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South Carolina man convicted of murdering 2 people gets a June execution date South Carolina man convicted of murdering 2 people gets a June execution date COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina man who was twice sentenced to die for killing two people nearly two decades ago was scheduled Friday to be executed on June 13. The state Supreme Court issued the death warrant against Stephen Stanko for the Horry County shooting death of a friend. Stanko is also on death row for killing a woman he was living with in Georgetown County and raping her teenage daughter. Stanko is the first person whose death has been scheduled in South Carolina since Mikal Mahdi was executed by firing squad on April 11. Mahdi’s lawyers released autopsy results that show the shots that killed him barely hit his heart and suggested he was in agonizing pain for three or four times longer than experts say he would have been if his heart had been hit directly. Stanko will get to decide if he dies by firing squad, lethal injection or the electric chair. The deadline for his decision is May 30. Inmate wants more information about how he may die Hours after the date for his death was set, Stanko’s lawyers asked the South Carolina Supreme Court to require prison officials to release more information about the firing squad and lethal injection, saying he was leaning toward the firing squad until the possible problems with Mahdi’s execution surfaced. They want any reports the prison agency produces to review executions after they are conducted, with the names of employees blacked out. They want a description of the training the firing squad conducts and the steps taken when an X-ray is done before the shooting to locate the heart. Stanko’s lawyers also want to know if there were different members of the firing squad and target placement team for Mahdi than had those roles in another firing squad execution that appeared to go as planned. They want to know if the workers responsible for Mahdi’s death would be on Stanko’s execution team if he chooses the firing squad. The attorneys also want prison officials to spell out why two doses of pentobarbital were used in the three lethal injection deaths this year and whether that is the new procedure or is the extra dose 10 minutes after the first is needed because the inmate continues to live. The attorneys said they have advised Stanko to avoid the electric chair because there is evidence inmates don’t lose consciousness immediately and can suffer intense pain and agony. The crimes Stanko, 57, is being executed for killing his 74-year-old friend Henry Turner. Stanko went to Turner’s home in April 2006 after lying about his father dying and then shot Turner twice while using a pillow as a silencer, authorities said. Stanko stole Turner’s truck, cleaned out his bank account and then spent the next few days in Augusta, Georgia, where he told people in town for the Masters golf tournament that he owned several ******** restaurants. He stayed with a woman who took him to church. She then called police once she saw his photo and that he was wanted, police said. Hours before killing Turner, Stanko beat and strangled his girlfriend in her home and ****** her daughter before slashing the teen’s throat. The daughter survived and testified against him at one of his trials. His own lawyer called him a ‘psychopath’ Stanko admitted to the killings. His defense said he had problems with the frontal lobe of his brain that left him aggressive, unable to control his impulses and without empathy. They argued that he was either not guilty by reason of insanity or that he at least shouldn’t get the death penalty because of his mental illness. In his appeals, Stanko said his trial attorney ruined his chance at a fair trial and lost any sympathy with jurors by calling him a “psychopath.” Firing squad problems Mahdi’s lawyers raised several issues after his firing squad death — just the second ever in South Carolina. The only photo of Mahdi taken at his autopsy shows two apparent chest wounds. Officials said all three bullets fired by the three volunteer prison employees hit Mahdi, with two going through the same hole. During the state’s first firing squad death, the autopsy found that Brad Sigmon’s heart had been destroyed. Just one of the four chambers of Mahdi’s heart was perforated, which likely meant he didn’t die in the 15 seconds experts predicted he would have if the squad’s aim was true, according to his lawyers. Witnesses said Mahdi, who had a hood over his head, groaned 45 seconds after he was shot. South Carolina’s busy death chamber Stanko will be the sixth inmate killed in South Carolina since an unintended 13-year pause on executions ended in September 2024. The state struggled for years to get the drugs needed for lethal injections until it passed a shield law that allowed the execution procedures, and the names of the drug supplier and execution team members, to remain secret. Three South Carolina inmates have died by lethal injection over the past eight months, while two have chosen the firing squad. Across the U.S., 16 executions have taken place in 2025, with at least six more scheduled before Stanko is set to die. Source link #South #Carolina #man #convicted #murdering #people #June #execution #date Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kristen Stewart’s ‘The Chronology Of Water’ Flows To 6½-Minute Ovation After Cannes Premiere – Deadline Kristen Stewart’s ‘The Chronology Of Water’ Flows To 6½-Minute Ovation After Cannes Premiere – Deadline Kristen Stewart’s ‘The Chronology Of Water’ Flows To 6½-Minute Ovation After Cannes Premiere DeadlineThe Chronology of Water review: Kristen Stewart makes a traumatic splash with directorial debut The GuardianThe Chronology of Water, as seen by Kristen Stewart Festival de CannesWhy Kristen Stewart Didn’t Star in Her Own Directorial Debut VultureKristen Stewart Says It’s a ‘Bulls— Fallacy’ That You Need ‘Experience’ to Direct: ‘It’s a Real Male Perspective’ and ‘Anyone Can Make a Movie if They Have Something to Say’ Variety Source link #Kristen #Stewarts #Chronology #Water #Flows #6½Minute #Ovation #Cannes #Premiere #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man who fatally mowed down brother of NRL star Tom Opacic over love triangle dispute fails in appeal over 10-year sentence Man who fatally mowed down brother of NRL star Tom Opacic over love triangle dispute fails in appeal over 10-year sentence A man who struck and killed the brother of an NRL star in a “brutal and senseless” act over a relationship dispute has suffered a major court setback. Source link #Man #fatally #mowed #brother #NRL #star #Tom #Opacic #love #triangle #dispute #fails #appeal #10year #sentence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cassie Will Get $10 Million from L.A. InterContinental Hotel Cassie Will Get $10 Million from L.A. InterContinental Hotel Cassie Ventura, the star witness for the prosecution in the sensational federal sex trafficking trial of her ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs, told the court under defense questioning that she has negotiated a $10 million settlement with the InterContinental Hotel in Century City. Under questioning about any financial tentacles connected to Ventura’s four days of emotional testimony that took place this week by Combs’ defense attorney Anna Estevao, Ventura said that the five-star hotel had agreed to pay her in a settlement that she said “had been reached in the past month,” in connection with a violent 2016 incident that was captured on a security camera and later leaked to CNN, which aired it in 2024. A spokesperson for the InterContinental Hotel chain could not immediately be reached for comment. Those funds, which Ventura testified she had not received yet, are in addition to the $20 million settlement Ventura reached quickly with Combs in November 2023 after filing an abuse and assault civil suit against the music mogul. The testimony elicited gasps in the courtroom as Ventura’s testimony came after she told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson that she had no monetary motive for testifying in Combs’ criminal trial. Ventura has spent four days on the stand describing abuse she said she suffered from Combs, including the attack that took place in Century City. On Thursday, Ventura insisted that she made the decision to testify against her longtime ex-boyfriend. Ventura said, “I’m here to do the right thing. I can’t carry this anymore … the shame, the guilt.” When the video of the 2016 hotel assault went viral, Diddy publicly apologized. The incident has been referred to by Combs’ lawyers as “indefensible” and “dehumanizing.” But, his team maintains it is not evidence that Combs engaged in sex trafficking and racketeering, which is what he is charged with by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. On Monday, jurors heard testimony from Israel Florez, a security guard at the InterContinental in Century City who witnessed Combs’ assault on Ventura, and then took video of surveillance footage with his cellphone without reporting it to police. Florez said that when he arrived at the scene of the attack, he escorted Combs back to the room and asked Ventura if she wanted police help, to which she responded, he testified, “I just want to leave.” He showed it to other hotel staffers, he testified, who also did not report the attack. Testimony will resume Monday. Source link #Cassie #Million #L.A #InterContinental #Hotel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Russia takes tough stance in Istanbul talks, threatens Ukraine with long war – The Washington Post Russia takes tough stance in Istanbul talks, threatens Ukraine with long war – The Washington Post Russia takes tough stance in Istanbul talks, threatens Ukraine with long war The Washington PostRussia-Ukraine peace talks end after less than 2 hours with deal to swap POWs but no ceasefire AP NewsLive updates: Ukraine’s allies call Russian demands unacceptable after first talks in years CNNUkraine: Zelenskyy-Putin talks should be ‘next step’ — Kyiv dw.comUS has ‘low expectation’ of breakthrough in Ukraine peace talks, Rubio says BBC Source link #Russia #takes #tough #stance #Istanbul #talks #threatens #Ukraine #long #war #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Arthur wins battle of Aussie coaches in Super League Arthur wins battle of Aussie coaches in Super League Leeds have come back from 12 points down to beat Hull FC, handing Brad Arthur victory over *********** coaching rival John Cartwright. Source link #Arthur #wins #battle #Aussie #coaches #Super #League Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

West Lafayette student, 16, suspected of attacking teacher with laptop charging cord West Lafayette student, 16, suspected of attacking teacher with laptop charging cord WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — West Lafayette police arrested a 16-year-old boy late Thursday morning on suspicion of attacking his teacher, according to police. The student was disruptive inside the alternative school in the old Happy Hollow School in the 1200 block of Salisbury Street and sent to the hallway about 11 a.m. May 15. He was told to go to the office, but he refused, according to police. The teacher started walking to the office and told the boy to follow him, police said. When they got to the office, the boy pushed the teacher down and hit him with a laptop charging cord, police said. Police arrived and arrested the boy for suspicion of battery. Officers took the boy to the juvenile detention center, police said. Reach Ron Wilkins at *****@*****.tld. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: West Lafayette student suspected of attacking teacher Source link #West #Lafayette #student #suspected #attacking #teacher #laptop #charging #cord Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Supreme Court rebukes Texas judges, backs hearing before deportation for detained Venezuelans – Los Angeles Times Supreme Court rebukes Texas judges, backs hearing before deportation for detained Venezuelans – Los Angeles Times Supreme Court rebukes Texas judges, backs hearing before deportation for detained Venezuelans Los Angeles TimesSupreme Court blocks Trump from restarting Alien Enemies Act deportations CNNSupreme Court rules administration must give Venezuelans more time to challenge deportation under Alien Enemies Act NBC NewsSupreme Court again bars Trump from removing Venezuelan nationals SCOTUSblogTrump news at a glance: President sees setbacks in the courts and Congress as controversial Gulf tour ends The Guardian Source link #Supreme #Court #rebukes #Texas #judges #backs #hearing #deportation #detained #Venezuelans #Los #Angeles #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Eurovision ‘disaster’: Drag queen star Courtney Act suffers wardrobe malfunctions moments before Go-Jo’s debut Eurovision ‘disaster’: Drag queen star Courtney Act suffers wardrobe malfunctions moments before Go-Jo’s debut Moments before WA’s Go-Jo (Marty Zambotto) took to the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, drag queen and commentator Courtney Act faced “disaster”. Act, whose real name is Shane Jenek, was getting into full glam in her hotel when a major wardrobe malfunction occurred. . The drag star, loved for her appearances on realities shows like *********** Idol and RuPaul’s Drag Race, had to put her sewing skills to the test after the zip on her specially made Milkshake Man costume snapped right off. Act had used a common drag queen trick to help her get into her costume. Her white custom dress had a long string attached to the zipper on the back so that she could simply pull the string and be zipped in. However, on first attempt, Act, who has recently been boasting about progress made in the gym, snapped the zipper. Camera IconOh no! Courtney Act has revealed she suffered a wardrobe ‘disaster’ in the moments before Eurovision semi final two. Credit: Instagram It is unclear if Act was perhaps too strong for the zipper, or if it just wasn’t up for the job. “Disaster struck when my zipper broke getting ready!” Act wrote on Instagram. “Will I make it to the ball on time? Or just keep my back to the wall the whole night so no one notices my gaping dress?” she joked. In a video posted on social media, Act could be seen removing the dress, attempting to fix the zip, then trying again. Sadly, disaster struck once more with the zip breaking for a second time. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Act did eventually make it to the Eurovision Song Content semi final two, revealing later online that someone in her hotel lobby saved the day and managed to fix the broken zipper. Former Biggest Loser Host Michelle Bridges commented: “OMFG I felt your pain instantly!!! zippers!!!!!” WA born Go-Jo “did Australia proud,” Act wrote online. Sadly, the Milkshake Man’s chances of winning poured down the sink when voting was announced, with Australia not one of the 10 counties securing the most votes from the semi final, meaning Go-Jo would not proceed to the grand final. “This experience has been truly amazing, and I feel so lucky to have shared this incredible opportunity with so many talented artists,” Gojo said after the results were handed down. “I’ve never felt more comfortable to share my art than on the Eurovision stage and with all the wonderful Eurovision fans around the world. “I’ve made memories I’ll cherish forever, and I want to say a huge thank you to Australia for all the incredible support – I hope I made you proud.” The Eurovision Song Contest resumes live at 5am AEST on Sunday, but those not wanting to wake up early can catch a replay on the semi finals and the grand finals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night on SBS. Source link #Eurovision #disaster #Drag #queen #star #Courtney #Act #suffers #wardrobe #malfunctions #moments #GoJos #debut Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump admin announces certain Social Security beneficiaries will face 15% cuts in June Trump admin announces certain Social Security beneficiaries will face 15% cuts in June Starting next month, Social Security beneficiaries who have fallen behind on their student loan payments face up to 15% garnishment of their payments. Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced student loan borrowers in default will be once again subject to the long-halted Treasury Offset Program (TOP). TOP is a collections process which allows the federal government to withhold money from payments such as tax refunds, federal salaries, social security and other benefits to pay off debts owed. TOP was suspended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic for delinquent student loan borrowers, and was not reactivated throughout the Biden administration for this group. According to Newsweek, TOP can offset up to 15% of Social Security benefits to pay back defaulted federal student loans, though, the benefits check cannot go lower than $750. In its May 5 announcement, the Department of Education (DOE) said about 195,000 student loan borrowers in default have started receiving official 30-day notices from the Treasury Department about the use of TOP. DOE indicated the first monthly benefit checks subject to the offset are scheduled for early June, once the 30 day notice window elapses. By the end of the summer, DOE added that “all 5.3 million defaulted borrowers will receive a notice from the Treasury that their earnings will be subject to administrative wage garnishment.” There are about 2.9 million people nationwide who are 62 or older owing federal student loans as of early 2025, CNBC reported, citing DOE data. A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report from early January noted an estimated 452,000 borrowers in this category are likely to experience forced collections on their Social Security benefits. That report also warned that forced collections “can push older borrowers into poverty, undermining the purpose of the Social Security program.” CNBC reported that the 15% offset is calculated from the total benefit before any deductions and that it encompasses both retirement and disability Social Security benefits. Borrowers in default who receive a TOP notice from the DOE should also receive information about how to challenge the collections if they can prove they are experiencing financial hardship or have a pending loan discharge, CNBC added in its report. The latest from MassLive Read the original article on MassLive. Source link #Trump #admin #announces #Social #Security #beneficiaries #face #cuts #June Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DHS considering reality show in which immigrants compete for citizenship – The Washington Post DHS considering reality show in which immigrants compete for citizenship – The Washington Post DHS considering reality show in which immigrants compete for citizenship The Washington PostDHS Is Considering Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete for Citizenship WSJDHS says it’s in beginning stages of ‘vetting process’ for immigrant reality TV show CNNTrump officials reportedly consider TV gameshow with US citizenship as prize The GuardianA Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete for U.S. Citizenship? D.H.S. Is Considering It. The New York Times Source link #DHS #reality #show #immigrants #compete #citizenship #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How EncroChat crackdown uncovered Kerri Pegg’s affair with inmate How EncroChat crackdown uncovered Kerri Pegg’s affair with inmate PA Media Kerri Pegg, 42, was seen as a “rising star” of the Prison Service Kerri Pegg was considered a rising star of the prison service after a career change – but is now starting a nine year sentence. Pegg, who had spent eight years as a probation officer, was convicted of misconduct in public office and possession of criminal property for her affair with drug dealer Anthony Saunderson. She rose through the ranks quickly after joining as a graduate in 2012, and by April 2018 was in the top job at HMP Kirkham in Lancashire. But behind the scenes, it is now evident Pegg was struggling financially – with four “maxed out” credit cards and 6p in her savings account. Even before her move to the top job, her previous boss at HMP Liverpool had pulled her up on undeclared County Court Judgments (CCJ) – which are considered a corruption risk. But in her office in Kirkham far more serious conflict of interests was beginning to develop. Already serving his sentence was Anthony Saunderson, a career criminal from Liverpool convicted of his involvement in smuggling ******** in shipments of corned beef from Argentina. Pegg’s trial in Preston Crown Court had heard there were concerns over Pegg’s relationship to Saunderson from early on in her tenure at HMP Kirkham. CPS Kerri Pegg accepted a Mercedes C-class car as a gift from the gang boss The “bubbly” and “chatty” prison governor would spend significant periods in her office with Saunderson – with the door closed. Whether or not Saunderson was using Pegg or their relationship was genuine – his time with her appeared to pay off in October 2018 when she approved an application for his early release on temporary licence – despite not having the authority to do so. With Saunderson a free man, they continued to spend time together on the outside. In court, Pegg said at the time she was responsible for delivering the drug strategy for six jails in the north-west of England. Saunderson, meanwhile, was developing and delivering a programme called Beating Alcohol and Drug Dependency (BADD) for inmates at several prisons. Therefore, so she told the jury, their relationship was based on professional interests which she claimed was why they stayed in touch. However Saunderson had not given up his criminal interests and in 2022 he was back in police custody – charged with being involved in an enormous injectable amphetamine production plot based out of premises in Sealand in Flintshire, north Wales. His downfall, like hundreds of other serious criminals in the ***, had been his trust in the Encrochat encrypted phone network – which was believed to be impenetrable. North Wales Police Saunderson had used the name Jesse Pinkman, a meth dealer in the hit TV show Breaking Bad However after its servers were hacked in 2019, police across Europe could follow the messages of its users in real-time exposing a treasure-trove of evidence on organised criminals. Saunderson, it later emerged, was the man behind the Encrochat handles Jesse Pinkman – a reference to the meth dealer in the Breaking Bad television series – and James Gandolfini, the acclaimed actor who played ****** boss Tony Soprano. He received a 31-year prison sentence in August 2022 for producing and dealing amphetamines as well as trafficking heroin, ********, cannabis, ketamine, MCAT and diazepam – plus firearms charges. But on top of his drugs business, detectives found concerning references to his relationship with Pegg. Messages between his fellow drug traffickers expressed concerns about how much time he was spending with her away from “business”. That investigation also revealed she had accepted a £12,000 Mercedes car as a gift from Saunderson, which North Wales Police found had been paid for with 34kg of amphetamines. With enough to arrest Pegg, detectives raided her home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, and found further increasingly damning evidence. Hugo Boss flip flops which were found to have Saunderson’s DNA on them A pair of men’s size 10 Hugo Boss flip-flops, clearly not the footwear of the Pegg, and a toothbrush were both tested and DNA profiles matching Saunderson were present. Pegg denied any inappropriate relationship with Saunderson in court, and said the only explanation she had for the presence of Saunderson’s DNA in her flat was the fact she sometimes took her toothbrush with her to prison. The jury at Preston Crown Court did not believe her. On 8 April she was convicted of two counts of misconduct in a public office relating to her relationship with Saunderson and her failure to disclose her debts. She was also found guilty of possession of criminal property, in relation to the Mercedes she accepted from Saunderson. Judge Graham Knowles KC remanded her in custody ahead of her sentencing and told her: “I have no choice but to send you to prison due to the gravity of your offending.” Source link #EncroChat #crackdown #uncovered #Kerri #Peggs #affair #inmate Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

East Victoria Park incident: Police cordon off area of Berwick and Whittlesford streets East Victoria Park incident: Police cordon off area of Berwick and Whittlesford streets Police flooded an area of East Victoria Park on Friday night after a serious incident. Traffic police on motorbikes diverted traffic near the corner of Berwick and Whittlesford streets. Berwick Street was closed from Hillview Terrace to Langler street. An ambulance attended the scene. Camera IconPolice flock to Berwick Street, East Victoria Park. Credit: Supplied People took to Facebook, with one person writing “Berwick Street blocked off, police and ambulance present across from Carson Street School”. Another wrote “confirmed hit and run” before the comment was deleted. Source link #East #Victoria #Park #incident #Police #cordon #area #Berwick #Whittlesford #streets Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

University of Tennessee College of Law changes name after $32.5M donation University of Tennessee College of Law changes name after $32.5M donation KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The University of Tennessee College of Law is now known by a new name, honoring a alum and former Tennessee lawmaker, after a $32.5 million donation was made to the school. On Friday, the UT Board of Trustees approved the name change in honor of Frank Winston. The change was made following a $32.5 million donation by the Bill Gatton Foundation. In addition to being a graduate of the College of Law, a U.S. Air Force veteran and a state house representative, UT said Winston was also a trusted friend and advisor to philanthropist and entrepreneur Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton. Knoxville man arrested, charged in Sevier County car burglaries “Their enduring friendship, special attorney-client relationship, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to service will now shape the future of legal education at UT,” the University of Tennessee said. The $32.5 million gift will establish opportunities for law students through two fellowship programs that are designed to produce lawyers who embody the shared values of Winston and Gatton. Those students will be known as the Frank Winston Public Interest Law Fellows and the Frank Winston Business Law Fellows. Both fellowships will award full scholarships that cover three years of Juris Doctor studies plus a generous stipend, paid summer work experience and “numerous enriching educational and professional activities,” the University of Tennessee said. The gift will also introduce the Frank Winston Law Grants, which are three year scholarships that will give at least 50 students in each class $1,000 annually to provide additional support for costs associated with law school. ‘Makes you proud to be an American’: Veterans running across US reach East TN “We are deeply grateful to The Bill Gatton Foundation for investing in our mission to prepare future leaders of the legal profession,” the College of Law wrote on social media. “Welcome to our new chapter — the Frank Winston College of Law.” The Winston College of Law was founded in 1890 and is the fifth named college at UT. The others are the Herbert College of Agriculture, the Haslam College of Business, the Tickle College of Engineering, and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Source link #University #Tennessee #College #Law #32.5M #donation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating Below Triple-A – The New York Times Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating Below Triple-A – The New York Times Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating Below Triple-A The New York TimesU.S. Loses Last Triple-A Credit Rating WSJMoody’s cuts America’s pristine credit rating, citing rising debt ReutersMoody’s downgrades U.S. credit as Congress considers bill that could add to deficits The Washington PostThe United States just lost its last perfect credit rating CNN Source link #Moodys #Downgrades #U.S #Credit #Rating #TripleA #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Inmates on ******* charges among 11 escapees from New Orleans prison Inmates on ******* charges among 11 escapees from New Orleans prison Getty Images The Orleans Parish Jail is only a few kilometres from the city’s famous French Quarter Ten prisoners, several of them facing ******* charges, have escaped a New Orleans jail, authorities say. The inmates are thought to have fled around midnight, and were discovered missing during a headcount at 08:30 local time (13:30 GMT) at the Orleans Parish Jail on Friday morning. One inmate was apprehended in New Orleans’ French Quarter, police said. The other nine inmates are considered “armed and dangerous”, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office said, adding that a search was underway. Louisiana State Police identified one escapee as Kendall Myles in downtown New Orleans through facial recognition technology after he was caught on a surveillance camera. He tried to flee on foot before being apprehended hiding underneath a car in a parking garage, the police force said. He was subsequently transported back to the Orleans Parish Jail, and “is being rebooked at the facility for a new charge of Simple Escape”, it said in a statement. The New Orleans Police Department has released the names and photographs of the escapees in a post on X. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office initially said 11 prisoners had escaped from the facility, but the number was revised down later on Friday. While authorities are yet to say how the inmates escaped, WDSU, an affiliate of NBC, reported they dug a hole possibly under a toilet. The BBC has not verified that account. Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Photos released by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office show damage inside the jail New Orleans police chief Anne Kirkpatrick said the prisoner escape was an “urgent and serious situation” and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity. Victims of some of the escapees have been notified, she said, adding that several are facing ******* and other violent charges. The inmates probably had help, Supt Kirkpatrick said, and are unlikely to still be wearing prison uniforms, warning that anyone who helped the inmates would be charged. The FBI and US Marshals have also joined local police in the search, she added. The Orleans Parish Jail is located near the centre of the city, around 3 km (2 miles) from the city’s famous French Quarter. Source link #Inmates #******* #charges #among #escapees #Orleans #prison Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Reel Talk: The Surfer sees Nicolas Cage in his Ozploitation era Reel Talk: The Surfer sees Nicolas Cage in his Ozploitation era 3 stars Starring: Nicolas Cage, Julian McMahon, Finn Little, Alex Bertrand Rated: MA15+ In Cinemas: Now Some actors transform for a role. Others transform the role itself, bending it in their image. Nicolas Cage has always been in the latter category, and this is certainly the case in The Surfer, the Hollywood superstar’s psychological thriller that was shot in Yallingup. Cage calls it “Nouveau shamanism”, illustrated hilariously when he played a version of himself in the excellent 2022 comedy, The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent. But, whatever you call it, no one does it better than him. And by “it” we’re talking about playing characters that oscillate effortlessly between unnatural calm and mania, earnestness and frivolity. If you need an actor who can believably seem unhinged, yet, by the closing credits, salvage sanity from the brink of madness, Cage is your guy. Which is precisely why Irish director Lorcan Finnegan (who previously gave us the trippy 2019 film, Vivarium) had to have the Oscar-winner for The Surfer. Wearing its influences like a blistering sunburn, the movie channels the Ozploitation era of *********** filmmaking, which produced seminal works such as Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 classic, Wake In Fright. Think blazing sun, austere cinematography and a nagging sense of unease that permeates everything. The plot follows Cage’s unnamed character, who returns to his coastal home town after years working in the US, with a dream of surfing the beloved break of his childhood and purchasing the house he grew up in. There’s just one problem — a gang of surfers, known as the Bay Boys, are viciously protective of said break. Led by Scally, a charismatic bloke who doubles as a masculinity guru (played to perfection by Julian McMahon), the Bay Boys’ locals-only policy sees them view Cage as an interloper. Stubbornly refusing to leave the car park overlooking the beach until the finance on the house comes through, Cage is inexorably pulled into a conflict with the locals. Baked in the sun, his grip on reality loosens as his desire to build a new life starts to become a desperate and unhealthy obsession. Scally, meanwhile, is indoctrinating young surfers in a storyline that examines modern masculinity, with McMahon finely balancing the menace to ensure the audience is never really convinced he’s an outright villain. Similarly, Cage’s perspective often feels untrustworthy, and you’re left with a sense this could all be in his head, which adds to the surreal nature of the film. In the end, this oddness occasionally overwhelms the drama, and, though Cage’s commitment to the role is commendable, going Full Cage is an acquired taste. Finnegan leans into the weird in a way we don’t often see anymore, but it’s hard to escape the feeling a more straightforward approach might have yielded a stronger result. Source link #Reel #Talk #Surfer #sees #Nicolas #Cage #Ozploitation #era Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ancient Qin and Han Dynasty tombs Discovered in China’s Xinjiang Ancient Qin and Han Dynasty tombs Discovered in China’s Xinjiang Scientists discover ancient tombs in Toksun County, Xinjiang, China. Credit: jt Guan / CC BY 3.0 Archaeologists have discovered hundreds of ancient Qin and Han tombs in Toksun County, near the city of Turpan in northwest China’s Xinjiang autonomous region. The findings are part of the country’s ongoing national cultural heritage survey and shed new light on early human life in the region. Researchers say the burial ground dates back more than 2,000 years, to key periods in ******** history – including the Warring States ******* (475–221 B.C.), and the later Qin and Han dynasties (221 B.C.–220 A.D.). These eras marked early political struggles and the formation of China’s first united empire. Tombs reveal early communal burial practices The site stretches across 10,000 square meters and includes more than 200 tombs. Experts have identified two main types of tombs: circular and square-shaped mounds built from piled stones. The structures remain well-preserved and are considered an important example of early communal burial practices in the Turpan Basin. Wang Long, a lead researcher at the Turpan Studies Institute, said the find offers a rare glimpse into how ancient communities in the area treated the dead. Unlike individual graves, many of these tombs show signs of being shared, suggesting that burial may have followed collective traditions. Location points to nomadic settlement patterns The site was discovered on a raised terrace close to a river and a natural water source. According to Ekbar Kerim, a local cultural official, the location was likely chosen for its practical value. A large ancient burial site has been discovered in Toksun County, northwest China's #Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to the local team conducting the fourth national cultural relics census. Through field investigations and expert evaluations, the tombs in the city of… pic.twitter.com/8rSiQpme1j — Deep China (@Deep__China) May 16, 2025 “This location was a suitable area for ancient nomadic people to live, migrate and bury the dead,” Kerim said. Similar burial sites have been found throughout Central Asia, often located near river valleys. These areas were commonly used by nomadic groups for settlement and movement, as they offered resources and open routes for travel. Clues to Silk Road exchanges and ancient identity Kerim added that the discovery holds value beyond burial customs. It may also help researchers understand early cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road — a network of trade routes that once connected China to the rest of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Artifacts and burial styles may provide evidence of contact between different civilizations. Despite the progress, the identities of the individuals buried at the site remain unknown. Researchers hope that further excavation and analysis will offer new clues. Questions remain about who these people were, how they lived, and what role they played in the region’s early history. Ongoing studies are expected to reveal more about the people of the Turpan Basin and their place in the broader story of human development across ancient Central Asia. Source link #Ancient #Qin #Han #Dynasty #tombs #Discovered #Chinas #Xinjiang Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Upscale California hotel faces daily $11K fine for privatizing beach Upscale California hotel faces daily $11K fine for privatizing beach A historic oceanfront hotel in Laguna Beach is under fire for setting up a private area for its guests. In violation of a California law ensuring public beach access, the upscale property faces a fine of up to $11,250 per day, according to the state. Hotel Laguna claims to be first hotel located on the famous Orange County beach, set along the Pacific Coast Highway, for over 125 years, according to its website. It also has a several years-long history of breaking the law set by the California Coastal Act, which manages conservation and the development of coastal resources while also providing “maximum public access to the coast,” according to the California Coastal Commission. Most recently, the hotel has built a “berm” on the sand outside of its property line with umbrellas, beach chairs and signage, according to a letter shared with USA TODAY that was sent to the property by the commission last week. Such unpermitted developments “unlawfully discourage public access to public trust lands” by giving the impression that the beach is private, the letter continued. While private ownership on the shoreline is legal, the state owns all beaches “waterward of the mean high tide line.” Feuds over ensuring access to public beaches are nothing new to California, with various battles hitting the sands of California’s coast from San Diego to Malibu to Half Moon Bay. California’s beaches are publicly owned on the water side of the high tide line. However, many communities have made it hard over the years for people to reach the coastline. On social media, people have posted TikToks of the hotel’s employees allegedly threatening them if they don’t leave. Others have left scathing comments on the hotel’s Instagram posts, saying, “shame on you” and that it’s “stealing” the beach. The government agency is requesting the hotel promptly remove these unpermitted developments but, due to a history of similar violations, is also considering “formal enforcement.” In 2024, the commission received reports that people walking along the water’s edge were being told they were trespassing private property, when it’s lawfully state land. The hotel had also set up a barrier for a volleyball net, poles and other “other equipment that discourages public access.” The hotel has until May 23 to provide photographic evidence that the berm and other beach equipment have been removed. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Upscale Laguna Beach hotel under fire for violating coastal access law Source link #Upscale #California #hotel #faces #daily #11K #fine #privatizing #beach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

US claim of state secrets privilege in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is ‘inadequate,’ judge says – AP News US claim of state secrets privilege in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is ‘inadequate,’ judge says – AP News US claim of state secrets privilege in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is ‘inadequate,’ judge says AP NewsU.S. Takes Defiant Stance in Court, Saying Abrego Garcia Deportation Was Lawful The New York TimesFrustrated judge demands more justification for Trump DOJ’s claim of state secrets in Abrego Garcia case CNNTrump administration faces court pressure to return deported migrants The Washington PostJudge scolds Trump officials for continued recalcitrance in Abrego Garcia case Politico Source link #claim #state #secrets #privilege #Kilmar #Abrego #Garcia #case #inadequate #judge #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ros Atkins on… how world leaders are responding to Israel's blockade of Gaza Ros Atkins on… how world leaders are responding to Israel's blockade of Gaza The BBC’s Analysis Editor Ros Atkins looks at how world leaders are responding to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Source link #Ros #Atkins #on.. #world #leaders #responding #Israel039s #blockade #Gaza Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Grand Mercure Basildene Manor: The majestic Margaret River accommodation winning awards and hearts Grand Mercure Basildene Manor: The majestic Margaret River accommodation winning awards and hearts Like in a scene from a romance novel, ***** Jurewicz finds herself stumbling into a majestic manor, windswept and soaked to the bone. What she finds is something special. Source link #Grand #Mercure #Basildene #Manor #majestic #Margaret #River #accommodation #winning #awards #hearts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘Non-starter’ Ukraine talks renew call for US sanctions bill ‘Non-starter’ Ukraine talks renew call for US sanctions bill By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. senators renewed calls on Friday for Congress to pass sanctions on Russia after Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks showed little progress, but no votes were scheduled on bills introduced six weeks ago aimed at pressuring Moscow to negotiate seriously. Kyiv and Moscow’s first direct talks in more than three years on Friday ended in well under two hours, with Russia presenting conditions that a Ukrainian source described as “non-starters.” Russian President Vladimir “Putin will continue stonewalling and slow-walking ceasefire efforts till his economy is hit hard — isolating it on a financial island,” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said in a statement urging a vote on sanctions legislation. Blumenthal and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham introduced a bill on April 1 that is intended to make it more difficult for Russia to fund its war by adding provisions like a 500% tariff on imports to the U.S. from countries that buy Russian energy. The Senate bill now has at least 73 co-sponsors in the 100-member chamber, although leaders have not indicated when it might be brought up for a vote. A similar measure introduced the same day in the House of Representatives has 28 co-sponsors, also from both parties. Graham, who was in Turkey for a NATO foreign ministers meeting this week, called for the bill’s passage, criticizing Putin’s decision not to attend the talks with Ukraine. “When it comes to Russia’s games, enough is enough,” Graham said in a statement. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 the United States and its allies have added layer upon layer of sanctions on the country. While the measures have been painful for Russia’s economy, Moscow has found ways to circumvent the sanctions and continue funding its war. Aides to the Republican leaders of the Senate and House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. House leaders have been focused this week on President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax bill, which failed to clear a procedural hurdle on Friday. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Source link #Nonstarter #Ukraine #talks #renew #call #sanctions #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia and Tesla soar, boosted by Trump’s Middle East tour Nvidia and Tesla soar, boosted by Trump’s Middle East tour (COMBO) This combination of pictures created on January 31, 2025 shows (L) Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 6, 2025, and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on January 31, 2025. Jensen Huang, CEO of AI chip giant Nvidia, met January 31, 2025 with President Donald Trump as the company suffered a rough week on Wall Street over competition with China and the threat of tariffs on semiconductors. Getty Images It’s been a stellar week for technology stocks thanks to thawing global tensions and President Donald Trump’s Middle East jaunt. Tesla and Nvidia jumped 17% and 16%, respectively, this week as tensions eased between the U.S. and China and Trump’s Middle East dealmaking tour put tech deals in the spotlight. Both China and the U.S. announced a 90-day pause on tariffs, in a move that signaled a major de-escalation of the sweeping global trade war that has rattled markets since April. During a White House-led visit to the Middle East this week, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang shared plans to sell more than 18,000 of its artificial intelligence Blackwell chips to Saudi Arabia-based Humain to power data centers. AMD also said it would supply chips to Humain. The stock popped nearly 14% for the week. Palantir and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were among the other tech stocks that surged more than 10%. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was also in Saudi Arabia and said the kingdom approved the use of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service for aviation and maritime use. Musk also said he plans to bring robotaxis to the country. In the United Arab Emirates, the White House announced a partnership to build a sweeping AI campus with several U.S. companies. A source told CNBC that Nvidia is among the companies supporting the project. Recent White House plans to dial back chip export curbs on China from President Joe Biden’s administration for a “much simpler rule” also benefited the sector. Like many peers, Nvidia needs a license to ship its AI chips to China after the U.S. began cracking down on exports in 2022 due to national security concerns. Last month, Nvidia said it would record a $5.5 billion charge from H20 GPU shipments to China, which is a key market for the U.S.-based chipmaker. Huang told CNBC that China’s AI market could hit $50 billion over the next two to three years, and missing out would be a “tremendous loss.” Source link #Nvidia #Tesla #soar #boosted #Trumps #Middle #East #tour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Moody’s downgrades US credit, citing rising debt – Politico Moody’s downgrades US credit, citing rising debt – Politico Moody’s downgrades US credit, citing rising debt PoliticoU.S. Loses Last Triple-A Credit Rating WSJMoody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating Below Triple-A The New York TimesMoody’s downgrades U.S. credit as Congress considers bill that could add to deficits The Washington PostMoody’s downgrades United States credit rating, citing growth in government debt CNBC Source link #Moodys #downgrades #credit #citing #rising #debt #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]