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French Plan Super Max Style Prison Colony Site on Devil Island near prison

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CNN

France plans to build a new high-security prison in the Amazon rainforest, near the infamous Devil Island prison colony that inspired the 1973 film Papillon, starring Steve McQueen.

On Sunday, when he visited French Guiana, a French territory that crosses the border with Suriname and Brazil, Justice Minister Gerald Dalman said the facility would house drug kingpins and radical Muslims.

The prison will be built in Saint Laurent Dumaloni, on the border with Suriname, French Guiana, where there is space for 500 prisoners, including 60 maximum security prisoners.

Dalmanin (right) examines plans for a new prison when he visits Guiana, France.

Talking to the journalists, Dharmanin said the new prisons will not only help alleviate prison overcrowding in Guiana, France, but also help to meet the threat of drug trafficking on the territory.

He said French Guiana is the main transport point for South American cocaine on its way to European markets.

According to CNN affiliate BFMTV, the conflict between organized crime gangs means the territorial murder rate is 18.4 per 100,000 people, compared to 1.2 per 100,000 people in mainland France.

“Citizens of territories overseas must be able to have the same level of security as citizens of mainland France,” Derman said.

According to the minister, high-ranking criminals can use illegal income to corrupt officials, some can continue operations from within prisons.

Dalmanin said that 49 high-level drug traffickers have already been detained in French Guiana and other French overseas territories, adding that these “very dangerous” prisoners have not remained in appropriately safe conditions.

The court-house complex said in a Facebook post Sunday it would cost 400 million euros ($451 million).

For some, the announcement of the planned facility regains memories of the calmness of the Cayenne prison, commonly known as the Devil’s Island, which housed French prisoners until 1953.

The Island of the Devils became infamous for its inhumane circumstances, as long as it lent its name to a 1939 film starring Boris Karloff, and inspired the novel Papillon, which was then turned into two films.

CNN reached the French Department of Justice for comment.



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US stock futures after Moody’s cuts our credit rating

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US stock futures refer to a lower open after Moody’s stripped the US from its top credit rating.

Moody’s on Friday reduced its credit rating from AA1 to AA1 as it is likely to violate the federal government’s fiscal deficit and existing U.S. debt.

At 6:10am ET, futures linked to the Blue Chip Dow slipped -0.84%, Broad S&P 500 futures fell -1.25%, and Tech-heavy Nasdaq futures fell -1.65%.

Moody’s is the last of three major rating agencies to downgrade the US Fitch rating, downgrading its US credit rating to AA+ in 2023. In 2011, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the country’s credit rating.

“We’re starting by stating that the US Treasury Department is undoubtedly the safest credit in the world,” said Mike O’Rourke, chief market strategist at Jonestrading. “Of course, I agree with most observers that the US fiscal state is on an unsustainable course. It should have to do with everyone that US federal debt is 125% of GDP, but we need to keep the situation in sight.

He noted that the Japanese government’s debt is now more than 200% of gross domestic product, with a 10-year yield far lower than the Ministry of Finance.

Trade worries remain

Continuing economic uncertainty is likely to maintain a driving market that is not very immediate term effects from Moody downgrades, O’Rourke said.

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent said TARFF fees could return to the aggressive level announced on April 2 if the country does not negotiate in good faith with the United States.

“Some countries were 10%, some were significantly higher,” he met the press. “And here’s the leverage of the negotiations President Trump is talking about here: If you don’t want to negotiate, you’ll go back to the April 2nd level.”

Medora Lee is a money, market and personal finance reporter for USA Today. mjlee@usatoday.com and Subscribe to our free daily money newsletter Personal finance tips and business news every Monday to Friday.



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After a breakthrough in fishing rights, the UK and EU reach trade via Brexit reset | brexit

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The UK and the EU have reached last-minute deals that have been significantly reset in relations after breakthroughs in checking fisheries rights and food and other produce.

Under the contract, Brussels, which was finalised several hours before the London Crunch Summit, has dropped its request to link the term of the contract over food and produce with fishing rights.

According to EU sources, access to UK fishing waters is recognized as an extension of 12 years until the end of June 2038. But in return, the agreement on easy checks of food, animals and other agricultural products known as the Sanitation and Plants Organisation (SPS) will remain indefinite.

The length of the fishing rights trade has led to criticism from conservatives and reformed Britain. However, Downing Street will oppose the EU’s demand for a time-limited SPS trading and permanent arrangements regarding fishing, and will argue that the UK’s objectives have been achieved.

One UK official said the deal would not change current access to fish to the UK or changes to UK or EU allocations, thus protecting the fishing community.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenok said the 12-year range of the contract showed the UK as “a rule taker from Brussels again.”

Officials from the UK government said the UK’s fishing contracts were “not about an annual renegotiation merry-go-round where EU boats can never be seen without discerning, but about protecting their rights and long-term security.”

The summit is also expected to set up closer defence cooperation, including ways to enable EU travelers to participate in faster EU access via E-Passport Gates, as Kielstarmer hosts European Commission Chairman Ursula von del Reyen at the Lancaster House in central London.

Other sets of issues, including the shape of mutual youth mobility schemes, have not been determined. This continues with regard to the UK’s claim that the EU is opposed.

Another complexity of the youth mobility scheme is understood to be related to the EU’s demand for the UK to return to the Erasmus+ University and Vocational Training Exchange Scheme.

UK officials are concerned that automatic returns to the programme mean that EU citizens are eligible to pay lower domestic fees at UK universities, rather than high-rat students that resonate with foreign students who may cost the sector.

EU sources said they were “optimistic” and still could see the deal being put on in the coming months.

Badenoch tweeted in his initial response to reported details of the transaction: “12 years of access to British waters will be three times longer than the government wanted, and we are once again becoming rule takers in Brussels.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davy said Britain should not be caught up in “the Brexit war of the past” and that British reform leaders Badenok and Nigel Farage should be compared to “dinosaurs fighting the old battle.”

Downing Street says that meetings in London can continue to discuss on unanswered subjects rather than a single event, but the overnight negotiations are similar to the occasional, chaotic talks on the original Brexit departure.

In addition to fishing and easier processes for food exports between and the EU, the discussion focuses on better access to British companies’ EU defence funds, youth mobility schemes, and how UK travelers can access the EU more quickly via E-Passport Gate.

Fisheries are a large part of the fishing industry despite relatively low industry contributions to UK GDP, with conservatives and reforms warning against contracts that will sell out the UK’s fishing fleet.

Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Organising Fishermen, said Monday morning that industry responses will depend on what has been secured in return for any voluntary access to British waters.

“If the transaction was made over a long period of time, the question for me is: What did you achieve in return?” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today program. “If we have any benefit to the fishing industry, the fishing community, it may be worth doing, and it is all about the details.

“If we had nothing in return, it would have been a very poor deal from our perspective for the fishermen and their businesses, the communities that depend on them.”



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Joe Biden, Cancer, Trump, Kentucky Storms, Tax Bill, Fertility, Ice, Israel, Gaza, NBA, Pope Leo: Daily Briefing

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good morning!🙋🏼‍♀️I’m Nicole Forelt. If you’re eating these foods, don’t be surprised.

Here’s a summary of Monday’s news:

  • President Donald Trump wanted his predecessor, Joe Biden, to have a “sprint and successful recovery” from a prostate cancer diagnosis.
  • At least 19 people have died in Kentucky due to storms and harsh weather.
  • Trump’s sweeping tax bill has been approved by a major congressional committee.

Former President Joe Biden diagnosed as an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with a “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has spread to the bone, a spokesperson said in a statement Sunday. The diagnosis shows that the former president has one of the worst forms of illness, but “it looks like hormone sensitivity that allows for effective management,” the spokesman said. The news comes amid new questions about Biden’s physical and mental fitness as he ran in 2024 to serve his second term.

At least 19 people have died in Kentucky after a weekend storm

The Kentucky governor has announced that the state will consider emergency housing options after at least 19 people have been killed in storms and harsh weather. Buildings and cars have been destroyed, the house lacks an entire wall, and the top level and buildings are gone. The tornado also knocked down trees and power lines. Disaster photos show the aftermath of the harsh weather barrage that hit Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia over the weekend.

More news you need to know now

What’s the weather today? Check out your local forecast here.

Trump’s tax bill passes in major US House committee votes

President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax bill is set to move forward towards a potential House passage later this week.

The bill’s move is a big victory for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson After Hardline Republican conservatives blocked the bill last week from liquidating the House Budget Committee.

  • The lawmakers held an unusual Sunday session: Four Hardline members of the committee’s 21 Republicans allowed the law to move forward by voting on a “current” Sunday. All Democrats voted against it.
  • How Trump rocked the holdout: The White House pivoted over the weekend to sell the bill as a key part of Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
  • What does that mean for Americans: A family of four, who only $35,365, aims for new costs to go to doctors, some unemployed people are no longer eligible for Medicaid, some older people lose access to long-term care coverage, and the state loses some of the federal dollars that help cover those just above the poverty line.

What causes the fatal Brooklyn Bridge crash?

Officials are investigating what led to the tall Mexican Navy ship’s off course Saturday to attack the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two sailors and injuring more than dozens of sailors on board. The video shared online captured the cuauhtémoc, a training vessel sailing towards the iconic bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan’s New York City Autonomous Borough. The ship’s 147-foot mast, which was brightly shining with decorative lights, was unable to clean the arched bridge and was cut off by impact. We could see a naval cadet in white uniform hanging from the ship’s cross beam. Meanwhile, the bystander fled in fear.

Today’s speaker

Monday money matters

Today’s photo: Leo takes a popemobil

Pope Leo XIV formally assumed his role as the first American-born leader of the Global Catholic Church, which had a mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Sunday, bringing together tens of thousands of people. Leo said the church must confront modern challenges while maintaining its tradition, and that he refused to misuse what is called “religious propaganda” and power.

Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer for USA Today and sign up for your email here. Want to send a note to Nicole? Please email her at nollert@usatoday.com.





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Spotted: New Cervélo S5 seen at Visma-Lease a Bike training camp, and it looks pretty much the same as the old one

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And so it begins; the circus of pre-Tour de France bike leaks kicks off for 2025 with some grainy shots of what looks to be the new Cervélo S5, underneath some Visma-Lease a Bike riders including Jonas Vingegaard and Victor Campenaerts at their recent training camp. 

How do we know it is the new S5 and not a new aero bike? Well, primarily because from the shots it looks almost exactly the same as the current version. This, combined with the fact the current model is three years old – the usual development cycle time for pro bikes – means we can be really quite sure this is an updated version.



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Mark Schiefelle scored the goal in a Game 6 loss hours after his father’s unexpected death

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CNN

Just hours after his father unexpectedly passed away, Mark Shayfele came out on the ice to play for the Winnipeg Jets in a must-see game 6 of the second round playoff series with the Dallas Stars.

He then placed himself on the game as well, scoring a five-minute opening goal in the second quarter.

But then Scheifele had a stumbling penalty with 14.8 seconds left in the regulations and was in the penalty box when Thomas Harley scored the Stars 1:33 victory goal into overtime.

That goal secured the Stars’ 2-1 victory and ended the Jets’ bids for the Stanley Cup in a row in a row in the NHL Western Conference Finals in their third season.

“(It’s) heartbreaking,” Jets captain Adam Lowry said after the game. His voice was thickened with emotion.

Mark Schiefelle celebrates after scoring the goal.

“To end it as it is, and all the other things surrounding the day, I think it’s just a lot of emotions. It’s hard to put into words what Mark has gone through today. That’s a big goal for us, and play the whole game and it’s over.”

As soon as the game ended, the Jets players huddled around Seafele once more, many of whom accepted him. Stars players also knew the gravity and emotions of the day for Sheifele, and then hugged her and spoke at the handshake line.

“We’re there for him,” Jets defenseman Neil Pion said. “We are family. Sheikh is a large part of the family and we are here for him. We didn’t leave the ice without him. We did everything we could to beat him and his family.

Dallas Stars' Sam Steel is chasing the Steel after a few seconds remaining pack in regulation time by Winnipeg Jets' Mark Seafele.

It was amazing that Sheifele played at all. It is even more noteworthy that he had a goal, winning seven out of 12 showdowns and earning a team-high nine hits.

“To experience what he had to go through and then to perform as proud of him. And his father would be very proud of him. He wanted to win so badly.”

“The situation is so tough. I couldn’t imagine it being in such a situation.



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Trump’s big and beautiful bill plan ends with electric vehicle tax credit

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Is this the end of America’s affordable electric vehicles?

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  • “Big and beautiful bills” include tax cuts, Medicaid reductions, and SNAP expenditures.
  • The tax bill also proposes to eliminate the Obama administration’s federal electric vehicle tax incentives entirely.
  • Eliminating the EV tax credit could make some of the most popular electric vehicles undesirable for consumers.

President Donald Trump’s “The Big Beautiful Building” covers 1,116 pages. These pages include significant reductions in clean energy incentives in many sectors, such as transportation.

To reduce the emissions produced by gas-powered vehicles, the federal government began offering Americans an electric vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 during the Obama administration. This makes expensive electric cars more affordable and accessible to the average American driver. Among Trump and House Republicans, the proposal for a “big, beautiful bill” is a measure to kill tax credits in the coming years.

President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Building” aims to get EV tax credit

One big and beautiful invoice document, 30 pages, section 112002, titled “Clean Vehicle Credit End.” The credits were originally scheduled to expire on December 21, 2032. The provisions of the bill are set to “accelerate the expiration until December 31, 2025.” Americans will lose the ability to claim EV tax credits in 2026.

According to MarketWatch, the bill also targets EV and hybrid vehicle owners under a proposal from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Electric vehicle owners can charge $250 a year, and hybrid owners can charge $100 a year if the invoice is passed. So why are there attacks on electric vehicles and what does this mean for car buyers?

Why federal electric vehicle tax credits are under attack

The president has long been targeting EVs and has openly expressed his negligence against the former president’s mission calling for former President Biden’s mission to impress a large portion of his portfolio by 2030. Trump says 40% of Biden’s electric vehicle missions will disappear.

President Trump is not an advocate for electric vehicles despite his proximity to Tesla CEO and senior adviser Elon Musk. Instead, the president is a massive supporter of the oil and gas industry. His pledge to “drills, babies, drills” was one of the main topics on his campaign trail.

What is EV Tax Credit Removal for American Drivers?

If a “big and beautiful invoice” is finally passed, it could be the end of the era for American car buyers who use tax credits strategically to buy vehicles. The tax credits have created popular electric vehicles like the Tesla model, which is affordable for many drivers. Eliminating that could have a serious impact on EV sales across the industry.

If EVS is suddenly affordable, it can become undesirable for many consumers. The Chevrolet equinox EV offers a tax incentive of $26,100. If you remove the incentive, its starting price is $33,600 before taxes and additional charges.

The Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Pickup truck starts at $55,495 before taxes and fees for the EV tax credit. Without incentives, the price is $62,995. The existence of tax credits is a big seller for many popular EVs. Passing the bill would likely make electric vehicles much more expensive.



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Pope Leo meets VP Vance and Secretary of State Rubio

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Vance met with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 20th.

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  • Vance also met with Archbishop Richard Gallagher to discuss the freedom and collaboration of Holy Sea and American religions.

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV met personally with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Vice President J.D. Vance, the Vatican announced on May 19.

Vance, the first Catholic convert to serve as Vice President, led the delegation as the church’s first US-born leader and took on his role at Mass on May 18 at St. Peter’s Square, attended by tens of thousands of people, including numerous world leaders.

After the private meeting, Vance met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary of relations with the Vatican national and international organizations, to discuss religious freedom and cooperation between the Catholic Church and the US government.

“Finally, there was an exchange of views on some current international issues, during which the hope was expressed that humanitarian and international law would be respected in the field of conflict and that there would be a negotiated solution between the parties,” according to the Holy See’s press.

Vance met with the late Pope Francis on April 20th. This died 24 hours before the Pope died after weeks of fighting against dual pneumonia and other health issues.



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‘His time will come’ – Giro d’Italia revelation Mathias Vacek presses on in search of stage win after epic gravel ride

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Lidl-Trek’s Mathias Vacek continued to be one of the riders of this year’s Giro d’Italia on the gravel stage 9 to Siena, producing an almighty bridge across to the front group in the final 40km, before ultimately being dropped by new pink jersey, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and stage winner Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike).

Vacek found himself in the second group on the road as the chaos unfolded after a big crash on the second of five gravel sectors, which he got caught behind, but attacked away 34km from the finish with Chris Harper (Jayco-AlUla), before making contact with the leaders 10km later.



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Jasmine Paulini will be his first home winner in 40 years, beating Coco Gouf in the Italian Open Finals

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CNN

Jasmine Paolini beat Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in the Italian women’s singles final on Saturday, becoming the first Italian to win the tournament in 40 years, repeating his feat in Sunday’s doubles final.

By doing so, Paolini became the first woman since Monica Ceres in 1990 to win both singles and doubles titles at the Italian Open, and the first such player in the WTA 1000 Series tournament since the Indian Wells’ Bellasvonareva in 2009.

With Italian President Sergio Matarera attending a match with Goff, Paolini saved the energy of the home crowd and saw the class above her opponent to claim it was the biggest victory of her career.

“That doesn’t seem to be true to me,” the 29-year-old said according to the Associated Press. “I came here as a kid to watch this tournament, and won it and lifted this trophy, and it wasn’t even in my dream.”

Neither player could hold serves in the first three games, but Paolini took a 3-1 lead in fourth place and took command for the rest of the set.

The Italians broke their opponent twice at the start of the second set, taking a 3-0 lead, and Gouf broke.

However, Paolini reestablished a three-game lead in the next game, cruising for the rest of the set, eventually scoring a victory with a big serve at the second championship point, raising his arms at the celebration.

Parini, who finished runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon last year, is the first Italian winner at the Italian Open since Rafaela Ledge won the women’s singles tournament in 1985.

The victory means moving to fourth in the world rankings ahead of the French Open, which begins on Sunday, May 25th.

Coco Gough struggled with her serve throughout the match.

“Maybe I could have provided better service and put more balls on the court,” said Gauff, which had 55 forced errors and seven double faults. “I definitely could have done it, but she played to win today and deserved to win.”

“It’s a double fault, and that’s what I know I have to improve,” she added.

Then on Sunday, Olympic champions Paolini and Sara Ellani came two times 4-0 and won the women’s doubles final 6-4, 7-5 against Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens.

The world’s number one men’s world Jannik Sinner hopes to complete his first sweep of the Rome singles title when he faces Carlos Alcaraz later on Sunday. The last Italian to win the tournament was Adriano Panatta in 1976.



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Portugal’s Domination Centre Right Alliance wins elections, but the far right brings record profits

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Reuters

The Portuguese centre of rulership, Right Democrat Union (AD) won the Snap Assembly election on Sunday, but again fell short of the majority needed to end the long-term instability as far-right Chega gained a record share of the vote.

Prime Minister Louis Montenegro said the election results were votes of confidence in his party, but said Chega could still be counted due to votes from overseas.

Continuing political instability could delay structural reforms and major projects in Portugal, including lithium mining in the north, potentially undermining the efficient deployment of EU funds and years of privatization of tap airlines.

The third year, the election, was called a year for a one-year minority government term after Montenegro failed to win a trusted vote in March when he questioned his integrity regarding the family consulting company’s dealings. He denied any misconduct.

Election data shows that the ads are profiting, winning 89 seats in the 230-seat parliament, more than nine seats than in the previous election.

Montenegro, which ruled out the deal with Chega, said it had expected to form a minority government.

“The Portuguese don’t want any more snap elections. They want a four-year parliament,” Montenegro said his supporters chanted “Let Luis Work” and the slogan of his campaign.

Chega won a total of 58 seats, recording 22.6% of the vote, and voters appeared to punish socialists for their role in overthrowing Montenegro’s government.

Far-right party leader Chega Andre Ventura will give an election night at the party headquarters in Lisbon on early May 19, 2025.

They dropped from 78 to 58 seats, urging socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos to tell him he would resign.

Chega leader Andre Ventura, who was hospitalized during the campaign after collapsed on stage with an esophageal convulsion, said his party “stylishly wiped out the left block from the map.”

“There are moments in life where God stops a little and stops a little,” he told a crowd of ecstatic supporters. “I’m not going to listen this time. I’m not going to stop until I become Portugal’s prime minister.”



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The ferocious fight back and ‘dodgy pass’ that took Tiffany Cromwell from ‘no, not my day’ to ‘alright, game on’ at SEVEN

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Tiffany Cromwell knows what it takes to win on the challenging ascent heavy course of SEVEN in Nannup, Western Australia – the Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider has already made it to the top step of the podium in 2023 – but the Australian who had been fighting ‘a little bit of sickness’ wasn’t expecting a repeat of that winning effort when she dropped away from the front duo early in the race.

“We hit the first main climb called Brockmans which was a steep little one not that far in [20km], and I wasn’t feeling great,” said Cromwell in a team media release. “Cassia [Boglio] and Talia [Appleton} were able to go with the pace, and I just had to be like, ‘no, not my day.’ 



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Joe Biden retreated from the spotlight after leaving the White House

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Joe Biden concluded his half-century career in public office after a rough final year of dropping out of the 2024 presidential election amid questions about his age and fitness. Now he’s back in the national spotlight after it was announced earlier this month that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A Biden spokesman said on May 18 that the former president was diagnosed with a “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that spread to the bone. According to the statement, Biden was diagnosed after “experienced urinary symptoms” and a “nodule” was found in his prostate.

The former commander leaves the White House and heads straight to California for vacation, and has been staying modestly for several months. The cancer diagnosis came when 82-year-old Biden was beginning to publicly address Donald Trump’s presidency.

Biden began reappearing publicly last month, giving a speech in Chicago, appeared on ABC’s “The View,” and then interviewed the BBC. In his “view,” Biden said he is “trying to figure out what the most important and consequential role I can play.”

Now his plan is being defeated by an important health battle.

Bidens will make their first public speech since leaving the White House

Biden’s first speech since leaving the White House came in Chicago on April 15th as Trump approached the 100-day mark of presidency. The former president criticized his successor’s opening policy blitz.

“In less than 100 days, this new administration has caused so much damage and so much destruction,” Biden told a national conference of Chicago’s disability advocates, counselors and representatives. “They had a handcatch at the Social Security Agency.”

This comment came when Democrats were distraught about President Trump’s opening days. Biden’s role in the party was unknown as Democrats are looking for a new, younger voice to take on Trump.

Biden finished his first semester at the White House, facing a second guess from fellow Democrats with low approval rates. He tried to rehabilitate his image in the party, helping and helping famous democratic operatives.

Biden’s Media Blitz: Interview with the BBC, “View”

Biden began a media round and tried to rehabilitate his reputation. This came before two highly anticipated books that unearthed his administration’s efforts to downplay concerns about his age and eyesight, which many believe embraced Democrats in 2024.

Appearing in “The View,” Biden rejected criticism that he had waited too long to drop out of the 2024 race, claiming he defeated Trump in a rematch last fall. He also pushed back those who said they had experienced cognitive decline and said they were “they’re wrong.”

And earlier this month, Biden told the BBC that closing the 2024 bid was a “right decision” but “just a difficult decision.”

“It was tough to say I was going to stop,” he told the BBC. “Things moved so fast that it made it difficult to leave.”

Political leaders respond to Biden’s cancer diagnosis

His May 16th prostate cancer diagnosis came on the day Axios released a recording of a more than five-hour interview with special advisor Robert Hur. Har ultimately decided not to prosecute improper possession of documents classified as Biden, claiming that the ju-described Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning elderly person.”

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and handed over the Democratic nomination to former Vice President Kamala Harris after a disastrous debate performance against Trump. The debate raised concerns about Biden’s mental vision.

Since his cancer diagnosis, Biden has received a pour in support from across the political spectrum. Trump, Harris, former President Barack Obama, and former President Bill Clinton all often want Biden on social media.

“Joe is a fighter, and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience and optimism that has always defined his life and leadership,” writes Harris.

Contributors: Joey Garrison, Philip Bailey, Sarah D. Wire, USA Today. Reuters



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Women’s FA Cup: Chelsea Shields Treble beat Manchester United in the final

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CNN

Chelsea secured an impressive high note in a comfortable 3-0 victory over defending champion Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final on Sunday afternoon.

The two goals from Sandy Baltimore were one aspect of the Catalina Macario, and were enough to complete the domestic sweep of the Blues, which already won the Women’s Super League and League Cup this season.

Baltimore’s first goal came in the 45th minute when Cerin Bisette fouled Erin Cuthbert in the area. The French woman grabbed her nerves in front of United fans to convert the penalty.

The Red Devils could possibly come out late on a new impulse and level the tie through Elizabeth Telland and Ella Tone.

However, Chelsea managed to keep their opponents long and seal their victory in the 84th minute, when Macario headed for a free kick in Baltimore.

The icing on the cake came seven minutes later when Week Captain seized on a loose pass from Rea Galton and crossed Baltimore.

Chelsea Captain Millie Bright lifts the trophy.

Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, along with his wife, tennis legend Serena Williams, attended Wembley after reporting £20 million ($26.6 million) with the club earlier this week.

“The sky is at its limit,” he told broadcaster BBC Sports at halftime. “I have heard this club say it is apologetic and ambitious.

“That’s what we’re trying to build here: not only be the best team, but also being the best team in the world and being at the forefront of women’s sports.

“This will one day be a billion dollar franchise. I hope my dollar, my pound, will be able to go back to it in particular to America’s homeland. This will be an American team.”

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced criticism for his lack of commitment to the women’s team, but missed out on last year’s final, according to BBC Sports.

It was Chelsea’s sixth FA Cup title and the first title since 2023 to beat Manchester United 1-0 thanks to Samker’s goal. United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 in last year’s final.

The victory holds back a surprising first season for manager Sonia Bonpaster, who replaced club legend Emma Hayes in the summer after the British became head coach of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT).

Chelsea and USWNT striker Catalina Macario are heading home with a free kick from Sandy Baltimore to ensure a victory.

Bompastor had imposed curfews on players over the past few weeks, but now “players are really worthy (to celebrate),” she told BBC Sports after the match.

“We still need to practice for a week, but we need to enjoy this. To achieve high notes in the UK, it’s difficult to find the right words to describe them.”

This is the second time in the club’s history that it has achieved a domestic high pitch, and will appear for the first time in the 2020-21 season. Only Arsenal did that five more times and achieved the feat on more opportunities.



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Poland’s presidential election: Centrism and nationalist presidential candidates face off in the second round

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Warsaw, Poland
Reuters

Centristic Warsaw Mayor Rafal Truzaskovsky and nationalist Karol Naulocki will compete in the second round of the presidential election held in Poland on June 1, the Election Commission said based on votes from 100% of the constituency.

Trzaskowski received 31.36% of the votes in the first round of Sunday’s presidential election from the dominant Citizens’ Union (KO). The candidate, supported by Nationalist Opposition Law and Justice (PIS), Karol Nowrocky, won 29.54% of the vote. Previous later polls showed that they were led by Trzaskowski in electoral races.

Both candidates began preparing for the second round early on Monday, with Truzaskowski meeting voters in Warsaw and Nowrocky in Gdansk.

“We need to talk to everyone. Discussion is the most important thing. I’m happy that many young people have gone to the poll, but the big challenge is to convince them to vote for me,” Trzaskowski told reporters.

Together, far-right candidates Slawomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun have made up more than 21% of the vote, and have won widespread support from younger voters, a historically high percentage. However, it is not clear who will go in the second round of their vote.

Supported by the Nationalist Law and Justice (PIS) party, Now Rocky said he will fight for the votes of people on both sides of the political landscape.

“My social agenda and the fact that I will be a guardian of the social outcomes of law, justice government and solidarity (the union) will also provide that to the left-wing socially sensitive circles,” he said.



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Home insurance protects against climate change. But millions have missed it.

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In the housing market, homeowners’ insurance is a materializing of the impact of climate change. Over the past few years, more frequent and expensive harsh weather events have been strained by insurance companies, despite rising premiums punishing homeowners’ wallets.

Nowadays, new research has proven what many observers expect, but is rarely quantified. Insurance protects homeowners from financial troubles in the wake of weather disasters, but existing coverage guidelines are not suitable for the scale and scope of potential hazards. More concerning, insurance costs could soon be much more affordable for homeowners.

The study comes from a report called Climate, the sixth “C” of credits released on May 19 by First Street, a financial modelling organization for climate risk.

In an interview with USA Today, Jeremy Porter, director of climate impacts at First Street, said:

To that end, First Street saw dozens of severe weather events since 2000. Few homeowners faced the pain of wildfires and heavy winds.

But flooding is another story. Homeowner insurance does not cover flood damage, so any property considered at risk of flooding must carry flood insurance. But FEMA, the federal agency tasked with assessing which parts of the country are at risk, has dramatically underestimated the number of properties to cover, Porter said.

First Street believes there are 17.7 million properties that should be covered by forced flood insurance. This is more than 7.9 million times the FEMA “special flood hazard area.” The inconsistency is because FEMA does not explain the serious precipitation in its model.

The states with most of these additional properties are Texas, Pennsylvania, California, New York and Ohio.

First Street analysis found that the majority of counties across the country have more counties in flood risk areas than those defined by FEMA, but the most notable finding is where gaps between ratings are the biggest.

For example, Letcher County, Kentucky, has around 11.4% of the property found in FEMA’s special flood hazard area. First Street has that figure at 60.6%. A difference of nearly 50 percent points is the widest margin in any county, according to a USA Today analysis of the data in the report.

Kentucky includes six of the top 10 counties with the biggest gap between ratings. Virginia and parts of West Virginia have completed their rankings.

In two-thirds of the floods investigated by First Street, it was found that uninsured homeowners experienced so much financial distress that extreme weather damage ultimately led to foreclosure. Foreclosure is the most extreme result of housing market distress, but it is also the easiest to track, Porter said. This means that all the different steps along the way from mortgage delinquency to default can occur in areas exposed to storms, not recorded.

First Street uses Hurricane Sandy, which hit New York City in 2012 as an example of this phenomenon. According to reports, nearly 400 more foreclosures were found in the area where Sandy was the most hit.

The areas Sandy had suffered during the subprime crisis were suffering when some homeowners were charged with exorbitant mortgage rates – and the economic recession that followed, and home prices hadn’t yet started to rise again. It is another important element of foreclosure that tracked the first street. Areas where home prices are rising tend to avoid suffering. However, it is important to note that when foreclosure is observed, the same undamaged properties are at risk as the damaged properties.

That’s partly because bad storms affect the entire community, Porter said – services like transport are down, people can’t get jobs, and businesses remain closed. Insurance costs are likely to rise too, and the value of the undamaged home may increase more slowly.

“It’s like insurance protects your property as well as protecting your community in many ways,” Porter told USA Today.

Insurance costs are increasing

With all the benefits insurance can offer, the key challenge is that it is expensive and you get more.

From 2000 to 2013, homeowner insurance accounted for around 3-4% of Americans’ average monthly mortgage bills, First Street data shows. However, premiums have skyrocketed since then, and now account for more than 10% of mortgage payments.

An analysis of First Street homeowner costs found that with every 1% increase in premiums, it is associated with a 1% increase in foreclosure chances. As the researchers write, “The only thing proven to prevent foreclosure is that it is so expensive that it causes foreclosure.”

Porter said First Street doesn’t focus on the policy implications of its investigation report, but it’s difficult to draw conclusions given the political situation in Washington and the threat to many institutions that help Americans rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster.

“Resource reductions only exacerbate the issues we saw today,” he said.



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Russia launches the biggest drone attack of the Ukrainian war ahead of Putin Trump Call

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Kiev, May 18 (Reuters) – Russia launched its biggest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war on Sunday, destroying the home and killing at least one woman before President Donald Trump discusses a proposal to stop with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian intelligence agency said it believes Moscow intended to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile in an attempt to intimidate the West later on Sunday. There was no immediate response from Moscow to the accusations.

Following his visit to the White House in February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is working to restore relations with Washington, met with Roman Vice President Marco Rubio and bystanders of Pope Leo’s inauguration.

Zelenskyy said the meeting was “good” and released a photo of Ukrainians and US officials sitting at a round table laughing. Ukrainian media said the meeting lasted for 40 minutes.

“We reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in real diplomacy and emphasized the importance of a complete and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible,” said Zelensky, who met the new Pope.

Ukraine and Russia held their first in-person meeting on Friday in more than three years, and under pressure from Trump, pressured them to agree to a ceasefire in the war that he promised to bring about a quick end. The enemy agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but failed to agree to a ceasefire after Moscow presented the conditions that the Ukrainian delegation called “non-stars.”

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Poland had planned to speak to Trump before the US and Russian presidents spoke on Monday, German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz said. Four European leaders visited Kiev last week together last week and have called on Trump to support new sanctions against Russia.

Asked if it was time for Russia to impose harsh sanctions, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent said it would be up to Trump.

“I think we’ll see what happens when both parties get to the table,” he told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” program.

“President Trump has made it very clear that if Putin doesn’t negotiate in good faith, the United States will not hesitate to hamper Russia’s sanctions with its European partners.”

The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia had fired 273 drones in the Ukrainian city as of 8am on Sunday after an air warning night.

“I heard the drone.”

At the ruins of 44-year-old Natalia Piven’s family home in the Obkiv region of western Kiev, she shared how she and her son narrowed her down to the basement after an air raid warning.

They then ran off to the kindergarten bomb shelter, then another wave of drones waned into the village. Their home was completely destroyed. A 28-year-old woman who lived next door was killed. Ukrainian authorities said three other people were injured, including a four-year-old child.

“I can’t get over it. I simply can’t. I could clearly hear the drone flying towards my house,” Piven told Reuters.

Trump has shifted US rhetoric from support from Ukraine to embracing some of the Moscow stories about the war that President Putin launched in 2022.

Zelenskyy says it will accept Trump’s proposal for an at least 30-day immediate ceasefire without condition. Moscow says it will consider a ceasefire, but that is only if conditions are met, including the halt of arms supplies to Kiev.

It also states that peace negotiations must address the “root causes” of the conflict, including the demand for Ukraine to give up its territory and accept a neutral position. Kiev says it amounts to surrender and leaves him vulnerable.

(Additional reports by Valentin Ogilenko, Gleb Galanich, Anna Votenko of Melbourne, Anna Votenko of Kiev, and Lydia Kelly, written by Lydia Kelly, Grafedi by Peter Grafedi by William Mallard, Jamie Fried and Helen Popper



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NBA Playoffs: Game 7 behind the gorgeous Shy Gilgauss Alexander, OKC Thunder Root Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets

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Behind the incredible performance of MVP favourite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Denver Nuggets 125-93 in Game 7, making its first Western Conference Finals since 2016.

The Thunder scored 11 points at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City late in the first quarter, down 26-21 after the period.

However, the Thunder roamed, controlled the game, scoring 14 and 25 points later in the third quarter.

Thunder Superstar Guard Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 35 points in a 19-12 shooting. This was his seventh 30-point or more game this season in the postseason, and was the most in the league.

After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander said that winning the series means a lot for the city and fans.

“They were very good all year round. They were good and bad behind us. It feels like the league teams don’t have the advantages of home courts like we do,” he said. “We were a better team thanks to them. We’ve got them behind us. If we don’t bring it tonight, knowing that it’s not over for them either.”

Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Jalen Williams was dunked in the second quarter.

Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams finished with 24 points, five rebounds and seven assists as the Thunder won three games in the Western Conference Semis four games.

OKC head coach Mark Deanoo was impressed by his team’s performance in Game 7.

“There aren’t many games to wake up in the morning. I know I remember the rest of my life’s game. Game 7 is one of them,” Daigneault told reporters after the victory.

“It’s really a distraction and it’s still a basketball game. It was very impressive to see them focused through it and do what these guys did today.”

Thunderguard Aaron Wiggins celebrates after sinking the basket in the first half.

Denver has violated 22 sales and struggled from the 3-point line, converting only 10/45 over the arc.

Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic is a finalist in the three regular-season MVP of this year, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

“Everyone was thinking about the (Los Angeles) Clippers defeating us, even in the first round,” Jokic said at a post-game press conference. “Except tonight, we’ve always found a way. We’ve found a way to win the game. We found a way to win the series, but that wasn’t the case today.”

He added: “We played a 7-game series against perhaps the best team in the NBA. We had the opportunity. We had the chance.”

OKC will then face the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by star guard Anthony Edwards, who will begin in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.



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It reminded me of the Ford among over 280,000 vehicles.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued multiple recalls last week, including notifications for more than 270,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Do you want to see if a recall was issued on your car? If the car is not listed below, the owner can either check the USA Today Automotive Recall database or search the NHTSA database to search for new recalls. The NHTSA website allows you to search for recalls based on the vehicle’s identification number (VIN).

Here’s what you need to know about vehicle recalls issued by NHTSA from May 12th to May 18th:

Expedition, Navigator recalls brake line failure

Ford Motor Company recalled that certain 2022-2024 Ford Expeditions and 2022-2024 Lincoln Navigators could be leaking brake lines.

According to the NHTSA, the front brake lines of a recalled vehicle can come into contact with the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and be damaged.

In announcing the recall, Ford said it could have been bent the front brake line during the engine installation process at Ford’s final assembly plant.

The dealer inspects the front brake line and replaces the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe for free if necessary. The owner’s notification letter will be mailed on May 26th.

Affected vehicles: 273,789

Ford recalls the loose zipper F-150

Ford reminded me of a particular 2025 F-150 vehicle as there could be loose fasteners that could result in loss of steering control.

The lower intermediate shaft fastener may be improperly attached to the steering gear, allowing the shaft to loosen or remove.

Dealers should inspect and replace the lower intermediate shaft fastener free of charge if necessary. The owner’s notification letter will be mailed on May 26th.

Affected vehicles: 9,181

The Broncos recall the child’s safety lock malfunction

Because Ford may have a child safety lock that can unintentionally open the rear door, reminiscent of a certain 2024 Bronco car.

According to the NHTSA, when the child’s safety lock is in the “upper” position, the rear door on the left side of the recalled vehicle can be opened from inside the vehicle.

The dealer should inspect your child’s safety lock and replace the rear door latch for free if necessary. The owner’s notification letter is scheduled to be mailed on May 26th.

Affected vehicles: 2,002

Contribution: Saleen Martin, USA TODAY.



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Democrats push Trump to end Wall Street tax credit

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WASHINGTON – A group of Democrats are calling on President Donald Trump to urge Congressional Republicans to end the Wall Street tax credit he’s been holding in his vision for a long time.

In a letter sent to Trump on May 18th and first obtained by USA Today, 10 Democrats highlighted the president’s long-standing interest in eliminating what is known as the “Cruiled Tealophole.” This is a tax credit that allows venture capital, private equity and hedge fund managers to pay a lower tax rate on certain revenues than they would have been taxed as normal income.

Investment fund managers pay 23.8% tax on carried interest, which is the profits they earn from assets such as stocks and bonds. It accounts for the majority of revenue, but is now treated as a return on investment rather than a typical income. Trump campaigned in 2016 by eliminating tax credits, telling CBS News that financial operators are “running away with murder.”

“A lot of them, it’s like they’re a paper pusher. They make property, they don’t pay taxes. That’s ridiculous,” he said at the time.

But Trump failed to include changes in his 2017 Economic Act, Tax Cuts and Employment Act amid a fierce lobbying campaign from the industry and a fierce lobbying from GOP lawmakers to protect breaks. Wall Street voices say that this provision will allow them to support more work and become more competitive around the world.

With Congressional Republicans creating new sweeping tax and spending packages, Trump is once again pushing Congressional leaders to eliminate the advantages of fateful profits.

In the first version of the bill, released on May 12, the House members ruled it out. This means that loopholes survive.

“It’s clear that the private equity industry fought hard to maintain these extraordinary tax giveaways,” the Democrat senator wrote in a letter to Trump. “What’s less clear is whether your party can deviate from your commitment, succumb to industry demands, and close the loophole a second time.”

The letter, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, has also been signed by D-Maryland, D-Rhode Island, D-Rhode Island, Jeff Merkley, Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Roregon, Ron Wyden, D-Roregon, Amy Klobchar, D-Minnesota, D-Minnesota, D-Minnesota, D-Minnesota, D-Minnesota, D-Minnesota, D-Ron Wyden, D-Roeregon, D-Ron Wyden and D-Minnesota. D-Vermont, and Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont.

The Senator wrote that the House Tax Writing Committee “ignored your wishes” by moving forward with a law that does not eliminate loopholes. “So, President, will you make it?” they asked.

The letter takes a break between Congressional presidents and Republicans at a time of rare overlap between Trump and some of the most progressive Congressional Democrats. In addition to excluding carried profit clauses, lawmakers have not adopted Trump’s proposal to raise taxes on some of the wealthiest Americans to offset lost income from other tax cuts.



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