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Massive Operation in Texas: FBI Arrests 276 Child Predators, Rescues 89 Children

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A collaborative operation between the FBI and Texas law enforcement has recently led to a significant breakthrough in the fight against child exploitation. In this joint effort, authorities have arrested over 276 individuals suspected of involvement in such crimes and successfully rescued 89 children, as announced on Friday.

The arrests stem from Operation Soteria Shield, which is a part of the larger national initiative known as Operation Iron Pursuit. This campaign specifically targets those engaged in the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, as well as the trafficking and production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in North Texas, according to the FBI.

“Every day, the FBI is intensifying its efforts to dismantle child predator networks and rescue innocent victims across the nation. Today’s impressive results from the FBI Dallas and our partners mark another significant step in this vital mission,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel in a conversation with Fox News Digital.

CHILD REUNITED WITH MOTHER AFTER TRANSGENDER FATHER AND PARTNER ALLEGEDLY KIDNAP ABROAD AMID GENDER SURGERY CONCERNS: FEDERAL AUTHORITIES

DOJ and FBI buildings with overlay of FBI Director Kash Patel.

On Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel commended the efforts that led to the arrests and the rescue of exploited children in Texas as part of Operation Soteria Shield. (Photo credits: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The operation, which was conducted across March and April, aimed to find offenders who exploit children through online platforms, social media, messaging applications, and other digital applications.

“Protecting children from those who seek to exploit them is among the most important work we do in law enforcement,” said Dallas Police Department Chief Daniel Comeaux.

MORE THAN 300 ARRESTED IN SPRAWLING CALIFORNIA CRACKDOWN ON CHILD EXPLOITATION CRIMES

FBI Director Kash Patel speaks at DOJ press conference on indictment.

FBI Director Kash Patel. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Soteria Shield involved 91 law enforcement agencies across Texas, the FBI said.

“These are young lives saved, families reunited, and future crimes prevented by brave law enforcement doing their jobs. I’m proud of our teams for their execution and let this be a message to any criminal who may try similar heinous actions – this FBI has located more than 6,940 child victims since last year – up 144% – and arrested almost 3,000 child predators over the same time period, up 70%. This pace of justice we’re on will not slow down,” Patel said.

Earlier this month, the FBI announced the arrests of more than 350 child sexual abuse offenders as part of Operation Iron Pursuit, a sprawling nationwide initiative conducted in April in an effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren Probes Revolutionary Rent-Paying Credit Card: What Renters Need to Know

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Millions of renters have turned to Bilt, drawn by the enticing promise of earning rewards points on rent payments through a credit card. The innovative approach has made Bilt a popular choice among those looking to maximize the perks of their monthly expenses.

However, this fast-rising fintech firm is now under the microscope of one of Washington’s most influential consumer advocates. Customers have voiced concerns over payment glitches and delayed transactions, leading to growing dissatisfaction with Bilt’s services.

Senator Elizabeth Warren has initiated an investigation into Bilt’s rewards program, known as Bilt Rewards. She is seeking clarity and accountability for what she terms as widespread failures linked to the company’s recent overhaul of its rewards system.

A prominent figure in the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Warren, has addressed a letter to Bilt’s CEO, Ankur Jain. She is pressing the company to disclose the reasons behind the surge in payment issues that followed the rewards program’s revamp earlier this year.

Bilt gained a devoted following by offering renters the chance to accumulate travel points on their rent without any extra charges. This appeal was bolstered by the launch of new card versions in February, after Bilt’s partnership with Wells Fargo concluded sooner than anticipated.

After the transition, customers began flooding social media with complaints about delayed rent payments, duplicate charges, missing transactions and difficulty reaching customer service representatives.

On Reddit, dozens of threads have surfaced featuring frustrated customer complaints, with one user alleging they were charged twice for rent while another said they spent four days unsuccessfully trying to reach a Bilt representative to resolve payment issues. 

One commenter echoed the frustrations, writing: ‘I have the same issue. I paid my rent via PayPal, it failed twice and used my backup credit card instead. Now I’m stuck with a transaction fee and no help from customer support.

Millions of renters have flocked to Bilt for one reason: earning airline miles and rewards points simply by paying rent

Millions of renters have flocked to Bilt for one reason: earning airline miles and rewards points simply by paying rent

‘To top it all off, the Bilt iMessage support is useless and sassy – to the point it angers you. F Bilt. I’m done with this BS,’ wrote the user.

‘Bilt’s systems appear to have failed many customers attempting to make rent and mortgage payments,’ Warren wrote in her letter.

Warren is requesting detailed information about how many consumers were affected, how long issues persisted and whether artificial intelligence chatbots were improperly used in place of human customer service agents during the disruption.

The probe comes as fintech rewards programs increasingly blur the line between banking, housing and consumer finance – while regulators grow more concerned about how rapidly expanding startups handle customer money.

A Bilt spokesperson acknowledged the rocky rollout, saying the company experienced ‘higher-than-expected demand’ during the transition and admitted some users experienced ‘gaps in service that are simply unacceptable to us.’

The company said it has since expanded customer service operations and resolved outstanding transition-related problems.

‘Our members have been our priority since day one. While the transition to the Bilt Card 2.0 in February represents an even more exciting future that offers our membership richer rewards and greater flexibility, the transition also attracted unexpectedly high demand, and some of our members experienced gaps in service that are simply unacceptable to us,’ a Bilt spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

‘In response, we increased our customer service capabilities to address this and proactively communicated with any impacted members. All outstanding issues relating to the card transition in February have been addressed and resolved.

‘Should any member ever have an issue we encourage them to contact Bilt, as we will do everything we can to make it right.’

Bilt first launched in 2021 and quickly became one of the hottest names in personal finance by offering renters something that had rarely existed before: The ability to earn valuable credit card rewards on monthly rent payments.

Traditionally, landlords charge processing fees of 2 percent to 3 percent for credit card payments, making rent rewards impractical for most consumers. 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has launched an investigation into Bilt Rewards

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has launched an investigation into Bilt Rewards

The Massachusetts Democrat sent a letter to Bilt CEO Ankur Jain (pictured) asking the company to explain 'what prompted the eruption of payment snafus' following a major overhaul of its rewards card earlier this year

The Massachusetts Democrat sent a letter to Bilt CEO Ankur Jain (pictured) asking the company to explain ‘what prompted the eruption of payment snafus’ following a major overhaul of its rewards card earlier this year

Bilt’s model eliminated those fees for users, helping attract more than a million cardholders in its first 18 months.

The company’s popularity exploded particularly among younger renters and travel enthusiasts eager to collect airline miles and hotel points from their biggest monthly expense.

But the business model has also drawn scrutiny.

Reports previously surfaced that Wells Fargo – Bilt’s original banking partner – struggled to profit from the card because many customers paid their balances in full every month rather than carrying interest-bearing debt, which is traditionally how credit card issuers make money.

The original Bilt Mastercard had no annual fee and offered one point per dollar spent on rent, alongside bonus rewards for dining and travel.

However, some users complained that the company’s newly revamped cards introduced more complex rewards structures and annual fees on certain products.

The controversy also arrives at a politically sensitive moment for consumer finance oversight. Warren said she was seeking answers partly because of what she described as weakened enforcement at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – the agency she helped create following the 2008 financial crisis.

The senator has recently expanded scrutiny of credit card companies more broadly, including investigations into so-called ‘junk fees’ linked to sports betting transactions and cash advance charges.

Bilt first launched in 2021 and quickly became one of the hottest names in personal finance by offering renters something that had rarely existed before: the ability to earn valuable credit card rewards on monthly rent payments (stock image)

Bilt first launched in 2021 and quickly became one of the hottest names in personal finance by offering renters something that had rarely existed before: the ability to earn valuable credit card rewards on monthly rent payments (stock image)

Despite the criticism, Bilt has continued expanding aggressively beyond rent payments.

The company recently launched a first-of-its-kind program allowing homebuyers to earn rewards points when purchasing a house – offering one point for every $2 of a home’s purchase price when buyers use participating real estate agents.

For example, a $400,000 home purchase could generate as many as 200,000 rewards points redeemable for flights, hotels or dining experiences.

Bilt has also rolled out affordability tools aimed at helping renters estimate what homes they may be able to buy based on their monthly rent payments and local housing costs.

The broader appeal reflects how rewards programs have become increasingly important to consumers squeezed by high housing costs, inflation and elevated mortgage rates.

Average US rent remains above $2,000 a month nationally, according to Zillow data, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is still hovering near 7 percent, dramatically increasing the cost of homeownership compared with just a few years ago.

But for many consumers, the recent payment issues have overshadowed the perks.

RNC & NRCC Launch Strategic Defense of Missouri’s Controversial Congressional Map

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The battle over redistricting in Missouri has taken center stage, with tensions running high on both sides. In a state known for its fierce debates, the latest redistricting efforts have been nothing short of contentious, echoing the state’s “Show Me” spirit. As an observer with roots in Iowa, it’s hard not to watch the spectacle unfolding to the south with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

At the heart of this dispute is Missouri’s push for a congressional district map that favors the GOP. Although the new map was approved by the legislature and signed into law last fall, it remains the subject of ongoing legal challenges. The latest twist sees the involvement of heavyweights like the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC), both of which have filed a lawsuit to support the newly drawn districts.

Opponents of the map argue that the redistricting process lacks fairness, yet both sides exhibit a level of tenacity typical of Missouri’s reputation. The lawsuit seems primarily aimed at countering efforts by referendum organizers who are working to bring the redistricting map to a public vote, hoping to challenge its legality.

It’s a complex and high-stakes scenario, with potential ramifications that could extend past the midterm elections. Is this a calculated move or simply an unintended consequence? Only time will tell.

The RNC told Fox News Digital the lawsuit aims to intervene as Democrats escalate what Republicans describe as a nationwide campaign to block legally enacted redistricting laws.

“Democrats across the country are using frivolous lawsuits to cling to power after failing at the ballot box,” RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said in a statement. “The RNC is fighting for the values of Missourians against Democrats trying to use the courts to rig congressional districts in their favor and override the will of voters.”

The RNC said the new congressional map, enacted by the Missouri General Assembly last year, fully complies with the state constitution. Opponents of the map dispute that claim and have argued in court that the plan violates provisions of the Missouri Constitution.





The “opponents of the map” may be grasping at straws here, but both sides seem to be demonstrating all the stubbornness of a Missouri mule. The gist of the lawsuit seems to be in response to referendum organizers who are seeking to put forth petitions to put the redistricting map on the ballot.

The lawsuit comes as referendum organizers and other opponents of the map seek court action related to petitions that would allow Missouri voters to decide whether to restore the state’s previous congressional map. Republicans argue certification should not occur before the state’s signature-verification process is complete.

According to the RNC, certifying the referendum before the review process is finished could temporarily block implementation of the new map.

Until, perhaps, after the midterms? Feature, or bug?




Convicted Felon Detained for Allegedly Brandishing Handgun at Family Member

By Staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours today, 34-year-old Ramone Ron Young Jr. was taken into custody after allegedly threatening a family member with a handgun and violating a firearm possession prohibition due to a previous felony conviction.

Gainesville Police Department officers arrived at a residence in the Northeast Neighbors area around 1 a.m. on May 28, following a report of an armed altercation. Upon arrival, they encountered Young outside the home. Despite the officers drawing their guns and inquiring about the weapon, Young insisted he was unarmed, leading to his subsequent arrest in handcuffs.

The alleged victim, a relative residing in the same household, recounted that during a heated argument, Young became agitated, brandished a black handgun, and aimed it at her head. She claimed Young threatened her life before fleeing outside and discarding the weapon in the front yard. Although no other witnesses observed the event, Young was reportedly on a phone call with his mother during the incident.

A search by a K-9 unit allegedly uncovered a .40 caliber black handgun hidden in a bush in the front yard.

Post Miranda, Young reportedly said that while he was arguing with the victim, she pulled out a black handgun and started waving it around but never pointed it at him. He said a friend of the victim came inside the house and told Young to take the gun away from the victim; he said the victim also told him to take the gun and then gave him the gun. He said he went outside and threw the gun in a bush to keep it away from the victim. He reportedly refused to let officers speak to his mother.

An officer reported that surveillance video shows the victim talking to a friend in a vehicle before the incident, but the friend drives away and never comes into the house. Later, Young can be seen running out of the house and pulling his shirt up next to the bush where the gun was found.

Young has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has two felony convictions (one violent) and has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2016. Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 


Ex-Iowa School Leader’s Citizenship Scam Leads to 2-Year Prison Sentence

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Ian Roberts, the previous head of Iowa’s largest school district, received a two-year prison sentence on Friday following his arrest last year during the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign.

Roberts’ legal representatives anticipate his deportation to Guyana, his country of origin in South America, after completing his prison term. In January, Roberts admitted guilt to charges of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegal firearm possession.

According to prosecutors, Roberts was aware that he lacked the proper employment authorization throughout his nearly 20-year career in urban education. They also claimed he used a fake Social Security card when he was appointed to lead the Des Moines public school district, which educates 30,000 students.

The news of his arrest in September left the Des Moines community shocked and outraged as President Donald Trump’s widespread deportation efforts intensified across various U.S. cities. A final removal order for Roberts is set for 2024.

Appearing in court with his wrists and ankles shackled, Roberts addressed U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for nearly 30 minutes. He requested leniency, admitting that although he had dedicated himself to educating thousands and achieving much, these factors “do not excuse my poor choice, my ethical lapse.” He acknowledged his actions had let down many, including the children he served.

Roberts wiped away tears as he described a letter he received from a Des Moines second grader.

“I regret what I’ve done every single day,” Roberts said.

His lawyers had proposed that he be put on probation to facilitate his removal from the United States, but prosecutors had argued that his likely deportation should not be a factor. They sought a three-year sentence, at the top end of the sentencing guidelines.

In explaining her decision, Ebinger said Roberts knowingly lied about his citizenship status to earn an “incredible position of trust” and said it was “not an isolated ethical lapse.” While describing the dozens of letters of support that were submitted on his behalf as powerful and mitigating, she said probation was not a sufficient sentence.

Also in the courtroom Friday were Roberts’ wife, friends and colleagues, including Nicole Price, an education consultant with whom Roberts worked for years.

Des Moines Public Schools said last month that it revised its conflict-of-interest policy after an audit found Roberts awarded district business to Price’s consulting firm that he worked for, affirming findings first reported by The Associated Press in the weeks after federal immigration officers detained him.

Roberts was in his school-issued vehicle when officers stopped him on Sept. 26 in a targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation. He allegedly fled before he was located with the help of state troopers. Authorities said a loaded handgun was wrapped in a towel under the seat and $3,000 in cash was in the car. Three other weapons were recovered during a search of his home.

Attorneys for Roberts said he was denied lawful permanent residency after marrying a U.S. citizen because he had failed to disclose in his application that he had been arrested. He said he did not think he needed to because the charges against him were dropped.

“While Dr. Roberts tried to adjust his status three more times, this initial mistake by Dr. Roberts sealed his fate,” his attorneys wrote in a filing. “In the background of his career for the next 24 years, this denial of his adjustment of status haunted Dr. Roberts like a ghost, eventually derailing his life and career.”

Resilience Amidst Ruins: How a Ukrainian City Defies Putin with Beauty Queens and Bombs

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LVIV, Ukraine — As Kyiv faces significant bombardment from Russian forces, Lviv seeks to adapt to an unrelenting reality of war. Now in its fourth year, the conflict has forced this western Ukrainian city to grapple with the challenge of sustaining everyday life while constantly confronting the specter of death.

Every day at precisely 11:30 a.m., Lviv comes to a standstill.

Vehicles halt mid-journey. People on the sidewalks pause their steps. In the town center, beneath the towering clock above city hall, everyone bows their heads in silent respect as yet another military funeral procession winds through the streets.

“This occurs one to five times a day,” a local resident remarks softly, underscoring the frequency and gravity of these somber events.

The war feels far from Lviv, until suddenly it doesn’t.

UKRAINE’S BATTLEFIELD IS TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF NATO

Mourning the fallen in Lviv.

Residents stop in silence as a military funeral convoy carrying a fallen Ukrainian soldier passes through central Lviv near City Hall. (Efrat Lachter/Fox News Digital)

The city of roughly one million people sits near the Polish border, hundreds of miles from the brutal front lines in eastern Ukraine. But Russian drones and missiles still hit here. Air raid sirens interrupt coffee dates and children’s soccer games. Funeral processions cut through wedding traffic. Entire neighborhoods live between moments of beauty and grief.

“We lost approximately 2,000 citizens of Lviv,” Mayor Andriy Sadovyi told Fox News Digital during an interview at city hall. “It is a very huge price which we pay to our independence, to our democracy.”

Sadovyi has led the city for nearly two decades, except for a brief presidential run. Inside his office overlooking the historic center, he proudly points to the terrace where he has hosted world leaders and celebrities, including actor Tom Cruise. At one point, a large well-fed cat jumps onto his desk.

“This is my deputy,” Sadovyi jokes. The cat, he explains proudly, has become something of a city mascot. “He’s tough like a Ukrainian.”

But beneath the humor is exhaustion. Sadovyi says he realized at the beginning of the war that Lviv had a special responsibility. It was close enough to Europe to remain functioning, but close enough to war to understand what was at stake.

His answer was what he calls the “Unbroken” project: a sprawling rehabilitation and innovation effort aimed at helping Ukraine survive physically and psychologically.

The city built rehabilitation centers for wounded soldiers and civilians arriving from across the country, treating amputees, burn victims and trauma patients. Sadovyi says the municipality also dedicated 20% of its budget to supporting defense technology companies developing military solutions for the war effort.

“Every family in this city was affected by war,” he says. “We need to be strong. We need to survive. I’m building what is needed for that.”

‘A NEW KIND OF WAR’: INSIDE UKRAINE’S HIDDEN FACTORIES MASS-PRODUCING COMBAT DRONES

Shooting range in Lviv, Ukraine.

A shooting instructor stands inside a civilian training range in Lviv, where residents learn weapons handling, survival skills and emergency preparedness amid the ongoing war. (Efrat Lachter/Fox News Digital)

Yet survival in Lviv is not only about weapons or hospitals. It is also about convincing people not to give up on life itself.

“People are afraid to come here,” Sadovyi says. “But we need them to come.”

One of the city’s newest projects reflects that mentality. Part school, part shooting range, part patriotic training center, it was designed to prepare civilians for a country where war has become everyday reality.

Inside one classroom, dozens of teenage girls sit listening to instructors explain emergency survival skills. Upstairs, at the indoor shooting range, instructor Vitaliy proudly shows off rows of American-made weapons including AR-15 style rifles and pistols.

“It’s not as big as ranges in the United States,” he says apologetically.

On the wall hangs a shredded image of Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin, riddled with bullet holes from target practice.

Vitaliy laughs when asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin posters.

“We ran out,” he jokes. “They’re too popular. We can’t keep them.”

On the terrace outside, two wounded veterans practice archery.

One sits in a wheelchair after losing both legs in the war. Another leans on a cane. Both have become competitive athletes through rehabilitation programs.

NATO ALLY POLAND WARNS RUSSIA, BELARUS PUSHING ILLEGAL MIGRANTS TOWARD ALLIANCE — AND THE US

Armoury in Lviv.

Weapons and helmets at a local center in Lviv where locals practice shooting among other things. (Efrat Lachter/Fox News Digital.)

One proudly explains he won a silver medal during a national contest. The other recently took gold and is now preparing for an international championship. Neither wants to talk much about what happened to them during combat.

Their therapy now is sport.

Down the road, another funeral begins. A military convoy carrying the body of a 32-year-old soldier drives slowly through the city center until it arrives at the cemetery.

The city’s military cemetery filled so quickly that officials recently had to open a new burial ground just weeks ago. Already, rows of fresh graves stretch across the hillside, above them blue-and-yellow flags and photographs of young men and women smiling back from before the war.

The grieving brother at the funeral says the fallen soldier never had time to start his own family.

Around him, families kneel beside the earth.

And still, life continues.

Children go to school. Mothers rush to work. Cafés remain packed. Street musicians perform in the old town square.

That same evening, inside the Lviv Theater of Opera and Ballet, hundreds gather for the “Miss Lviv” beauty pageant.

Young women dressed in glittering gowns pose beneath bright stage lights while music echoes through the theater. The audience is overwhelmingly female. Many of the men still in the city work in defense industries or hold exemptions from military service.

POLAND SEEKS ANSWERS AFTER PENTAGON SCRAPS PLANNED US ARMORED BRIGADE ROTATION

The contrast feels surreal only hours after attending a military burial.

But for many residents, events like these are an act of resistance.

“We are trying to keep life going,” the reigning Miss Lviv says backstage before crowning the next winner. “I want the war to stop.”

One of her friends explains why gatherings like this matter.

Miss Lviv beauty contest

The reigning Miss Lviv during the “Miss Lviv” beauty pageant in Lviv, as residents attempt to preserve normal life four years into the war. (Efrat Lachter/Fox News Digital)

“These are difficult times,” she says. “Doing normal things like this gives us a reason to dress up and enjoy ourselves.”

Nobody here believes anymore that peace can come in 24 hours. But many still hope that President Trump and the U.S. can help bring the war to an end.

By the time evening arrives, air raid sirens once again cut through the city.

At outdoor cafés, people barely react at first.

Miss Lviv beauty contest.

Contestants participate in the “Miss Lviv” beauty pageant in Lviv, as residents attempt to preserve normal life amid the ongoing war.

‘WRITTEN IN OUR DNA’: POLISH PILOTS WHO REMEMBER SOVIET RULE PREPARE FOR AMERICA’S MOST LETHAL FIGHTER JET

Parents continue watching children play near fountains. Young couples finish drinks on restaurant terraces. Residents wait to hear whether the threat is “only” drones or actual missiles before deciding whether to move toward one of the hundreds of shelters spread throughout the city.

That frustration increasingly extends beyond the battlefield itself. Speaking to Fox News Digital while the latest wave of Russian strikes battered Ukrainian cities overnight, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Nations Andriy Melnyk warned that the war was becoming even more dangerous for civilians.

Melnyk, a native of Lviv, described the massive Russian assault between Saturday and Sunday as “the worst and the most devastating Russian attack on the capital since the beginning of the large-scale invasion.”

Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Nations Andriy Melnyk

Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations and a native of Lviv, speaks to Fox News Digital on May 26, 2026, warning that Russia’s latest assault was “the worst and the most devastating Russian attack on the capital since the beginning of the large-scale invasion.” (Efrat Lachter/ Fox News Digital)

Even members of his own family in Kyiv, he said, are now considering temporarily leaving the city because “it becomes unbearable to stay.”

In Lviv, residents repeatedly ask to remind the world that the war is still intensifying, not fading into the background. Melnyk called on the United States and European allies to take “bold actions” to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged Western countries to provide additional air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilians.

He also criticized the United Nations for failing to stop the war, arguing that Russia’s veto power had left the Security Council effectively paralyzed.

female soldiers Ukraine

Ukrainian female soldiers are seen before heading to the frontline as Ukrainian displaced civilians continue to swarm around the train station to flee due to ongoing Russian attacks, in Lviv, Ukraine on March 24, 2022.  (Photo by Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

On the overnight train leaving Lviv, most passengers are women. Border guards spend long minutes questioning the few men onboard, making sure they are not trying to escape mandatory military service. 

The exhaustion is visible everywhere. Still, Sadovyi is full of hope.

“This city will have a great future,” he says confidently.

He believes the world will eventually come to Lviv not only to rebuild, but to learn.

“To learn how to be unbroken,” he says.

Because, he warns, what happened to Ukraine could happen elsewhere too.

Pooler City Council Revolutionizes Public Engagement with New Online Comment System


POOLER, Ga. — In a bid to enhance accessibility, the Pooler City Council has decided to eliminate the in-person public comment period, a decision announced by Mayor Karen Williams on Thursday.

The move sparked widespread discussion on social media, with critics alleging that the mayor and council were attempting to suppress voter input.

Addressing the concerns, Mayor Williams stated in a Friday statement that this change does not impede residents from voicing their opinions on agenda items. The adjustment affects only the general public comment segment at the conclusion of meetings.

“It’s important to emphasize that this modification does not restrict residents from speaking during mandatory public hearings, nor does it eliminate public commentary on other agenda items,” Williams clarified. “This level of engagement exceeds what many municipalities offer, where comments are typically limited to public hearings only.”

The decision aims to accommodate those unable to attend city council meetings in person. Under the new system, Pooler residents can submit their comments online at any time, provided they are submitted at least 24 hours before the council meetings.

This is to allow council members to review and consider online public comments prior to meetings, Williams reported. Additionally, Williams said the comments will be sent to council members once a week whether a meeting is being held or not.

She also noted that under Georgia law, the city council is not required to have a general public comment period.

Read her full statement below:

“Our goal is to improve accessibility and increase participation for all Pooler residents, including those who may not be able to attend City Council meetings in person. Currently, we are not receiving full representation from all Pooler residents. To provide more access for residents, the City of Pooler has transitioned to a digital public comment system in place of the current end-of-agenda public comment period that I created at the beginning of my term and was not available previously.

Residents can now submit comments online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, not just every other week at council meetings. To ensure City Council members have adequate time to review and consider those comments before the council meetings, submissions must be received at least 24 hours in advance. After submitting your comment, residents will receive confirmation of their submission. Once a week, any comments received will be emailed to all council members, whether it is a council meeting week or not.

From reading comments on Facebook, there seems to be confusion that the City of Pooler is not going to allow residents to speak at council meetings. I want to make it clear that this change does not eliminate opportunities for residents to speak during required public hearings, nor does it remove public comment on other agenda items, which is a level of access that many municipalities do not provide, as most only allow comments on public hearings.

Under Georgia’s Open Meetings law, a general public comment period is not required, and agenda-setting authority rests with the mayor. This decision was made with the intent of creating a more accessible and organized process while continuing to ensure the public’s voice is heard.”

To Submit Public Comments, please go to Pooler-Ga.gov/PublicComment.”

Chicago’s Chief Federal Prosecutor Refutes Claims of E. Jean Carroll Investigation

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In a recent development, the leading federal prosecutor in Chicago firmly dismissed claims that his office had launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll. Carroll is the writer who accused former President Donald Trump of sexual assault and successfully obtained millions in damages through her lawsuits against him.

Initial reports from CNN on Wednesday evening suggested the Department of Justice was looking into whether Carroll committed perjury during her testimony related to the civil cases against Trump.

Andrew Boutros, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, addressed these reports with a clear statement refuting them.

“Given the extensive media coverage and public interest regarding the E. Jean Carroll case in New York, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office wants to clarify that it has not initiated—and has never initiated—a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll,” Boutros declared on the social media platform X. “Any assertions otherwise are entirely untrue.”

The alleged investigation reportedly centered on Carroll’s deposition to former Trump attorney Alina Habba in 2022, where she stated she did not receive external funding for her lawsuit. Subsequently, Carroll’s legal team disclosed that Reid Hoffman, the billionaire LinkedIn co-founder, had contributed through his nonprofit to cover some of her legal expenses.

Carroll, an author and columnist, successfully sued Trump for sexual assault and defamation, and two juries awarded her a total of $88.3 million in damages. 

Trump has denied the allegations and appealed, and a federal appeals court later allowed the president to hold off on making payments until the Supreme Court decides whether it will get involved.

Reports of the investigation into Carroll drew backlash from Trump critics. The hosts of ABC’s “The View” on Thursday ripped into Trump and the Justice Department.

“Why is the administration spending time trying to relitigate this case that was already decided by two juries? What the hell?” said co-host Whoopi Goldberg.

Trump’s former communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin, who is now a co-host on the show, said the probe would backfire from a public relations standpoint.

“I think he just wants his vengeance, but he’s putting something that’s horrible for him back in the headlines,” she said on the show.

It also threatened to further inflame tensions between the Trump administration and Senate Republicans, who will likely be forced to defend the controversial probe next month.

Democrats are allowed to offer unlimited amendment votes as part of a so-called vote-a-rama on the GOP budget reconciliation bill. Former Senate GOP aides say Democrats could force Republicans to vote on amendments to express disapproval of the DOJ’s prosecution of Carroll and other Trump administration enemies.

Tragic Birthday: Mother’s Joy Turns to Grief as Family Secret Unfolds

Background: A section of the 2700 block of Ketchum Place in Memphis, Tenn. (Google Maps). Inset: Ladarrius Payne (GoFundMe).

While on vacation to celebrate her birthday, a woman received the devastating news that her teenage son had been killed by a family member in Tennessee.

Jaquisha Beasley identified the victim as her 13-year-old son, Ladarrius Payne, who tragically lost his life in a shooting earlier this month. According to the Memphis Police Department, a 15-year-old has been charged with reckless homicide in connection with the incident.

The accused teenager is reportedly the son of Beasley’s brother, adding a painful layer to the family tragedy.

The incident unfolded on May 17, around 5:45 p.m., when police were called to the 2700 block of Ketchum Place in Memphis following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ladarrius suffering from a gunshot wound.

Sadly, he was declared dead at the scene, leaving a family grappling with an unimaginable loss.

Beasley said in a GoFundMe that she was in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the time celebrating her birthday, which was the day before. “I received the worst news a mother could ever receive,” she wrote.

“Nervous, shocked, and confused, I hit the highway wishing I could make it back to my son, Ladarrius,” the mother added. “He was in 7th grade at Memphis Academy of Science & Engineering, an honors student, and also played on multiple football teams. My son’s life was taken away due to gun violence… I would never imagine losing a child.”

Beasley said that because the investigation is still going on, she has been given scant details. However, family members told local NBC affiliate WMC that the defendant is Beasley’s nephew.

“You just don’t understand how it can go this way,” Kenna Miller, Beasley’s older sister, said, adding that their family is broken. “It’s kind of like two lives. I lost my nephew, my sister’s son, and I lost my other nephew really because we don’t know how his outcome is going to be.”

Beasley said she and her children were searching for a house in recent weeks and “finally found one and were in the process of bidding on it.”

Everything has now changed.

“I had to pause everything because I had to use our house money to pay for my son’s funeral,” she said in the fundraiser. “At this moment, my three children and I are staying with family members.”

The 15-year-old’s name has not been released.

Iconic 70s Actress Sparks Buzz with Rare Public Appearance Amid Clint Eastwood Affair Speculations

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In a remarkable sighting in Los Angeles, a legendary actress from the 1970s film scene appeared almost unrecognizable yet strikingly youthful at 77 years old.

Known for her role opposite Clint Eastwood in the 1971 film “The Beguiled,” she seemed to defy time as she was spotted completing errands in a casual maroon top and white pants.

Her cinematic journey didn’t stop there; she captivated audiences further alongside Warren Beatty in the 1974 thriller “The Parallax View,” solidifying her reputation as a standout talent of the era.

Beyond the silver screen, she graced television with guest roles on iconic series such as “Adam-12,” “Dragnet,” and “Gunsmoke,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.

However, it was her electrifying on-screen connection with Eastwood—who was 40 and married at the time while she was just 20—that sparked enduring speculation about a possible off-screen romance, a topic often explored in biographies of the Academy Award-winning actor.

Can you guess the mystery star still turning heads all these years on? 

One of the most stunning screen stars of 1970s cinema stepped out in Los Angeles recently looking almost unrecognizable - and astonishingly youthful at the age of 77

One of the most stunning screen stars of 1970s cinema stepped out in Los Angeles recently looking almost unrecognizable – and astonishingly youthful at the age of 77

The actress, who famously starred opposite Clint Eastwood in 1971¿s The Beguiled, appeared to have barely aged a day as she ran errands in a simple maroon top and white trousers

The actress, who famously starred opposite Clint Eastwood in 1971’s The Beguiled, appeared to have barely aged a day as she ran errands in a simple maroon top and white trousers

With her signature blonde look, she also made memorable guest appearances on classic TV shows including Adam-12, Dragnet and Gunsmoke

With her signature blonde look, she also made memorable guest appearances on classic TV shows including Adam-12, Dragnet and Gunsmoke

If you guessed Jo Ann Harris, you know your Hollywood trivia.

In The Beguiled, Harris played Carol, a student at a secluded Southern girls’ boarding school whose character actively attempts to seduce Eastwood’s wounded Union soldier.

While the on-screen dynamic was intense enough, it is widely reported that the chemistry carried off camera as well, sparking a real-life relationship during filming.

At the time, Eastwood was married to his first wife, Maggie Johnson.

The actor-director has been described as unfaithful during his marriage, with various accounts in biographies alleging relationships with several of his leading ladies around that period, including Inger Stevens and Jean Seberg.

Despite the whispers of an affair, Harris’ Hollywood career continued to flourish throughout the late 1960s and 1970s.

She began acting as a teenager, landing her first role in the 1967 drama series Run for Your Life opposite Ben Gazzara at just 18.

She quickly became a steady presence on American television, securing guest roles across a wide range of popular series including The High Chaparral, The Virginian, Medical Center, The Mod Squad, The FBI, Barnaby Jones, and Hawaii Five-O.

Jo Ann Harris began acting as a teenager, landing her first role in the 1967 drama series Run for Your Life opposite Ben Gazzara at just 18 years old

Jo Ann Harris began acting as a teenager, landing her first role in the 1967 drama series Run for Your Life opposite Ben Gazzara at just 18 years old

It was her steamy on-screen chemistry in The Beguiled with Eastwood - then 40 and married, while she was just 20 - that fueled long-running romance rumors

It was her steamy on-screen chemistry in The Beguiled with Eastwood – then 40 and married, while she was just 20 – that fueled long-running romance rumors

At the time of The Beguiled, Eastwood was married to his first wife, Maggie Johnson; Above, with Shelly Novack in Most Wanted

At the time of The Beguiled, Eastwood was married to his first wife, Maggie Johnson; Above, with Shelly Novack in Most Wanted

She also landed spots on The Streets of San Francisco, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island and Laverne & Shirley

She also landed spots on The Streets of San Francisco, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island and Laverne & Shirley

She also landed spots on The Streets of San Francisco, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Laverne & Shirley.

Her film work also gained momentum during this period, with roles in Maryjane (1968), The Gay Deceivers (1969), The Sporting Club (1971), Act of Vengeance (1974), Cruise Into Terror (1978) and Deadly Games (1982).

She later appeared as a panelist on Match Game ’77 for a week and held a co-starring role in the short-lived 1977 series Most Wanted alongside Robert Stack.

Expanding into voice work, Harris portrayed Tina in the 1973 Hanna-Barbera animated series Goober and the Ghost Chasers, and later contributed to Oliver & Company (1988) as well as various characters in The Simpsons.

In later years, she returned to television with appearances on Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union, playing Candy Cantwell and Terri across eight episodes between 2008 and 2010.