authorities.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has imposed multiple waves of sanctions, targeting sectors ranging from energy to defense and civilian aviation. The export of aircraft parts, including tires, to Russia or through intermediaries likely to reroute them to Russia has been strictly prohibited.
This incident underscores persistent efforts by European customs and border agencies to enforce sanctions and curb the flow of restricted goods that could support Russian infrastructure.
The shipment’s planned route through Belarus and Russia raised immediate red flags for Polish customs officers, who have been on heightened alert for transit violations involving sanctioned goods. The use of third-party recipients in countries like Azerbaijan is a known tactic used to circumvent EU restrictions.
“Such attempts to bypass sanctions are taken seriously,” Polish officials said. “This seizure demonstrates our commitment to upholding European security policies and preventing sanctioned goods from reaching prohibited destinations.”
Russia’s civil aviation industry has struggled under international sanctions, facing shortages of parts, maintenance support, and technical services. Western aerospace manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus ceased deliveries of parts and maintenance services after the 2022 invasion, further complicating efforts by Russian airlines to maintain their fleets.
The seizure in Poland highlights the continued enforcement of aviation-related sanctions, which have become a critical pressure point in the West’s strategy to isolate Russia economically and technologically.
As the war in Ukraine persists with no diplomatic resolution in sight, European customs agencies are expected to remain vigilant. The latest seizure serves as a reminder that sanctions enforcement remains a frontline effort in the geopolitical struggle between the West and the Kremlin.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Scottie Scheffler played his trademark brand of methodical, precision golf on Sunday at Quail Hollow, but it was what happened after the final putt that revealed a rarely seen side of the world’s No. 1 golfer.
After clinching the 2025 PGA Championship with a five-shot victory over Bryson DeChambeau, Harry English, and Davis Riley, Scheffler ripped off his cap and slammed it onto the green in a burst of emotion. The uncharacteristic display — punctuated by a thunderous hand slap with his caddie and an exuberant trophy lift that nearly sent the Wanamaker Trophy’s lid flying — reminded fans and competitors alike that beneath his calm exterior burns a fierce competitive fire.
“Just a lot of happiness,” Scheffler said afterward, visibly moved. “Maybe thankfulness, too. This was a long week. I felt like this was as hard as I’ve battled for a tournament in my career.”
Throughout the final round, Scheffler’s composure never wavered — until the end. For most of Sunday, he delivered exactly what golf fans have come to expect: hitting fairways under pressure, sticking clutch approach shots, and draining must-make putts with mechanical precision.
But as he secured his second consecutive victory — and 15th career PGA Tour win — he allowed the weight of the moment to surface. In a rare emotional outburst, the 6-foot-3 Texan shattered the robotic narrative that has often defined his stoic image on tour.
When asked if he considers himself a fiery competitor, Scheffler laughed and said simply, “Yeah.”
Despite a rocky front nine, where Scheffler carded three uncharacteristic bogeys, he regained control after the turn with a composed birdie on the par-5 10th. His tee shot split the fairway, and his approach left him 40 feet from the pin — a two-putt birdie that gave him the outright lead for good.
From there, Scheffler didn’t run away with the championship so much as he held his ground while others fell away. Jon Rahm, who briefly tied him at 9-under, faltered on the closing stretch, while Scheffler birdied holes 14 and 15 to widen the gap. By the time he approached the 18th green, he was leading by six strokes, coasting home with a safe bogey and a commanding win.
Scheffler pointed to the closing stretch of Saturday’s round, where he birdied five of the final six holes, as the turning point of the tournament. His late-round surge gave him a three-shot cushion heading into Sunday and set the tone for what followed.
“The last five holes (Saturday), that’s where I really kind of put myself ahead,” Scheffler said. “The back nine today was pretty special, but finishing strong yesterday gave me the lead I needed.”
Scheffler now joins Seve Ballesteros as the only players in golf history to win each of their first three majors by three strokes or more. His 15th PGA Tour victory places him in rare company: only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus reached that milestone in fewer events.
The Masters champion is now halfway to the career Grand Slam, with only the U.S. Open and British Open remaining — both on the calendar for later this year.
Still, Scheffler remains focused on the process rather than the historical implications.
“I don’t focus on that kind of stuff,” he said. “I love coming out here and trying to compete and win golf tournaments. That’s what I’m focused on.”
Though known for his unflappable demeanor — even maintaining composure during his false arrest at last year’s PGA Championship at Valhalla — Sunday’s emotional celebration shattered the myth of Scottie Scheffler as emotionless or mechanical. Perhaps it was the culmination of a difficult year, including a freak injury over Christmas that saw him puncture his hand while making ravioli.
Whatever the cause, the raw joy and intensity on display at Quail Hollow confirmed what his swing and scorecard already suggest: Scottie Scheffler isn’t just the best player in the world — he’s one with fire in his soul.
As golf’s new dominant force chases history, Sunday proved there’s more to him than flawless form and textbook swings. There’s heart. There’s fire. And with two majors left in 2025, there may be no stopping him.
LONDON — The United Kingdom and the European Union have reached new agreements on defense cooperation and fishing rights, signaling a major reset in bilateral relations five years after Brexit. The announcements came during a landmark summit in London on Monday, the first formal high-level meeting between both parties since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other top EU officials, framed the summit as a pivotal moment in mending the UK’s fractured relationship with its largest trading partner. His government has prioritized restoring ties with Brussels since taking office last year, hoping to reverse some of the economic disruptions caused by Brexit.
Ahead of the summit, British media reported that the two sides had concluded a new deal on fishing access, allowing EU vessels to operate in UK waters under a renewed framework. Details were also emerging on a UK-EU defense and security partnership, expected to give London access to an EU defense investment program for the first time since Brexit.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK Cabinet Office minister leading negotiations, hailed the summit as a “historic day,” proclaiming “Britain [is] back on the world stage” in a social media post. However, he withheld specifics on the deals, which are expected to bolster UK-EU military and intelligence cooperation amid growing global security concerns.
Starmer’s administration views these agreements as a foundation for revitalizing the British economy, which has suffered from post-Brexit trade frictions, including red tape, customs delays, and reduced labor mobility. The prime minister believes closer collaboration with the EU could ease these burdens, especially for food exporters and manufacturers grappling with non-tariff barriers.
“This is about making people better off, about making the country more secure, about creating more jobs in the UK,” said Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, speaking to Times Radio. Starmer echoed that sentiment, saying that deeper European ties will complement recent trade deals with India and the United States.
Although tariffs remain off the table under the existing post-Brexit trade agreement, businesses have struggled with border checks and cumbersome paperwork. Professional services and cultural sectors, including finance, legal, and the arts, have also been stymied by new visa requirements and movement restrictions.
Despite the warming relationship, Starmer has remained firm on not rejoining the EU single market or customs union, nor will his government restore the free movement of people between the UK and the EU — a principle viewed by many Brexit supporters as a red line.
Instead, talks have focused on targeted programs, including a youth mobility initiative that would allow young adults in both regions to live and work temporarily in each other’s countries. Similar arrangements already exist between the UK and nations such as Australia and Canada, but discussions with the EU on this front remain politically delicate.
Few issues have been as contentious in UK-EU negotiations as fishing rights. Though economically small, the industry carries symbolic weight, particularly for coastal communities in both Britain and EU countries like France. The new fishing deal announced Monday aims to reduce long-standing tensions over access and quotas that nearly derailed Brexit negotiations in 2020.
The summit also touched on harmonizing standards for agricultural products, with the goal of minimizing costly inspections and certifications for food shipments crossing the English Channel. Thomas-Symonds highlighted the urgent need to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, noting that perishable exports like fresh produce have often spoiled during long customs delays.
“We’ve had lorries waiting for 16 hours, fresh food in the back not able to be exported because it’s going off,” he told the BBC, adding that simplifying certification requirements is a key priority.
The rapprochement has not been universally welcomed. The Reform UK party, buoyed by recent gains in local elections, and the opposition Conservatives have accused Starmer of “betraying Brexit” and capitulating to Brussels. Reform leaders called the agreements a “surrender” before any formal terms were disclosed.
There is also potential friction with President Donald Trump, who has publicly supported Brexit and could influence the UK’s geopolitical strategy should he alter U.S. policy again.
“The reset could still be blown off course by disagreements over how to consolidate existing areas of cooperation like fisheries, or external factors like a negative reaction from Washington,” said Jannike Wachowiak, a research associate at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank.
The summit marks a significant shift in tone from the years of acrimony that followed the 2016 referendum. While the UK remains outside the EU’s core structures, Monday’s agreements reflect a pragmatic new chapter in relations that both sides hope will stabilize trade, strengthen collective security, and restore goodwill.
FREMONT, Ohio — A train collision involving multiple pedestrians left two people dead and at least one other missing Sunday evening in northern Ohio, U.S.A., authorities confirmed, triggering a multi-agency emergency response and river search operation.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. in the city of Fremont, located near Lake Erie, approximately midway between Toledo and Cleveland, according to a report from WTOL-TV.
Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez confirmed the two fatalities Sunday night. In a developing and urgent effort to locate the missing individual, emergency responders began combing the Sandusky River, focusing their search near the Miles Newton Bridge, where the collision is believed to have occurred.
The Fremont Police Department posted an alert on X (formerly Twitter) stating the bridge was immediately closed, urging residents and travelers to avoid the area as the investigation and search continued. Multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies were on scene late into the evening.
Local officials have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased or the circumstances that led to the pedestrians being on or near the train tracks. It remains unclear how many total individuals were involved or what events preceded the collision.
Authorities are focusing efforts along the Sandusky River, a waterway that runs through Fremont and under the Miles Newton Bridge. It is believed the missing individual may have ended up in the river during or after the collision.
Footage from local news outlets showed first responders and dive teams scanning the riverbanks and deploying boats, as bystanders were pushed back from the closed-off area. The Miles Newton Bridge, a key local crossing, remained shut down to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic overnight as a safety precaution and to facilitate the search.
As of Monday morning, officials had not confirmed how many pedestrians were present at the time of the incident or why they were near the tracks. The train involved and its operator have not been publicly identified.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Ohio Department of Transportation have not issued public statements but may become involved as the investigation expands.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety along railway corridors in Ohio and across the United States. Train collisions involving individuals near active tracks have prompted renewed calls for improved fencing, signage, and public awareness campaigns, particularly in regions where tracks intersect with residential or recreational areas.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — In one of the deadliest militant assaults in Nigeria’s northeast this year, at least 57 civilians were killed and more than 70 others remain missing following a brutal attack on two villages in Borno State by suspected members of the Boko Haram JAS faction, witnesses said Sunday.
People attend a funeral for those killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in Zaabarmar, Nigeria, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. Nigerian officials say suspected members of the Islamic militant group Boko Haram have killed at least 40 rice farmers and fishermen while they were harvesting crops in northern Borno State. The attack was staged Saturday in a rice field in Garin Kwashebe, a Borno community known for rice farming. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)
The assault unfolded Thursday in the Baga region of Borno, where militants targeted the neighboring communities of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi, forcibly gathering over 100 residents and marching them deep into the bush. Survivors reported the attackers accused the villagers of collaborating with the rival jihadist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Days later, bodies were discovered, most with throats slit, others bearing gunshot wounds.
“There are likely more victims,” said Abdulrahman Ibrahim, a local from Mallam Karamti who survived the attack and helped bury the dead. “We had to halt further searches due to fear of militant ambushes, even with soldiers around.”
Government officials have yet to confirm the death toll. A spokesperson for the Borno State government declined to verify casualty figures, and the Nigerian military did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Associated Press.
The Thursday massacre marked a grim escalation in the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction’s violent campaign. Unlike ISWAP, which primarily targets Nigerian military installations, JAS has turned its focus to civilians and suspected informants, sustaining itself through kidnappings and extortion, according to security analysts.
“Without the military capabilities of ISWAP, JAS now thrives on terrorizing civilians,” said Malik Samuel, a conflict analyst with Good Governance Africa, a regional research organization.
The delay in retrieving and burying the dead reflected not only the remoteness of the attacked villages but also the ongoing security vacuum in large swaths of Borno State. Survivors said they waited days for any semblance of military support, only to conduct most of the burials themselves under the looming threat of further violence.
The massacre came amid a surge in attacks across Borno. On Monday, ISWAP fighters stormed the 50 Task Force Battalion base in Marte, killing several soldiers and capturing military hardware, according to videos shared by surviving troops. The aftermath triggered the mass displacement of residents and aid workers from Marte to Dikwa, a key humanitarian hub.
The United Nations and other aid agencies have begun scaling back operations in Dikwa and surrounding areas amid funding shortfalls and escalating threats to humanitarian personnel.
Just days after the attack in Baga, violence continued on Saturday afternoon with a roadside bomb explosion on the Maiduguri-Damboa highway — the second such bombing in a week. The blast killed three people instantly, and a fourth died the following morning at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). At least 10 others are receiving treatment, according to Lawan Bukar Maigana, a local community leader who assists in emergency responses.
Since its inception in 2009, Boko Haram’s insurgency has devastated the Lake Chad region — encompassing Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad — killing over 35,000 people and displacing 2.6 million, according to U.N. estimates. Borno, Boko Haram’s birthplace, remains the epicenter of the crisis.
The group’s ideological goal remains unchanged: to establish an Islamic caliphate across West Africa, with Nigeria — the continent’s most populous nation and top oil producer — as its strategic prize. The country’s population of more than 200 million is almost evenly split between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, creating a complex and often volatile religious dynamic.
Despite Nigerian government claims of progress against insurgent groups, both Boko Haram factions and ISWAP continue to launch attacks on civilian and military targets. Experts warn that these groups are expanding operations into central Nigeria, threatening areas around the capital Abuja and beyond.
ROME — When Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public blessing as pontiff, he concluded it with a Hail Mary, invoking the feast of Our Lady of Pompei. On his first official trip as pope, he visited the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in the medieval village of Genazzano. On his return, he stopped at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where he paused to pray by the tomb of Pope Francis.
These acts were not random; they reflect the deeply rooted Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary, whose veneration extends from popes to everyday believers. In fact, even among the less devout, the phrase “throwing a Hail Mary” has crossed into secular vernacular, underscoring Mary’s cultural and spiritual resonance.
As the Catholic Church celebrates Marian devotions during the month of May, this period offers an opportunity to reflect on the traditions, theological significance, and emotional comfort that the Virgin Mary provides for millions of the faithful.
One Mary, Many Names: A Theology of Titles
In Christian doctrine, Mary is the mother of Jesus, and by extension, the bearer of God in human form — a mystery known as the Incarnation. Her oldest and most foundational title, Theotokos, or “Mother of God,” was affirmed after rigorous theological debates in the early centuries of Christianity.
“The title of Theotokos encapsulates both Mary’s divine role and the nature of Christ,” explained Giuseppe Falanga, professor of liturgy at Pontificia Università della Santa Croce in Rome.
The Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s oldest churches still standing, is dedicated to this title. According to legend, its construction was prompted by a miraculous snowfall on one of Rome’s hills in August — an event that led to the feast of Our Lady of the Snows.
Mary is also honored with titles derived from doctrinal milestones, such as the Assumption, commemorated on August 15. On that day, Catholics believe Mary was taken bodily into heaven, a feast marked with Masses and processions — and, in countries like Italy and Greece, a national pause that transcends religious boundaries.
Other titles stem from apparitions, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, who is said to have appeared to the Indigenous man Juan Diego in 1531. Millions more journey to Fatima in Portugal and Lourdes in France — sites of later apparitions that continue to draw global pilgrims.
Finally, Mary is often invoked through titles tied to specific needs or vocations: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Our Lady of Protection, and Star of the Sea, a title popular among seafarers.
“It’s almost like there’s a Mary for everything,” said Kayla Harris, professor and director of the Marian Library at the University of Dayton in Ohio.
Visual Representations, Spiritual Focus
Mary’s iconography is as diverse as her titles. From Black Madonnas, such as Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil, to rare portrayals of her as pregnant or elderly, the visual imagery varies across continents and centuries.
A famous 15th-century image housed in Genazzano depicts a tender close-up of Mary and the Christ child, with Jesus holding his mother’s neck — a representation that not only humanizes Mary but draws theological attention to Christ.
According to Catholic teaching, Mary is not worshipped but venerated, an important distinction explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Worship is reserved for God alone, while Mary is honored as an intercessor and spiritual mother.
“Mary always points the faithful toward Jesus,” said Falanga. “Even her gaze in most depictions directs us to focus on Christ.”
May, Motherhood, and Marian Prayer
Mary’s universal appeal lies in her maternal role, said Harris, especially as someone who understands human suffering and advocates for the faithful.
Since the 19th century, the month of May has been dedicated to Marian devotions, rooted partly in earlier Greco-Roman traditions that honored fertility goddesses in spring. May also aligns with Mother’s Day in countries such as Italy and the United States, further reinforcing Mary’s symbolism.
Pope Leo XIV’s first Sunday noon blessing coincided with Mother’s Day, a moment traditionally reserved for the Regina Caeli or Hail Mary prayer, emphasizing her spiritual motherhood.
At the Genazzano sanctuary, two mothers who attended morning Mass said they continually pray for their adult children’s faith.
“The Madonna has been holding my hand since I was a child,” said Anastasia Galizia, a lifelong resident of the village. “I ask her how to love her son and I pray for conversion, for me, for my family, and for the whole world.”
In Rome’s Basilica of St. Augustine, two Marian sites draw particular devotion from mothers: a sculpture known as the “Labor Madonna”, where expectant women pray, and a chapel with the relics of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, who is remembered for praying for her son’s spiritual return.
“We welcome many mothers who pray to St. Monica for their children who’ve drifted from the faith,” said Rev. Pasquale Cormio, rector of the basilica. “They ask for the grace that their children’s hearts be touched again.”
The Heart of Catholic Prayer
Whether through a whispered Hail Mary or a grand procession, the Virgin Mary continues to occupy a unique and revered place in Catholic spirituality. From papal visits to village chapels, her image and intercession offer comfort, guidance, and hope to those seeking divine help.
In Mary, Catholics find not just the mother of Jesus, but a spiritual companion — one who knows joy, suffering, and love, and who points always to something greater: faith in God.
WASHINGTON — Joe Biden, the 82-year-old former president, has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday. The cancer, discovered after Biden reported urinary symptoms, has already metastasized to the bone, making it a more serious health concern.
The diagnosis followed the detection of a nodule on his prostate, which led to further testing. On Friday, doctors confirmed that Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive, a characteristic that allows for more effective management, his team said.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement noted. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Biden’s cancer was assigned a Gleason score of 9, placing it in the most aggressive category of prostate cancers. Gleason scores range from 6 to 10, with higher scores indicating faster-growing cancer cells and a greater likelihood of spreading.
When prostate cancer spreads beyond the gland, it most commonly invades the bones, as in Biden’s case. Metastatic prostate cancer is significantly more challenging to treat than localized cancer, since it is harder for therapies to reach every site of the disease.
However, because Biden’s cancer is dependent on hormones to grow, it may respond well to hormone-deprivation therapies, which aim to starve the cancer cells of what they need to thrive.
“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy.”
Leaders React to Biden’s Diagnosis
The news triggered an outpouring of support from political leaders. President Donald Trump, who defeated Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, said on social media that he was saddened by the news and wished Biden a “fast and successful recovery.”
Harris, who succeeded Biden as the Democratic nominee after his withdrawal from the race last year, posted that she was keeping him in her “hearts and prayers,” calling him a “fighter” who would face the disease with “strength, resilience, and optimism.”
Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, wrote that his thoughts were with Biden and his family. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe,” Obama stated, referencing Biden’s long-standing advocacy on the issue.
Health History and Political Fallout
Biden’s health was long a concern during his presidency and became a focal point during his reelection bid. Following a widely criticized debate performance in June 2024, Biden ended his campaign, paving the way for Harris to lead the Democratic ticket — a campaign that ultimately failed to stop Trump’s return to the White House.
The new diagnosis adds to a history of health scares. In 2023, Biden had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest — a common form of skin cancer. In 2021, he had a benign but potentially pre-cancerous polyp removed from his colon.
Despite concerns about his age and vitality, Biden had repeatedly dismissed speculation about his ability to serve, even as new reporting in the book Original Sin alleged that aides had taken extensive steps to conceal the extent of his decline from the public.
Cancer Moonshot and Personal Loss
As president, Biden had made fighting cancer a centerpiece of his domestic agenda. His administration revived the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative with the goal of halving the U.S. cancer death rate over 25 years — a personal mission fueled by the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer in 2015.
At the time, Biden described the campaign against cancer as an “American moment”, one that could demonstrate the nation’s capacity to “do really big things.”
Now, Biden faces that challenge on a deeply personal level.
HYDERABAD, India — A devastating fire that broke out in a multi-use building near the Charminar monument in Hyderabad killed at least 17 people and left several injured on Sunday. The fire, which authorities say was caused by a short circuit, erupted in a structure that housed a jewelry store on the ground floor and residential apartments above.
Rescue operations began swiftly as several victims were found unconscious and rushed to hospitals across the city. Despite efforts, 17 of those transported in critical condition later died, Telangana fire services chief Y. Nagi Reddy confirmed.
“The staircase was very narrow, making evacuation extremely difficult,” Reddy said. “There was only one exit, which was blocked by the fire. That severely limited chances of escape.”
According to officials, 21 people were inside the three-story structure at the time the fire broke out. The flames started on the ground floor and quickly spread upward, trapping residents in the upper levels.
Federal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who visited the site of the tragedy, stated that the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit. “Many people have died due to this accident. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Emergency services managed to bring the blaze under control, but not before it consumed much of the building and claimed multiple lives. Local media outlets reported harrowing scenes of rescue workers navigating dense smoke and flames in search of survivors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the loss of life in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying he was “deeply anguished.” He also announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased.
Fires are tragically common in urban centers across India, often due to non-compliance with building codes, poor infrastructure, and inadequate fire safety measures. This incident, occurring in close proximity to the city’s iconic Charminar monument, has once again spotlighted systemic safety issues in mixed-use buildings.
As investigations continue, city officials are expected to review the building’s fire safety compliance and whether illegal structural modifications may have exacerbated the deadly outcome.
