Iranian leader makes surprising statement on nuclear talks with US
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke over the weekend, reiterating Iran’s commitment to dialogue and desire for a civilian nuclear program.
The Iranian leader addressed navy officials in Bandar Abbas, discussing the ongoing negotiations for a deal with the United States.
“We are not seeking war, we favor negotiation and dialogue, but we are not afraid of threats either, and we will in no way retreat from our legal rights,” Pezeshkian said.
IRAN FOREIGN MINISTER VOWS NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT WILL CONTINUE ‘WITH OR WITHOUT A DEAL’
Compared to previous Iranian presidents, Pezeshkian has emerged as a more level-headed and reformist leader, aiming to reach new understandings with the West, according to Politico.
The United States and Iran have completed four rounds of indirect negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, though the public has received mixed messages on the path forward. While officials from Washington and Tehran have expressed optimism about the conversations, a number of technical details have yet to be discussed, including the specifics surrounding uranium enrichment and stockpile levels.
Iran is insisting they will continue to enrich uranium for civilian and research purposes, while the Trump administration is calling for all enrichment to end. Right now, Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, well beyond the confines of the 2015 nuclear deal that President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018.
IRAN’S KHAMENEI LAUNCHES BLISTERING ATTACK ON TRUMP AFTER MIDDLE EAST VISIT
Over the weekend, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi commented on the current situation, saying that Iran has received no written proposal from the United States about an agreement.
“Mark my words: there is no scenario in which Iran abandons its hard-earned right to enrichment for peaceful purposes: a right afforded to all other NPT signatories, too,” Ataghchi said in a post on X.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump spoke about the ongoing talks with Iran, opening up the possibility of trade with the country, if the talks lead to a deal.
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“Iran wants to trade with us,” Trump told Bret Baier. “And I’m OK with it.”
Trump wrapped up a four-day tour of the Gulf last week, pushing for new normalization deals and an agreement with Iran. Any deal with the United States is expected to lead to much-needed sanctions relief for Iran.
“I’ve told Iran, we make a deal,” Trump said, “you’re going to be very happy.”
Hillary Clinton has advice for female GOP leaders and it’s not pretty
Hillary Clinton took a swipe at female Republicans in an interview earlier this month, saying they would all be servants of “the patriarchy” if they became president.
“Well, first of all, don’t be a handmaiden to the patriarchy, which kind of eliminates every woman on the other side of the aisle, except for very few,” Clinton said during a May 1 discussion at New York City’s 92nd Street Y when asked by moderator Margaret Hoover what advice she had for the first female President of the United States.
Several women, including former Trump UN ambassador Nikki Haley last year, have contended for the presidency in recent election cycles. In the 2024 presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris took over the Democratic nomination from former President Joe Biden. Like Clinton in 2016, she was defeated at the hands of President Donald Trump.
FBI’S TOP BOSS KASH PATEL SAYS BUREAU RAN COVER FOR HILLARY BUT IT ALL ENDS UNDER TRUMP
Clinton pointed to Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as one of the “few” women in the Republican Party she respected. Murkowski has been a strong critic of Trump at times, including when she voted to convict him during his second impeachment trial in 2021.
Clinton responded affirmatively when Hoover mentioned former GOP Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, who endorsed Biden – and then Harris – in 2024 and helped lead the January 6 House committee investigation against Trump.
“Yeah, there’s a few,” Clinton said in the clip flagged by The Daily Caller. The interview was recorded on May 1 and posted last week.
Clinton also memorably leveled an insult at many Trump supporters during her failed 2016 run, saying half of his backers belonged in a “basket of deplorables.” After she lost, she suggested White women voted against her at the direction of their husbands.
POLITICAL WORLD REACTS TO FORMER PRESIDENT BIDEN’S ‘AGGRESSIVE’ CANCER DIAGNOSIS: ‘INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT’
Clinton also recalled her support for Harris during the 2024 campaign, suggesting that it will take time to elect a female president.
“Look, first we have to get there, and it is, you know, obviously so much harder than it should be,” Clinton said. “So, you know, if a woman runs who I think would be a good president — as I thought Kamala Harris would be, and as I knew I would be, I will support that woman.”
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Trump returns from Middle East with full agenda, including high-stakes calls
President Donald Trump returned from his four-day trip to the Middle East, and plans to kick off his week back on U.S. soil with phone calls to help negotiate a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump spent the weekend in Washington, D.C., after returning from visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He received a warm welcome in each country, and came home with a bevy of deals, including a purchasing agreement by Qatar for Boeing aircraft, as well as a “strategic economic partnership” with Saudi Arabia for energy, defense, mining and space-based agreements that amount to $600 billion.
This week, political eyes are locked on Eastern Europe as Trump lines up phone conversations with Russia and Ukraine slated for Monday morning.
PHONE CALLS WITH RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
Trump announced over the weekend that he would personally hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to help broker a deal to end the bloodshed and secure long-term peace.
“I WILL BE SPEAKING, BY TELEPHONE, TO PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN OF RUSSIA ON MONDAY, AT 10:00 A.M. THE SUBJECTS OF THE CALL WILL BE, STOPPING THE ‘BLOODBATH’ THAT IS KILLING, ON AVERAGE, MORE THAN 5000 RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS A WEEK, AND TRADE,” Trump posted to Truth Social on Saturday.
Trump added that he will then hold talks with Zelenskyy, followed by another call with Zelenskyy and NATO leaders, queuing up a busy Monday schedule.
ZELENSKYY SHEDS DETAILS ON MEETING WITH VANCE, RUBIO IN ROME AFTER RUSSIA PEACE TALKS STALL
Russian and Ukrainian officials held their first direct peace talks in years last week in Istanbul. The two sides, however, failed to agree to a ceasefire in a war that has raged since February 2022. Russia and Ukraine did agree to a large prisoner swap during the meeting.
Hours after the meeting, a Russian drone strike hit a passenger bus in northeastern Ukraine on Saturday.
World leaders traveled to Rome on Sunday for Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass at the Vatican, including Zelenskyy, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. leaders met with Zelenskyy for a separate meeting, where they discussed efforts to end the war, according to the vice president’s office.
GOP LAWMAKERS PRAISE TRUMP CALL WITH PUTIN AFTER BIDEN ‘REFUSED TO EVEN PICK UP THE PHONE’
“The leaders discussed their shared goal of ending the bloodshed in Ukraine and provided updates on the current state of negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace,” Vance’s office said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
Zelenskyy posted his own message regarding the meeting on social media on Sunday, slamming Russia for sending “non-decision-makers” to the meeting in Istanbul last week, while also thanking “all American people for the support and leadership in saving lives.”
“During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible,” Zelenskyy posted.
“We have also touched upon the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defense cooperation, battlefield situation and upcoming prisoners exchange. Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war. And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to local media that Monday’s “conversation is in the works,” the BBC reported on Saturday.
“HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE A PRODUCTIVE DAY, A CEASEFIRE WILL TAKE PLACE, AND THIS VERY VIOLENT WAR, A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED, WILL END. GOD BLESS US ALL!!!” Trump added of the highly-anticipated rounds of phone calls on Monday.
TARIFF HIKES POTENTIALLY ON THE HORIZON
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday said that nations that have bucked negotiating trade deals with the U.S. in “good faith” could see tariff hikes.
“President Trump has put them on notice that if you do not negotiate in good faith, that you will ratchet back up to your April 2 level,” Bessent said on CNN.
Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” trade announcement unveiled his reciprocal tariff plan on dozens of nations as he worked to bring parity to the U.S.’ trade deficit. The president issued a 90-day pause to the reciprocal tariffs, except on China, in April as countries requested to make trade deals. Trump administration leaders have since been involved in hashing out trade negotiations before the 90-day pause is lifted in July.
TRUMP AND CHINA CLOSE IN ON TRADE DEAL AFTER PRODUCTIVE TALKS, BESSENT SAYS
Bessent’s comments come after Trump slammed Walmart on Saturday for raising prices on consumers amid the tariff rollout.
“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!”
PUSH TO PASS THE ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’
Congressional Republicans are in the midst of pushing to pass Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which has been touted as significant fiscal reform that would fund the president’s agenda.
REPUBLICANS READY LATE-NIGHT SESSION ON TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ AFTER GOP MUTINY
Republicans are working to pass it through the budget reconciliation process, and have set a Memorial Day deadline for its passage. With just one working week left before the summer holiday weekend, House Budget Committee members were summoned to Congress on Sunday night to begin their work to pass the bill.
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The bill was thrown into turmoil last week when four members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, alongside Democrats, voted against advancing the legislation. The four conservatives took issue with the legislation’s crackdown on Medicaid, and also worked to repeal Biden-era green-energy tax subsidies.
Gov rips New Orleans’ progressive criminal justice system after jailbreak
While seven escaped prisoners, including two murder suspects, remain at large after a dramatic jailbreak from a New Orleans jail early Friday morning, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ripped the parish’s progressive soft-on-crime policies that he claims aided the escape.
“The irony of the progressive promises that have been made to this city is clear. New Orleans handed the jail keys to those who vowed to keep criminals out of jail, and sadly, today we see that it worked,” Landry said during a Sunday night press conference. “I hope everyone understands that the video of those prisoners escaping epitomizes a progressive criminal justice system.”
Landry ripped politicians who “pander voters” which he said “lead[s] to a lack of safety and order.”
7 FUGITIVES REMAIN ON THE RUN AFTER NOLA PRISON BREAK; INSIDE JOB SUSPECTED
During the press conference, Landry announced an executive order to audit the Orleans Correctional Facility by the state’s Department of Corrections (DOC) and remove all DOC inmates from the local jail. He handed down another order directing the state inspector general to work with the Orleans Parish Sheriff to inventory all jail inmates awaiting trial and those awaiting sentencing.
Ten inmates escaped the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility on Friday night, which was captured on the jail’s surveillance footage. Authorities say they crawled through a hold hidden behind a toilet.
The inmates then reportedly scaled and then hopped the jail’s barbed wire fence and ran across the highway into a neighborhood before changing clothes.
They left behind messages including “To Easy LOL” and “WE INNOCENT” on the wall next to the hole through which they escaped.
Authorities believe the escapees had help from someone inside the jail, and that a female civilian employee who was monitoring the pod “stepped away” to get food, missing the escape.
The seven fugitives still on the run are Jermaine Donald, 42; Antoine Massey, 33; Leo Tate, 31; Lenton Vanburen, 27; Derrick Groves, 27; Gary Price, 21; and Corey Boyd, 19.
Donald and Boyd were both facing second-degree murder charges.
NEW ORLEANS JAIL INMATES CHARGED WITH MURDER AND OTHER CRIMES ESCAPE
Donald had also been charged with aggravated battery, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice. Boyd’s other charges were attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, illegal carrying of weapons involving a crime, and obstruction of justice.
Miles and Vanburen were each facing charges of battery of a correctional facility employee, among other crimes.
Groves pleaded guilty to manslaughter in October and was awaiting sentencing at the jail.
“If he would have been sentenced by a court system, he most likely would not have had an opportunity to escape,” Landry said during his press conference.
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Authorities warned that the escapees may have traveled to other states. Bounties of $20,000 have been placed on their heads.
“We’ve had troopers working alongside our local state and federal partners throughout the night and developing more leads,” the Louisiana State Police told Fox News Digital on Monday morning.
The FBI did not return a comment request.
The ATF declined to comment.
CBS News President Wendy McMahon resigns amid legal battle with Trump
CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon announced Monday she was stepping down in another stunning move for the embattled company, Fox News Digital has confirmed.
Her exit follows that of longtime “60 Minutes” producer Bill Owens, who quit last month because he felt he’d lost journalistic independence amid an ongoing legal battle with President Donald Trump.
“Today, I am stepping down from my position as president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures. It has been one of the most meaningful chapters in my career. Leading this extraordinary organization has been the honor of a lifetime because I got to work alongside all of you,” McMahon wrote in a memo to staffers.
“At the same time, the past few months have been challenging,” she continued. “It’s become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. It’s time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership.”
FAIR ELECTION FUND URGES FCC TO HOLD CBS ACCOUNTABLE FOR ‘UNLAWFUL CONDUCT’ RELATED TO ’60 MINUTES’ INTERVIEW
McMahon’s departure comes as CBS parent company Paramount Global is in mediation with Trump’s legal team, with hopes of settling a $20 billion lawsuit against CBS over its handling of a “60 Minutes” interview last year with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump has accused CBS of aiding his 2024 Democratic opponent through deceptive editing just weeks before the presidential election.
Many believe Paramount Global is hoping to settle the suit ahead of a planned merger with Skydance Media in hopes of preventing potential retribution by Trump’s FCC, which has the authority to halt the multibillion-dollar transaction. Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, is reportedly in favor of settling with the president.
TRUMP, CBS PARENT COMPANY SET FOR MEDIATION IN $20 BILLION ‘60 MINUTES’ LAWSUIT
Many media observers and CBS News staffers don’t want CBS to settle the suit, which critics have called a hyperbolic reaction to a typical editing decision.
Last month, Owens abruptly quit, saying it had “become clear” he was no longer able to run the program the way he wanted.
McMahon, who follows Owens out the door, told staffers she has spent the “last few months shoring up our businesses and making sure the right leaders are in place” at CBS News.
“I have no doubt they will continue to set the standard,” she wrote. “To our viewers: Thank you for your trust. You hold us accountable, and you remind is why this matters.”
A CBS News staffer told Fox News Digital that McMahon took part in the network’s editorial call on Monday morning and didn’t mention her looming resignation.
CBS News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
McMahon was previously president of the ABC Owned Television Stations.
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Dave Portnoy stunned over WNBA’s probe into alleged remarks toward Angel Reese
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy pushed back on allegations that “hateful comments” were reportedly made toward Angel Reese during the Chicago Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever.
The WNBA launched an investigation on Sunday. The remarks were allegedly made toward the second-year Sky star during Saturday’s matchup, according to The Associated Press. The league said it “strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms.”
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No specifics were presented, and Portnoy cast doubt on whether the comments happened and speculated that internet trolls could have been behind it. Portnoy was at the game at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and sat courtside in a Caitlin Clark jersey.
Portnoy said in a video posted to his X account that the only “hate” he saw came from Reese against Clark after the Fever star hit Reese with a hard foul in the third quarter. Reese let Clark know emphatically that she did not like it. Clark was given a flagrant foul but said there was “no malicious intent” behind it.
“Listen, I was at the game. If there was somebody being racist or saying s—, obviously boot ’em. Never let them back,” Portnoy said. “I would be stunned beyond belief if that was the case. … The crowd at the Fever game? Little girls, families, ladies, nice crowd. Were we mad when Angel Reese attacked Cailtin Clark for no reason? Yeah. Did we boo her? Yeah. Is it sports? Yeah.
“For the WNBA, and now the Indiana Fever, to issue statements, ‘We’re investigating,’ unless something so preposterous happened that nobody in the stadium saw — there’s not an ounce of proof, there’s not a video of it, there’s not camera phone of it — unless something happened, which I know it didn’t. For them to acknowledge this and, again, kind of paint Indiana Fever fans, like, by just saying ‘We’re investigating the hate’ … even though it’s 100% false, by acknowledging ‘We don’t condone hate,’ and not seeing that this was an internet rumor founded of complete bulls—, you’re lending credence to this.”
ANGEL REESE ‘HATES’ CAITLIN CLARK, FORMER NFL STAR SAYS AFTER TEMPERS FLARE IN WNBA MATCHUP
Portnoy added that the crowd was good and that Reese “deserved” to at least be booed but had a message for the WNBA.
“Angel Reese deserved to get her a– booed when she attacked Caitlin on a normal foul,” he said. “Other than that, what are you talking about? The WNBA, talk about killing the golden goose. Like, you guys are lucky you have Caitlin Clark. You are lucky you have the Indiana Fever. It makes the league relevant. All you do is s— on ‘em.
“And for the Fever, by the way, to even put out that statement, I’ll eat my words if you find one iota, or if there’s even one person who is doing something. Being in that crowd, seeing that crowd, being at the game, zero point zero, zero, zero, zero, zero chance there’s any truth to this. And you add validity when you acknowledge the statement, ‘We don’t condone hate.’ There was no hate. The only hate was coming from Angel Reese attacking Caitlin Clark.”
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) released a statement on the issue as well.
“The WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments at yesterday’s game in Indianapolis and supports the WNBA’s current investigation into this matter. Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the statement said. “Under the WNBA’s ‘No Space for Hate’ policy, we trust the league to thoroughly investigate and take swift, appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
The Fever acknowledged the investigation was taking place, as did the Sky.
“We will do everything in our power to protect Chicago Sky players, and we encourage the league to continue taking meaningful steps to create a safe environment for all WNBA players,” Sky CEO Adam Fox said.
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The Sky and Fever have four more matchups on the docket this season.
Data timestamps help pinpoint timing of key maneuvers in Karen Read’s SUV
Aperture digital forensics expert Shanon Burgess testified during direct examination with special prosecutor Hank Brennan that while investigating Karen Read’s SUV, he found that powering the vehicle on and off provides a timestamp that can be used to contextualize additional data found within the “black box.”
“Ultimately, were you able to use that power-on, power-off timestamp information to identify the times of the later two events, the three-point turn and the back maneuver?” Brennan asked.
“Yes,” Burgess said. “In combination with other data, we were able to determine that.”
Brennan went on to present data charts showing the time Read’s SUV was powered on, from 12:12 a.m. to 12:46 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, with Burgess confirming that the vehicle’s clock was consistent with the data.
Burgess then pointed to John O’Keefe’s home security footage showing Read leaving O’Keefe’s home to search for him at 5:07 a.m., noting the vehicle’s data gives the same timestamp and further aligns with the second “power-on event” recorded on Read’s car.
Special prosecutor Hank Brennan called Aperture digital forensics expert Shanon Burgess to the stand as the
state’s next witness. Burgess specializes in digital evidence found in mobile phones and vehicles.
Burgess testified he investigated digital data within Karen Read’s vehicle surrounding a “three-point turn event” and a “backing maneuver,” noting data had been previously overlooked due to investigators not extracting a micro SD card from the console.
Burgess also pointed out damage to the module in Read’s car from overheating during a “chip-off” process – or when the chips are removed from the board.
DNA analyst Karl Miyasako testified on direct examination conducted by prosecutor Adam Lally that Bode Technology tested a hair sample and a known DNA standard from John O’Keefe.
Miyasako testified that he could not exclude O’Keefe from the hair sample found on the taillight of Karen Read’s car.
“Whenever we have a conclusion of a probable includes, like in this case where I cannot exclude John O’Keefe as being a source of the hair sample, we do a statistical analysis to give way to that probable inclusion,” Miyasako said.
Defense attorney Alan Jackson then pushed back on cross-examination, asking Miyasako about the possibility that the hair could belong to a member of O’Keefe’s maternal family.
“You cannot say the hair belonged to John O’Keefe specifically, can you?” Jackson asked.
“No,” Miyasako replied. “With mitochondrial DNA, you can’t say that it’s per se an individual person, it’s more so the maternal line.”
DNA analyst Nicholas Bradford testified on direct examination by prosecutor Adam Lally that he was unable to come to a conclusion regarding the origin of the hair sample turned over to the lab by the Massachusetts State Police.
Following a short line of questioning, defense attorney Alan Jackson asked Bradford to clarify on the statistical findings ruling out former investigator Michael Proctor’s DNA from the samples found at the crime scene.
“What I’m suggesting is what the numbers state,” Bradford said. “So that it’s 76,000 times more likely that [there] were three unknown, unrelated individuals versus Michael Proctor and two unknown, unrelated individuals.”
Before concluding the defense team’s cross-examination, Jackson confirmed with Bradford that his lab was never asked to compare the DNA from the crime scene with samples from Brian Higgins, Brian Albert, Kevin Albert and former Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz.
The prosecution then called DNA analyst Karl Miyasako to the witness stand following Bradford’s testimony.
Following Court being called into session Monday morning, prosecutor Adam Lally called DNA analyst Nicholas Bradford to the witness stand. Bradford specializes in unique DNA cases as an analyst at Bode Technology in Virginia.
Bradford was tasked with testing a DNA extract from Karen Read’s taillight, a hair and reference samples from the crime scene submitted by the Massachusetts State Police, along with buccal swabs from former investigator Michael Proctor and Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik.
On direct examination, Bradford testified John O’Keefe’s DNA could not be ruled out as a contributor to the mixture of DNA found on Read’s taillight.
Karen Read arrived at the Norfolk Superior Courthouse alongside her defense team as the fifth week of her murder trial is set to begin Monday.
Read is facing the possibility of life in prison for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
Testimony is scheduled to resume with the Commonwealth continuing to call witnesses to the stand.
A Massachusetts judge has agreed to bar references to an unrelated, botched murder investigation in Karen Read’s second trial on murder and other charges in the 2022 death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe.
Police in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston, inaccurately determined the Feb. 4, 2021 death of Sandra Birchmore, 24, was a suicide before federal investigators said she had been strangled and charged a Stoughton officer with her murder.
The FBI arrested former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell, 38, in August in Birchmore’s murder.
He is accused of grooming her since she was a teenager, maintaining a sexual relationship for years and then killing her when she told him she’d become pregnant and staging the murder to look like a suicide.
Canton Police were also the first to respond after O’Keefe was reported unresponsive outside another Boston Police officer’s house Jan. 29, 2022, during a blizzard.
“Gov. [Maura] Healey should have ordered the revamping of police training in the state after the debacle in Karen Read 1.0,” said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “Everything from response to the scene by patrol officers to securing the scene to identifying evidence, the proper collection of evidence, the proper containers for that evidence and so on.”
Read the full story here.
Karen Read’s trial is set to enter its fifth week as the prosecution aims to further cement its timeline surrounding the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
Read is facing the possibility of life in prison for the alleged murder of O’Keefe, who was found frozen to death in the front yard of 34 Fairview Road in the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2022.
The prosecution alleges Read struck O’Keefe with her vehicle during a drunken argument, leaving him to die in the middle of a blizzard. Read’s defense, however, insists she never hit O’Keefe in a bid to maintain her innocence.
Dawn Richard admits she was willing to work with Diddy, even after alleged death threats
Dawn Richard admitted she was willing to work with Sean “Diddy” Combs again even after he allegedly threatened her life.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, asked Richard about reaching out to Combs as recently as 2020 or 2021. Richard testified if they got Diddy – Dirty Money back together this would require her to be around Combs often – working, writing, touring, traveling out of state and out of the country. Richard told the defense lawyer that she was willing to work with Diddy again even though he allegedly made death threats.
Richard told Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner that she reached out to Combs to work with him after ending their professional relationship because Kalenna Harper requested it.
Richard explained contact was sporadic but she wanted to get Diddy – Dirty Money back together because of the issues Harper was allegedly having. According to Richard, she didn’t want to go back to work with Diddy because “it wasn’t good.” She claimed she just wanted to help a friend.
Diddy – Dirty Money disbanded in 2012. The trio briefly reunited for Diddy’s 2023 album, “The Love Album: Off the Grid.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Cassie Ventura’s former friend Kerry Morgan testified that Diddy once assaulted her.
Morgan is 38, from Buffalo and works as a personal assistant. From 2001 until 2018, Morgan was best friends with Cassie.
Morgan began her testimony by telling the jury that Diddy assaulted her in 2008.
The now 38-year-old claimed she is only testifying because she was subpoenaed. According to Morgan, she didn’t want to testify because “I have moved on with my life…”
Cassie and Morgan met when they started modeling. The two lived together in Manhattan. She testified that Cassie was very confident. Morgan claimed Cassie didn’t drink much and didn’t use drugs when the two first met.
When Morgan learned Cassie was dating Combs, she would often spend time with them. The trio traveled to Ibizia, Italy, Vegas and more, according to Morgan.
Morgan admitted when she hung out with Cassie and Diddy, drugs were involved and provided by Combs. They would allegedly use drugs when going out to parties and clubs. Morgan also claimed she would do drugs with Cassie alone.
Cassie Ventura’s former best friend, Kerry Morgan, testified Monday about her relationship with the singer, which began in 2001.
Morgan told the court that when she first got to know Sean “Diddy” Combs, he was nice and generous. Further into the relationship, she realized he had “mood swings” and could get aggressive.
Morgan said that Cassie “lost her confidence big time” after she began dating the Bad Boy Records founder.
She said she would hear Diddy criticizing and talking down to Cassie about her looks and how she behaved.
Diddy allegedly “would call 50 times in a row” in search of Cassie.
Former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richards claimed she has no doubt that Sean “Diddy” Combs threatened her to keep quiet about his alleged abuse of Cassie Ventura.
Assistant U.S. attorney Mitzi Steiner asked Richard how long ago the incident with the frying pan was during the redirect. Richard said she’s not good at math. The musician had testified during direct examination that she witnessed Diddy attempt to strike Cassie over the head with a frying pan and that Diddy had threatened her to keep quiet the next day.
During the redirect, Steiner asked if Richard had any doubt that Diddy attempted to strike Cassie, that Cassie dropped to the floor in the fetal position, Combs dragged Cassie upstairs, Richard heard yelling, and that the following day, the rapper threatened her to keep quiet.
Richard said no, that she has no doubt.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Dawn Richard testified that she believes Sean “Diddy” Combs ruined her career.
During cross-examination, defense lawyer Nicole Westmoreland asked Richard about Danity Kane and Diddy – Dirty Money. Richard explained both groups sold a lot of records.
Richard confirms that in later years, she asked Combs to sign her as a solo artist. She also admitted she reached out to Diddy as recently as 2020 or 2021.
The singer agreed with Westmoreland that Diddy had no reason to dismantle her previous groups and said she was “saddened by it.” Richard testified that she believes Diddy ruined her career.
Richard was a part of Diddy – Dirty Money, which featured the singer, Combs and Kalenna Harper.
The now 41-year-old was also a part of Danity Kane. The group, which was formed by Diddy on “Making the Band,” featured Richard along with Aubrey O’Day, D. Woods, Shannon Bex and Aundrea Fimbres.
Dainty Kane initially split in 2009, but later reunited for a year in 2013.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense claimed the former Danity Kane singer’s testimony had changed.
Dawn Richard testified during direct examination that she observed Diddy using drugs. According to Richard, Diddy would use various drugs including weed, ketamine, cocaine and molly often at the studio or his house. However, Richard claimed she never saw him take opiates.
Richard testified that Combs stored the drugs in his Louis Vuitton bag. Richard admitted she only smoked weed, but she claimed she saw Diddy give Cassie drugs.
During cross-examination, Diddy’s lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, asked about the rapper’s drug use. Westmoreland specifically asked about using cocaine. Richard said she doesn’t recall telling the government she never saw Combs do cocaine.
Westmoreland accused Richard of changing her story. Richard responded that as time progresses, she is remembering more.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Dawn Richard testified that she saw Sean “Diddy” Combs with guns, but never saw him pull one out.
During Richard’s direct examination she claimed she saw Diddy with a hand gun a few times in 2009 or 2010 when the singer was a part of Diddy – Dirty Money. Richard and Combs were joined by Kalenna Harper to complete the musical trio at the time. Richard added that she had also seen Diddy with a gun while in a club after working at the studio. According to the singer, D-Roc and Bond also carried guns.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, asked about Richard seeing Diddy with a gun during cross-examination. The lawyer asked for specifics. Richard claimed she saw Combs with a gun at the studio in New York. Westmoreland asked why specific details weren’t given to prosecutors. Richard claimed she didn’t give specifics because prosecutors didn’t ask.
Westmoreland asked Richard if she ever saw Combs pull a gun out. Richard said no.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
As Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial continued Monday, more celebrities were mentioned during Dawn Richard’s testimony.
Diddy’s lawyer asked Richard about an incident that occurred in 2010 at dinner. Richard had testified about the incident that occurred at a restaurant in West Hollywood during direct examination. She claimed that she witnessed Diddy and Cassie “secretly arguing” and that Harve Pierre, president of Bad Boy Records, did not interfere during the incident.
When questioned by Combs’ lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, during cross-examination, Richard claimed some celebrities were there – including Usher and Ne-Yo.
Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Usher and Ne-Yo for comment. Neither star has been accused of any wrongdoing in this case.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense questioned former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard about her recollection of events during Monday’s cross-examination.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, asked if Richard’s allegations had changed. Richard said they are the best she can recall.
Westmoreland then brought up the allegation that Richard witnessed Diddy attempt to hit Cassie Ventura in the head with a skillet of eggs. According to Richard, she spoke about the incident in her civil lawsuit and in a meeting with prosecutors.
Westmoreland showed the jury a letter sent on Richard’s behalf where the musician said she heard a pan hit the wall but didn’t see it. The now 41-year-old said she does not recall.
Richard confirmed she told the government that Combs hit Cassie with the frying pan and agreed there is a difference between hitting someone with a frying pan and throwing a frying pan.
Westmoreland asked Richard if it’s been hard for her to keep her story straight. The singer said no and that she’s told the story to the best of her recollection.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs would threaten Dawn Richard for intervening his relationship with Cassie Ventura, the former Danity Kane singer testified Monday.
Richard claimed she told Cassie that she should leave Diddy after witnessing the rapper’s violent behavior towards his girlfriend. According to Richard, Cassie was torn. The singer testified that Cassie would listen, but she could see the fear.
Diddy allegedly didn’t like Richard talking to Cassie. Richard claimed Diddy would tell her, “I would pay for it” and “stay the f— outta my relationship.” Richard claimed Combs told them if they didn’t stay in line, there would be consequences.
Richard testified that Diddy would be “loud, angry, violent…it was mean.” The “Making the Band” star explained she tried to be as kind as possible to Diddy and tried to “approach Mr. Combs with softness…”
Richard admitted that she ultimately made the decision to stay out of the relationship because she didn’t think Cassie was ready to do anything.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Dawn Richard testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ security would not intervene when the rapper was allegedly physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
While on the stand Monday, the former Danity Kane singer claimed neither D-Roc nor Bonds, two of Diddy’s security guards, would do anything when they witnessed incidents of violence.
Richard testified about being in a car with Cassie, Combs, D-Roc and another woman. The singer claimed Cassie and Diddy were arguing because of something the rapper did. Combs proceeded to hit Cassie in the mouth, according to Richard. However, D-Roc allegedly did not do anything at the time.
Richard also described another incident where Diddy allegedly punched Cassie in the face with a closed fist. Cassie went to the bathroom crying as the rapper walked off. Richard observed Cassie with a swollen eye.
Richard explained Cassie often wore sunglasses and makeup to cover bruising.
The jury was shown a photo of Cassie, another woman and Richard wearing sunglasses. Richard explained they wore the sunglasses to have “solidarity” and be Cassie’s “support system.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard testified that she witnessed Sean “Diddy” Combs attack his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura “frequently.”
Diddy’s trial testimony resumed Monday around 9:30am with Richard taking the stand.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner asked the musician if she’d ever witnessed other acts of violence committed by Diddy. Richard previously testified that she saw Combs allegedly attempt to hit Cassie over the head with a skillet of eggs.
Richard now claimed she saw other acts of violence “frequently.” The singer, who appeared on “Making the Band,” testified that she witnessed Diddy choke, punch and kick Cassie.
According to Richard, the attacks could be random or occurred when Cassie would speak up for herself. Richard claimed Cassie was normally quiet, but when she spoke up for herself, Diddy would allegedly hurt her.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Dawn Richard’s testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial could “undercut” any theory the defense presents saying Cassie Ventura is “exaggerating” her claims against the rapper.
Cassie testified for four days about alleged violence that occurred throughout the 10-year relationship she had with Combs. Richard took the stand on Friday and testified that she witnessed Diddy become physically violent with Cassie on at least one occasion.
“Dawn Richard’s testimony could land with real force if the jury finds her credible, because eyewitness accounts of physical violence — especially from someone in Diddy’s inner circle — cut through the ‘he said, she said’ dynamic and provide direct corroboration of Cassie’s claims,” criminal defense attorney Duncan Levin told Fox News Digital.
“Jurors tend to give significant weight to third-party observations, especially if the witness doesn’t appear to have an axe to grind. If her account holds up under cross-examination, it could seriously undercut any defense theory that Cassie is exaggerating or fabricating,” the lawyer, who previously worked on Harvey Weinstein’s defense team, explained.
Diddy’s trial resumed Monday with more testimony from Richard.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently on trial for charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
In addition to facing life in prison, the rapper is also at risk of losing the many assets he has built up since becoming a music mogul, including his mansions, cars, a private jet, and even his Bad Boy Records label.
The mogul owns several homes in the U.S., including a nearly $40 million home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills, another one he bought near Los Angeles in Toluca Lake for $5.25 million, two side-by-side waterfront homes on Miami Beach’s Star Island that he paid $35 million and $14.5 million for, as well as a nearly $3 million Miami condo, according to Realtor.com.
“The properties themselves could be included or referenced in the indictment as a means that served the ends of those alleged crimes, and they could be seized,” Priya Sopori, Partner at Greenberg Glusker and a member of the firm’s litigation group, told Fox News Digital last year.
Diddy also owns a Gulfstream G550 jet through his LoveAir LLC valued at around $25 million, as well as a luxury car collection estimated to be worth around $1.6 million last year.
In addition to his material belongings, Diddy’s business enterprises could also be at risk, including Big Boy Records, which he started in 1993. The company still makes money through music and publishing rights, but its value has plummeted because of his allegations, according to USA Today.
His other businesses under the parent company, Combs Global, are also at risk of being seized. These include Combs Wines and Spirits, Revolt Media, Sean John fashion and fragrances brand and his nonprofit, the Sean Combs Foundation.
Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
Testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial will resume Monday with former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard.
The musician began her testimony Friday, alleging she witnessed Diddy physically assault his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Richard’s testimony followed Cassie’s own and corroborated Cassie’s claims she experienced violence at the hands of Combs.
“Richard’s testimony is highly impactful because it corroborates Ventura’s account,” former federal prosecutor Neama Rahamani told Fox News Digital. “Her witnessing Combs attempt to hit Ventura with a skillet, kick her when she was in the fetal position, and drag her by the hair was one of the most graphic of the trial so far. Richard also [allegedly] suffered her own abuse. She [claims she] was groped and threatened not to speak out.”
“The prosecution has to corroborate Ventura’s testimony with that of independent witnesses,” the West Coast Trial Lawyers founder explained. “The defense scored points with Ventura’s emails and text messages. But Richard’s testimony shows a pattern of physical violence and helps rebut the defense’s argument that the conduct was consensual.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs returned to court for the second week of testimony in the rapper’s sex-trafficking trial.
Diddy entered the courtroom this morning wearing what appears to be a camel colored sweater. The rapper spent a few minutes standing, before sitting down. He then chatted with his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo.
Diddy is facing multiple counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transporting for prostitution. His indictment was unsealed after his arrest in September 2024.
The jury in his federal trial, which is expected to last eight weeks, have heard testimony from former Intercontinental Hotel security guard Israel Florez, male escort Daniel Phillip, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and HSI special agent Yasin Binda.
Testimony will resume Monday with former Danity Kane singer, Dawn Richard.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Former Danity Kane singer, Dawn Richard, was called to the stand Friday as a witness for the prosecution in the federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs for sex crimes.
She first began working with the disgraced rapper in 2004 when she was 21 years old and was competing on the reality show, “Making the Band,” for a spot in the new girl group, Danity Kane.
Richard made the band, which broke up in 2009, and went on to work with Diddy again as part of the trio, Diddy – Dirty Money, alongside the rapper and Kalenna Harper.
The singer filed a lawsuit against Diddy in September 2024, alleging “years of inhumane working conditions which included groping, assault, and false imprisonment.”
“She’s an accomplished woman and she’s all about the music,” Richard’s lawyer, Lisa Bloom, told “Daily Mail’s The Trial of Diddy” podcast when the lawsuit was filed. “All she wants to do is make music and be a musician. And yet, she found herself in the position—after Cassie Ventura came forward—of saying, ‘I need to come forward too, in support of Cassie, and in support of others, to tell my own story.’”
In response to her allegations, Diddy’s lawyer released a statement claiming the rapper was “shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit” calling it “an attempt to rewrite history” by Richard.
Richard will continue her testimony Monday.
While there is “no question” that Cassie Ventura was victimized by Sean “Diddy” Combs, the government still has to prove the rapper engaged in racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
“The question we are left with from Week 1 is: Was Cassie Ventura victimized in such a way to amount to the specific federal charges in his indictment?” criminal defense attorney Phil Harvey told Fox News Digital.
“Those jurors are going to eventually get a set of legal instructions from the judge,” Harvey said. “Those jury instructions are going to make it clear: This is not an assault trial. It’s not a rape trial. And it’s not a morality play. Instead, the jurors will be asked if the government manages to prove three types of federal crimes: racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
“If the jurors get to deliberation, and all they have is a lot of evidence that Mr. Combs is a depraved soul who may have committed assault, battery and even rape, those jurors can still acquit him.”
The trial, which began May 12 with opening statements, is expected to last eight weeks. Combs has been in jail since his arrest in September 2024, after his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by law enforcement.
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report
After spending four days testifying in Sean “Diddy” Comb’s sex-trafficking trial, the rapper’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura said she was happy to “put this chapter of my life to rest.”
Cassie’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, read a statement on behalf of the “Me & U” singer outside of the Manhattan courthouse Friday.
“This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me,” Cassie’s statement read. “I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear. For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember, and the more I can remember, the more I will never forget.”
“I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and am grateful for all the kindness and encouragement I have received,” her statement continued. “I am glad to put this chapter of my life to rest. As I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and my growing family.”
Cassie spent a grueling four days on the stand, where she testified about the alleged physical abuse she suffered from Diddy throughout their 10-year long relationship. The singer-songwriter also told the jury she was forced to participate in alleged “freak offs” at the demand of the disgraced music mogul, where Diddy would require Cassie to have sex with male escorts in front of him.
Read more about Cassie’s testimony in the Diddy federal trial.
Cassie Ventura testified in week one of the federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs for sex crimes, giving crucial testimony as the government’s “star witness,” says criminal defense attorney, Phil Harvey. She was on the stand for four days.
Diddy’s former girlfriend of over a decade testified about the alleged abuse she experienced at the hands of the disgraced rapper, claiming she was physically abused and forced to participate in “freak offs” where Diddy would coerce her into having sex with a male escort while he watched.
Cassie also testified to using drugs to disassociate during the “freak offs,” which she claimed would sometimes last for days.
The prosecution finished the direct examination of Cassie on Wednesday. That same day, Cassie told the jury she chose to testify against Diddy because she could no longer carry the guilt.
Harvey also pointed out the wins from Diddy’s defense team, saying Anna Estevao, who cross examined Cassie, “did a good job staying on track,” and got Cassie to say she “willingly participated” in the “freak offs” and focused on the “consensual nature of their relationship.”
The defense also showed the jury texts featuring Combs congratulating Cassie on her pregnancy and checking in on her.
Cassie also testified about the assault at the hotel in 2016, alleging she was trying to leave a “freak off” when Diddy attacked her.
On May 12, former hotel security guard Israel Florez, who responded after Diddy’s violent attack on Cassie at the Intercontinental Hotel, testified that he tried to call police after intervening, but Cassie told him not to.
To end the first week, the jury also heard from former Danity Kane singer, Dawn Richard, who testified that she witnessed Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2009. Richard told the court that after she “observed Cassie being attacked,” the “Last Night” rapper told her it was par for the course in a normal relationship. Richard will continue her testimony on May 19.
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Ancient predator named after Japanese monster found in Canadian national park
Paleontologists recently discovered a 506-million-year-old “moth-like” predator that lurked in prehistoric Canada.
In a press release from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), officials identified the creature as Mosura fentoni,an extinct anthropod, as news agencies including SWNS reported. (See the video at the top of this article.)
The museum reported that most of theMosura fossils were collected by ROM paleontologists at Raymond Quarry in Yoho National Park in British Columbia.
‘WELL-PRESERVED’ BABY MAMMOTH DATING BACK TO ICE AGE DISSECTED BY SCIENTISTS: PHOTOS
Most were found between 1975 and 2022.
“Mosura fentoni was about the size of your index finger and had three eyes, spiny jointed claws, a circular mouth lined with teeth and a body with swimming flaps along its sides,” the museum noted.
“These traits show it to be part of an extinct group known as the radiodonts, which also included the famous Anomalocaris canadensis, a meter-long predator that shared the waters with Mosura.”
What makes the discovery so interesting to researchers is that Mosura had an abdomen-like body region made up of multiple segments at its back end – which had not been previously observed in any radiodonts.
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Joe Moysiuk, a curator of paleontology and geology at the Manitoba Museum, said Mosurahad 16 of these segments, all lined with gills.
“This is a neat example of evolutionary convergence with modern groups, like horseshoe crabs, woodlice and insects, which share a batch of segments bearing respiratory organs at the rear of the body,” Moysiuk described.
The museum reported that the species has been nicknamed the “sea-moth” by field collectors based on its moth-like attributes.
“This inspired its scientific name, which references the fictional Japanese kaiju also known as Mothra. Only distantly related to real moths – as well as spiders, crabs, and millipedes – Mosura belongs on a much deeper branch in the evolutionary tree of these animals, collectively known as arthropods,” the statement added.
Instead of arteries and veins, Mosura’s heart pumped blood into large internal body cavities called lacunae.
Interestingly, the fossils show details of Mosura’s internal anatomy – including its nervous system, circulatory system, and digestive tract.
Instead of arteries and veins, Mosura’s heart pumped blood into large internal body cavities called lacunae.
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ROM curator Jean-Bernard Caron said that “few fossil sites in the world offer this level of insight into soft internal anatomy.”
“We can see traces representing bundles of nerves in the eyes that would have been involved in image processing, just like in living arthropods,” the expert added.
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“The details are astounding.”