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Riverside School Deputy Reassigned Following Use of Force Incident with Student

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A school resource deputy from Riverside County has been reassigned pending an investigation after a video showing a forceful encounter with a juvenile went viral.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday near Vista del Lago High School, situated on the 15000 block of Lasselle Street, as reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials stated that the deputy was dispatched to the scene following reports of a physical dispute among students in the vicinity.

While attempting to detain and cuff one of the youths involved, the juvenile allegedly resisted arrest, prompting the deputy to use force.

The altercation was recorded and posted on Instagram, where it quickly drew widespread attention and ignited intense online debate.

Paramedics were called to the scene to examine the juvenile before the individual was taken into custody on suspicion of battery and resisting arrest.

The sheriff’s office said the deputy has since been reassigned from the school resource program while an internal investigation takes place.

Officials have not released further details about the incident, which remains under review. It’s unclear if the individual is 14 years old, a detail the post included with the video.

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office takes each use of force very seriously and makes every effort to de-escalate these situations whenever possible,” the department said in a statement to KTLA. “As with all use-of-force incidents, a review will be conducted to ensure compliance with our policy and training standards.”

Trump Hints at Continued Tensions with Iran in Three-Word Declaration

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In a surprising turn of events, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called off two significant military deployments to Europe, a decision that includes sending some personnel back to the United States. This move comes amidst President Donald Trump’s criticism of European nations for their level of support, according to two defense officials.

The cancellations, outlined in a memo signed by Hegseth, affect the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team from the 1st Cavalry Division, which was slated to rotate through Poland, the Baltic states, and Romania. Some members of this brigade had already arrived in Europe and will now need to return to the U.S., the officials confirmed.

Additionally, plans to deploy a battalion to Germany, specializing in long-range rockets and missiles, have also been scrapped. The directive includes dismantling a command structure in Europe responsible for overseeing these capabilities.

This strategic shift might be an attempt to navigate the complexities of reducing troop numbers in Europe without immediately withdrawing those permanently stationed in Germany, especially those with families based there. This approach allows for a reduction in presence while sidestepping some logistical hurdles.

The cancellation of scheduled rotations and deployments could be a way to work around the logistical challenges of quickly withdrawing forces who are permanently stationed in Germany, particularly those whose families are also stationed there, while still bringing numbers down.

There are roughly 4700 soldiers in the brigade combat team whose deployment to Europe has been cancelled, and over 500 soldiers in the long-range rocket and missile battalion, one of the defence officials said.

As of 2025 there were roughly 38,000 US troops in Germany, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, and 80,000 troops in Europe overall.

Authorities Confiscate Over $1 Million in Marijuana in Bristol, VA


BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — A series of search warrants executed in Bristol, Virginia, led to the confiscation of over 300 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value exceeding $1 million, according to the Virginia State Police.

The Holston River Regional Drug Task Force (HRRDTF) carried out these operations on three separate occasions this month. News Channel 11 revealed on Wednesday that one of these warrants was served at a location known as CannaBoyz.

On May 1, the HRRDTF, in partnership with the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, searched The Mile High Club on Euclid Avenue. This search resulted in the seizure of approximately three pounds of marijuana, valued at $13,500. Authorities noted that this location lies within a school zone and near a childcare facility.

On May 6, another warrant was executed at a warehouse in Bristol, Virginia, located at the former site of the Herald Courier on Bob Morrison Boulevard. The VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation discovered 250 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,135,000, along with 192 marijuana plants worth $576,000, and 50 pounds of THC edibles with a value of $22,700. The VSP indicated that charges are expected to follow.

This warehouse operation was carried out by multiple divisions, including the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Special Investigations and Programs Division, Mass Transit Unit, and Areas 74 and 76. Additionally, teams from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation Wytheville Field Office, the High Tech Crimes Division, the Special Operations Division, and the HRRDTF participated in the raid.

On Wednesday, the HRRDTF and the BVPD executed search warrants at two more businesses.

One warrant was served at CannaBoyz on West State Street, where approximately 25 pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $112,500. The VSP said additional evidence was also seized.

Also on Wednesday, the HRRDTF and the BVPD served a search warrant at Space Apes on Paulena Drive in the City of Bristol. Approximately 30 pounds of marijuana was seized with a $135,000 street value. Additional evidence was also seized, the VSP said.

The BVPD said TCH edibles, pictured below, were also seized.

“When cannabis products are packaged to resemble candy, it creates a significant public safety concern,” the BVPD said. “Children cannot distinguish between these products and legitimate candy, turning what appears to be an ordinary snack into a serious health risk.”

Chief Ashbrook with the BVPD said he “personally visited a number of these establishments, including CannaBoyz and Space Apes, and provided them with copies of the rules and regulations from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. At that time, they were advised that as long as they complied with the law, enforcement action would not be necessary. Evidence gathered during this investigation indicates that these businesses failed to comply with those requirements.”

The BVPD provided the rules and regulations, which are included below:

CannaBoyz released the following statement to News Channel 11 on Thursday:

Canna Boyz is fully cooperating with all agencies involved and remains committed to operating with transparency, professionalism, and integrity throughout this investigation. 

We are confident that our business follows all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Our team takes compliance seriously and works diligently to ensure that every aspect of our operations meets required guidelines.

At this time, we will continue to cooperate respectfully with authorities while remaining focused on reopening to continue serving our customers and community responsibly. We appreciate the continued support from our clients, partners, and community members as this matter moves forward.

CannaBoyz

The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the investigation for any possible applicable civil enforcement actions, the VSP said.

Surging Gas Prices: How CSRA Drivers Are Feeling the Pinch in Their Daily Budgets


AUGUSTA, Ga. – As the summer travel season approaches, drivers in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) are already feeling the pinch of rising gas prices.

Motorists in Augusta report that even modest fuel purchases are not stretching as far as they once did.

“Putting $20 in the tank now doesn’t get you nearly as far as it did a few months ago,” noted local drivers Jamal Tank and Jayla Chappelle. “Gas prices are definitely on the rise.”

Chappelle specifically mentioned that refueling her Kia has become noticeably more costly.

“I used to spend $30 to fill up my Kia, but now it’s jumped to $50,” she explained.

Other drivers say the cost of gas is forcing them to make changes in their day-to-day spending.

“I put $45 in my tank a couple of weeks ago, and it didn’t even fill me up, said driver Ni’Asha Harris. “I have to put more in my tank to get where I need to go. I can’t spend money on other stuff.”

For some, gas prices are even affecting workday rountines.

“I have to budget now on my daily lunch at work because of my gas,” said driver Alejandro. “It kind of cut into that.”

As more families prepare for summer travel, drivers say they are thinking more carefully about mileage, travel time and how often they get on the road.

“You’ve got to take into consideration travel time, mileage and gas,” Alejandro said. “It is very difficult.”

AAA says gas prices can fluctuate during the summer months as more people travel. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, compare local prices and budget for fuel before long trips.

Chargers Playfully Tease Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini in Creative Schedule Release Video

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The Los Angeles Chargers cleverly alluded to the alleged scandal involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini in their NFL schedule release video, unveiled Thursday night.

Known for their innovative approach, the Chargers’ unveiling was eagerly awaited among all 32 NFL franchises. Their previous release, which featured a Minecraft theme, captured significant attention last year.

This year, they shifted gears, using the popular video game Halo as the setting, to deliver a series of sharp jabs at the controversy surrounding the New England Patriots’ head coach and the NFL insider.

As the Chargers revealed the Patriots as their Week 12 rivals, fans were taken on a whimsical journey through a futuristic racecourse.

During the sequence, as the race begins, an unexpected message pops up: ‘Attention. Nothing to see here. Press X to skip this checkpoint,’ subtly referencing the turmoil that has beset Vrabel’s squad.

Once the race continues, the vehicles drive past a billboard that reads ‘next photo dump 1 mile’, referring to the constant stream of images of Vrabel and Russini that has emerged in recent weeks.

The Chargers made several references to the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini affair scandal

The Chargers made several references to the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini affair scandal

A message interrupts and appears on screen that reads: 'Attention. Nothing to see here.'

A message interrupts and appears on screen that reads: ‘Attention. Nothing to see here.’

Once the race continues, the vehicles drive past a billboard that reads 'next photo dump 1 mile'

Once the race continues, the vehicles drive past a billboard that reads ‘next photo dump 1 mile’

The NY Post, who first published the images of Russini and Vrabel, then sends a message

The NY Post, who first published the images of Russini and Vrabel, then sends a message

Then a ‘message’ from The New York Post arrives on screen after the publication was the first to publish pictures of Vrabel and Russini together at a lavish resort in Arizona.

Then the vehicles drive off the edge of the circuit, causing them to blow up and kill players named ‘Drake Maye’, ‘BigWillie66’ (Will Campbell) and ‘FreeTheFeet13’ (Mack Hollins).

The Chargers also reference Cardi B and Stefon Diggs’ tumultuous relationship by killing off characters named ‘okurrr_cardi’ and ‘DaddyDiggs6’. 

It comes after it was revealed earlier on Thursday that the NFL will not be taking action against teams who poke fun at the ongoing scandal.

According to Front Office Sports, the NFL will not review schedule release videos made by NFL teams in advance, leaving them in control of the contents.

A source told the outlet: ‘This is the day when teams are licensed to poke fun at each other. The (Vrabel story) has become such a public matter that teams can take the shot. You may get a call from the Patriots. But the league is not going to get involved.

‘The only time Park Avenue messages the teams is around labor, CBA, or the refs. The moments when they’re trying to negotiate – and they want everyone on message.

‘If the Jets, Bills, or Chargers choose to ridicule Vrabel, that’s an issue between the teams. The league doesn’t need to mediate that.’ 

Russini and Vrabel's affair scandal has exploded since they were pictured together at a hotel

Russini and Vrabel’s affair scandal has exploded since they were pictured together at a hotel

Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers will play the Patriots in Week 12 next season

Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers will play the Patriots in Week 12 next season

Vrabel has been at the center of fierce controversy over the past month after the New York Post published photos of him fraternizing with sports reporter Dianna Russini at an adults-only resort in Arizona at the end of March.

The pair, who are both married with children, initially denied accusations of an affair, only for the Patriots head coach to later express regret over the situation and begin counseling. 

While Russini stepped down from her job at The Athletic over the scandal, Vrabel remains in charge of New England and has received the full backing of the team after agreeing to seek professional help.

The Post has since published more photos of Vrabel and Russini enjoying breakfast together at the aforementioned Arizona resort and others showing the two kissing at a New York bar, reportedly, in March of 2020. 

Furthermore, the Daily Mail has also published photos of them at a Biloxi, Mississippi, casino in January of 2024.

Russini and her husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt, were married in September 2020. Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen, since 1999.

The scandal took a fresh twist last Thursday when video footage emerged of them arriving for their romantic boat trip that allegedly took place just months before she gave birth to her first son.

Russini and Vrabel reportedly hired a vessel for two or three hours in June 2021, when he was still coaching the Tennessee Titans and she was reporting on him for ESPN.

Russini and husband Kevin Goldschmidt were married in New Jersey in September of 2020

Russini and husband Kevin Goldschmidt were married in New Jersey in September of 2020 

Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen, for over two decades and they have two children

A source with knowledge of the rental said Vrabel and Russini were the only people on board, and that claim was supported by a signed company waiver reviewed by TMZ.

Then, The Daily Mail obtained video footage of the couple walking along the dock of a private rental company near a lake in Putnam County, Tennessee. Russini could be seen strolling a few steps ahead of Vrabel.

But it’s clear that Russini is pregnant at the time of the video when she turns around to speak to Vrabel. The pair were dressed for a day on the water, wearing T-shirts and shorts.

Vrabel and Russini were said to be hesitant to have their pictures taken with fans that day. It was also alleged by TMZ that she declined to have a photo taken with fans, while he agreed on the condition that it not be posted online.

Russini went on to give birth to her first of two sons, named Mike, in August 2021. TMZ reported that Russini named him after her brother, Michael Russini, not the now-Patriots coach.

Trump Declares Strong US-China Relations Amidst Differences: Key Takeaways from His Beijing Visit


BEIJING – As President Donald Trump concludes his whirlwind tour of China on Friday, he remains steadfast in his belief that relations between the United States and China are strong and improving, despite significant disagreements on issues such as Iran and Taiwan.

On the final day of his visit, Trump took to social media to assert that Chinese President Xi Jinping had praised his numerous achievements. Trump clarified that Xi’s comments about the United States potentially being a “declining nation” were directed at former President Joe Biden, not his administration.

However, Trump’s optimistic view of U.S.-China relations confronts some challenging realities concerning the most contentious issues between the global giants.

China has shown minimal public inclination to heed U.S. requests for greater involvement in resolving the Iranian conflict. Despite Trump’s remarks during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Xi had offered assistance in private discussions, the White House feels China could do more to curb the export of Chinese-made precursor chemicals to Mexico. These substances are critical in the production of illicit fentanyl, a drug that has devastated many American communities.

During private discussions, Xi cautioned Trump that mishandling their differing perspectives on Taiwan, a self-governing island, could potentially lead the two leading global powers toward “clashes and even conflicts,” according to Chinese officials.

Trump and Xi are set to have more time together at Xi’s official residence in Beijing on Friday before the U.S. leader makes the long journey back to Washington.

Taiwan remains the most important issue for China

Xi’s sharp language on Taiwan loomed large over Thursday’s talks, even as Trump sought to play up the notion that the U.S. and China share a “special relationship.”

But Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News that U.S. policy toward Taiwan was “unchanged” and cautioned that it would be “a terrible mistake” for China to try to take Taiwan by force. He also framed Xi’s comments as standard practice.

“They always raise it on their side. We always make clear our position, and we move on to the other topics,” said Rubio, who was among senior aides to join Trump for the talks.

China in recent weeks has sought to put more focus on its view that Taiwan sits at the “core” of its interests and is key to ensuring a stable relationship with the U.S.

Trump has demanded Taiwan increase defense spending, and in December, the White House announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the largest ever to the island democracy.

But the U.S. has yet to begin fulfilling the arms sales, and Trump had said he expected to discuss the matter with Xi in Beijing. He’s also groused that Taiwan “stole” America’s semiconductor business and called on Taiwan to pay the U.S. for protection.

All the while, Trump has, with the threat of hefty tariffs and Biden-era incentives, prodded Taipei to agree to massive investments in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and to purchase billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. liquefied natural gas and crude oil. The attitude toward Taiwan has raised questions about whether Trump might be open to dialing back support for the island democracy.

Ma Chun-wei, an expert in China-Taiwan relations at Taiwan’s Tamkang University, said the elevated defense relationship between Washington and Taipei has caused China to toughen its rhetoric over Taiwan.

“For Xi Jinping, he must show that the Taiwan issue is in China’s hands. He must demonstrate this image, or else he would be criticized,” Ma said.

China wants the Strait of Hormuz opened

Iran was on the agenda when Trump sat down with Xi on Thursday for their two-hour meeting in the Great Hall of the People.

The leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz — effectively closed since the start of the Iran conflict — needs to be reopened to support global energy demands, Trump told Fox News in an interview. About 20% of the world’s oil flowed through the strait before the war started on Feb. 28.

Trump said in the interview that Xi privately offered assistance on resolving the war, though it was unclear what that would mean, given China’s strategic partnership with Iran.

“He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open,” Trump said. “He said if I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help.”

The president also said Xi was also opposed to any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait and expressed interest in China potentially purchasing more U.S. oil to reduce Chinese dependence on Gulf oil in the future.

Trump earlier this week had downplayed the importance of talks with Xi on the 11-week-old Iran war that has led to surging energy prices and threatens to plunge the global economy into recession if the conflict does not conclude soon.

“We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn’t say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control,” Trump told reporters Tuesday shortly before flying to Beijing.

But before Air Force One could land in Beijing, Rubio said administration officials would make the case to the Chinese officials about why they should be invested in prodding Iran to come to terms to end the war.

“Economies are melting down because of this crisis,” Rubio offered aboard the presidential plane as he flew with Trump to Beijing. That dynamic, the secretary added in an interview Wednesday with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, will result in consumers “buying less Chinese product.”

“So it’s in their interest to resolve this,” Rubio said.

Indeed, the Chinese, who have been critical of the U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Iran, hold unique leverage as Iran’s biggest trading partner. The Chinese government has managed to weather the economic damage caused by the war with the help of its strategic oil reserves, but that backstop is not limitless. Economists say the Iran conflict could still have a big impact on China’s export-driven economy.

Will Trump announce any major business deals?

The White House, ahead of the visit, insisted that Trump wouldn’t be making the trip without an eye toward securing results before he leaves, suggesting there could be announcements coming on trade.

Those could still come, with the U.S. side hoping to nail down Chinese commitments to buy U.S. soybeans and beef. Trump told Fox News that Xi had indicated a commitment for China to buy 200 Boeing jets from the U.S.

The leaders on Thursday discussed increasing U.S. agricultural purchases by the Chinese and opportunities for both sides to expand investment into each other’s markets, according to the White House. Trump administration officials also want to work toward establishing a Board of Trade with China to address commercial differences between the countries.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed the need for friendship and cooperation in U.S.-China ties as he spoke with U.S. business titans, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who were part of Trump’s delegation in Beijing.

“China and the United States have been able to maintain frank and smooth dialogue and communication and actively safeguard a stable and healthy bilateral relationship” despite international turbulence, Li said.

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Associated Press writers Huizhong Wu and Simina Mistreanu in Bangkok and Darlene Superville and Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Budget Response: Key Insights on Tax Reform, Migration Limits, and Welfare Reductions

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In brief

  • Angus Taylor has delivered his first budget supply speech, laying his vision for a “fairer Australia”.
  • The opposition leader proposed tax reform and migration cuts to boost housing supply.

Angus Taylor’s response to the budget emphasized strategies to limit migration, enhance housing development, and reduce taxes.

In his inaugural budget reply, the opposition leader outlined his blueprint for creating “a fairer, freer, and better Australia,” while also taking aim at the recent budget unveiled by Treasurer Jim Chalmers earlier this week.

“This isn’t the Australia we’re familiar with today. However, we’ve experienced it before, and we can experience it again. We can reclaim our quality of life and safeguard our lifestyle,” Taylor stated.

“This begins by standing up against the attack on ambition embedded in Labor’s budget. Labor is barring young Australians from the same wealth-building and prosperity opportunities that older generations enjoyed,” he added.

The Coalition’s proposal includes limiting international migration, comprehensive tax reforms, curbing welfare for immigrants, establishing a housing infrastructure fund, and increasing defense spending.

Here are six policies the Coalition is proposing:

1. Cap migrant intake to the number of new homes

The opposition leader announced a “far-reaching and unprecedented housing policy”, which he said was “also an immigration policy that puts Australians first”.

The plan caps net overseas migration to the number of new homes built in the country over the previous year.

Net overseas migration is the difference between the number of people arriving in Australia and the number of departures, and also includes temporary migrants like foreign students.

“Never again will a government be able to bring in more people than our housing can support,” Taylor said.

“The Coalition will deliver one of the biggest cuts to immigration in Australian history. Our immigration cut will complement our plan to lift immigration standards.”

But he said he couldn’t provide any exact immigration targets two years out from the next federal election.

The federal budget forecasts 295,000 migrants this financial year, falling to 225,000 by the 2027/28 financial year.

That’s well below the post-pandemic high of more than 550,000, when a flood of migrants re-entered the country as borders reopened — but still higher than pre-COVID levels.

The Coalition is also planning to tighten restrictions on temporary migration, including international students, though it hasn’t specified which visa types will be affected.

The opposition leader added that the Coalition will deport “70,000” overstayers from Australia.

“Those who criticise the law being enforced must explain why their sympathies lie with illegal overstayers instead of with migrants and Australians who abide by the law,” he said.

2. Index tax to inflation

Taylor unveiled a wide-reaching new tax proposal, which he described as “the biggest tax reform in a generation”, saying it will end “the inflation tax”.

Under the proposed two-stage plan, income tax will be indexed to inflation. This means a typical taxpayer could save about $250 annually in the first year, increasing to roughly $1,000 by year four, according to the Coalition’s forecasts.

The lower two brackets — covering people earning between $18,201 and $135,000 — would be indexed from 2028-29, Taylor said.

The top two tax brackets would also be indexed from the 2031-32 financial year.

“This is generational tax reform. It’s fair, simple and honest. It will back Australians to work hard, take risks, and invest in their future. It will force government to respect your money,” Taylor told parliament on Thursday night.

Raising tax brackets in line with inflation each year would cost the budget billions of dollars.

But it would also end bracket creep, where pay rises push workers into higher tax brackets, even though inflation means they may not be any wealthier.

Subsequent governments have chosen not to index brackets, instead announcing a tax cut every few years.

During periods when the mining sector rakes in windfall profits, Taylor also announced the Coalition would bank 80 cents in every dollar of resource revenue into a “future generations fund” for “nation-building infrastructure”.

3. Restrict welfare for non-citizens

Taylor said the Coalition would claw back billions of dollars in savings by cutting welfare for non-citizens.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and the Family Tax Benefit would be for Australian citizens only, he said.

According to the opposition leader, this policy will save billions of dollars.

“If you commit to Australia, Australia will commit to you. After all, the taxes paid by hard-working Australians should support Australians,” he said.

In a later interview with the ABC, Taylor said the decision was about “putting Australian citizens first”.

“Citizenship is a privilege. And it’s something we want people to get something from,” he said,

4. Introduce a new fund to boost housing

Taylor also proposed a $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund that will be directly available for local councils and developers.

“From my first day as opposition leader, I said I wanted to re-establish home ownership as the centrepiece of the Australian dream,” he said.

A man in a suit claps his hands and smiles while standing with other in the House of Represenatives.
Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor claps and smiles after delivering his 2026-27 budget reply speech in Canberra. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“My goal is more houses for Australians and a fairer go for young Australians.”

The fund will go towards the development of essential infrastructure for home building, such as water and sewer systems, utilities and access roads.

“With this support, we will unlock 400,000 new homes,” Taylor said.

On budget night, Labor committed a further $2 billion towards a $1.5 billion fund with a similar remit.

5. Lift the ban on nuclear

Taylor also took aim at Labor’s net zero agenda, arguing it had created reliance on “expensive, sometimes-on, industrial-scale renewables” that had driven power prices higher.

“Australians have been fed the lie that our economy can function on solar, wind, and batteries alone,” he said.

Taylor said the Coalition will back “any technologies that can deliver affordable and reliable energy in this country, that includes coal, gas, hydro, batteries and renewables in the right places, and it will include nuclear power too.”

He said if elected, a Coalition government would also “lift the ban” on nuclear energy.

He added that “a Coalition government will work with coal-fired power plant owners to keep them running as long as hard as possible to get electricity prices down”.

Taylor also pledged that the opposition will invest $800 million for new fuel storage to provide one billion litres of additional capacity.

6. Boost defence

On national security, Taylor announced a Coalition government would develop a National Security Strategy and appoint a dedicated National Security Adviser, with defence spending at its core.

“Unlike Labor with its accounting trickery, the Coalition will commit to spending at least three per cent of GDP on defence,” he said.

Labor’s current spending is around 2.8 per cent of GDP, with plans to reach 3 per cent by 2033.

With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.


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Heroic Dad Drives Family to Safety After Being Shot at In-N-Out Drive-Thru

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Authorities in Oregon have detained two individuals linked to the shooting of a father who managed to drive himself to the hospital after being hit in the head by a bullet. The incident occurred while he was leaving an In-N-Out drive-thru with his wife and two young sons.

On Wednesday, police apprehended Ethan Adrian Armenta-Lagunas, 20, and Gabriel “Alex” Javier, 18, both hailing from Salem.

The duo is facing several charges, including first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment of another person, all tied to the February 9th shooting of Marcio Garcia.

According to the Keizer Police Department, a search of Armenta-Lagunas’ apartment yielded multiple firearms. Javier was taken into custody later that same day. Meanwhile, authorities continue to look for a third suspect, 22-year-old Anthony Taylor-Manriquez, who is regarded as armed and dangerous.

Anthony Taylor-Manriquez mugshot.

Anthony Taylor-Manriquez, 22, remains at large after the shooting of Marcio Garcia, who was struck in the head while exiting a fast-food drive-thru. (Keizer Police Department)

Garcia, 28, was in a car with his wife and two children, ages 2 and 7, when shots rang out near the burger chain. The gunfire shattered the car windows and struck Garcia in the head; his wife and children were uninjured, police said.

Images of firearms and money.

Authorities recovered multiple firearms from Ethan Adrian Armenta-Lagunas, 20, during his arrest, police said. (Keizer Police Department)

“In the middle of chaos and fear, while he was injured and in pain, he somehow found the strength to drive us out of the scene to safety,” his wife wrote in an online fundraiser. “He protected our family before thinking of himself. That is the kind of man and father he is.”

Images posted online showed the bullet that was removed from Garcia’s head during surgery in February, according to his wife. She also noted that Garcia did not suffer major brain damage and is currently recovering at home.

A bullet taken from the head of Marcio Garcia. and a car.

Images show the bullet taken from Marcio Garcia’s head and the family car riddled with bullet holes.  (GoFundMe)

“The doctors told us what we already believe—this is nothing short of a miracle,” she said. “Now he faces a long road of rest, healing, and recovery.”

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Discover the Hidden Gems: Bike Trails, Disc Golf, and Wildlife Adventures at Kickapoo State Recreation Area


OAKWOOD, Ill. — Nestled within nearly 4,000 acres of natural beauty, Kickapoo State Recreation Area offers a diverse landscape filled with trails, water bodies, and abundant wildlife. Each year, more than a million visitors are drawn to the park’s expansive offerings, whether for hiking, biking, boating, or camping adventures.

Amanda Brennan from WCIA 3 had the opportunity to explore the park with Tim Edison, the site superintendent, providing viewers with an exclusive look behind the scenes. For the full tour, check out the video above.

Judge Leon Takes on DOJ’s Case in Clark Disbarment Lawsuit

Inset: Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Leon (U.S. District Court). Background: President Donald Trump listens during a ceremonial swearing in of Paul Atkins as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon).

The bar authorities in Washington, D.C., are currently embroiled in a lawsuit initiated by the federal government, with proceedings now under the scrutiny of one of the president’s most vocal critics in the judiciary.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia began handling the case, known as U.S.A. v. Fox, this past Thursday. The case is named after Hamilton P. Fox, the chief disciplinary counsel for the D.C. Bar.

The Trump administration’s lawsuit aims to nullify and prevent any disciplinary measures taken against Jeffrey Clark, a former lawyer for the U.S. Department of Justice who was recently disbarred in Washington, D.C. Clark’s disbarment stems from his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in favor of then-President Donald Trump.

As is customary, the case was assigned to a judge through the district’s randomized selection process. This method may have provided a strategic advantage for the defendants in this unprecedented case.

Through a complex “assignment deck” system within a broader “automated system,” Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by President George W. Bush, has been designated to preside over the case.

When assigning civil or criminal cases to federal judges, there is no general process observed throughout the country. Instead, judicial selection is typically handled by each court at the local level — and explained via published rules or a standing order. Initial case assignment, however, is usually made to achieve a random result.

In the District of Columbia, the general assignment rule is that “cases shall be assigned to judges of this Court selected at random.”

And that random assignment has already rankled some allies of the White House.

Earlier this year, Leon issued an expressive order — one featuring over a dozen exclamation marks — blocking construction of Trump’s much ballyhooed $400 million East Wing ballroom.

Last summer, Leon ruled the president had “likely” acted illegally by trying to appoint a lone member to an agency he gutted with the help of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

In a May 2025 order using at least 27 exclamation marks, Leon ruled against Trump’s efforts to target a disfavored law firm.

Now, the famous judge’s exclamatory diction may find a place in an eventual ruling on the propriety of certain attorney discipline.

On Wednesday evening, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the federal district’s bar association as well as several associated figures and entities – including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit – alleging multiple constitutional violations over the strict discipline various attorney licensing authorities meted out to Clark, culminating in his disbarment.

“The D.C. Court of Appeals’ disciplinary authorities are punishing a former Department of Justice official for preparing a deliberative and pre-decisional draft letter that was never issued,” the 26-page complaint begins. “No one disputes that the letter reflected the official’s sincere view of the law and facts; instead, Defendants are punishing him over an internal disagreement that remains the subject of litigation nearly six years later.”

The thrust of the DOJ’s lawsuit is that bar authorities at every level in Washington, D.C., have been captured and controlled by foes of the 45th and 47th president who have, in turn, waged an illegal effort to interfere with Trump, his allies, and the federal government writ large.

“As our complaint and history make clear, the DC Bar has long acted as a blatantly partisan arm of leftist causes,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. “No more.”

The lawsuit filed Wednesday by the Trump administration is largely premised on the federal preemption doctrine — a legal concept sourced from the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

“D.C. courts have been treated as local, not Federal, institutions,” the filing reads. “States may not regulate agents of the United States in the lawful performance of their duties, and agents of the United States cannot be liable to answer to state courts for the performance of those duties.”

To hear the DOJ tell it, the government “is harmed by the “investigations, proceedings, and threats of discipline against Mr. Clark and other current and former” federal attorneys.

Clark was subject to such investigations based on an unsent draft letter falsely claiming the DOJ “identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple states, including the state of Georgia.”

The specification of charges said that Clark violated D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(a) and (c) (“in that respondent attempted to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, by sending the proof of concept letter containing false statements”) and Rules 8.4(a) and (d) (“in that respondent attempted to engage in conduct that would seriously interfere with the administration of justice”).

The so-called “proof of concept letter” is the draft Clark compiled that would have urged legislatures in states where Trump lost to “send an unauthorized slate of electors to Congress,” the charges note.

The lawsuit says the discipline here is something far afield — and focused entirely on lawyers who worked for the government.

“Defendants have treated Federal Government attorneys differently than non-Federal Government attorneys,” the filing goes on. “As far as the United States is aware, Defendants have never punished a non-Federal Government attorney for drafting or attempting to disseminate a deliberative and pre-decisional draft document, or in any comparable circumstances.”

The lawsuit further argues that punishing attorneys for their draft is likely to chill their work overall — including their “zealous advocacy and candor” on behalf of the government. Therefore, the lawsuit argues, such discipline interferes “with the President’s and Attorney General’s prerogatives.”

And the federal government does not have to countenance such interference under the preemption doctrine, the lawsuit argues.

“Weaponizing state bar discipline against Executive Branch attorneys in this way chills them from giving candid legal advice to others in the Executive Branch, including the President and Attorney General,” the lawsuit reads. “To permit these proceedings is to allow state bar authorities to control the Executive Branch. That is not the law.”