Politics

Alec Baldwin's complicated legal battle over the fatal shooting on the set of the movie "Rust" will go to trial this week in New Mexico. A jury will determine whether his involvement in the death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, amounts to manslaughter. The incident occurred on October 21, 2021, when a gun Baldwin was handling fired a live round, killing Hutchins and wounding the director, Joel Souza. The gun was supposed to be loaded with inactive rounds that could not be fired. The initial news of Baldwin’s criminal charges shocked Hollywood, where many industry professionals believe that on-set…

Russia is unlikely to make significant territorial gains in Ukraine in the coming months, U.S. officials say, given its poorly trained troops and Ukraine’s robust defenses, now bolstered by Western munitions. During the spring and early summer, Russian troops attempted to advance out of the city of Kharkiv and renew their offensive in eastern Ukraine, capitalizing on the capture of Avdiivka. However, these efforts resulted in thousands of Russian casualties and very little territorial gains. This shift represents a significant change in the dynamics of the war, which had recently favored Moscow. While Russian forces continue to inflict damage, their…

The NBA offseason is fertile ground for hypothetical battles, and this year’s hottest topic pits the legendary 1992 Dream Team against the star-studded 2024 U.S. squad. A battle through the ages Comparing teams from different eras is a challenge. Veteran bookie Jeff Sherman acknowledges the difficulty, with some favoring the Dream Team's experience and others leaning toward the firepower of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jayson Tatum in 2024. A betting line takes shape Sherman, seconding the debate, suggests a starting line of Dream Team -2.5, given the recent news of Kawhi Leonard's retirement and Kevin Durant's injury. Industry veteran…

The European Union (EU) has accused Elon Musk’s social media platform X of deceptive practices and failing to comply with the bloc’s online content regulations. The move marks the first major enforcement action under the EU’s recently enacted Digital Services Act (DSA). A deceptive verification system The EU takes particular issue with X’s verification system, which allows anyone to purchase a coveted blue checkmark along with their username. This, the EU says, undermines the original purpose of verification: to identify legitimate accounts of public figures and organizations. The misleading nature of the paid checkmark could confuse users and potentially expose…

Fueled by a surge in technology stocks and rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, Asia-Pacific markets rose on Thursday. The highlight was Japan's Nikkei 225 index, which topped the 42,000 mark for the first time ever. The Nikkei rose nearly 1%, with technology stocks leading the charge. The broader Topix also hit new highs, rising 0.7%. This rally mirrored the performance of U.S. tech giants the day before, with chipmakers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Nvidia posting significant gains. However, a separate report from Japan pointed to a potential weakness in the economy. Orders for…

This week's TV lineup features exciting programming that is sure to capture viewers' attention. On ABC, Jenn Tran continues her journey to find love on "The Bachelorette." The reality dating show, known for its dramatic rose ceremonies and heartfelt moments, promises another week of emotional highs and lows as Jenn navigates her relationships with the remaining contestants. Viewers can expect romantic dates, intense conversations, and maybe a few surprises as Jenn gets closer to finding her potential match. Meanwhile, on ABC, another show is gaining traction for its unique premise. "Claim to Fame," hosted by Kevin and Franklin Jonas, brings…

The meeting between a middle power and a great power was a high-risk, meticulously planned diplomatic operation. “You are now connected to Air Force One,” a White House operator said as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaned into a speakerphone in a short video released from 10 Downing Street on Saturday. “Congratulations, Mr. Prime Minister,” President Biden exclaimed on his way to a campaign rally in Wisconsin. “What an incredible victory!” The two leaders spoke warmly about the importance of the “special relationship” between the UK and the US, their shared commitment to defending Ukraine and an upcoming meeting: Starmer…

Kawhi Leonard’s decision to retire from Team USA ahead of the 2024 Olympics has shocked the basketball world and sparked a debate about how it will affect his legacy. Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, was expected to play a key role for the U.S. team in their quest for gold. However, he cited knee pain as the reason for his withdrawal, just days before the team's opening exhibition game against Canada. The news of Leonard's absence was met with disappointment by fans and analysts, with some questioning his commitment to representing his country. Others pointed to…

Barcelona, ​​Spain – Tensions between residents and tourists in Barcelona reached boiling point this weekend. Protests against mass tourism saw hotel and restaurant entrances blocked in Barceloneta, with calls for an immediate reduction in visitor numbers. Reasons for discontent Residents blame the influx of tourists for the rising cost of living, crowded public spaces and a loss of local identity. Rent prices have skyrocketed, forcing many residents to abandon their neighborhoods. Measures to address the problem Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that Airbnb-style short-term rentals will be banned by 2028, potentially freeing up 10,000 apartments for long-term rentals. Change…