A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s policy limiting reporters’ access to the Pentagon, ruling that key portions are unlawful and violate journalists’ First and Fifth Amendment rights. The policy, which required reporters to agree to new rules to maintain credentials, was challenged by The New York Times. The judge found the policy failed to provide clear notice of what journalistic practices could lead to denial of access, effectively allowing the government to weed out “disfavored journalists.” The Pentagon disagrees with the decision and is pursuing an appeal.
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Gregg Phillips, a recently appointed high-ranking official at FEMA, has made public claims of experiencing involuntary teleportation, including one instance where he asserts he was transported to a Waffle House 50 miles away. These statements were reportedly made on multiple podcasts, where he also described being lifted in his car and placed in a ditch. While FEMA has dismissed these claims as taken out of context and made in a private capacity, Phillips’ unusual assertions have surfaced during his tenure leading the agency’s office of response and recovery.
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Activists, labor leaders, and workers convened at Understory in East Oakland to advocate for a $30 minimum wage, arguing it is long overdue given the significant disparity between the rising cost of living and stagnant wages. This proposed increase, which would be implemented gradually over a decade for businesses of varying sizes, aims to address the economic hardship faced by many residents. With the current minimum wage falling far short of a living wage, proponents emphasize the urgency of this measure to ensure economic survival and demonstrate democracy’s ability to deliver tangible improvements for working people. Organizers now face the task of gathering signatures to place the measure on the upcoming November ballot.
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A California jury has determined that Elon Musk misled Twitter shareholders regarding his $44 billion acquisition, potentially awarding up to $2.6 billion in damages. The class action lawsuit contended that Musk’s public statements and tweets, particularly concerning bot counts, were materially false and misleading, causing Twitter’s stock to slide. Investors argued this was a scheme to pressure the company into selling at a lower price, influenced by declines in Tesla’s stock value. Musk’s team is expected to appeal the verdict, though the jury did not find a specific scheme to defraud.
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Recent geopolitical events have sent crude prices soaring, with Brent crude futures surpassing $112 per barrel following Iraq’s declaration of force majeure at foreign-operated oilfields due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Drones also targeted Kuwaiti refineries, prompting precautionary shutdowns and further contributing to market anxiety. Analysts suggest prices could surge significantly if these disruptions persist, leading the U.S. to consider lifting sanctions on Iranian crude held on tankers to alleviate price pressures.
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CBS News announced the closure of its radio news service, a division operating for nearly a century, citing shifts in programming strategies and economic challenges. This service, which began in 1927 and featured prominent figures like Edward R. Murrow, currently supplies content to approximately 700 stations nationwide. The discontinuation, effective May 22nd, reflects a broader decline in radio’s dominance as a news medium, with modern audiences increasingly turning to online platforms and podcasts for audio news.
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The federal government has outlined significant spending cuts across various sectors, including science, tourism, journalism, and foreign aid, as detailed in hundreds of pages of departmental plans. These adjustments reflect a strategic shift in priorities, with a substantial increase in national defence spending juxtaposed against reductions in health, environment, and regional economic development. Notably, programs such as the International Climate Finance Commitment and a Canadian lunar rover module have been discontinued, contributing to substantial fiscal savings.
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Thousands of additional Marines and sailors are being deployed to the Middle East, with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and its accompanying units departing ahead of schedule. These deployments are intended to build capacity for potential future operations in the region, though no decision has been made to send troops into Iran itself. The additional forces will bolster the existing U.S. military presence and add two Marine Expeditionary Units to the Middle East, capable of various roles including strikes and land deployments. Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier Ford is heading for repairs and will be replaced by the USS Bush.
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The US military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, adding to the 50,000 troops already stationed in the region. These deployments, including an amphibious assault ship and its accompanying Marine Expeditionary Unit, are intended to bolster capacity for potential future operations. The units can be utilized for various missions, such as conducting air strikes from onboard ships or engaging in land-based operations.
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The legendary Hollywood star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family has confirmed. Known for iconic roles in *The Way Of The Dragon* and *Walker, Texas Ranger*, Norris was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a symbol of strength to millions. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, following a medical emergency on the island of Kauai. His family expressed their gratitude for the love and support from his fans, whom he considered friends.
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John Q. Hosedrinker