Michelle Obama has reflected on the political climate in the United States, suggesting that the wave of dissatisfaction that propelled her husband, Barack Obama, into the presidency is the same force that brought Donald Trump to power. Her insights came during a conversation on the podcast “Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso,” where she was asked to compare the public sentiment during Trump’s election victory to that during her husband’s campaign.

In her response, the former First Lady acknowledged her disappointment with the election outcome but expressed understanding for the electorate’s desire for change and a fresh face in leadership. “People were looking for something different,” she observed, noting that the quest for change transcends political affiliations.

Michelle Obama, now 62, elaborated on the underlying frustrations felt by many Americans. She highlighted a growing sense of insecurity among citizens, who increasingly find it difficult to secure basic necessities despite their efforts. “More Americans had more of the basics, and that’s becoming less and less,” she remarked, pointing out that this struggle affects people across all demographics — regardless of race, color, or geographic location, whether in bustling cities or rural farmlands.

She further explained that such widespread discontent leads to anger and a tendency to seek out scapegoats, often misplacing blame away from those truly responsible for the issues at hand. “It makes you susceptible to find someone to blame other than the people who are rightfully a part of the problem,” she asserted, shedding light on the complex emotional landscape that influences voter behavior.

‘That makes you angry, and it makes you susceptible to find someone to blame other than the people who are rightfully a part of the problem. 

‘And that’s true, that anger. I can’t look some people in the face and tell them, you have no right to be angry or to do something that maybe is against your own interest. 

‘That’s human nature. Many of the people who voted for my husband twice and I know that that’s how they feel. It’s like, this isn’t about anything other than, we need something different.’

When asked about those who voted for her husband and Trump she added: ‘You can’t just pigeonhole them and say, you just don’t care and you’re racist, or whatever you’re thinking.’

The 62-year-old said that while she was upset at the result of the election she understood that people wanted change

Trump walks to the podium to deliver remarks at a healthcare affordability event in Washington on 18 May 2026

Barack was just 47 when he entered the White House and 55 when he left – younger than most of his predecessors – and has remained one of the most active ex-presidents in modern memory. 

He admitted recently that Michelle wants him to step back from public life so the couple can enjoy their later years together. 

The former commander-in-chief said Trump’s return to the White House is the reason he cannot simply walk away, and that his inability to do so has become a source of friction at home.

‘It does create genuine tension in our household, and it frustrates her,’ Obama told The New Yorker. ‘I’m more forgiving of it, I understand why people feel that way.’

He also pushed back against critics who say he isn’t doing enough, arguing his continued involvement is without precedent. 

‘No other ex-president was the main surrogate for the party for four election cycles after they left office,’ he said. 

As for the public clamor for him to do still more, Obama was philosophical: ‘The fact that people want me to be doing more is a good sign.’

Barack was just 47 when he entered the White House and 55 when he left, the couple are seen here in 2024 

Michelle and Barack are seen here alongside Trump and First Lady Melania at Trump’s inauguration in 2017

Just last month, Obama was the top national figure supporting the Virginia amendment to gerrymander the state’s congressional maps and give a number of currently GOP-controlled seats to Democrats.

He also recently appeared alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a visit to a childcare center.

Obama left a group of children in fits of giggles as he pulled a stunt on them during a visit to a childcare center in New York in April.

He and Mayor Mamdani read to preschoolers and led a sing-along during the visit, and did not take questions after their appearance.

Authorities have successfully located two missing children from California in Mexico, almost two years after their father allegedly took them following the tragic death of their mother.

On Tuesday, the FBI reported the arrest of Camron Lee, aged 40, in Primo Tapia, Baja California, Mexico. He is suspected of being involved in the 2024 death of his partner, Angelica Bravo.

The children, Athena Lee, aged 5, and Mateo Lee, aged 4, were found safe during the operation in Mexico, according to officials.

This development comes after a dedicated search by authorities that spanned nearly six months, aiming to locate both the children and Camron Lee.

In what has been a prolonged and concerning case, the authorities confirmed the safe recovery of the two California children, who vanished following the tragic incident involving their mother.

The Sacramento Police Department responded to a residence in July 2024, where officers later found Bravo dead inside the home.

Lee was charged with murder and four counts of possession of an assault weapon.

A federal arrest warrant was later issued in August 2024 for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution to help locate and apprehend Lee and recover the children, who had not been seen since their mother was murdered.

Camron Lee was arrested in Mexico in connection with the 2024 death of his partner after authorities recovered his two missing children. (FBI)

In December 2025, the FBI announced rewards for information leading to Lee’s arrest and conviction, as well as the recovery of the children. The bilingual campaign was distributed through media outlets and social media platforms across North America.

The FBI said Tuesday that a tip from the public ultimately led to Lee’s arrest.

“Today’s announcement highlights the impact of the FBI’s reward program,” FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel said in a statement. “A single tip brought a fugitive to justice for his alleged crime and reunited a family.”

The FBI said an international effort involving U.S. and Mexican authorities led to the arrest of a fugitive father and recovery of two children. (Getty Images)

Sacramento Police Department Chief Zachary Bales said the arrest marked another step toward justice in Bravo’s death.

“This case sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in our community, and those who harm others will be pursued with determination and resolve,” Bales said. “Our thoughts remain with Ms. Bravo’s family and loved ones, and we hope this development brings them a measure of solace as they continue to carry this profound loss.”

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho confirmed Lee would face murder charges.

“This arrest is a powerful reminder that no matter how much time passes, our resolve to pursue justice and protect our community never fades,” Ho said.

Officials said the children were reunited with their maternal grandmother.

The FBI said authorities in Mexico, along with multiple U.S. and international agencies, assisted in locating and apprehending Lee.

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Did Cleveland Cavaliers supporters witness their team’s fourth-quarter collapse due to Dave Portnoy’s ill-timed social media post? The Cavaliers’ commanding lead vanished as the New York Knicks surged ahead in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The turning point appeared to happen when Barstool Sports founder, Dave Portnoy, sent a seemingly jinxing message on X. He sarcastically advised Knicks fans to “keep your head up” while Cleveland was leading comfortably.

“As someone with experience winning Eastern Conference finals, I want to tell Knicks fans not to lose hope,” Portnoy, a devoted Boston Celtics fan, wrote. “It looked like a rust game to me. You might have been overconfident after beating a weak Sixers team. It’s a long series. Stay positive. It won’t be easy, but you can still pull through. Keep your chin up.”

Following his post, the Knicks embarked on a remarkable comeback, erasing a 22-point deficit in the last eight minutes and ultimately triumphing in overtime with a 115-104 victory.

Portnoy later acknowledged the Knicks’ dramatic rally, noting that they had gone on an 18-1 run “since this tweet, by the way.”

“I’d also like to point that many people would delete the below tweet, but that is not my style. I will own it. Leaders lead. Credit to me for being accountable,” Portnoy later wrote on X.

The Knicks’ miracle kicked off the team’s second consecutive trip to the conference finals after not having reached the series since 2000. 

Dating back to the 1996-97 season, the Knicks were 0-277 when they trailed by at least 22 points in the fourth quarter of a regular season or playoff game prior to Tuesday’s Game 1 win. 

Jalen Brunson finished the game with 38 points as he helped lift the Knicks to victory and a 1-0 series lead. 

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will be continuing his post-surgery rehabilitation from behind bars, following a probation violation that led to his incarceration.

According to court records obtained by the Daily Mail, Rice was ordered to serve a 30-day jail sentence after testing positive for marijuana, thereby breaching the conditions of his probation.

This legal repercussion stems from Rice’s involvement in a reckless driving incident in 2024, which resulted in a multi-car collision on a Dallas highway.

Shortly after these developments, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Rice had undergone knee surgery just a week prior, aimed at removing ‘loose debris’ causing inflammation.

Due to this procedure, Rice is expected to be out of action for approximately two months during his recovery, as detailed by Schefter.

His recovery will be done in jail after he violated the five-year probation he was handed due to his reckless driving. 

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice underwent knee surgery before he began his jail sentence

Rice has been jailed after breaking the terms of his probation from a 2024 car crash in Dallas

Rice will be released from jail on June 16, meaning he would miss the Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp as well as their OTAs.

The receiver was renting a Lamborghini sport utility vehicle authorities said was one of two speeding sports cars that caused a chain-reaction crash on a Dallas highway in May of 2024.

He pled guilty to third-degree felony charges last July. Among the stipulations of his probation included an order for Rice to ‘avoid injurious and vicious habits, and do not use marijuana, narcotics, dangerous drugs, inhalants or prescription medication without first obtaining prescription for said substances from licensed physician.’

The NFL star was estimated to be speeding at 119mph before the collision, which resulted in several injuries for other motorists and passengers.

The occupants of the Lamborghini and the other speeding vehicle – a Corvette – left without checking on the drivers and passengers in the other four cars involved in the collision.

A spokesman for the rental company, The Classic Lifestyle, said the Lamborghini rents for about $1,750 a day and is worth about $250,000.

Police said the Corvette and Lamborghini were speeding in the far-left lane of North Central Expressway when they lost control. 

The Lamborghini went onto the shoulder and hit the center median wall, causing a chain-reaction collision. Four people in the other vehicles were treated for minor injuries.

The wide receiver was sentenced to five years’ probation over his 2024 hit-and-run crash 

In a related lawsuit, the NFL star agreed to pay $1million to a plaintiff who sued him over the 2024 crash, according to court documents obtained by Daily Mail.

He was also forced to pay $75,000 in pre-judgement interest and $12,000 in plaintiff attorney fees.

Rice started the 2025 season with a six-game suspension from the NFL due to his involvement in that Dallas car accident.

Addressing the incident and subsequent sentence last year, Rice had appeared to show remorse for his actions. 

Speaking on the multi-car crash upon returning to Chiefs camp last summer, he insisted that he had learned his lesson from the incident.

He recently explained to reporters: ‘I’ve completely changed. You have to learn from things like that. I’ve learned and taken advantage of being able to learn from something like that.’

‘I feel 100%. I’m excited to be back out here with the guys. Just kind of basically where I left off at,’ he added when asked about his comeback from injury.

Dashcam footage of the accident shows when the Super Bowl winner crashed in 2024 

‘The only thing is get back on the field and continue to have fun doing what I do.’

However, less than a year later, the wide receiver has landed himself in hot water yet again.  

Rice, a member of the Super Bowl LVIII-winning Chiefs team, is from the Dallas area. He played for Southern Methodist University and grew up in the Fort Worth suburb of North Richland Hills. 

Earlier this year, Rice filed more legal woes when Dacoda Jones, the mother of his children, filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of repeatedly assaulting her throughout their relationship, even when she was pregnant.

Jones alleged in a lawsuit filed in February that the Super Bowl winner had previously grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit and headbutted her. 

The mother of Rice’s two children claimed that he strangled her at their home in Texas in December 2023 ‘following an escalation in violent behavior.’ 

Travis Kelce stood by Rashee Rice after the Dallas car incident that occurred in 2024

Rice’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his children accused him of domestic violence

The lawsuit claimed that the wide receiver then continued to assault her until they eventually split in July 2025.

Rice was also accused in the complaint of throwing objects, destroying property, punching walls and breaking furniture, as well as locking Jones out in the middle of the night. It was claimed that a number of these incidents took place while Jones was pregnant.

As a result of the alleged abuse, Jones claimed she has endured multiple physical injuries, as well as ‘significant pain and suffering.’

However, following an investigation into the allegations, the NFL concluded that Rice ‘has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy’ and that he would not face any disciplinary action.

Warning: Graphic Content Ahead. This article contains police body-camera footage from the scene of a school shooting.

On Tuesday, former Virginia teacher Abby Zwerner shared her testimony about a 6-year-old student who shot her in a first-grade classroom. She detailed his “defiant” and concerning behavior in the days and hours before the incident.

“I noticed the student watching me,” she recounted. “I turned to look, and the gun was aimed directly at me. Then, I was shot.”

Zwerner spoke during the criminal proceedings in Newport News against Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary School. Parker faces eight felony charges of child neglect related to the January 6, 2023, shooting and has entered a plea of not guilty.

In her emotional account, Zwerner described a series of alarming signs involving the student, referred to in court as “JT,” who eventually drew a handgun and fired at her while other students were present in the room.

Abigail Zwerner, the teacher shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023, was the first witness Tuesday, May 19 in the trial of Ebony Parker in Newport News, Virginia. (WAVY)

She told jurors the student had already displayed aggressive behavior earlier that week, including an incident in which he grabbed and smashed her cellphone during reading-group time.

Zwerner testified the child appeared “very defiant” before breaking the phone and had what she described as a “challenging face.”

The student was absent the following day but returned to school on Jan. 6, the day of the shooting.

Former Richneck Elementary School assistant principal Ebony Parker looks back in the courtroom during Abby Zwerner’s lawsuit in Newport News, Va., on Oct. 28, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot via AP, Pool)

Zwerner testified that throughout the morning she became increasingly concerned about his behavior. She said the child seemed “off already that day” and appeared “violent.”

At lunch, Zwerner testified she observed the student staring intensely at her and a security officer in the cafeteria, which she said stood out to her as unusual behavior.

“I witnessed the student staring her down, very focused on her,” Zwerner testified.

She also told jurors she later saw the child outside at recess wearing an oversized jacket with both hands kept inside his pockets the entire time.

Abigail Zwerner smiles with her mother Julie as her lawyers speak to members of the press after a verdict was reached in her lawsuit against the assistant principal, Ebony Parker, of Richneck Elementary School during proceedings at Newport News Circuit Court in Newport News, Virginia, on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Prosecutors repeatedly questioned Zwerner about whether she relayed concerns to school administrators, including Parker.

Much of Tuesday’s testimony centered on what information Zwerner shared with administration before the shooting.

At several points, defense attorneys objected on hearsay grounds as prosecutors attempted to introduce testimony about reports that the student may have had a gun.

The judge allowed much of the testimony, ruling the statements were not being offered to prove the child had a firearm, but rather to establish what school officials had been told and what they knew before the shooting occurred.

WATCH THE BODYCAM:

Prosecutors allege Parker ignored repeated warnings from staff members that the student could be armed and failed to take action to protect students and employees.

Defense attorneys, meanwhile, sought to shift responsibility during cross-examination by questioning why Zwerner herself did not remove the child from the classroom or call police after becoming concerned he may have had a gun.

Attorney James Ellenson repeatedly pressed Zwerner on whether she personally separated the student from classmates or prevented him from returning to the classroom after recess.

“You allowed him to return to your classroom with other students, is that correct?” Ellenson asked.

“Yes,” Zwerner responded.

Former Richneck Elementary School teacher Abby Zwerner looks back in the courtroom during her civil lawsuit trial in Newport News, Va., on Oct. 28, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot via AP, Pool)

Ellenson also asked whether the “first responsibility to protect the students in the classroom” belonged to her as the teacher. Zwerner agreed.

When pressed about what actions she personally took to protect students, Zwerner answered: “I trusted my colleagues.”

Students return to Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 30, 2023. Prosecutors said a criminal investigation into staff members at the school will continue after a former assistant principal was charged with felony child neglect. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP, File)

Zwerner later recounted the moment the shooting happened.

She testified she was leading a small-group lesson when she saw the child point a gun directly at her.

The bullet traveled through her left hand and into her chest, she said.

Zwerner testified several students were nearby at the time of the shooting, including children sitting close to the student.

After being shot, she said her immediate concern was getting students safely out of the classroom.

“I hoped the children were getting out of the classroom,” she said.

Ebony Parker was released on bond in Newport News, Va., on April 10, 2024. She is the former assistant principal of an elementary school in Newport News. (Newport News Police Department)

Prosecutors brought one felony count for each of the eight bullets loaded in the gun. If convicted, Parker could face up to five years in prison on each count.

The charges allege Parker “did commit a willful act or omission in the care of such students, in a manner so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life,” according to court documents.

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In Columbia, South Carolina, Republican lawmakers in the state House dismissed Democratic concerns on Tuesday as they pushed forward with a crucial vote on a redistricting plan that could potentially secure them an additional congressional seat in the upcoming November midterm elections.

This redistricting effort, encouraged by former President Donald Trump, aims to alter South Carolina’s sole Democratic-held U.S. House district to favor Republicans. This move is part of a larger national strategy to help the GOP maintain its narrow majority in the House come fall.

If the plan receives approval on Tuesday, it would require one more standard vote in the House before advancing to the Senate, which has shown more skepticism. Some Republican senators have expressed concerns that the redistricting could inadvertently make districts more competitive, potentially allowing Democrats to gain seats rather than securing all seven for the Republicans.

Democratic U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn, whose seat is under threat, has vowed to seek an 18th term regardless of any changes to his district’s boundaries.

Throughout Tuesday’s discussions, Democrats lauded Clyburn’s contributions to the state and consistently objected to the proposed reconfiguration of his district. However, Republicans consistently dismissed their proposed amendments.

“What you all are doing is wrong,” said Democratic state Rep. JA Moore, adding: “You can justify it, rationalize it, but it’s wrong.”

Republican state Rep. Melissa Oremus later accused Democrats of “fear-mongering” for raising concerns about the potential impact on Black voters, asserting: “People are not being blocked from voting because of the color of their skin.”

Early voting is to start May 26 for the June 9 primaries. To buy time for the newly proposed map to be implemented, the South Carolina legislation would remove U.S. House races from the June primaries and instead set a special primary election in August to select candidates. Some absentee and overseas military votes that already have been cast for Congress would be tossed out.

Other Southern states have pursued a similar approach as they rush to redraw U.S. House districts following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a majority-Black district in Louisiana as an illegal racial gerrymander and significantly weakened Voting Rights Act protections for minority districts.

Louisiana’s congressional primaries, scheduled for last Saturday, were postponed until later this summer by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry to allow time for new districts to be drawn.

Primary election ballots were being cast Tuesday in Alabama. But the state plans to void the results in four of the seven U.S. House districts and instead hold special primaries Aug. 11 for those districts under different boundaries. The revised districts could help Republicans win an additional seat in November.

Redistricting ramifications are widening

All told, Republicans think they could win as many as 15 additional seats from revised US. House districts in seven states so far, while Democrats think they could gain up to six seats from new House districts in two states. That tally could change, though, as litigation continues in several states. Voters ultimately will decide whether those projections hold up.

The ramifications could extend beyond government and politics.

The NAACP on Tuesday called on Black athletes and fans to boycott the athletic programs of public universities in states that “have moved to limit, weaken or erase Black voting representation.” The campaign specifically calls out Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas — though new voting districts have not yet been enacted in all of those places.

Democratic state Rep. John King echoed the boycott call from the House floor, urging Black athletes to instead attend one of the South Carolina’s historically Black colleges.

“You cannot gerrymander away Black political power on Monday, then expect Black athletes to sell out your stadiums on Saturday,” King said.

After Democrats had debated the proposed changes for hours on Monday, the Republican-controlled chamber changed the rules for Tuesday by limiting members to only one amendment and setting time limits for speeches.

Republicans swiftly dismissing Democratic amendments. They asked almost no questions before voting down proposals for voter education about moving primaries, to have the state pay all local costs for a rescheduled congressional primary, to move the general election back two weeks, and nearly three dozen other proposals.

During his 10 minutes of allotted speech time, Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson talked about his grandfather, a Black soldier in the Army who was willing to die for his country but came home to a society where he was shamed and mistreated because of his skin color.

“We are far beyond a lot of atrocities that my grandfather faced. But I believe in 2026 we have manifested new ways of keeping people down,” said Johnson, who is running for the open governor’s seat.

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Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri.

Aaron Boone’s passion was on full display Tuesday night, resulting in an early departure from the game for the Yankees’ manager.

The heated moment came after the Yankees secured a 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays at the Stadium. Boone’s ejection followed a controversial play at the end of the seventh inning, involving a diving catch by Toronto’s center fielder, Daulton Varsho.

Varsho executed a spectacular full-extension dive to snag a sinking line drive from Jazz Chisholm Jr. The umpires ruled that the ball had not touched the grass, as Varsho closed his glove around it, a call that Boone clearly disagreed with.

Varsho went all-out and full extension to catch a sinking line drive from Jazz Chisholm Jr., which was not ruled to have touched the grass as the outfielder’s glove closed on the ball.

Boone, before the top of the eighth, got into a shouting match with second base umpire Brennan Miller, who promptly tossed the Yankees manager.

Earlier, the Yankees lost their challenge when Anthony Volpe’s caught stealing was upheld in the bottom of the fourth.

Miller, as Talkin’ Yanks notes, was on the other end of a notorious Boone blowup in 2019 when he told the umpire to get his strike zone tightened up.

“You’re having a piece-of-s- -t start to this game,” Boone could be heard saying on the YES Network broadcast that July. “I feel bad for you, but f—king get better. That guy [Rays starter Yonny Chirinos] is a good pitcher, but our guys are f–king savages in that box. Our guys are savages in the f–king box. Tighten it up right now, OK?”

The Yankees, even with Boone’s heave-ho, held on for the win to take their second straight over the rival Jays.