President Biden Calls for Gun Control Following Texas Mass Shooting
President Joe Biden has taken aim at Republicans for not taking action after the latest Texas mass shooting that left nine people dead and again called on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban. He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the shooting victims, as well as lowering the staffs at public government buildings throughout the U.S. and embassies and other military bases overseas.
President Biden Urges Republicans to Act on Gun Control Following Texas Mall Shooting
President Joe Biden has called on Republicans to take action in response to the recent horrific shooting at a Texas mall, emphasizing their responsibility to propose solutions such as ending immunity for gun manufacturers and implementing universal background checks. The president also urged Congress to send him legislation that bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as passing a bill that would end immunity for manufacturers.
Treasury Secretary Yellen Warns of "Economic Chaos" if Debt Ceiling Not Raised
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that there are “no good options” for the United States to avoid an economic “calamity” if Congress fails to raise the nation's borrowing limit of $31.381 trillion in the coming weeks. She did not rule out President Joe Biden bypassing lawmakers and acting on his own to try to avert a first-ever federal default.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Refuses to Rule Out Short-Term Debt Limit Hike
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has refused to rule out a short-term debt limit hike in order to avoid default, stating that he does not believe such a move would be a "responsible" solution. In an effort to find alternative methods of strengthening the economy and dealing with the nation's impending financial issues, President Biden has convened a discussion on Tuesday.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Remains Independent, Rejects Joining GOP Amid Bipartisanship Push
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) has confirmed her intention to remain an Independent for the foreseeable future, despite leaving the Democratic Party. In a recent pre-taped interview on CBS' “Face the Nation” with host Margaret Brennan, Sinema emphasized her commitment to ending increasing partisanship and polarization in the United States by maintaining her independent status.
Mass Shooting at Allen, Texas Shopping Outlet Leaves 8 Dead and 7 Wounded
In a tragic turn of events, at least eight people were killed, including children, and seven others wounded in a mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets shopping mall in Dallas, Texas on Saturday. A police officer who was nearby on another call quickly responded to the scene and shot dead the murderer before he could claim more lives.
China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan Pledge Cooperation on Security and Counterterrorism
In a landmark meeting held in Islamabad, foreign ministers from China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have come together for the first time since the Taliban took power in Kabul. The officials pledged to further strengthen trilateral cooperation on security matters and counterterrorism initiatives.
New Poll Reveals Majority of Voters Doubt Biden's Mental and Physical Capability for a Second Term
A new poll conducted by the Washington Post-ABC News has revealed that a majority of voters are feeling uneasy about President Joe Biden's physical and mental capability to serve another four years in the White House. The poll also found that only 32% of voters felt that Biden had the "mental sharpness" to serve as president, while 54% believed Trump does.
MPs Clash Over Local Election Results in the West Midlands
Two Members of Parliament (MPs) have clashed over their respective parties' performance in the recent local elections held in the West Midlands. Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, argued that the results highlight a growing reluctance among voters to support the Conservative Party.
Arab League Moves to Reinstate Syria, Defying US Warnings
The Arab League states have decided to reinstate Syria into the 22-nation bloc, effectively ending President Bashar Al-Assad's decade of regional isolation despite warnings from the United States. The decision was made during an Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo and followed months of diplomatic efforts as well as a series of high-level visits and phone calls.
President Biden's Approval Rating Hits New Low in Washington Post-ABC News Poll
A recent poll conducted by the Washington Post-ABC News has revealed that President Joe Biden's approval rating has plummeted to a new low. The percentage of Americans who approve of his job performance dropped from 42% to 36%.
Japan's Prime Minister Yoon and South Korea Strengthen Ties to Address North Korean Threat
In an effort to close a chapter on historical disputes that have dominated Japan-South Korea relations for decades, Japan's Prime Minister Yoon made the first formal talks involving a Japanese leader in Seoul in over ten years. At the summit, Yoon said that South Korea-Japan ties are progressing at a fast speed and that dialogue has been moving dynamically for the past two months.
Lake George Home with Panoramic Views Sells for $4 Million: A Look Inside the Most Expensive House on the Market in Washington County
A luxurious custom house boasting panoramic views of Big Cedar Lake recently sold for a staggering $4 million, making it the most expensive home currently on the market in Washington County. The stunning property offers an array of amenities to its new owners, including a hot tub, theater room, and wet bar.
Wagner Group Reverses Withdrawal Decision After Russian Military Pledges Support
Wagner, the leader of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, has reversed his decision to withdraw from the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut after pledges from Russian military officials to provide more ammunition and operational freedom. The group had sustained tens of thousands of casualties in their campaign in Ukraine.
Wagner Group Chief Secures Ammunition and Weaponry Amid Clash with Russian Officials
Wagner Group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has announced that he has been promised as much ammunition and weaponry as needed to maintain their presence in Bakhmut, Ukraine. This comes amid a conflict with top 'fat cat' Russian officials.
Arab League Considers Restoring Syria's Membership Ahead of Summit
The Arab League is on the verge of voting to restore Syria's membership after being suspended for more than a decade. This development comes ahead of the Arab League Summit, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on May 19.
Marin County Residents' Group Pushes for Sheriff's Office Oversight Board
A group of concerned residents in Marin County is calling on the community to voice their opinions regarding a proposed citizens oversight board that would monitor the Sheriff's Office. The proposal was prompted by a June 2022 Civil Grand Jury report titled "Sheriff Oversight: The Time is Now," which detailed an increasingly strained and distrustful relationship between law enforcement officers and residents living in unincorporated Marin City.
Elected Leaders Comment on Deadly Mass Shooting at Allen Outlet Mall
Elected leaders representing the city of Allen are commenting on the deadly mass shooting at the outlet mall there. State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-McKinney, and U.S.
Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Struggle to Keep Up with Singapore in Developing a US$68.9 Billion Femtech Industry
A group of determined local entrepreneurs is striving to overcome institutional obstacles and develop the femtech industry in Hong Kong; however, analysts point out that the city lags behind Singapore in nurturing this promising sector, which is expected to be worth around US$68.9 billion by 2027.
New Poll Reveals Trump's Edge Over Biden in 2024 Presidential Race
A new poll conducted by Washington Post/ABC News has found that President Joe Biden's job approval rating has hit an all-time low, with only 36% of Americans approving his performance and a striking 56% disapproving. The survey also reveals that a significant number of respondents believe both potential candidates, Biden and former President Donald Trump, are too old to serve another term as president.
California Reparations Task Force Proposes Cash Payments, Reforms, and Apology for Black Californians
The California Reparations Task Force has proposed cash payments, systemic reforms, and an official apology for Black Californians in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd and Gavin Floyd. The task force's report includes a rough estimate of $1.2 million per person as financial compensation over a lifetime due to the harm caused by systemic racism.
Money Expert Warns Britons About New Version of the 'Hi Mum' Scam
A money expert has raised alarm bells about a new version of the infamous 'Hi Mum' scam that targets unsuspecting individuals through text messages or WhatsApp. John Stirzaker, consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk, warns people to be cautious as scammers have now started using advanced fraudster tactics to make their ploys more convincing.
China's Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise, Gold Stockpiles Increase for Sixth Consecutive Month
China's foreign exchange reserves rose more than expected in April, according to official data released on Sunday. The yuan fell 0.63% against the dollar in April while the dollar last month dropped 0.94% against a basket of other major currencies.
New York City Mayor Announces Plan to Transport Illegal Immigrants, Draws Opposition from Neighboring Counties
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has revealed a controversial plan to transport unaccompanied adult male illegal immigrants to two hotels in Rockland and Orange counties, despite facing strong opposition from local authorities. The move is seen as an effort by the mayor to alleviate the financial burden caused by housing and feeding illegal immigrants in the city, which currently amounts up to $5 million per day.
Berkeley Prof Elizabeth Hoover Admits to Falsely Claiming Native American Heritage
Berkeley Professor Elizabeth Hoover, who had long claimed she was a Native American, has admitted to falsely claiming her indigenous identity based on incomplete information. Hoover is a professor of anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley and has been working with restorative justice facilitators to better understand how members of the community have felt harmed and betrayed by her actions.
Americans Divided Over Allegations Linking Joe Biden to Family's Influence-Peddling Schemes
As the debate over corruption allegations against President Joe Biden intensifies, the American public remains divided into three distinct groups. On one side are those who believe the charges warrant immediate action and could potentially lead to a Republican candidate, possibly even former President Donald Trump, winning back the White House.
Dallas ISD Runoff Election Set for Expensive Board Seat, with Sarah Weinberg Leading Jimmy Tran
Dallas Independent School District (ISD) is gearing up to hold a runoff election on June 10 for one of its most expensive board seats. In the race, Sarah Weinberg currently leads Jimmy Tran by less than 30 votes.
New White House Rules Require Journalists to Submit Letter for Access and Maintain Professional Manner
In an effort to address concerns regarding press access and professionalism, the White House has introduced a set of rules that will affect journalists covering events on its grounds. The new regulations stipulate that reporters must submit a letter providing details about their employment in order to gain entry to the premises, as well as comply with any necessary investigations conducted by the U.S.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Blames "Mental Illness, Drugs, and Evil Forces" for Allen Mall Shooting
In the wake of a tragic mall shooting in Allen, Texas that left multiple victims dead, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) took to social media to condemn the event as being caused by "mental illness, drugs, and evil forces." The Right Side Broadcasting Network reported that the gunman was believed to be acting alone and was killed on the scene.
California Reparations Task Force Votes in Favor of Restitution Payments for Victims of Systemic Racism
The California Reparations Task Force voted on Saturday to recommend a series of proposals that could see Black residents in the state receive billions of dollars in reparations. The proposals would provide eligible Black residents with varying payments for the state's discriminatory policies, including mass incarceration and over-policing, housing discrimination, and health care inequalities and environmental injustices.
Dallas Mayoral and City Council Elections: Mayor Eric Johnson Secures Second Term, Tight Race in Richardson
The Dallas mayoral and City Council seats were up for grabs on Saturday, with Mayor Eric Johnson and nine of the 14 district City Council members leading the race to reclaim their positions. Additionally, one new face emerged from an open-seat contest.
Comedian Brett D'Souza Attempts to Sell His Melbourne Home for $1.8 Million Through Unconventional Methods
In a unique and ambitious endeavor, comedian Brett D'Souza, 46, has announced his plans to sell his Brunswick property in Melbourne's inner northern suburb for a whopping $1.8 million without the assistance of real estate agents. Instead, the seasoned performer is launching an extensive marketing campaign through various social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Campaign Brief—an advertising agency's site.
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson Misinterprets Climate Science, Gets Schooled by Economist
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson recently found himself in hot water after making a series of baffling statements on climate change during a public event. Attempting to frame global warming as beneficial for his home state, he was quickly corrected by Dr. Michael Greenstone, an American economist and distinguished professor at the University of Chicago.
SEC Investigates First Republic Bank Executives for Insider Trading Before JPMorgan Chase Acquisition
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently investigating trading activities by executives of First Republic Bank before the San Francisco-based institution's sale to JPMorgan Chase. The regulatory agency seeks evidence of improper insider trading, though it remains unclear which executives are the primary subjects of the inquiry.
Oakland Unified School District Teachers' Strike Resumes, Affecting 35,000 Students
The strike by Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) teachers is set to resume Monday, impacting approximately 35,000 students. The educators are striking over wages and other issues such as safety and racial justice that they want concessions for in any contract.
Women's Legal Services in Northern Territory Face Increasing Workload Amid Funding Uncertainty
Women's legal services in the Northern Territory are struggling to cope with a rising workload as family and domestic violence cases make up 75% of their open cases. The service, which provides vital assistance to some of the most at-risk women in Australia, has lawyers embedded in four women's shelters every fortnight across their area of operation.
Russian Novelist Zakhar Prilepin Wounded in Attempted Assassination, Driver Killed
Russian novelist and political activist Zakhar Prilepin was wounded in an apparent assassination attempt near the city of Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday. His driver was killed during the attack, which has been claimed by a pro-Ukraine opposition group.