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Trump Claims Alcatraz Is Unbreakable; History Disagrees

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison, famously stating, "nobody ever escaped from Alcatraz," despite historical evidence to the contrary. Alcatraz, closed in 1963 due to high operational costs, was home to several notable escape attempts. The first significant breakout occurred in 1937 when inmates Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe escaped by sawing through bars and using a makeshift raft, reportedly evading capture and living in South America. The most renowned escape happened on June 11, 1962, when Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers executed a meticulously planned escape involving tunneling through cell walls and crafting a raft from rubber raincoats. Although a massive manhunt ensued, the trio was never found, and the FBI eventually deemed them presumed dead in 1979, though the case remains open with ongoing speculation about their fate. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 11 am

Video: Politician Reveals Hidden Passage Under Lincoln Room

North Carolina Representative Tim Moore has unveiled a hidden tunnel beneath the US Capitol in a video shared on X. The tunnel, accessible from the historic Lincoln Room—once the House's post office during Abraham Lincoln's presidency—features a staircase that was sealed off over time. Moore highlighted the room's significance, noting that Lincoln often sat by its fireplace to read letters. He suggested that the tunnel may have been used by British soldiers during their 1814 attack on Washington, D.C. The structure of the Capitol began in the 1700s, with the building officially completed in 1826 after being set ablaze during the War of 1812. Moore's video also showcased signatures etched into the walls of the staircase, hinting at its storied past. "You can see there's a passageway," he remarked, inviting viewers to explore one of the Capitol's many hidden secrets. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 2 pm

Navy Officer Charged with Murder After Wife's Hotel Death

A US Navy officer, Lieutenant Commander Christopher Olsen, has been charged with murder and obstruction of justice following the death of his wife, Jessica "Jesse" Arguinzoni Olsen, whose body was discovered in a Fukuoka hotel room on October 27, 2023. The 37-year-old was found strangled, with evidence of blunt force injuries consistent with homicide. Surveillance footage showed the couple checking into the Hotel SOL on October 25, but Olsen was seen leaving alone two days later. Initially questioned but not arrested, he now faces a court martial, with potential penalties including confinement, dishonourable discharge, or the death penalty. Jesse's family has expressed frustration over the lengthy legal process, highlighting a lack of communication and clarity regarding the next steps. The couple, who married in 2009, had seemingly hidden marital issues from friends and family, raising concerns about their relationship prior to the tragedy. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 3 pm

Pakistan Calls Terrorist Funeral Leader "Family Man"; US Disagrees

The Pakistani military has controversially described Hafiz Abdur Rauf, a US-designated global terrorist, as an ordinary citizen and religious leader, despite his prominent role in leading the funeral for terrorists killed in Indian airstrikes during Operation Sindoor. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan's military spokesperson, presented Rauf's National Identity Card, claiming he is an official of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League's Welfare Wing. However, Rauf is a senior leader of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation, both under US and UN sanctions. The funeral, attended by high-ranking military officers and conducted with military protocol, has raised questions about state support for terrorists. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the discrepancies between Pakistan's narrative and the evidence, underscoring a long-standing pattern of the Pakistani state downplaying its links to terrorism. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 3 pm

Videos Reveal Extensive Damage to Pakistani Military Bases Post-Operation

India has released videos showcasing the damage inflicted on Pakistani military air bases during Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Air Marshal AK Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations, highlighted significant destruction at the Nur Khan airbase near Islamabad and extensive damage to the Rahim Yar Khan airbase. He emphasized that the Indian military's operations targeted terrorist camps, including those of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, claiming over 100 terrorists were killed. Following India's strikes on nine terror sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Pakistani Army retaliated with drone and missile attacks, which were intercepted. A ceasefire agreement was reached on Saturday, halting military actions after days of intense cross-border conflict, marking a temporary pause in hostilities between the two nations. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 3 pm

Canadian Lawyer Faces Contempt for AI-Drafted Fake Cases

A Canadian judge has reprimanded lawyer Jisuh Lee for using AI tools, including ChatGPT, to draft a legal document containing fictitious case references. During a hearing in Ontario's Superior Court, Judge Fred Myers discovered that Lee's factum included links to non-existent cases and misinterpretations of real ones, which he described as "possibly AI hallucinations." Lee was ordered to justify why she should not face contempt charges for potentially misleading the court. Judge Myers emphasized the responsibilities of legal professionals to ensure accurate representation and warned that Lee's actions could constitute serious breaches of her duties. This incident follows a similar case where lawyers representing My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell were criticized for submitting a brief with numerous defective citations, prompting a federal judge to call for disciplinary explanations from the attorneys involved. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 3 pm

Qatar's $400M 'Flying Palace' to be Trump's Air Force One

US President Donald Trump is poised to receive a $400 million Boeing 747-8, dubbed the "flying palace" for its opulent features, from the Qatari royal family as a temporary substitute for Air Force One. This aircraft, previously used by the Qatari royals and the Turkish government, comes amid delays in producing two new presidential jets ordered by Trump's administration, which are not expected until 2029. Trump toured the lavish plane in February, but he has denied claims that it is a gift from Qatar, asserting that the US has paid for it. Qatar also refuted these allegations, stating that reports of a gift were inaccurate. The arrangement is currently under legal review by both countries' defense departments, and the Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution restricts officials from accepting foreign gifts without Congressional consent. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the situation, calling it "premium foreign influence." sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 1 pm

Pak Minister's One-Word Response to BBC's Terrorism Question

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has firmly rejected India's allegations that his country shelters terrorists, asserting that no active terrorist groups operate from Pakistan. In an interview with the BBC, Asif claimed that individuals living in Pakistan do not engage in terrorist activities either domestically or across the border with India. His comments come in the wake of heightened tensions following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which India attributed to the banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Asif pointed to historical U.S. involvement in arming Afghan groups during the 1980s, suggesting that Pakistan is unfairly blamed for the consequences of these past alliances. Despite Pakistan's denials, India continues to accuse it of supporting terrorism, citing incidents like the 2019 Pulwama attack. The international community remains skeptical, as demonstrated by a recent UN Security Council meeting that questioned Pakistan's ties to terrorist organizations. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 1 pm

US and China Agree to Cut Tariffs by 115%

The United States and China have agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs on each other's goods as part of an effort to ease trade tensions, allowing three additional months for negotiations. According to a joint statement from Geneva, US tariffs on most Chinese imports will drop from 145% to 30%, while Chinese duties on US products will decrease from 125% to 10% by May 14. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the constructive dialogue surrounding fentanyl and reiterated that both nations aim to avoid economic decoupling. The announcement marks a potential thaw in a tariff war that has significantly impacted trans-Pacific trade. However, the White House's characterization of the agreement as a "trade deal" raises questions about the feasibility of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution, especially given historical precedents of stalled negotiations. The US seeks a more balanced trade relationship, while China has called for the complete removal of tariffs, complicating discussions. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 1 pm

Village's Rare Genetic Condition Makes Everyone Cousins

A small village in Brazil, Serrinha dos Pintos, is grappling with Spoan syndrome, a rare hereditary illness that progressively weakens the nervous system. A 2010 study led by geneticist Silvana Santos revealed that over 30% of couples in the village are related, a factor that significantly increases the likelihood of passing on the mutated gene responsible for the syndrome. Santos, who first visited the remote community over 20 years ago, was prompted by reports of children losing their ability to walk. Her extensive research, which included gathering DNA samples and engaging with local families, established a direct link between intermarriage and the syndrome's prevalence. The first scientific study on Spoan syndrome was published in 2005, and Santos' work has since reshaped public perception of the condition, earning her recognition as one of the BBC's 100 most influential women in 2024. While there is no cure, her efforts have brought attention to this previously unrecognized disease. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 1 pm

Ultra-Rich Strategies for Protecting Against Kidnapping and Attacks

In the wake of increasing violence against high-profile business leaders, including the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the kidnapping of French cryptocurrency founder David Balland, the ultra-wealthy are prioritizing personal security like never before. A recent Forbes report highlights a surge in demand for elite security services, with requests for threat assessments skyrocketing by 1,500% compared to 2024. Businesspersons are investing heavily in protective measures, including private drivers, residential security systems, and online threat monitoring, with comprehensive security teams costing upwards of $2 million. The growing concern among the wealthy is fueled by a rise in anti-elite sentiment, particularly among younger demographics, with 41% of 18 to 29-year-olds deeming Thompson's suspected murder "acceptable." Major companies, including Snap and Meta, have allocated millions to safeguard their executives, reflecting the heightened risks faced by those in sectors like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 2 pm

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