Debt-stricken Sri Lanka marks independence day as new president pledges to rebuild the country

SummaryDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered renovations to a green room adjacent to the Pentagon press briefing room, adding a makeup studio for television appearances, at a cost of several thousand dollars amid ongoing cost-cutting efforts. The upgrade was suggested by Tami Radabaugh, a former Fox News producer, and has received approval from key Pentagon officials, despite Hegseth's previous lack of press briefings. Additionally, Hegseth faces scrutiny over sharing sensitive military information in group chats,...

FBI Reports Record Scam Losses in 2024Scammers stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from the previous year, with over 250,000 complaints averaging losses of $19,000. The elderly, particularly those over 60, reported the highest losses at $4.8 billion, with investment scams being the leading cause at $6.5 billion. Cryptocurrency was predominantly used in these scams, highlighting the escalating threat of cybercrime as nearly all aspects of life become digitally interconnected. Full...

Ryan Mindell, the executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, resigned amid ongoing investigations into the lottery's integrity, particularly concerning the role of courier companies that buy and send tickets for customers. These couriers, which have been criticized for being unregulated, may face legal restrictions as lawmakers consider changes to the lottery's operations. The Texas Rangers are investigating significant lottery wins in Austin and Colleyville, while the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers claims the agency...

Vice President JD Vance expressed surprise at being one of the last officials to meet Pope Francis before his death, recalling their encounter on Easter Sunday in Italy, where he recognized the pope's illness but not the severity. Vance highlighted the pope's advocacy for marginalized communities and stated he was fortunate to have personally prayed for him. Currently in India for a four-day trip, Vance discussed ongoing trade talks with Prime Minister Modi and shared...

In an emotional courtroom session, Yolanda Tinajero forgave Patrick Crusius, the gunman who killed her brother and 22 others in a 2019 Walmart shooting, expressing her desire to hug him. The judge permitted their brief embrace, amidst statements from victims' families who conveyed pain, forgiveness, and resilience. Crusius, who pleaded guilty to capital murder, will serve multiple life sentences; his attack sparked unity in the El Paso community, with some survivors emphasizing their strength and...

Stock Market Surge Following Trump’s Trade CommentsStock futures rose sharply after President Trump declared he would not remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and hinted at easing trade tensions with China. As of 8 a.m. EST, Dow futures were up 660 points (1.7%), with significant gains in S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures, driven by positive investor sentiment following Trump's remarks on reducing tariffs and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's view on de-escalating the trade war. Despite...