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Severe Weather Kills 23 Across Midwest and South, Including 14 in Tornado-Ravaged USA

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Severe Weather Kills 23 Across Midwest and South, Including 14 in Tornado-Ravaged USA

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At least 23 people are dead following a devastating wave of severe weather that tore across parts of the U.S. Midwest and South, with Kentucky suffering the greatest loss of life. State officials confirmed Saturday that 14 people were killed in Kentucky, most of them in hard-hit Laurel County, where a suspected tornado ripped through rural communities and leveled entire homes.

Gov. Andy Beshear warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue teams continue to comb the wreckage. In Laurel County alone, nine fatalities have been reported following the Friday night storm.

“It was terrible,” said Kayla Patterson, who sheltered in a basement tub with her husband and five children in London, the county seat. “You could literally hear just things ripping in the distance, glass shattering everywhere, just roaring like a freight train.” Their home was spared, but others nearby were reduced to piles of rubble.

Power tools buzzed throughout the neighborhood Saturday morning as residents began clearing debris that included collapsed roofs, twisted metal, scattered insulation, and personal belongings flung far from home sites. Items like suitcases, sofas, and packs of paper towels lay amid the wreckage. Emergency shelters have been opened at local schools, and donations of food, clothing, and supplies poured in from surrounding areas.

Though the National Weather Service had not officially confirmed a tornado touchdown in Laurel County, meteorologist Philomon Geertson said storm patterns strongly indicate one struck just before midnight, impacting areas as far as the London Corbin Airport.

Storms Hit Without Warning, Residents Describe Terrifying Moments

Chris Cromer, 46, said he received tornado alerts around 11:30 p.m.—about 30 minutes before the twister arrived. He and his wife grabbed their dog and fled to a relative’s home with a safer crawlspace.

“We could hear and feel the vibration of the tornado coming through,” Cromer said. His home suffered roof damage and broken windows, but others on his street were destroyed. “It’s surreal. You see this on the news and feel for other people. Then it happens to you.”

This is the latest in a series of deadly weather events to strike Kentucky. Just two months ago, storms claimed 24 lives as swollen creeks overtook roadways. In 2021, a historic tornado outbreak killed 81 in western Kentucky, followed by catastrophic floods in 2022 that left dozens more dead.

Missouri, Virginia Also Reeling from Fatal Tornadoes

The same storm system that swept through Kentucky left a trail of destruction in Missouri and northern Virginia. Seven people were confirmed dead in Missouri, including five in St. Louis, where more than 5,000 homes were damaged and at least 38 people injured.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer described the devastation as “truly heartbreaking” and imposed an overnight curfew in the hardest-hit areas. A likely tornado touched down between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. Friday near Forest Park, home to several of the city’s landmarks, including the Saint Louis Zoo and the Art Museum.

Among the victims was Patricia Penelton, a longtime church volunteer, who died when part of Centennial Christian Church collapsed. “She was deeply involved in everything—choir, outreach—you name it,” said her son-in-law, Stacy Clark.

During the storm, about 150 visitors at the St. Louis Art Museum were rushed to the basement for shelter. “You could see the doors flying open, tree branches flying by and people running,” said 19-year-old John Randle.

At the nearby Saint Louis Zoo, falling trees severely damaged the roof of the butterfly house. Staff quickly secured the insects, which have since been relocated to a suburban conservatory for care.

Further south in Scott County, Missouri, two people were killed and several injured after another tornado destroyed multiple homes. Sheriff Derick Wheetley confirmed the fatalities via social media.

Rare Dust Storm Strikes Chicago Amid Broader Weather Crisis

As tornadoes battered the South and Midwest, strong winds stirred up dry farmland in central Illinois, triggering a rare dust storm that swept into Chicago. The National Weather Service issued its first-ever dust storm warning for the city, calling the event “something we’ve never seen before.”

More Severe Weather Forecast Across Southern Plains

The National Weather Service has warned that the threat isn’t over. On Saturday, meteorologists projected that severe thunderstorms, large hail, and multiple tornadoes could strike the southern Plains, with a particularly high risk in northern Texas.

As cleanup efforts begin in the hardest-hit states, officials across the storm zone are urging residents to remain alert and prepared for further weather threats.

10 Inmates Escape from New Orleans Jail Through Hole in Cell Wall, Leave Taunting Notes for Guards

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10 Inmates Escape from New Orleans Jail Through Hole in Cell Wall, Leave Taunting Notes for Guards

NEW ORLEANS — A massive manhunt is underway in Louisiana after ten inmates—several facing serious violent charges—escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center by breaking through a hole in their cell wall and leaving mocking messages for jail staff.

The escape, which occurred overnight, was only discovered during an 8:30 a.m. head count Friday morning. Authorities fear the brazen breakout may have involved internal assistance, as investigators examine whether jail staff played a role in the security failure.

So far, only one escapee—20-year-old Kendell Myles, a repeat offender with a prior history of escape—has been apprehended. Myles was found hiding beneath a car in a hotel parking garage in the French Quarter. The remaining nine fugitives remain at large.

Officials confirmed that the inmates carved a hole behind a toilet in their shared cell, slipping into a pipe chase and navigating their way to a loading dock. From there, they scaled a jail wall and crossed the nearby interstate, evading detection in the dark.

Photos released by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office show a gaping hole with daylight streaming through, and graffiti left by the escapees. One wrote “I’m innocent,” which another fugitive modified to read “We’re innocent.” Other messages included “Too easy lol” and “Catch us when you can,” underscoring the inmates’ defiance.

Sheriff Susan Hutson called the situation “very serious and unacceptable” and vowed a full investigation into staff conduct and security procedures.

“This is beyond unacceptable,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who joined a growing chorus of state leaders expressing outrage over the public safety risk. “We will get to the bottom of this failure.”

One of the most alarming aspects of the jailbreak is the delay in notifying the public. The escape reportedly took place around midnight, yet residents were not alerted until nearly 10 a.m. That delay has sparked outrage among community members, especially families of the inmates’ alleged victims.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that officers are actively relocating individuals who may be at risk. “If you were a victim or witness and are concerned, let us help you get to safety,” she said, warning that anyone found aiding the fugitives would be prosecuted as an accomplice.

The escapees include individuals charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery, weapons violations, kidnapping, and extortion. Authorities say all ten should be considered “armed and dangerous.”

The list of fugitives includes:

  • Kendell Myles (20) – previously escaped custody in 2022; faces charges for weapon possession, contraband smuggling, and was indicted for a carjacking and shooting.
  • Derrick Groves (27) – charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
  • Jermain Donald (42) – faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and illegal firearm possession.
  • Corey Boyd (20) – accused of second-degree murder and aggravated battery.
  • Antoine Massey (33) – jailed for domestic abuse, car theft, and strangulation.
  • Lenton Vanburen (27) – arrested for illegal weapons possession and bringing contraband into prison.
  • Leo Tate (31) – charged with burglary, firearm possession, and drug-related offenses.
  • Robert Moody (21) – jailed on weapons and drug charges.
  • Gary Price (21) – arrested for domestic abuse, simple assault, and criminal damage.
  • Decannon Dennis (24) – facing charges including extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery, and multiple illegal weapons offenses.

Security consultant Mike Cahn told local media that the escape would have required significant planning, suggesting the inmates may have been provided with tools or aided by someone with knowledge of the facility.

Authorities have not ruled out insider involvement, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is reviewing all facility protocols, staff activity logs, and surveillance footage.

As the manhunt intensifies, law enforcement agencies across Louisiana remain on high alert. Officials are urging anyone with information about the escapees’ whereabouts to contact local authorities immediately.

Lufthansa Flight Left Without Pilot for 10 Minutes After First Officer Collapses Mid-Flight

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Lufthansa Flight Left Without Pilot for 10 Minutes After First Officer Collapses Mid-Flight

MADRID — A Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Seville flew without a conscious pilot for a terrifying 10 minutes after the first officer collapsed alone in the cockpit, according to a newly released investigation by Spanish aviation authorities.

The dramatic mid-air emergency occurred in February 2024 but came to light this week following the release of the final report by Spain’s Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). The incident unfolded aboard an Airbus A321 carrying more than 200 passengers as it cruised through Spanish airspace, about 30 minutes from its scheduled destination.

According to the report, the flight had been uneventful until the captain left the cockpit for a brief restroom break. The first officer had shown no signs of distress at the time, and the two had just discussed weather conditions and aircraft operations minutes earlier.

But during the captain’s absence, the first officer lost consciousness, leaving the plane without an active pilot at the controls.

Upon returning, the captain found himself locked out of the cockpit and made multiple attempts to re-enter using the standard security code. Simultaneously, a flight attendant attempted to reach the unresponsive first officer via the intercom. As the situation escalated, the captain initiated emergency override procedures to force entry.

Just before the override timer expired, the first officer briefly regained consciousness and managed to unlock the door manually. However, he appeared “pale, sweating, and moving erratically,” according to the report. The captain resumed control of the aircraft and quickly diverted the flight to Madrid—the nearest suitable airport.

A physician who happened to be a passenger onboard assisted the cabin crew in administering first aid to the incapacitated co-pilot. Upon landing, the first officer was rushed to a hospital in the Spanish capital.

Investigators later confirmed that the first officer suffered a “sudden and severe incapacitation” due to a seizure associated with an undiagnosed neurological disorder. According to Spain’s aviation authority, the condition is extremely difficult to detect unless symptoms are actively present during a medical exam or have occurred previously—neither of which had applied in this case.

The CIAIAC has since urged the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to issue a notice to airlines highlighting the incident and reviewing health screening protocols for flight crew members.

Lufthansa has yet to publicly respond to media inquiries regarding the report’s findings.

The Lufthansa scare adds to a growing list of high-profile aviation incidents across Europe. In a separate event this week, a Ryanair flight from Porto to Belgium was forced to land at Charleroi Airport after a bomb threat was reported. Police evacuated 170 passengers from the aircraft while investigating the potential threat.

These recent events have reignited concerns about aviation safety, crew health monitoring, and emergency preparedness aboard commercial flights.

Republicans Block Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill in House Committee Despite President’s Unity Plea

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Republicans Block Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill in House Committee Despite President’s Unity Plea

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut proposal hit a roadblock Friday after five Republicans on the House Budget Committee joined Democrats in rejecting the measure, despite a high-profile appeal from Trump for party unity.

The vote marked the first major legislative setback for Trump in a Congress dominated by Republicans, who have largely rubber-stamped his agenda since retaking control following last November’s elections. The failed procedural vote threatens to delay a full House floor vote scheduled for next week, and it exposes deep fractures within the GOP over fiscal priorities.

“Republicans must UNITE behind our tax cut plan,” Trump wrote on social media ahead of the vote. “We don’t need ‘GRANDSTANDERS’ in the Republican Party. STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE!”

But his call went unheeded. Five Republican members — Reps. Chip Roy (Texas), Ralph Norman (S.C.), Andrew Clyde (Ga.), Josh Brecheen (Okla.), and Lloyd Smucker (Pa.) — broke ranks and joined all 16 Democrats on the committee in opposing the measure, citing concerns over ballooning deficits and insufficient spending cuts.

The proposed legislation, which would extend and expand tax cuts enacted during Trump’s first term, is estimated to cost $3.72 trillion over the next decade, according to the bipartisan Joint Committee on Taxation. It includes provisions aimed at reducing taxes on tips and overtime pay, a feature Republicans argue would benefit working-class Americans. However, critics say the bill is heavily tilted toward the wealthy.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) opened the session by urging colleagues to deliver on what he described as a voter mandate to restore economic growth and fiscal sanity.

“They want common sense policies. And they want from all of us a commitment to putting America and Americans first,” Arrington said. “Let’s give the people what they voted for.”

But hardline fiscal conservatives balked at what they saw as a lack of structural reform.

“We are writing checks we cannot cash, and our children are going to pay the price,” Rep. Chip Roy told the committee. “So I am a ‘no’ on this bill unless serious reforms are made.”

At the heart of the Republican revolt were demands for deeper reductions to Medicaid — the public healthcare program for low-income Americans — and a full repeal of green energy tax incentives introduced by Democrats. Hardline Republicans have also called for more aggressive spending caps and immediate implementation of Medicaid work requirements, which are currently scheduled to begin in 2029 under the bill.

Moderate Republicans, however, objected to such deep cuts. Some, particularly those from Democratic-led states, pushed to raise the federal cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions, which were limited under Trump’s 2017 tax law and have long been a political sore spot for lawmakers from high-tax states like New York, California, and New Jersey.

These conflicting demands have left House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) scrambling to forge a compromise that can unite the GOP’s divided factions. Discussions are ongoing, and several Republicans have signaled they are open to backing a revised version of the bill if key concessions are made.

Democrats roundly condemned the legislation, framing it as a giveaway to billionaires that would slash health coverage for millions of Americans. Citing nonpartisan congressional projections, Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), the committee’s top Democrat, warned that proposed Medicaid cuts could result in 8.6 million people losing coverage.

“No previous law or event in modern history has triggered this level of healthcare loss — not even the Great Depression,” Boyle said.

The Republican tax-cut package would also scale back federal subsidies for health insurance plans offered through the Affordable Care Act, further fueling Democratic opposition. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called the bill “morally bankrupt and fiscally irresponsible.”

Despite the failed committee vote, many lawmakers view the setback as temporary. GOP leaders still expect to bring a revised bill to the House floor, but any new version will require delicate negotiations to bridge the widening gap between moderates and hardliners.

Meanwhile, Trump remains insistent on swift action. His campaign has touted the tax cuts as essential to revitalizing the economy and securing the support of working-class voters heading into the 2026 midterms.

For now, however, the fate of Trump’s marquee tax legislation hangs in limbo, caught between competing Republican priorities and rising fiscal anxieties over the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt.

Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey Collapse After Less Than Two Hours, No Sign of Progress

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Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey Collapse After Less Than Two Hours, No Sign of Progress

ISTANBUL — The first face-to-face peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years ended abruptly on Friday after less than two hours, with Ukrainian officials dismissing Russia’s demands as unrealistic and counterproductive, underscoring the deep divide between the warring nations as Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II drags on.

Hosted in Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, the talks marked the first direct encounter between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv since March 2022 — one month after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite the symbolic significance of the meeting, expectations for tangible progress were low and quickly dashed.

A senior Ukrainian official told Reuters that Russia’s demands were “non-starters,” characterizing them as “detached from reality” and dramatically overreaching compared to previous discussions. According to the source, Moscow insisted that Ukraine withdraw from portions of its own sovereign territory in exchange for a potential ceasefire — a proposition Kyiv outright rejected.

“There was nothing constructive in the Russian proposals,” the Ukrainian official said on condition of anonymity. “Their conditions are unacceptable and would effectively reward aggression.”

Russia did not issue any immediate public comment following the meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated Kyiv’s firm position, calling for a “full, unconditional and honest ceasefire” as a prerequisite for meaningful diplomacy. Speaking ahead of the meeting, he emphasized that continued Russian intransigence should prompt stronger international sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports and banking sector.

The talks came just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a diplomatic tour of the Middle East, during which he expressed skepticism about any potential breakthrough in Istanbul without a personal meeting between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“There will be no movement until I sit down with Putin,” Trump stated, further dimming already faint hopes for progress.

At the meeting’s outset, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attempted to frame the moment as a crossroads. “There are two paths ahead of us,” he told the delegates. “One leads to peace, the other to further destruction. It is up to the parties to decide their course.”

The composition of the delegations offered a stark visual contrast: the Russian negotiators arrived in business suits, while several members of the Ukrainian team wore camouflage military uniforms — a reminder of the ongoing war’s toll and the frontline realities faced by Ukraine.

There was no announcement on whether additional talks would follow.

Although it was Putin who proposed renewed direct talks, he declined to attend in person and instead dispatched a delegation of mid-level officials. Ukraine responded in kind, appointing negotiators of similar rank. The absence of high-level leadership fueled further skepticism about the seriousness of the engagement.

“Based on the makeup of the teams, we didn’t expect much,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the talks began. “I hope I’m wrong. I hope they surprise us with a breakthrough. But that’s not how it looks.”

Just minutes before the Istanbul meeting began, air raid sirens sounded in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, followed by reports of explosions — a grim backdrop that reinforced the continued violence on the ground.

Russia’s military announced it had captured another village in eastern Ukraine as part of its grinding offensive. Moscow insists the current talks are a continuation of the negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022, though those talks collapsed when Russia demanded significant cuts to Ukraine’s military capabilities.

Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, dismissed attempts by Russia to revive terms from those earlier failed discussions. “The situation is entirely different now, and we won’t return to the framework of a time when we were still reeling from the initial invasion,” he said.

Despite Ukraine regaining some ground over the past two years, Russian forces still occupy nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Putin remains firm on key demands, including Kyiv’s recognition of Russian control over annexed regions, a formal abandonment of NATO aspirations, and a declaration of Ukrainian neutrality.

Ukraine has categorically rejected those terms, viewing them as tantamount to surrender. Instead, Kyiv is pushing for international security guarantees — particularly from the United States — to safeguard its sovereignty and prevent future aggression.

With no roadmap for further negotiations and the conflict continuing to claim lives daily, the breakdown of Friday’s talks in Istanbul marked another missed opportunity to end the war through diplomacy.

Chris Brown Ordered Held in UK Over London Nightclub Assault, Faces Grievous Bodily Harm Charge

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Chris Brown Ordered Held in UK Over London Nightclub Assault, Faces Grievous Bodily Harm Charge

MANCHESTER, England — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown has been ordered held in custody by a British court after being charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with a violent 2023 assault on a music producer at a nightclub in London’s upscale Mayfair district.

The 36-year-old American artist appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday after being arrested early Thursday morning at the Lowry Hotel, where he was staying while in the country. Brown, who was touring the U.K. at the time of the incident, allegedly attacked producer Abe Diaw inside the exclusive Tape London nightclub on February 19, 2023.

Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls described the attack as “extremely serious,” telling the court that Brown struck Diaw multiple times in the head with a bottle before chasing, punching, and kicking him in full view of nightclub patrons. The assault, she said, was captured on security camera footage and left the victim hospitalized.

Wearing sweatpants and a black T-shirt, with his hair dyed platinum blond, Brown spoke only to confirm his name, birth date, and address during the brief hearing. He did not enter a plea. Court officials confirmed that the singer’s case has now been transferred to Southwark Crown Court in London, where he is scheduled to appear on June 13.

No immediate comment was offered by Brown’s representatives when contacted by The Associated Press.

The Sun newspaper first reported Brown’s arrest and the allegations, noting that the music producer, Diaw, claimed to have suffered severe injuries following what he described as an unprovoked attack. According to the report, Brown was in the U.K. for a series of performances when the incident occurred.

Police from London’s Metropolitan Police force reportedly traveled to Manchester after learning of Brown’s presence in the country and took him into custody Thursday morning.

Brown, also known by his nickname “Breezy,” first rose to stardom as a teenager in 2005 and has since built a chart-topping career with hit songs including “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss,” and “Without You.” He has received multiple accolades, including two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album — one in 2011 for F.A.M.E. and another earlier this year for 11:11 (Deluxe).

The charges come just weeks before the scheduled launch of Brown’s international tour, which features artists Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and Bryson Tiller. The tour is set to begin in Europe next month before heading to North America in July. It remains unclear how the legal proceedings in the U.K. will affect his travel and performance schedule.

Brown’s latest legal trouble marks another chapter in a history of high-profile run-ins with the law. While he has maintained a loyal fan base and steady commercial success, past incidents — including his 2009 felony assault conviction involving then-girlfriend Rihanna — have continued to shadow his career.

If convicted of the current charge, Brown faces significant legal consequences under British law. The charge of causing grievous bodily harm can carry a lengthy prison sentence depending on the severity of the injuries and intent of the attacker.

As of Friday, the court has remanded Brown into custody pending his next hearing.

54 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Khan Younis as Gaza Death Toll Surges Past 53,000

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54 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Khan Younis as Gaza Death Toll Surges Past 53,000

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — At least 54 Palestinians were killed in a series of overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, hospital officials reported Thursday, marking the second straight night of intense bombardment across the besieged enclave. Additional strikes in northern Gaza brought the total death toll over the past 24 hours to 82, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The deadly escalation comes as President Donald Trump tours Gulf nations during his Middle East visit, notably excluding Israel from his itinerary. Hopes that his trip might facilitate a ceasefire or unlock renewed humanitarian access to Gaza have yet to materialize, while Israel’s blockade of the territory enters its third month.

An Associated Press journalist counted at least 10 airstrikes across Khan Younis overnight. Nasser Hospital confirmed that 54 bodies had been received, many so severely injured they were difficult to identify. Among the dead was Hasan Samour, a journalist with Al Araby TV, who was killed alongside 11 members of his family.

In northern Gaza, an airstrike in Jabaliya struck a compound containing a mosque and a small medical clinic, killing 13 people, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defense agency. Wednesday night’s air assault had already left at least 70 dead, including nearly two dozen children.

In Nasser Hospital, scenes of heartbreak unfolded as families mourned loved ones. Safaa Al-Najjar, covered in blood, cried over the bodies of her infant sons—1½-year-old Motaz and 6-week-old Moaz Al-Bayyok—who were killed in the overnight attacks. Five of her other children were wounded, and her husband remained in intensive care.

“I gave them dinner and put them to sleep like always,” she said through tears. “What is their fault? What is their fault?” Outside, mourners performed prayers beside rows of white body bags before loading the dead onto trucks for burial.

The strikes came just days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify the military campaign to eliminate Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza. “We are days away from entering Gaza with great strength to complete the mission — to destroy Hamas,” Netanyahu said in remarks released by his office.

Human Rights Watch condemned the escalation Thursday, warning that Israel’s plan to seize Gaza and forcibly displace hundreds of thousands of residents was “inching closer to extermination.” The organization called on the international community to intervene.

The war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border attack into southern Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and led to the capture of roughly 250 hostages. Israel’s ongoing offensive has now killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. At least 3,000 people have been killed since Israel resumed attacks after breaking a ceasefire on March 18.

The ministry said Thursday that a total of 53,010 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with 119,998 others wounded. Of the hostages still held by Hamas, 58 remain unaccounted for, with only 23 believed to be alive, Israeli authorities said.

The conflict has also crippled Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. The Health Ministry confirmed Thursday that the European Hospital in Khan Younis — Gaza’s only cancer treatment facility — is now out of service due to Israeli strikes that severely damaged infrastructure and cut off access roads.

The Israeli military acknowledged conducting two strikes on the hospital Tuesday, alleging it was targeting a Hamas command center located underneath. Six people were killed in the attack.

Hospital director Dr. Imad al-Hout said around 200 patients were inside the hospital during the strikes. All were evacuated, with the last 90 transferred to other facilities, including Nasser Hospital, on Wednesday. Officials are now working to coordinate repairs, but with ongoing bombardment and a humanitarian crisis deepening, prospects remain grim.

American Basketball Player Arrested in Indonesia for Alleged Drug Smuggling

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American Basketball Player Arrested in Indonesia for Alleged Drug Smuggling

JAKARTA, Indonesia — An American basketball player has been arrested in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country, authorities announced Thursday, highlighting the country’s uncompromising stance on narcotics violations.

Jarred Dwayne Shaw, a 34-year-old athlete from Dallas, Texas, who has played in the Indonesian Basketball League since 2022, was taken into custody on May 7 after police raided his apartment in Tangerang regency, near Jakarta. The arrest followed a tip from airport customs officials who had flagged a suspicious package shipped to Shaw from Thailand.

According to Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Chief Ronald Sipayung, the raid uncovered 132 pieces of cannabis-infused candy, totaling 869 grams (30.6 ounces) of illegal cannabinoids. Indonesia considers cannabis a Category 1 narcotic, and if convicted, Shaw could face a life sentence or the death penalty under the nation’s stringent anti-drug laws.

“Investigations are still ongoing to uncover the international drug network behind this case and prevent further distribution,” Sipayung said.

A video circulating on social media appears to show the moment of Shaw’s arrest, with the athlete wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, struggling against officers while shouting, “Help… help!” He made no public statement during his official presentation to the press, where he appeared in an orange detainee uniform and wore a face mask with his hands bound.

Shaw, who most recently played for the Tangerang Hawks, allegedly told police during interrogation that he intended to share the cannabis candy with fellow basketball players. He had signed with the club in 2023 and was a well-known figure in the league.

His arrest sparked immediate disciplinary action. The Tangerang Hawks terminated his contract, citing a breach of terms. “We deeply regret what has happened,” said team manager Tikky Suwantikno. “His actions are unacceptable and violate both team and league policies.”

The Indonesian Basketball League followed by issuing Shaw a lifetime ban. “We don’t tolerate players, administrators or anyone involved in drug activities. There is no room for drug users in basketball,” said league chair Budisatrio Djiwandono.

Indonesia is widely recognized for its uncompromising drug enforcement. Despite some of the harshest drug laws in the world, including capital punishment, the country remains a major hub for smuggling, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Authorities say international drug syndicates often target Indonesia’s large youth population.

As of this year, more than 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, most of them for drug-related offenses. This includes 96 foreign nationals. The country’s most recent executions occurred in 2016, involving three foreigners and one Indonesian citizen.

Shaw’s case has underscored the high risks foreigners face when violating Indonesia’s drug laws, particularly as Thailand — where the cannabis candy originated — decriminalized marijuana in late 2024. While legal there, cannabis remains strictly prohibited in Indonesia, and even minor infractions can carry severe consequences.

Israeli Woman on Way to Give Birth Killed in West Bank Shooting

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Israeli Woman on Way to Give Birth Killed in West Bank Shooting

JERUSALEM — A pregnant Israeli woman was killed in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank late Wednesday while en route to a hospital to give birth. The fatal assault, which took the life of 37-year-old Tzeela Gez and seriously injured her unborn child, has once again inflamed tensions across the region and sparked fears of retaliatory violence.

Gez, a therapist and mother of three from the settlement of Bruchin, was traveling with her husband Hananel when their vehicle came under fire. The couple was driving through a winding road in the northern West Bank when a Palestinian gunman opened fire, fatally striking Gez. Doctors managed to deliver her baby, who remains in serious but stable condition.

The assailant fled the scene, prompting a manhunt by Israeli security forces. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief of staff, vowed to track down those responsible. “We will use all the tools at our disposal and reach the murderers to hold them accountable,” Zamir said during a visit to the area on Thursday. The military responded by sealing off several nearby Palestinian villages and setting up checkpoints, which significantly slowed Palestinian traffic.

Photos released by the military show a bullet hole through the passenger side of the windshield and blood smeared on a rear door. Soldiers combed through the brush lining the roadside after the attack, searching for the gunman.

The militant group Hamas praised the shooting as a “heroic” act, though it did not claim responsibility. The killing comes amid a broader Israeli military campaign in the West Bank that has intensified since the October 7 Hamas assault on southern Israel. That conflict, centered in Gaza, has spilled over into the West Bank, with hundreds of Palestinians killed in near-daily Israeli raids targeting militant networks. Many of the dead, according to human rights groups, were civilians or bystanders.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a staunch supporter of the settler movement, called for a hardline response. “Just as we are flattening Rafah, Khan Younis and Gaza, we must flatten the nests of terror in Judea and Samaria,” he wrote on X, using the biblical names for the West Bank.

The attack on Gez has raised concerns of reprisal violence by radical Jewish settlers, who have previously responded to Palestinian attacks by storming villages, setting fires, and damaging property with little accountability. Such vigilante actions are rarely prosecuted, and Palestinians are often left without compensation or official recourse.

Tzeela Gez was remembered by neighbors as a devoted mother and compassionate professional. “She was all mother. A mother in her essence,” said Meital Ben Yosef, head of the Bruchin local council. “A couple of parents were driving to the happiest moment that a parent can experience, and the wife is killed on the way. It’s a horrific incident.”

Israel has long described its West Bank crackdown as essential to national security, particularly in the wake of escalating threats linked to Hamas and alleged Iranian influence. On Thursday, Israeli forces killed five suspected militants in a separate raid that was not directly connected to the attack on Gez. Hamas praised the slain men as “resistance heroes.”

The West Bank remains a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since its occupation by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, more than 500,000 Israeli settlers have moved into over 130 settlements across the territory. While Israel considers the West Bank part of its historical homeland, much of the international community views the settlements as illegal under international law and a major obstacle to a future Palestinian state.

As both sides brace for more violence, the killing of a mother en route to deliver her child underscores the tragic toll of a conflict that has endured for generations — with no end in sight.

Elderly Man Sentenced to Life for Brutal 1982 Rape and Murder of California Teen Karen Stitt

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Elderly Man Sentenced to Life for Brutal 1982 Rape and Murder of California Teen Karen Stitt

SAN JOSE, Calif. — More than four decades after the savage rape and murder of 15-year-old Karen Stitt shocked the community of Sunnyvale, California, her killer has finally been brought to justice. Gary Ramirez, now 78, was sentenced to life in prison Monday for the 1982 crime, bringing a painful chapter to a close for Stitt’s loved ones and the city haunted by her death.

Ramirez, a resident of Maui, Hawaii, was identified in 2022 through advanced DNA technology. He pleaded no contest earlier this year to charges stemming from the sexual assault and stabbing of the teen, who was attacked while walking alone to a bus stop after visiting her boyfriend. Ramirez received a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years, though given his age, he is expected to die behind bars.

Karen Stitt’s case had remained unsolved for decades, despite exhaustive efforts by local authorities. It wasn’t until 2021 that a breakthrough came when a detective received a tip linking the crime to one of four brothers from Fresno. Investigators used forensic genealogy to identify Ramirez as the likely source of DNA evidence collected from Stitt’s body and the crime scene. In April 2022, a match was confirmed, and Ramirez was arrested.

On the night of September 2, 1982, Stitt took a bus from Palo Alto to Sunnyvale to visit her boyfriend. She left his house around midnight, intending to return home alone. Her boyfriend, afraid of getting into trouble for staying out late, didn’t accompany her. The next morning, a truck driver discovered Stitt’s body in bushes near a cinderblock wall by the bus stop. She had been sexually assaulted and stabbed 59 times. Blood stains on the wall and other biological evidence pointed to the brutality of the crime.

Ramirez remained unidentified for years, while Karen’s boyfriend was ruled out as a suspect in 2000 after DNA testing excluded him. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office praised the decades of dedication by investigators with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, calling it the work of “a continuous line of detectives putting their hearts and souls into solving an infamous crime.”

At Monday’s sentencing, friends and relatives of Karen Stitt gathered in court to honor her memory and voice their enduring pain. According to prosecutors, the family expressed “continued grief and anger about this terrible crime,” emphasizing that “she has never been forgotten.”

Stitt’s murder was one of California’s most haunting unsolved crimes, a reminder of the vulnerability of young women and the enduring trauma inflicted by sexual violence. With the sentencing of Ramirez, law enforcement and Stitt’s family finally received the long-awaited closure they had pursued for over 40 years.

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