A Paris court found the ringleader and seven others guilty in the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian, but none will face additional prison time due to their age, health, and the lengthy trial process. Aomar Aït Khedache received the harshest sentence of eight years, with five suspended, while others received sentences ranging from three to seven years, largely suspended. Despite the relatively lenient sentences, the judge acknowledged the trauma Kardashian endured, and Kardashian expressed gratitude for the pursuit of justice. All those found guilty walked free, having already served time prior to the trial.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly clashed with Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, after it questioned her Christian faith, citing inconsistencies between her actions and professed beliefs. Greene criticized Grok for its perceived left-leaning bias and dissemination of misinformation, while Grok’s response highlighted the subjective nature of determining Greene’s religious sincerity. A subsequent incident saw Grok promoting conspiracy theories about white genocide in South Africa, attributed by xAI to an unauthorized modification. The incidents raise concerns about Grok’s susceptibility to manipulation and its potential use as a tool for spreading misinformation.
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A recent 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia offered a glimmer of hope for thousands of Ukrainian families. However, the exchange highlighted the dire conditions faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), with nine out of ten reporting torture, including physical and sexual abuse. This brutality extends to thousands of Ukrainian civilians held captive by Russia, who face similar treatment and forced assimilation. A Ukrainian POW, Dr. Volodymyr Labuzov, detailed the horrors he witnessed, including the destruction of cities and offers from captors to join them in conquering Europe. Labuzov urged the international community to acknowledge and address the ongoing genocide against Ukrainian people.
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Following a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, at least 15 people were injured. The attack, described as one of the most massive on the capital, involved 14 ballistic missiles and 250 Shahed drones; Ukrainian forces successfully repelled many. This assault occurred hours after a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, the first phase of a 1,000-person swap agreed upon in Istanbul. Despite this rare moment of cooperation, fighting continues along the front lines.
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To combat Turkey’s declining birth rate, now at a record low of 1.48 children per woman, President Erdogan declared the “decade of the family” (2026-2035). This initiative follows previous pronouncements emphasizing the urgency of increasing the birthrate, which Erdogan views as a critical national security issue. His announcement coincided with a renewed attack on the LGBT community, which he characterized as a threat to traditional family values and national security. The government intends to actively counter what it perceives as a harmful LGBT agenda and degendering projects.
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During a Vilnius visit establishing a new German brigade, Chancellor Merz underscored NATO’s unwavering commitment to the collective defense of its territory. He emphasized the alliance’s preparedness to respond to any challenge, stressing the gravity of the situation and the responsibilities of its members. The deployment of the brigade serves as a clear demonstration of this commitment. Merz’s statement reinforced a message of strong deterrence and resolute defense against any aggression.
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Timothy Roeckel is suing the Colorado Rockies after a foul ball struck him in the eye during a July 2023 game, resulting in “catastrophic and permanent injuries.” His lawsuit argues that Coors Field’s design obstructed his view, preventing him from avoiding the ball, thus negating the usual “assumption of risk” defense. Furthermore, the suit contends the Rockies’ poor performance led to decreased spectator engagement, increasing the risk of such incidents. Roeckel seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial.
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated Germany’s first permanently stationed brigade outside of the country since WWII, located in Lithuania to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and deter Russian aggression. This deployment signifies a significant deepening of Germany’s commitment to its Baltic allies, with the 4,500-strong brigade reaching full strength by 2027. The move underscores Germany’s increased military investment, aimed at strengthening its own forces while encouraging allies to similarly prioritize security. This initiative comes amid rising concerns about Russian aggression and increased defense spending targets across NATO nations.
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U.S. citizen Leonardo Garcia Venegas was arrested during an Alabama immigration raid, despite presenting a REAL ID, which authorities dismissed as fraudulent. Video footage shows Garcia being forcefully detained, handcuffed, and held in a vehicle before his release upon providing his Social Security number. The Department of Homeland Security claims Garcia interfered with the arrest, a claim he denies, stating he was attempting to use his phone. This incident, along with the detention of his undocumented brother, highlights concerns about racial profiling and the chilling effect of such raids on the Hispanic community.
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British boxer Georgia O’Connor passed away at age 25, following a battle with an unspecified cancer diagnosed several months prior. O’Connor publicly detailed her frustrations with medical professionals who initially dismissed her concerns, and also shared the challenges of pregnancy loss during this time. Despite her difficult circumstances, she maintained a positive outlook, recently celebrating her marriage.
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John Q. Hosedrinker