A Texas billionaire donor, Harlan Crow, paid for two years of private-school tuition for Justice Clarence Thomas's great-nephew, an undisclosed gift that adds to Crow's largesse to the Justice, ProPublica has revealed. The previous report documented luxury travel gifts to Thomas from Crow and the sale of Thomas’s mother’s home to him. There has been a lot of speculation about potential ethical violations by Thomas and increased scrutiny of his practices. Despite Mark Paoletta, a former Trump official and friend of Thomas, arguing that the Supreme Court justice was not legally required to report the tuition payment since the great-nephew did not meet the dependent criteria under a 1978 law, experts such as Kathleen Clark, an ethics law expert at Washington University in St. Louis, rejected Paoletta's argument, stating that Crow's gift was certainly reportable since it was to Thomas himself, not the great-nephew.

Richard Painter, a professor at the University of Minnesota who served as the top ethics lawyer in the Bush administration, agreed, stating that "I believe Justice Thomas had legal custody, and they have not disputed that." This gift of tuition points to Crow's investments in Thomas, adding to earlier examples of Crow's generosity to Thomas, including millions of dollars investment in a museum celebrating Thomas's hometown, financing a library project dedicated to Thomas at a cost of $175,000, and the financial support of Thomas’s wife, Ginni.

Eight people were killed and thirteen injured in a drive-by shooting in the Serbian village of Dubona, the second mass killing in as many days. Authorities have issued a warrant for a 21-year-old male suspect, who is still on the run. The police have cordoned off an area where they believe the suspect to be hiding. Serbia's Interior Ministry Spokesperson called the attack "a terrorist act", a day after another terrorist attack occurred in a school in Belgrade, killing eight children and a security guard. A 7th-grade student opened fire on his classmates, and police are still trying to ascertain whether there was accomplice(s) in the attack.  The Serbian authorities reported several other incidents on Thursday. These incidents include a student brandishing a plastic gun, and a 9-year-old copying the shooting list of the massacre of the previous day. Serbia is known to have the highest level of civilian gun ownership in Europe, and the fifth-highest in the world, increasing the susceptibility of the country to uncontrolled escalation of violence.

On May 3rd, 2023, a fatal shooting incident occurred at the Northside Hospital in Midtown Atlanta. Eyewitnesses shared their terrifying experiences of hiding and running for safety as the shooting unfolded. The incident claimed the life of 38-year-old Atlanta resident Amy St. Pierre, who was later identified as an employee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Four other female patients were injured and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where they received treatment. The surviving victims were aged 39, 71, 56, and 25 years old. Two of them underwent surgery and were recovering in the ICU, and the third patient was treated by interventional radiology and also placed in the ICU. Except for the fourth patient who is recovering in the Trauma Center, the rest are still in serious condition. The suspected shooter, Deion Patterson, was a 24-year-old discharged Coast Guard veteran, who opened fire with a handgun in the hospital's medical imaging office waiting room on the 11th floor. He was found and arrested eight hours after the attack, hiding near a pool at a condo complex in Cobb County, as barking dogs alerted the neighbors. The hospital was closed on May 4th, the day after the shooting.

A historic verdict was reached on Thursday as Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, and three allies were convicted of seditious conspiracy to derail the transfer of power from former President Donald Trump to Joe Biden. The verdict followed one of the most significant trials to emerge from the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. The four men were also found guilty of conspiring to obstruct Congress' proceedings on January 6 and destroying government property. One of the defendants, Dominic Pezzola, was convicted of obstructing Congress' proceedings on January 6 and several other felony charges, but the jury failed to reach a decision on the sedition charge against him. It is rare for individuals to receive guilty verdicts for seditious conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. With this conviction, 14 January 6 defendants have been found guilty of sedition. This verdict is sure to boost prosecutors in Washington and Georgia, who are considering charges against former President Trump for his role in events before and during January 6.

North Carolina's Republican-led legislature has agreed on a plan to ban abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases of rape, incest, fetal anomaly, or when the mother's life is threatened. While the legislation preserves access to abortion for most women in the state who seek it, a closer examination of the fine print reveals potential harms to women. The vast majority of abortions after 12 weeks are not following "choice," but stem from situations where the pregnancy is severely impaired, or the woman's life is at risk. The line between a mother's "health" and "life" in these situations can often be far from clear. In the past, women have been put in compromised life-threatening situations due to restrictive abortion legislation in other states. While this ban is less restrictive than others that have come before it, GOP lawmakers in North Carolina hope it will establish a standard for similarly minded states.

Jordan Neely's death in a subway car following a struggle with other passengers highlights the importance of mental health care and social services. Neely had untreated serious mental illness and a long involvement with the criminal-justice system. Despite past arrests, his interactions with homeless outreach teams, social workers, safe-haven shelters, and outpatient clinics remain unclear. Policymakers need to determine what kind of interventions have worked, and whether enough effort is made to re-engage "service-resistant" seriously mentally ill people who spurn initial offers of treatment. The debate over crisis response continues to concern how to best handle situations like this one. While some military or law enforcement personnel may be disposed to intervene quickly, containment can be the sounder approach in dealing with the mentally ill. Rushing in may not be appropriate or effective in all situations. As we await additional facts, Neely's story serves as a reminder of the importance of effective mental health care, outreach, and crisis management systems in society.

The White House has introduced a plan to mitigate the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) while promoting its development, according to CNN. The plan includes policies that would guide how the government procures and utilizes AI systems. The measures taken could significantly affect the AI market and control how Americans interact with AI in various settings. Part of the plan includes allocating $140 million to the National Science Foundation to promote research and development in AI. The funds will be used for establishing research centers that use AI to address issues such as climate change, public health, and agriculture. The announcement was released in advance of a meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and technology CEO’s from Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI to emphasize the importance of responsible and ethical AI development. The concern over AI technology is that its widespread use could generate deepfakes and misinformation that could pose a threat to the democratic process. Additionally, the technology could lead to automation and job loss, algorithmic biases, threats to public safety, and more.

The US federal government is headed towards an unprecedented financially devastating default on its debt. If that were to happen, the economy would enter recession, shedding eight million jobs, warns a recent analysis. The White House and Capitol Hill leaders are reportedly scrambling to avoid the catastrophe that could arrive as soon as June 1, even as Republicans want to introduce cuts to federal spending, while Democrats seek to raise the debt limit without conditions. President Biden has several strategic options available, including continuing to hold out for Republicans to raise the nation's debt limit with no strings attached, which would be an attempt to stare down House Republicans as many progressives urge him to do. Consequently, Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California might refuse to give in, leading the government to run out of cash to pay its bills on time. Alternatively, the President could prepare unilateral action to bypass the limit and keep paying the country's bills effectively, but each path carries potential risks. The most significant risk is economic calamity. Therefore, Biden needs to decide the best course of action, with economists urging a quick resolution.

Donald Trump faced new scrutiny for his 2016 Access Hollywood remarks during his deposition in a defamation and rape trial against him. In the deposition aired in court, the Access Hollywood tape - where Trump brags about sexual misconduct - was played back to him, after which Trump responded that "when you're a star, they let you do it." He did not express regret for his remarks, instead saying that it was true "historically" and exemplified with examples from previous centuries. Other sections of the deposition showed Trump denying E. Jean Carroll's rape accusations against him and insulting her attorney. During the trial, Carroll credited the #MeToo movement for her decision to come forward with her story. Although Trump has not made an appearance in court, he hinted that he could still wind up taking the stand, although his attorneys say that he will not. The judge in the case will let him change his mind until Sunday afternoon.

A recent Navigator Research poll suggests that Disney is more popular than Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The poll found that 64% of registered voters held a favorable view of Disney, compared to only 35% for the governor. Interestingly, Disney is also more popular among independent voters. While 66% of independents held a favorable view of Disney, just 25% had the same view of Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has been feuding with Disney since last month when the company filed a federal lawsuit against Florida. While the governor has been widely expected to run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, the feud is potentially damaging his popularity. The Navigator Research poll also found that DeSantis's net favorability has decreased from minus 4 last year to minus 11 in April 2023. Meanwhile, Disney's net favorability is up from plus 32 favorable to plus 33 favorable since May 2022. The poll was conducted on 1,002 registered voters from April 20 to 24 and has a B/C rating from poll tracker FiveThirtyEight.

Davis police have arrested a suspect in a string of stabbings over the past week that left two dead and one injured. The suspect was apprehended on Tuesday and was found to have "some physical evidence on him that might be part of the investigation." Law enforcement found a large knife that matched the one used in the first homicide in the suspect's backpack. Further details on why he committed these crimes are yet to be disclosed. The community of UC Davis has been on edge, with increased police patrols on campus, rescheduled classes and other measures being put in place. Classes will resume next week with extended hours for Safe Rides. Chancellor Gary S. May urged the community to tap into resources and support after the news of the arrest. The investigation is ongoing, and the motive remains unknown.

Richard Glossip, who has been on death row in Oklahoma for more than two decades, is set to be executed on May 18th. Glossip was found guilty of arranging the murder of his employer, Barry Van Treese, in 1997. However, two independent investigations have cast serious doubts on his conviction: the first found, “No reasonable juror hearing the complete record would have convicted Richard Glossip of first-degree murder,” while the second concluded that Glossip’s conviction should be vacated and a new trial granted. Despite this, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has ruled 5-0 to deny a request for another appeal. A group of high-profile supporters, including Sister Helen Prejean and Susan Sarandon, have mobilized to try to spare Glossip’s life, and have part-funded both independent investigations into the case. Public opinion in Oklahoma is divided: while the prosecution argues that there is “overwhelming evidence” against Glossip, and the victim’s family have demanded his execution be carried out, the case has been mired in accusations of witness intimidation and poor police work. In the words of one commentator, “a man’s life hangs in the balance[,] and it is not at all clear that he is guilty.”

On Monday, a Black homeless man was choked to death by a White former Marine in a NYC subway car. The victim, Jordan Neely, was a longtime subway performer renowned for his Michael Jackson impersonations. There is no information on what led to the choking other than Neely becoming verbally aggressive. According to a law enforcement source, Neely had a history of run-ins with the NYPD, including three unprovoked assaults on women in the subway between 2019 and 2021. His death raises questions about the safety of the NYC subway and how criminalize homeless people are policed. The subway has become a hub for homeless individuals struggling to survive after decades of defunding social services and a lack of affordable housing. Neely's tragic death highlights how neglected the poor and homeless populations are in NYC, and it is imperative that the policy issue is addressed to prevent further deaths like this one.

White House economists have warned that a debt default could result in the loss of over 8 million jobs and cut the stock market in half, according to a blog post by the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The report outlines the effects of three scenarios: brinksmanship, a short default, and a protracted default. Even brinksmanship would see the loss of 200,000 jobs and a 0.3% decrease in annual GDP. The worst-case scenario would result in a "protracted" default that lasts three months, which could result in 8.3 million jobs being erased, a 6.1% decrease in GDP, and a half fall in the stock market. According to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the US could default on its debt as early as June. Analysts note that a fight between Republicans and Democrats on the debt limit ceiling could also plunge the US economy into a recession even if the standoff doesn't result in a debt default. Investors are already taking the risk seriously, with the cost to insure US government debt against default at its highest since the 2007-2009 financial crisis.

Steph Curry made NBA playoff history during Game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. Curry's 21-point performance in the game elevated him to 13th place on the all-time playoff scoring list, ahead of Hall of Famer John Havlicek. He now has 3,777 playoff points and is set to surpass Larry Bird's 3,897 points next. The Warriors faced a possible elimination, but Curry's performance helped lead them to a win, advancing them to the second round of playoffs. The team will now face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry's excellent season continues, with superb performances so far in the playoffs, averaging 31.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Curry, a two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star, has been with the Warriors for 14 seasons and led them to the NBA championship four times in the previous eight seasons. The win marked an important milestone for Curry as he continues to elevate his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats.

As the Golden State Warriors face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second-round playoff series, many are focused on the headlining discussions surrounding Steph Curry and LeBron James. However, X-factors like Kevon Looney could prove key to determining the outcome of the series. Looney's performance is crucial for optimizing both single- and dual-big lineups, especially as he battles on the boards alongside Anthony Davis. Keeping Davis under control will fall predominantly to Looney, making their matchup a crucial one to watch. On offense, Looney lacks the range to yank Davis away from the basket, but he will still need to pitch in against LeBron James. If Looney can hold his own against AD, the Lakers' defensive disruption will be more controlled, and the Warriors can pull Green elsewhere. As both teams enter the game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, every player's performance will be critical to winning this best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series.

Los Angeles Lakers power forward, Mo Bamba, has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 1 contest against the Golden State Warriors due to left ankle soreness. According to sources, Bamba received an injection to treat the soreness and was using a crutch to walk at the team's shootaround. This injury report has listed Bamba as questionable before the game, and he may return for the next game. Though the Lakers' backup centers are Wenyen Gabriel and Tristan Thompson, Bamba, who played just 88 minutes total in the regular season for Los Angeles, figured unlikely to get many minutes in the matchup anyway because of his defensive limitations. However, his absence meant that the Lakers would be more likely to turn to Rui Hachimura/LeBron James frontcourt that wasn't effective versus Memphis. This grouping is unlikely to do better against ace rebounder Kevon Looney. Although Bamba's absence may not have a huge impact on the rotation, it is still a significant loss for the Lakers and may affect their performance against the Warriors.

After a dominant performance by Anthony Davis in Game 1 of the Lakers-Warriors Western Conference semifinals series, the Lakers are looking to take a 2-0 lead over the Golden State Warriors before heading back to Los Angeles. Davis had an impressive stat line with 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocked shots. The Lakers are hoping to avoid a repeat of their first-round playoff series with the Memphis Grizzlies, where they dropped Game 2 after winning Game 1. Davis emphasized the importance of being "greedy" and not settling for a split with the Warriors. The Lakers understand the threat that the Warriors pose and are looking to bring their best defensive effort in Game 2 to secure another victory. Kerr acknowledges the difficulty of facing Davis and says, "You can see it on tape, but you got to feel it in order to understand how to attack." With Davis and LeBron James leading the Lakers, they are aiming to make a deep playoff run and cement Davis's legacy as a franchise great.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has taken on the challenge of defending Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry throughout the second-round playoff series. Vanderbilt, who guarded Ja Morant in the series against the Memphis Grizzlies, held his own against Curry in Game 1, where he was credited with allowing only one 3-point attempt, which Curry made. Curry still managed to score 27 points, but he worked hard for them due to Vanderbilt's defense, which hounded him into committing three turnovers. The Lakers won the game 117-112.

Vanderbilt welcomed the assignment, stating that this was his calling and what he was brought to the team to do. He also credited the team effort and various bodies thrown at Curry, including reserve point guard Dennis Schroder. Vanderbilt's 6'9" frame and 7'1 wingspan gave him an advantage in dictating where he wanted to send Curry and forcing him inside the 3-point line. Vanderbilt's versatility as a defender, capable of guarding all five positions, impressed Lakers coach Frank Vogel.

The Lakers will look to maintain this level of defense and take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 against the Warriors.

Apple’s Q2 earnings report was a hit, causing its stock to surge and leaving some investors wondering if now is the time to invest. However, analysts warn that Apple's valuation is cause for investor skepticism. William Power of Baird is one such skeptic. While he reiterated their Outperform rating on the stock, Power noted that “valuation vs. the S&P 500 near all-time highs, we'd also be more aggressive buyers on any pullbacks.” For context, Power noted that Apple is trading at nearly 28 times 2023's estimated earnings and 26.3 times 2024's estimated earnings, whereas the benchmark S&P 500 index is trading at roughly 19 times estimated earnings, making it the highest premium relative to the index since 2020. Furthermore, Apple now represents a record 7.1% of the S&P 500 Index, which has historically indicated a bubble.

Despite a myriad of bearish calls, including a Trade of the Week short on AAPL, some believe Apple could still be a profitable investment, especially given the strong performance of tech in this season's earnings. MarketBeat rates Apple shares as a Moderate Buy, and the company's recent impressive update and strong long-term eco-system benefits make it a possible investment opportunity. Investors must be mindful of Apple's high valuation relative to the S&P 500 and the possible dangers of being overly dependent on a handful of large-cap tech stocks driving the market.

LeBron James has changed his playing style since joining the Lakers, as noted by Warriors' Draymond Green. Green stated that LeBron "is playing a totally different style, totally different game than he's ever played before." LeBron's usage rate in the playoffs is 27.2%, considerably lower than his regular season rate of 33.3%, and in his first game against the Warriors in the regular season, his role had changed drastically. This adjustment is partly due to the Lakers' strong roster which gives LeBron more flexibility and the opportunity to take a back seat when necessary. LeBron has also been dealing with a foot tendon injury that has limited him through the playoffs. Although he has been effective with the injury, the Lakers' new playing style complements this, rather than relying on him to carry extra weight. Draymond's observation shows how this Lakers' team is shaping up as one of LeBron's most offensively talented teams; his ability to be a fourth-option offensively is indicative of this.

Andrew Wiggins has played a crucial role in the Warriors' playoff push, and he believes they're ready to defend their championship crown. Wiggins' return from a 23-game absence due to a family matter has given the Warriors a much-needed boost in scoring and rebounding. He's averaging 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the series against the Kings. Wiggins' performance has been a welcome sight for the defending champions, who struggled with consistency throughout the regular season. His solid all-around stat line in Game 6 (13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals) proves that he's back to his pre-absence form.

According to Wiggins, "We've got the pieces. We know we got the coaching for it. We've got the fans. I feel like we're in good shape. I feel like this series has prepared us, because this was tough. It was a dogfight, every game. It was hard." With his impressive performance so far in the playoffs, Wiggins may just be the key to the Warriors' championship aspirations.

Jonathan Kuminga, the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has found himself out of the Golden State Warriors' rotation lately, and he has expressed his struggle with this situation. He played only a total of 27 minutes in the first four playoff games, and he had a DNP-CD in the Warriors' series-opening loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, experts say that the decision to not play Kuminga is not a failure on the youngster's end. The Warriors' veteran players, like Draymond Green, are coming back to full strength, resulting in Kuminga's reduction in minutes. But, bringing Kuminga back in the rotation, especially in the second-round playoff series against the Lakers, could provide the Warriors with a new dimension of play.

Kuminga's athleticism and budding skills could make him a valuable asset in some of Golden State's better bench lineups, and his ability to block and score at an above-average rate as a pick-and-roll player should be explored. Moreover, playing Kuminga will not have to kill spacing either. The Lakers may leave him outside, but Kuminga's ability to shoot is above average, which becomes an advantage for Golden State. Thus, the Warriors' coach, Steve Kerr, must consider employing Jonathan Kuminga against the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is on track to earn almost $14 million through Instagram posts in 2023, more than double the earning of the next athlete on the list. A study by Betting.com shows that James reportedly earns $380,501 per post, a sum greater than what he is paid per game in the 2022-23 NBA season. The study also showed that the athletes with the highest earning power on Instagram are all current and former NBA players. James' earning from Instagram will likely decrease with every game he plays in the playoffs, but this is still a huge figure for posting on social media. It is clear that James' offseason activities have proved immensely profitable, as he also turned down a $15 million extension from McDonald's in order to grow his stake in Blaze Pizzas, a decision now resulting in earnings of $35-40 million.

Former Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson certainly thinks so, noting that Looney has been a crucial part of the team's success over the years. Looney's contributions were on full display in Game 5 against the Sacramento Kings, where he outrebounded Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis to the tune of 22 rebounds, seven assists, and four points.

Looney has now recorded multiple 20-rebound games in the same playoff series, joining the ranks of Warriors greats Wilt Chamberlain and Nate Thurmond. Despite being undersized and lacking athleticism, Looney uses his impeccable nose for the ball to make himself indispensable. His value to the Warriors both on and off the court has not gone unnoticed, with former teammates and coaches singing his praises.

While it remains to be seen whether Looney's number will join the seven already retired by the Warriors, his teammates are glad to see him recognized for his hard work and selflessness. For now, Looney's focus is on helping the Warriors continue their playoff success and possibly securing his team a championship ring.