Trump concludes China visit with discussions on Taiwan and trade
President Donald Trump concluded a three-day visit to China that included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on Taiwan, trade, and bilateral relations. Trump stated that Xi asked directly whether the US would defend Taiwan, to which Trump responded he doesn't discuss such matters publicly. The meetings were characterized by both leaders as addressing various bilateral issues including arms sales and trade tensions.
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Ukraine-Russia War Escalates Despite Brief Ceasefire
A Russian airstrike on a Kyiv apartment complex killed at least 24 people, with Ukraine's air force describing the attack as part of the largest aerial assault since the war began. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy vowed a response to the Russian strike. Ukraine also conducted strikes on residential buildings and an oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia.
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Trump-Xi Summit Focuses on Taiwan and US-China Relations
President Donald Trump completed a three-day visit to China that included discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Taiwan, Iran, and bilateral relations. During the summit, Boeing secured a deal to sell at least 200 planes to China, which Trump announced to reporters. Trump stated that Xi asked directly whether the US would defend Taiwan, to which Trump responded he doesn't discuss such matters publicly.
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Ukraine-Russia conflict escalates with deadly strikes after brief ceasefire
A Russian airstrike on a Kyiv apartment complex killed at least 24 people, with Ukraine's air force describing it as part of the largest aerial assault since the war began. Ukraine conducted a retaliatory strike on residential buildings and an oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has vowed to respond to the Russian attack.
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Trump Describes Taiwan as 'Negotiating Chip' with China, Raises Regional Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump described arms sales to Taiwan as a "very good negotiating chip" in dealings with China during a Fox News interview. Trump's comments have heightened anxieties in Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. The remarks were made following Trump's recent summit meeting in Beijing with Chinese leadership.
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Israel strikes Gaza targeting senior Hamas leader despite ceasefire
Israel carried out strikes in Gaza City targeting Hamas military leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad, according to Israeli officials. The strikes occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire arrangement. Multiple casualties were reported from the attacks.
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US Prepares Indictment Against Former Cuban President Raúl Castro
The US Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The indictment would require approval by a grand jury. Sources spoke on condition of anonymity.
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Putin to Visit China After Trump's Beijing Trip Amid Complex US-China Relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing next week for a two-day trip, according to the Kremlin. This announcement comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump completed his own state visit to China. During Trump's visit, discussions included topics such as Taiwan, with Xi Jinping directly asking Trump whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan.
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Israel Extends Lebanon Ceasefire Despite Continued Strikes
Israel and Lebanon have extended their ceasefire agreement for another 45 days. Despite the ceasefire extension, Israeli military strikes have continued in the region. Lebanon's Ministry of Health reports that Israeli attacks have killed 2,951 people since March 2, with at least 8,988 wounded.
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ISIS Leader Killed in Joint US-Nigerian Military Operation
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted a joint military operation on Friday night that killed an ISIS leader identified as Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki (also spelled al-Minuki). Trump made the announcement in a late-night social media post. The target was described as a senior commander in the Islamic State group.
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Iraqi militant leader charged with coordinating terror attacks targeting Americans and Jews
Federal authorities arrested and charged an Iraqi militant leader with coordinating terrorist attacks in Europe targeting Americans and Jews. The suspect allegedly planned at least 18 attacks according to a federal criminal complaint. The attacks were reportedly motivated by opposition to war in Iran.
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Global Stock Markets Drop on Inflation Concerns, AI Stocks Sink
Global stock markets experienced significant declines on Friday, with the S&P 500 falling 1.2% from its all-time high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 1.1%. The selloff was attributed to concerns about inflation driven by higher oil prices. AI-related technology stocks were particularly affected in the broader market decline.
Associated Press
US-Nigeria Joint Operation Kills Senior ISIS Leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki
US and Nigerian forces conducted a joint military operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS leader, in Nigeria's Lake Chad basin region. President Trump announced the operation took place on Friday night and characterized al-Minuki as a high-ranking ISIS commander. Nigerian officials confirmed their participation in the joint counterterrorism operation.
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Hamas Military Leader Killed in Israeli Air Strike
Izz al-Din al-Haddad, head of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli air strike. Hamas has confirmed the death of the Qassam Brigades leader. Seven other people were also killed in the attack.
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Boeing Secures Major Aircraft Deal with China During Trump-Xi Summit
President Donald Trump announced that Boeing secured a deal to sell at least 200 aircraft to China. The announcement was made by Trump to reporters aboard Air Force One following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The article indicates that China made some form of reservation regarding the deal, though the details are cut off in the provided text.
Associated Press
US Forces Kill Senior ISIS Commander in Joint Operation with Nigeria
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted a joint operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS commander. The operation took place on Friday night according to Trump's statement. Al-Minuki was previously designated as a 'global terrorist' in 2023.
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Pentagon halts troop deployments to Europe, drawing down forces in Poland and Germany
The Pentagon has halted the deployment of approximately 4,000 troops from an Army brigade that were scheduled to deploy to Poland and Germany. This decision represents a drawdown of U.S. military forces in Europe by stopping planned deployments rather than withdrawing troops already stationed there. Multiple U.S. officials have confirmed this policy change.
Associated Press
Stock Markets Fall Amid AI Sector Decline and Inflation Concerns
U.S. stock markets fell on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping 1.2% from its all-time high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declining 1.1%. AI sector stocks contributed significantly to the market decline. Higher oil prices raised concerns about inflation and affected bond markets.
Associated Press
Mexico Faces Internal Displacement Crisis Due to Violence
Mexico is experiencing significant internal displacement as families flee violence in various regions of the country. The Associated Press reports on cases like 74-year-old María Cabrera, who fled with her family during bombing and gunfire in central Mexico. The Washington Post covers a related case involving deportation and family separation affecting a Mexican woman and her toddler son.
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Iranian Hackers Suspected of Breaching US Gas Station Systems
US officials suspect Iranian hackers are behind breaches of systems that monitor fuel levels in storage tanks at gas stations across multiple states. The breaches targeted tank reader systems that track the amount of fuel in storage tanks serving gas stations. Multiple sources have been briefed on this suspected Iranian cyber activity according to reporting.
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Senator Bill Cassidy Faces Trump-Backed Primary Challenge in Louisiana
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana faces a Trump-endorsed primary challenge from U.S. Representative Julia Letlow in Saturday's GOP primary election. Cassidy was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial following the January 6th events. Polling indicates Cassidy may be trailing in the race, with some reports showing him in third place.
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US Considers Indictment of Former Cuban President Raúl Castro
The United States is considering indicting former Cuban President Raúl Castro in the coming days, according to sources. The investigation is centered around the 1996 shootdown of planes. The potential indictment represents a significant escalation in U.S.-Cuba relations.
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China deploys undersea monitoring device near Indonesia in strategic waterway
A Chinese undersea monitoring device was discovered in Indonesian waters near Bali last month in a strategic waterway. The device was found in waters that are significant for maritime traffic and regional security. Experts have commented on the implications of this discovery for regional defense strategies.
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Harvey Weinstein rape case ends in mistrial after jury deadlock
A New York judge declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein's rape case after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision. This marks the third time a New York jury has considered the case against the 74-year-old former film mogul. The trial concluded Friday without a verdict on charges stemming from the #MeToo era.
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AI stocks drop as market falls on inflation concerns
The U.S. stock market fell from record highs on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping 1.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 1.1%. AI stocks were among those that declined as part of a broader worldwide stock market drop. Higher oil prices contributed to concerns that sent tremors through the bond market.
Associated Press
Iranian hackers suspected in US gas station infrastructure breach
US officials suspect Iranian hackers are responsible for breaching systems that monitor fuel levels in storage tanks at gas stations across multiple states. The breaches targeted tank reader systems that track the amount of fuel in storage tanks serving these gas stations. Multiple sources briefed on the activity have confirmed these suspected cyberattacks on US fuel infrastructure.
CNN
Supreme Court Blocks Virginia Congressional Map Favoring Democrats
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected Virginia's emergency appeal to restore a congressional map that would have benefited Democrats. The decision leaves in place a Virginia Supreme Court ruling that struck down the redistricting effort. The rejected map would have potentially given Democrats a chance to pick up additional House seats.
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Colorado Governor Grants Clemency to Election Denier Tina Peters
Colorado Governor Jared Polis granted clemency to Tina Peters, a former Mesa County clerk who was sentenced to nine years in prison for election-related crimes. Peters was convicted for her role in allowing unauthorized access to voting machines' hard drives in connection with 2020 election activities. The clemency decision drew reactions from both Trump, who praised it, and Colorado Secretary of State Griswold, who opposed it.
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Republican Primary Battles Reflect Trump's Influence on GOP
Republican primary races across multiple states are showing candidates attempting to position themselves relative to Trump's influence within the party. In Kentucky, GOP Senate candidates are distancing themselves from Mitch McConnell in their primary to replace him. Meanwhile, Trump has made attacks on Democrat James Talarico in Texas while remaining noncommittal in the state's GOP runoff.
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IED Discovered and Detonated at Alabama Dam
Divers discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) at Alabama's Converse Reservoir dam during routine maintenance operations. The discovery prompted a multi-agency response involving law enforcement and security officials. The device was subsequently detonated in a controlled manner by authorities.
Fox News
Harvey Weinstein Rape Trial Ends in Mistrial
Harvey Weinstein's third trial in New York over sexual abuse allegations ended in a mistrial as declared by the judge. The trial centered on accusations that Weinstein used his Hollywood influence to prey upon and sexually abuse women. This represents the conclusion of his latest legal proceedings in New York courts.
USA Today
Long Island Rail Road Workers Strike, Shutting Down Major US Commuter System
Workers on the Long Island Rail Road went on strike early Saturday morning, shutting down operations on North America's largest commuter rail system. Five unions representing approximately half of the railroad's workforce walked off the job. The strike has halted service on the system that normally serves hundreds of thousands of passengers traveling to and from New York City.
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Sen. Bill Cassidy Faces Trump-Backed Primary Challenge in Louisiana
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana faces a Trump-endorsed primary challenge on Saturday from U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow. Cassidy was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol attack. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is supporting Letlow's challenge against the incumbent senator.
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Supreme Court Blocks Virginia Congressional Map Favoring Democrats
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected Virginia's request to reinstate a congressional map that would have benefited Democrats in the midterm elections. The decision leaves in place a previous 4-3 ruling by the Virginia Supreme Court that had blocked the Democratic-drawn map. The rejected map would have given Democrats a chance to pick up additional seats in the closely divided House of Representatives.
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UK Political Crisis as Ministers Challenge PM Keir Starmer's Leadership
Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced he will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Labour leader. Streeting resigned from his cabinet position on Thursday in preparation for mounting a leadership challenge. Multiple Labour rivals are reportedly positioning themselves to challenge Starmer's leadership amid mounting pressure on his government.
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Explosive device discovered and detonated at Alabama reservoir dam
An improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered by divers at Alabama's Converse Reservoir dam during routine maintenance operations. The device prompted a multi-agency response from law enforcement and security officials. The explosive was subsequently safely detonated by authorities.
Fox News
New York Commuter Rail System Shuts Down Due to Union Strike
North America's largest commuter rail system shut down Saturday after unionized workers went on strike. The Long Island Rail Road ceased operations early Saturday morning when five unions representing approximately half of its workforce walked off the job. The strike has completely halted service on the major New York area commuter rail network.
Associated Press
Long Island Rail Road Strike Paralyzes Major US Transit System
Workers on the Long Island Rail Road have gone on strike, halting operations on what is described as the busiest or largest commuter rail system in North America. The strike affects hundreds of thousands of passengers who use the system to travel to and from New York City and its suburbs. Contract negotiations were ongoing to try to reach a deal that would end the walkout.
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Harvey Weinstein Rape Retrial Ends in Mistrial
A judge declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial in New York after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. This marks the third time a New York jury has considered rape charges against the 74-year-old former film producer. The trial involved allegations that Weinstein used his Hollywood position to sexually abuse women.
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Large Protests in London Between Pro-Palestinian and Far-Right Groups
Large-scale protests occurred in London involving both pro-Palestinian demonstrators and far-right groups, with one march organized by Tommy Robinson. The Metropolitan Police deployed thousands of officers in what they described as one of the most significant policing operations in recent years. The protests took place on the same day, prompting heightened security measures across the British capital.
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Spain Boycotts Eurovision Over Israel Participation as Contest Faces Political Tensions
Spain is boycotting this year's Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation, with Spain's public broadcaster RTVE not airing the event. The Eurovision finals are taking place in Vienna on Saturday. Spain had previously expressed disapproval over Israel's participation in the contest.
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Tina Peters Granted Clemency After Election Tampering Conviction
Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk in Colorado, was granted clemency by the governor after being convicted of election tampering. She had been sentenced to nine years in prison for allowing unauthorized access to her county's election system. Peters was involved in efforts related to the 2020 election and has been described as an election denier.
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London Sees Major Police Operation as Rival Protest Groups Gather
The Metropolitan Police deployed thousands of officers for a major operation in London to manage rival protest groups. One march was organized by Tommy Robinson while a separate pro-Palestinian protest was also taking place. Police described this as one of their most significant operations in recent years.
BBC News
Colorado Governor Grants Clemency to Election Conspiracy Theorist Tina Peters
Colorado Governor Jared Polis granted clemency to former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted of election tampering. Peters had been sentenced to nine years in prison for crimes related to allowing unauthorized access to county election systems. The case was connected to efforts related to 2020 election disputes.
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Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democratic congressional map in redistricting battle
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected Virginia's emergency appeal to restore a congressional map that would have benefited Democrats. The decision leaves in place a Virginia Supreme Court ruling that struck down the redistricting effort. The rejected map would have given Democrats a chance to pick up additional seats in the House of Representatives.
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Train Collides with Bus in Bangkok, Killing at Least 8 People
A cargo train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday. At least 8 people were killed and 35 were injured in the incident. Footage shows vehicles were queuing across the railway line when the train struck the bus and pushed it into oncoming traffic.
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Train Crashes Into Bus in Bangkok, Killing at Least 8 People
A train crashed into a public bus in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday. At least 8 people were killed in the collision. The incident occurred at a rail crossing in the Thai capital.
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Labour Party turmoil as senior politicians challenge PM in dramatic political day
Three senior Labour politicians - Deputy PM Angela Rayner, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham - made public interventions that created significant political drama within the party. The Labour Party has allowed Andy Burnham to run for selection in an upcoming by-election. If Burnham wins the by-election, he would be positioned to potentially launch a leadership challenge against the Prime Minister.
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NASA's Psyche spacecraft receives Mars gravity boost en route to asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft is using Mars' gravity on May 15 for a gravitational assist maneuver. This gravity boost is part of the spacecraft's six-year journey to reach a metallic asteroid in the asteroid belt. The maneuver is designed to provide the spacecraft with additional speed needed for its mission trajectory.
USA Today
Colorado governor commutes sentence of election conspiracy theorist Tina Peters
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced he is commuting the sentence of former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted of crimes related to tampering with election machines. Peters will be released on June 1, following pressure from President Donald Trump. Peters had allowed unauthorized access to voting machines' hard drives in connection with efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
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Great White Shark Kills Diver Off Australian Tourist Island
A man in his thirties was attacked by a shark at Horseshoe Reef, northwest of Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia, just before 10:00 local time. The BBC reported the shark was a 13-foot great white and that the man was killed, while US ABC News also reported a fatality. Australian ABC News reported the man was in critical condition with serious injuries.
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UK Bans Far-Right Agitators Ahead of Anti-Islam Rally
The UK government has banned eleven individuals described as 'far-right agitators' from entering the country ahead of a planned rally. The rally is scheduled for Saturday and has been organized by anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is better known by his pseudonym Tommy Robinson. The bans were announced by the Prime Minister.
BBC News
Medical Condition PCOS Gets New Name to Better Reflect Symptoms
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition affecting women's health and fertility, is being renamed to polycystic metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The name change aims to better reflect the full scope of the condition's symptoms and impact. Both sources indicate this condition affects millions of women worldwide and has historically been underserved or misdiagnosed.
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Shark Attack Kills Spearfishing Diver Off Australian Coast
A 38-year-old man was killed in a shark attack while spearfishing off Rottnest Island, Australia on Saturday morning. The incident occurred while the victim was diving with friends. Police have confirmed the fatal attack.
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Waymo Driverless Cars Malfunction in Atlanta Neighborhood
Waymo driverless cars experienced a routing behavior issue in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood. The malfunction caused empty vehicles to circle through residential cul-de-sacs. Waymo has acknowledged the technical problem occurred.
Fox News
NASA's Psyche Spacecraft Gets Mars Gravity Boost
NASA's Psyche spacecraft is scheduled to receive a gravity boost from Mars on May 15, 2024, during its journey to a metallic asteroid. The spacecraft is using Mars' gravitational field to gain speed and adjust its trajectory. This maneuver is part of Psyche's six-year mission to reach its target asteroid in the asteroid belt.
USA Today
American Airlines flight makes emergency landing after smoke detected in cabin
An American Airlines regional jet made an emergency landing on Friday after smoke was detected in the cabin. The aircraft evacuated passengers on the tarmac following the landing. A US Congressman was among the passengers on board the flight.
CNN
Missing Texas Boy's Remains Found Years After Alleged Murder
The remains of 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez have been found years after he went missing in Texas. The boy was first reported missing in 2023. His mother, Cindy Rodriguez Singh, has been accused in connection with his death.
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Eurovision Song Contest 70th Anniversary Final Takes Place in Vienna
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest final took place Saturday in Vienna, Austria, with acts from 25 countries competing for the continental pop music crown. The event proceeded with tight security measures despite rainy weather conditions. Spain's public broadcaster RTVE boycotted this year's contest over Israel's participation in the competition.
Associated Press
Horse Dies After Race During Preakness Stakes Weekend
A 3-year-old colt named Hit Zero died after completing his first career race at Laurel Park on Friday, May 15, during Preakness Stakes weekend. The horse collapsed after crossing the finish line. Reports indicate the cause of death was a heart attack.
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British aerospace firm Aeralis goes into administration amid Red Arrows jet bid
British aerospace firm Aeralis has gone into administration. The company was competing to build the next generation of jets for the Red Arrows aerobatic display team. Aeralis was seeking a government contract to replace the current Hawk jets used by the RAF's Red Arrows.
BBC News
Horse Deaths Mar Preakness Stakes Weekend
A 3-year-old colt named Hit Zero died after completing his first career race at Laurel Park on Friday, May 15, during the lead-up to the Preakness Stakes weekend. The horse collapsed after crossing the finish line and reportedly suffered a heart attack. The incident occurred during the first race of the day at the Maryland track.
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Stephen Colbert prepares to end tenure on The Late Show
Stephen Colbert is ending his tenure as host of "The Late Show" on CBS after hosting the late-night program for several years. CBS has revealed the schedule for the show's final episodes during Colbert's last week. The conclusion of Colbert's run marks the end of a significant period in late-night television.
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