Following an investigation by the Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department, a suspect was apprehended in Washington D.C. This individual, described as a serial offender with a history of purse theft, was arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday robbery of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, which contained approximately $3,000 in cash and personal identification. The suspect, who is undocumented, has been linked to similar crimes through video evidence and faces charges related to those incidents. The Secret Service is continuing its investigation into Noem’s theft, while a second suspect remains at large.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov firmly rejected any changes to the management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), currently operated by Russia’s Rosatom and monitored by the IAEA. He dismissed a reported US proposal for joint US-Ukrainian control, asserting the plant’s safety and blaming Ukraine for attacks threatening its security. Lavrov further defended recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, claiming they targeted military facilities, and reiterated Russia’s stance on Crimea as a non-negotiable part of its territory. He also alleged that former US President Trump understands Russia’s position.
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At the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized fellow Democrats for insufficient opposition to Donald Trump and for prioritizing media appearances over the concerns of working families. He specifically condemned Democrats who blame the party’s losses on its values rather than their own perceived failures, urging for increased activism and electoral accountability within the party. Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, highlighted the need for Democrats to reconnect with grassroots voters and underscored the urgency of the situation, calling for mass mobilization and protests. His speech, delivered in New Hampshire, a key early primary state, positioned him as a forceful voice within the party.
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President Trump’s approval rating currently sits at 41%, a new low surpassing even his own historically low 44% rating at the 100-day mark of his first term. This makes his approval rating the lowest of any president in recent decades across the board. His approval on key issues, such as the economy (39%), is similarly abysmal. CNN data chief Harry Enten describes the numbers as “horrible” and unprecedentedly low.
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President Trump urged President Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine, advocating for a peace agreement already under consideration. He expressed disappointment over recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, questioning Putin’s commitment to ending the conflict. Trump even suggested Putin may be deliberately misleading him and that alternative strategies, including sanctions, might be required. Secretary of State Rubio concurrently highlighted the importance of this week in achieving a potential Ukraine peace deal.
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Scott Pelley, in a “60 Minutes” broadcast, criticized Paramount’s increased content oversight, linking it to the company’s pursuit of a merger requiring Trump administration approval. This oversight, Pelley explained, prompted executive producer Bill Owens’ resignation, as Owens felt it compromised the show’s journalistic independence. Pelley defended Owens’ actions, highlighting his commitment to accurate and fair reporting, even on controversial topics like the Trump administration and the Israel-Gaza conflict. The situation underscores concerns about potential interference in editorial decisions driven by business considerations.
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In a statement, Vladimir Putin acknowledged and thanked North Korean troops for their participation in the fighting in the Kursk Oblast. The US State Department expressed deep concern over this direct involvement, demanding an immediate end to North Korean military support for Russia. Reports indicate significant North Korean military losses and substantial financial gains from their participation in the conflict. Furthermore, evidence suggests extensive North Korean arms shipments to Russia have significantly aided its war effort.
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A suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after driving into a crowd at a Vancouver Filipino heritage festival, killing at least 11 and injuring dozens more. The incident, described as a “car ramming attack,” occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, leaving a scene witnesses compared to a war zone. Police are investigating but currently believe the attack was not an act of terrorism, citing potential underlying mental health issues. Further charges are expected, and the city is mourning the victims.
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A widespread power outage has crippled large swaths of Spain and Portugal, affecting major cities like Madrid and Lisbon. The outage caused widespread disruption, including evacuations of Madrid’s metro system, suspended tennis matches at the Madrid Open, and significant transportation issues. The Spanish government convened a crisis meeting, while Portuguese officials suggest the problem originated from a Spanish distribution network issue. The incident also briefly impacted France’s power grid.
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President Trump’s second term has seen a sharp decline in his economic approval ratings, with multiple polls showing significant disapproval of his handling of inflation, tariffs, and stock market volatility. A majority of respondents across various surveys believe the economy has worsened under his leadership. His inconsistent trade policies, including recently imposed and then partially suspended tariffs, have injected uncertainty into the market and raised concerns about higher prices and product shortages. This contrasts sharply with his initial success in 2020, which was fueled by economic optimism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker