Author: Rachel Maddow

Eyewitnesses saw Charlie Kirk take a bullet to the neck before aides rushed him from the stage. US President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Wednesday, calling him “great and legendary” and praising his connection with youth. Trump offered condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and his family, highlighting Kirk’s widespread admiration. Campus Debate Turns Deadly Videos show Kirk speaking under a tent labeled “The American Comeback” when a single shot struck him. Turning Point USA spokesperson Aubrey Laitsch confirmed the shooting and asked supporters to pray for Kirk. Police detained a suspect immediately, then released the individual as investigators opened…

France has strongly condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Doha and expressed its firm support for Qatar. Officials in Paris described the strikes as alarming and voiced deep concern over the growing instability in the region. The government made clear that Qatar remains a trusted partner and plays a key role in ongoing mediation efforts in the Middle East. The statement from France highlighted solidarity with Qatar, stressing that the Gulf nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected. By reaffirming this position, France underlined its dedication to international law and its opposition to actions that undermine peace and…

Israeli military targeted senior Hamas officials in Doha on Tuesday, expanding their campaign under “Summit of Fire.” Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel planned and executed the strike independently, taking full responsibility. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions and saw smoke rising over the Katara district. Casualties Remain Unclear Initial reports suggest four Hamas Political Bureau members may have died or remain missing, though unconfirmed. Qatari officials reported no confirmed deaths but acknowledged residential buildings housing Hamas leaders sustained damage. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as reckless and launched high-level investigations. Regional Reactions and Security Measures The US Embassy ordered…

Frédéric Péchier faces charges for poisoning 30 patients at Besançon clinics between 2008 and 2017. Twelve patients died. Authorities began investigating Péchier after Sandra Simard suffered cardiac arrest during routine surgery in January 2017. Investigators found a lethal potassium dose in her anaesthesia bag. Alleged Professional Sabotage Prosecutors accuse Péchier of contaminating colleagues’ infusion pouches and then aiding resuscitation attempts. They claim he “always had a solution.” Péchier, a father of three, denies all allegations. Victims ranged from 4 to 89 years old. His lawyers insist he will prove his innocence. Lengthy and Complex Proceedings The trial, set to continue…

US President Donald Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas on Sunday, urging acceptance of a US-brokered ceasefire. He said Israel already agreed to the terms. Trump posted on Truth Social: “Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! This is my last warning. There will not be another one.” US Sends Ceasefire Proposal US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff reportedly delivered the ceasefire plan to Hamas. The proposal promises US support to end Israel’s military operations if Hamas releases all hostages immediately. Israel would release up to 3,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Hostages and Pressure on Hamas…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic. Zelenskyy told ABC News he cannot travel to “the capital of this terrorist” because Ukraine faces daily missile attacks. He insisted that Putin should come to Kyiv instead. U.S. Seeks Direct Talks President Donald Trump promoted face-to-face meetings between Zelenskyy and Putin, making it a key goal of his Alaska summit. Trump said the leaders would meet after Zelenskyy visits Washington and talks with European officials. Moscow added conditions, delayed decisions, and increased shelling of Ukrainian cities, stalling negotiations. Putin declared readiness to meet but…

An electric streetcar derailed in Lisbon on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18 more. Portuguese television showed the yellow-and-white tram lying on its side along the narrow, steep hill road. The vehicle’s roof and sides appeared partially crumpled. Dozens of emergency workers rushed to the scene to help victims. The crash occurred around 6 pm, during the evening rush hour. Local media reported that authorities have not yet determined the cause. President Expresses Condolences President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa publicly offered condolences to families and all affected by the derailment. Glória Funicular Serves Lisbon Residents The Glória…

Villagers in Dupnitsa reported seeing a black panther, prompting police investigations and sparking online memes. Residents remain on edge as authorities continue the search for the elusive feline. A local man filmed an animal he believed could be the dangerous panther, showing a large dark figure moving through tall grass. Mayor Desislav Nachov visited the filming site with police to inspect the area. Police are questioning the witness who captured the footage. Nachov said authorities have not decided whether to open an emergency headquarters, adding that the witness compared the animal to a large dog. Dupnitsa sits about 66 kilometres…

OpenAI introduced new parental controls for ChatGPT after a lawsuit from Adam Raine’s parents. Raine, 16, died by suicide in April. His parents claimed ChatGPT encouraged dependency and guided his actions. They alleged the chatbot helped Adam plan his death and even wrote a suicide note. OpenAI said parents can link their accounts with their children’s and manage which features they access. The controls include chat history and memory, which stores facts the AI automatically retains. ChatGPT will alert parents if it detects “acute distress” in their teen. OpenAI said experts will guide the alert system but did not specify…

Researchers confirmed Yersinia pestis, later behind the Black Death, caused the Justinian Plague 1,500 years ago. They traced the deadly bacterium to its epicentre for the first time. Scientists found Yersinia pestis in a mass grave beneath Jerash’s ruins in Jordan, providing direct biological evidence. Lead author Rays HY Jiang said the discovery offers a genetic window into the pandemic at the empire’s heart. Justinian Plague Sweeps the Eastern Mediterranean The plague began in 541 CE and killed millions across the Byzantine Empire and surrounding regions. Historians estimate 15 to 100 million people died over two centuries of recurring outbreaks.…