French Premier Barnier eyes tax hikes worth up to 18 billion euros, Parisien reports

High school students in Oklahoma would be asked to identify “discrepancies” in the 2020 election as part of U.S. history classes, following new social studies standards approved by the Oklahoma Board of Education. The proposed standards have drawn criticism for aligning with President Trump’s false claims about the election results. State Superintendent Ryan Walters, a Trump ally, defended the changes as promoting critical thinking skills and not taking a specific stance on the election outcome....

Alan K. Simpson, a former Republican senator from Wyoming, died at 93 after struggling to recover from a broken hip and complications from frostbite. Known for his folksy demeanor and controversial remarks, Simpson championed immigration reforms and conservative Supreme Court candidates, while clashing with women's groups, environmentalists, and the press. He had a tumultuous youth, but redeemed himself through a successful political career and bipartisan efforts on issues like immigration and abortion rights. Full Article

Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense accuses CNN of altering and destroying a video showing the rapper physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Combs claims that CNN's footage was "substantially altered" by covering the time stamp, changing the video sequence, and speeding up the video. Despite Combs' denial of the allegations, he faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and coercion, with his trial scheduled to begin on May 5, as authorities allege he ran a criminal...

Truong Nguyen, a Braintree man, pleaded guilty to passport fraud and aggravated identity theft for stealing the identity of a deceased teenager to obtain certifications and a job with the Melrose Fire Department. Nguyen used the teen's identity to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license, Social Security card, EMT certifications, and attended the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. He also applied for a U.S. passport using the stolen identity. Nguyen, who was ordered to be deported in 1995...

Whoopi Goldberg of "The View" supported tech reporter Kara Swisher's ambition to acquire The Washington Post from Jeff Bezos, citing recent staff departures and editorial changes. Swisher expressed interest in forming an investor group to buy the paper, criticizing Bezos for prioritizing personal liberties and free markets in the opinion section. The Post has faced controversy over staff exits and a decision not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 election, prompting Swisher and Goldberg...

Measles outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico have reached over 250 cases, with two unvaccinated individuals succumbing to measles-related complications. The highly contagious virus spreads through airborne transmission and is preventable through vaccines, with outbreaks also reported in other states. Vaccination rates play a crucial role in preventing the spread of measles, as high rates of immunization create herd immunity and limit the impact of outbreaks. Full Article