We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — Authorities from the Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD) have apprehended two individuals following an investigation into an armed robbery that took place on Bradley Street earlier this month.
According to a BVPD news release, the incident began when a victim reported being robbed at gunpoint. The victim had arranged to meet someone at a residence after they had communicated through a social media platform.
The police department detailed that the victim was confronted by an individual wearing a mask who brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s possessions. Luckily, no one was injured during the incident, as confirmed by BVPD officials.
Editor’s note: The following story includes unsettling allegations of abuse, and reader discretion is advised.
In a chilling case emerging from Indiana, several young boys have come forward with claims of severe abuse and torture, allegedly inflicted by a man who has since been detained in Florida. The accused, Joshua Chasteen, aged 28, was recently apprehended in Fort McCoy, Florida, where he currently resides with his mother. He faces 20 felony charges associated with these allegations, which have shocked the local community.
The victims, all boys under the age of 12, detailed harrowing experiences, including being starved to the point of losing consciousness, and witnessing the brutal killing of their pets. These allegations first surfaced in January when the boys bravely reported the incidents to the police, sparking a thorough investigation.
At the time of the alleged offenses, Chasteen was living in Jonesboro, Indiana. The gravity of these accusations has drawn significant attention as authorities work to piece together the full extent of the claims and ensure justice for the young victims.
Chasteen lived in Jonesboro, Indiana at the time the alleged crimes were committed, but has since moved to his mother’s house in Florida.
What the children said
The children said Chasteen, who lived in Jonesboro at the time, kept them locked in a basement and subjected them to brutal whippings and physical, psychological and sexual torture.
Police said one of the children was crying so hard and so hysterically while giving a statement that it made their account difficult to understand.
The oldest child recalled being sent to buy concealer to help cover the bruises on a younger alleged victim, according to the documents. Several of the children told police Chasteen threatened to kill them if they spoke out about the abuse, forcing them to lie about how they’d got blemishes and marks.
Joshua Chasteen (Grant County Jail)
One child told police that Chasteen once snapped a kitten’s neck in front of them due to the animal getting in his way. In a similar account, Chasteen was also accused of killing another of the children’s cats after it jumped up on his lap for some “lovin’,” the child told police.
The children said Chasteen also fed other cats rat poison and even made at least one of the children watch. He also would viciously kick one of their dogs that tried to protect the children, they said.
What the adults said
Chasteen was not the only adult in the Jonesboro home where the allegedly horrid crimes occurred. Chasteen’s wife later told police that some of the children reported the alleged abuse to her, but she trusted Chasteen when he told her the children were exaggerating.
Court documents reveal that Chasteen’s wife was often not home, but did see Chasteen “whipping” the children on occasion. She even told police she noted the bruises left after one of the whippings, but went on to claim she was “just too exhausted” from working 110 hours a week to look further into what was happening under her roof.
But court documents said other women did take closer note. A mother of one of the reported victims told investigators that she called child services “several times” to report Chasteen for alleged abuse.
By the time police spoke to these women, court documents reveal that Chasteen had already left the state of Indiana to live with his mother in Florida.
Police made contact with Chasteen over the phone in January. When confronted by the allegations, investigators said Chasteen angrily denied abusing and molesting the children. He told police that he believed someone was coercing the children into the accusations.
Chasteen reportedly became angrier and ended up making alleged threats toward the mother of at least one of the children.
“If I am charged for something I did not do, you best believe that I will be brought up on charges that I did do, and that will be for beating (the mother’s) f—ing ass,” he reportedly said.
When police informed Chasteen that the call was being recorded, he doubled down on the threats.
“I don’t care,” Chasteen allegedly said. “If I am going to go to jail for no reason, I am going to make sure it is for a reason.”
In addition to the 20 felony charges, the Grant County prosecutor also requested a higher-than-normal bond due to Chasteen’s threats of violence against one of the victims’ mothers.
Chasteen is currently being held in Grant County Jail. His initial hearing is set for Wednesday. His most serious charge, a Level 3 felony, carries a maximum sentence of 16 years in prison.
If you or anyone you know needs help, contact the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors have announced charges against a TikTok influencer, her father, and another individual in connection with a purported murder-for-hire scheme targeting a Los Angeles-based singer.
Gabriela Gonzalez, known on social media as Gabbie Gonzalez, faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The intended victim of the plot was reportedly her daughter’s father, Jack Avery, a singer-songwriter and past member of the boy band Why Don’t We.
Authorities claim that Gonzalez was embroiled in a contentious custody battle with Avery concerning their seven-year-old child.
Gonzalez, who boasts nearly a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, made an appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday afternoon. Prosecutors allege that she did not orchestrate the plan on her own.
The influencer’s father, Florida attorney Francisco Gonzalez, and Kai Faron Cordrey, her ex-boyfriend from Hawaii, face the same felony charges.
SEE ALSO: How a South Florida grandmother became the center of a murder-for-hire saga spanning 11 years
According to prosecutors, Francisco Gonzalez is accused of paying $14,000 to hire a hitman to kill Avery. Court documents allege that he, his daughter and her then-boyfriend as the middleman, arranged for Avery to be killed in the L.A. area.
Additional documents allege that Gonzalez believed it would be “cheaper if Avery were dead” than to continue the expensive custody battle.
The alleged plot was never carried out and was instead foiled by an undercover officer posing as a hitman.
Avery also has a significant online presence, with more than 1.4 million followers on Instagram.
Gabriela Gonzalez remains in custody on $2 million bail and is scheduled to return to court Thursday. Her father is expected to be extradited to L.A.
As Carrie Bradshaw famously declared, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette.” This sentiment continues to resonate with fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Since its debut in 1997, Fendi’s signature handbag has solidified its status as a timeless fashion staple. Recently, a constellation of stars including Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, and Delilah Belle Hamlin gathered at Fendi’s Madison Avenue flagship store. The occasion? Celebrating the launch of the new Baguette 26424 Re-Editions. These revamped versions of the iconic bag feature a dazzling array of designs, from vibrant sequins and intricate beadwork to striking animal prints.
In addition to previewing these chic new editions, attendees had the chance to explore The Baguette Lab. This innovative service offers restoration and preservation for vintage Baguettes and is set to debut across the country in July.
Curious about what the celebrities wore and which versions of the Baguette they flaunted at the event? Here’s a closer look.
Health authorities have issued a warning regarding the swift transmission of Ebola, which has claimed over 130 lives and affected nearly 600 individuals, including one American, during the current outbreak.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, expressed grave concern about both the magnitude and rapid progression of the epidemic. This outbreak involves a less common strain of Ebola, with a mortality rate that could reach up to 50 percent.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, specialists and humanitarian workers indicated that the virus had been spreading unnoticed for weeks. This oversight occurred because initial tests were targeting the more prevalent Ebola strain, resulting in consistent negative outcomes.
This recent outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has escalated its travel advisory for the DRC to level 3, advising Americans to reconsider any nonessential trips to the region.
The agency also announced it was increasing screening and monitoring for people arriving from areas affected by Ebola outbreaks and restricting entry for non-US passport holders if they have been in Uganda, the DRC or South Sudan in the past 21 days.
The outbreak has left at least 136 people dead with nearly 600 cases now suspected across the DRC and Uganda, and Ghebreyesus said officials ‘expect those numbers to keep increasing.’
He added that the risk of spread of the outbreak in those countries is high at the national and regional level, but spread risk is low at the global level.
World Health Organization staff members load medical supplies, including PPE, testing kits and body bags, onto a plane destined for Bunia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help combat the Ebola outbreak
Guards stand outside the Rodolphe Merieux Laboratory, National Biomedical Research Institute (INRB), where samples from suspected Ebola cases are being tested in the Democratic Republic of Congo
However, one man in the DRC’s Ituri province told the BBC infected people were dying ‘very fast’ and that ‘Ebola has tortured us.’
CDC officials said the risk to the general US public remains low but urged travelers to the area to avoid contact with any sick individuals.
The CDC also said travelers should watch for symptoms of Ebola for 21 days after leaving the DRC.
An American doctor working in the DRC has tested positive for the virus and six other American workers are feared to have been exposed. They all are being evacuated to Germany and the Czech Republic for care.
And concerns in the US are rising because the DRC’s men’s soccer team is scheduled to travel to the US and play in the World Cup in Houston, Texas, against Portugal on June 17.
CDC officials did not provide specifics surrounding screening and procedures ahead of the World Cup, but said that the agency is ‘actively working with FIFA to ensure safe traveling and passage’ and to ensure the ‘American public remains safe throughout’ the competition.
The CDC is also sending personal protective equipment and deploying additional resources to the DRC and Uganda to provide ‘direct technical assistance for aggressive disease tracking and contact tracing.’
The WHO said that the first known suspected case, a health worker in the DRC, developed symptoms on April 24, but ‘patient zero’ has not been identified, the head of the WHO team in the DRC Dr Anne Ancia told AP.
Health workers are seen at an Ebola treatment center in Rwampara, Congo
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, where the virus is endemic, since it was discovered in 1976 but only the third caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
The other two BVD outbreaks were in 2007 and 2012.
The most recent Ebola outbreaks in the DRC were in 2018 and 2020 and they killed more than 1,000 people each. The largest Ebola outbreak occurred in 2014 to 2016 in West Africa when more than 28,600 cases were reported.
The WHO has said the current outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic, but it is considered a ‘public health emergency of international concern.’
Countries sharing borders with DRC, such as Uganda and Rwanda, are at an increased risk of further spread.
Ebola spreads through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, as well as contact with contaminated objects or infected animals such as bats or primates.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
The mortality rate for the Bundibugyo virus ranges from 25 to 50 percent.
The Zaire strain, which is the most common form of Ebola, can be treated with the drugs Inmazeb and Ebanga and the Ervebo vaccine, which is administered only during outbreaks.
Ancia said officials were considering using the Ervebo vaccine but anything approved would take two months to become available, adding that she doesn’t ‘see that in two months we will be done with this outbreak.’
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Graduation season is in full swing, and a school in Decatur has revived a ceremony that hasn’t been seen in nearly twenty years, marking a significant milestone for both students and the community.
This week, fifth graders from Johns Hill Magnet School proudly crossed the stage, celebrating their completion of the D.A.R.E program. Over sixty students participated in this 10-week pilot initiative, which was reintroduced to the school after a lengthy hiatus.
Following his primary defeat to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, incumbent U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) will find himself with ample free time, perhaps to continue his contentious remarks about Jewish communities and to feign concern for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims.
The outcome is indeed satisfying, not just because of Massie’s loss, but due to the significant margin by which he was defeated. Gallrein triumphed over Massie by a notable ten-point lead—55 percent to 45 percent—with nearly all votes tallied.
But there’s more to this story…
To grasp President Trump’s influence in mobilizing voters, consider the impressive numbers. In the 2024 primary contest, Massie managed to secure nearly 40,000 votes.
In his 2024 primary battle, Massie won with nearly 40,000 votes.
This year, Massie exceeded his 2024 raw vote total with over 47,000 votes.
He still lost.
Why?
Gallrein earned nearly 58,000 votes.
The polls sure didn’t see a ten-point victory.
Yes, Massie’s support increased between 2024 and 2026, and Trump still whupped him. Trump made Massie a project and now this antisemitic sack of smug is out of a job.
Oh, wait, maybe not. The Loser-Who-Lost-His-Own-District-By-Ten-Points might run for president…
Personally, I want to thank Massie for making his defeat all the sweeter with these opening lines from his despicable concession speech:
What a joy it is to dance on this scumbag’s political grave.
At the same time, never did I believe I would live to see the day when a sitting congressman could say something straight out of the Jew-baiting Ku Klux Klan handbook and not be roundly condemned. Hopefully, the House of Representatives will censure him before he prances out of office in a Stephen Colbert-style cloud of self-celebration.
Also, don’t buy the lie that the awful Joooozzzzz bought the race for Gallrein. Both Massie and Gallrein benefited by about the same amount of campaign and outside spending.
This was a Trump victory, pure and simple. Trump targeted Massie for destruction, and now Massie’s gone.
Massie’s biggest mistake was likely believing that social media is real life, that people like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones had managed to wrest enough influence from Trump that seeking their good opinion was the only constituency he needed to win over.
Well, he and they lost by ten points.
Ten.
Points.
Influencers, eh?
As a great man once said, “You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means.”
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is experiencing a surge in support, posing a significant challenge to the Coalition. In the episode “One Nation Wave” available on SBS On Demand, Insight explores why voters from diverse political backgrounds are choosing One Nation and asks them to share their reasons.
Renee:
In the past, I consistently supported the Coalition, as I wasn’t highly engaged in politics and believed the major parties had the best interests of regular Australians at heart.
However, as the cost of living began to rise, I started paying more attention to political issues and found my trust in the major parties waning.
Living in a regional area presents unique challenges that affect every aspect of life — from work and education to sports and family responsibilities. Many people in urban areas may not fully grasp these realities.
For us, it can mean driving 400km to see a specialist, hours on the road for kids’ sports, and dealing with poor roads and limited services. And we’re actually lucky — we live close to a major regional centre. It must be incredibly difficult for those in truly rural and remote areas.
We work hard, but it’s getting harder. Like many families, we’re increasingly worried whether home ownership will even be possible. You learn resilience because you must — but it often feels like regional families are expected to just keep coping while being overlooked.
I think there’s a growing sense, regionally, that our effort isn’t being recognised — and that living standards are slipping. These feelings are what prompted me to look to One Nation.
A couple of years ago, I changed careers after working in frontline social services. That gave me a close view of how the system operates — and the gaps within it.
I saw a system under pressure, where support doesn’t always reach the people who need it most, and where some who are genuinely trying to get ahead still fall behind. That experience changed how I see things — including the political party I felt aligned with.
Shifting to One Nation
I feel like politicians are too often focused on short-term reactions and political fights rather than long-term outcomes.
And I feel like middle Australia has been forgotten. We work hard to build a better life, but it’s becoming harder to get ahead. How much more are we expected to carry with rising costs and everyday pressures?
For my family, it looks like I’m going to be working and will be working for a very long time because we don’t feel like we’re getting ahead. It feels like we are just continuously working to assist those getting handouts and not really getting the tax break of those in a much higher class.
Watching my three teenage and young adult kids navigate school, apprenticeships, shift work and budgeting in our regional area made it personal. If it’s this hard for us, what chance do they have of building a secure future in what’s meant to be ‘the lucky country’?
Renee historically has voted for the Coalition but just voted for One Nation in the recent Farrer by-election. Source: SBS
What appealed to me about One Nation is the party’s willingness to talk about difficult issues such as population growth, housing shortages and the transition to net zero, while asking the practical questions.
I know there’s stigma with the party, and people can make assumptions quickly. But for me, it’s not about labels — it’s about wanting better outcomes for my family, my kids, and my community.
I don’t think it’s wrong to value fairness, respect, and contribution, and to expect those standards to be applied consistently. When they don’t feel consistent, people start to worry about their freedoms and way of life.
I try to keep it all very respectful when I talk to friends and family who have different political views — like my niece Sarah, who is very left-leaning.
We may disagree, but most people want the same things: security, opportunity and a better future for their kids.
Sarah:
I’ve always been politically engaged — even as an early teen, when I felt like some right-leaning adults in my life would bring up divisive issues to get a rise out of me.
Now, as an 18-year-old, I can have calm and constructive conversations with my aunty Renee even though we’re on opposite sides of the political spectrum.
We agree on some things but not about One Nation.
Sarah, 18, is excited to vote for the first time and says she will not be voting for One Nation. Source: Supplied
I think the current state of Australian politics is abhorrent and the two-party system is long past its expiry date — so I can understand why she and others are supporting One Nation.
But I think people feeling scared and lost politically are turning to the party as an extreme solution — not knowing what else to do about the cost of living and quality of life.
To me, it feels impossible now to even begin to trust a political party to fulfil its election promises. I think what Australia needs is truly a party that doesn’t slander others, that doesn’t push any form of hate or fear but pushes for a better tomorrow.
Voting for the first time
I feel like my generation, in general, feels a bit trodden on and forgotten about when it comes to politics because there feels like there is a focus on older generations.
But I’m very much looking forward to finally being able to step up to vote for the first time in the next election.
I have been raised with the idea that you can’t complain about something if you don’t do something to change it. And I see voting as the opportunity to have your say in things you want to see change.
I am passionate about decreasing the gender pay gap, increasing the minimum wage and workplace protections, as well as protecting the environment. And I’m not sure that these are One Nation’s top priorities.
I am yet to decide who I will vote for when the time comes. But I know I will not support a right-leaning party, as I consider myself left-leaning and feel more aligned with parties such as the Greens.
I do worry about how my family will vote in the next election.
Ultimately, it’s their right and their choice; I have no right to judge or shame them even if it makes me upset.
As I said, I think people feel scared and lost in this very uncertain time in the world. But we must listen and be considerate of one another — like how Renee and I are with each other.
Fighting amongst ourselves over opinions makes us strained and disconnected.
Instead, we should be holding our government accountable for things everyone across the political spectrum wants: a liveable wage, time to follow our passions and time to spend with our friends and family.
But one thing I know for sure is that One Nation would not be good for the Australian way of life.
The anticipation is palpable as we approach the grand finale of Survivor 50!
This evening’s special episode concludes a landmark season that has brought back 24 of the most memorable Survivor contestants to the scenic backdrop of Fiji. After an intense three-month journey, the competition has narrowed down to the final five contenders vying for the title of “Sole Survivor.”
Guided by the seasoned host Jeff Probst, the live finale will not only crown the winner, but it will also announce the recipient of the Sia Fan Favorite Prize. As reported by TV Insider, this accolade, traditionally awarded at the discretion of pop star and devoted Survivor fan Sia, will this year be determined by the audience as part of the “In the Hands of the Fans” theme. This change empowers viewers to vote for the contestant who has most captured their hearts.
Curious about when to tune in for Survivor tonight? Wondering how long the Survivor 50 finale will last or who remains in the competition? We’ve got all the answers you need right here.
Photo: Robert Voets/CBS
Who is left on Survivor 50?
The final five contestants battling for victory in Survivor 50 include: Jonathan Young from Survivor 42, Rizo Velovic from Survivor 49, Joe Hunter from Survivor 48, Tiffany Ervin from Survivor 46, and the multi-season veteran Auby Bracco, who participated in Survivor 32, 34, and 38. In last week’s episode, Rick Devens and Cirie Fields were eliminated, narrowing the field to these five formidable players.
Is tonight the finale of Survivor?
You bet!
How long is the Survivor 50 finale?
The Survivor 50 finale is a special three-hour event.
What time is Survivor on tonight?
Tonight’s Survivor 50 finale airs at 8/7 c on CBS, with on-demand streaming available for Paramount+ Premium subscribers. Next-day streaming is available for Paramount+ Essential subscribers.
Paramount+ offers two subscription plans, Essential and Premium. The ad-supported Essential plan costs $8.99/month, while the ad-free Premium plan (which comes with Showtime titles and live CBS) costs $13.99/month.
President Donald Trump has expressed his support for reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who is making significant headway in his campaign for the position of Los Angeles mayor.
Despite the presidential endorsement, Pratt has maintained a cautious distance from Trump.
During a Wednesday morning departure from Joint Base Andrews, Trump was questioned about Pratt’s political aspirations as he prepared to head to Connecticut for a commencement speech. A reporter inquired whether Trump saw any parallels between himself and Pratt, considering their backgrounds in reality television.
“I’d like to see him do well,” Trump remarked. “He’s a character. I don’t know—I don’t know him, but I assume he probably supports me. Does he support me?” Trump asked, seeking confirmation.
The reporter tentatively replied, “I think so.”
‘I heard he does. I heard he’s a big MAGA person,’ Trump added.
Pratt, who is running as a Republican, has been coy about seeking the President’s endorsement, especially since he’s running in a heavily Democratic area. The reality TV veteran has also pushed that he’s not ‘MAGA.’
‘Everybody wants me to succeed because LA is the most important city in the country,’ the former Hills star told TMZ. ‘The only support I need is from moms that wanna feel safe in Los Angeles. I’m laser-focused on that.’
President Donald Trump had positive things to say about Republican LA mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, who became a household name due to appearing on the reality TV show, The Hills
Spencer Pratt, who is running for mayor of Los Angeles as a Republican, has had his campaign ads go viral for showing the exterior of his burned-down house (left) and the open-air drug markets in downtown LA (right)
Over the weekend, Naughty But Nice Substacker Rob Shuter reported that Trump was mulling a Pratt endorsement.
‘Trump loves celebrity candidates, and Spencer knows exactly how to dominate headlines,’ a Republican insider told Shuter. ‘The idea of endorsing him has absolutely been discussed.’
Shuter also reported that Pratt was trying to walk a fine line – attract conservative voters but not get too tied up in national politics.
A Trump endorsement would void the latter.
The President didn’t officially endorse Pratt on the JBA tarmac, but he indicated his seal of approval.
‘He’s doing well,’ Trump told reporters.
The President then floated that Pratt could lose due to a ‘really rigged vote in California.’
‘You have a rigged vote out there,’ Trump said.
Republican candidate for Los Angeles mayor, Spencer Pratt (left), and his wife Heidi Montag (right). The couple met while appearing on the reality TV show, The Hills, together
‘If we had Jesus Christ come down and count the votes, I would have won California,’ Trump claimed.
‘Because I do great with Hispanics, but it’s a rigged vote,’ he added.
Trump has long falsely claimed that he has more support in California – and other blue states – than reported, due to the states’ use of mail-in ballots.
He made a similar claim about Maryland on Monday.
‘They sent out 38 million votes, nobody knows where they’re going,’ Trump continued to complain about California. ‘It’s one of the most, not the worst, I’ll give you a list, maybe I’ll do my list, California is one of the most dishonest states for voting.’
