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US Deploys Sterile Flies and Sniffer Dogs to Counter Flesh‑Eating Screwworms
bbc.co.uk

US Deploys Sterile Flies and Sniffer Dogs to Counter Flesh‑Eating Screwworms

Trump's White House Ballroom: From Grand Party to Secret Service Stronghold
bbc.co.uk

Trump's White House Ballroom: From Grand Party to Secret Service Stronghold

U.S. Immigration Agents Raid South Carolina Metal‑Casting Plant on Workers With Fake Ids, Arrest Two Execs
AP

U.S. Immigration Agents Raid South Carolina Metal‑Casting Plant on Workers With Fake Ids, Arrest Two Execs

Screwworm Fly Threatens U.S. Cattle Industry After 50-Year Gap
AP

Screwworm Fly Threatens U.S. Cattle Industry After 50-Year Gap

Trump Announces $700 Million Boost for U.S. Coal Industry","description":"President Donald Trump is set to release nearly $700 million to support coal‑fired power plants, new coal mines and exports, marking a significant push to revive the struggling domestic coal sector.","summary":"The President’s latest policy move directly addresses the decline of U.S. coal by allocating sizeable federal funds for plant support and new projects, while critics warn of environmental costs.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/fc9a635/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5178x3452+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ffc%2Ff6%2Fb60290354cce7c981f0edd5a7e5b%2F7b6a8444d663447f939bdf80c7d81555","text":"<p><strong>WASHINGTON, April 18 –</strong> At a White House briefing scheduled for Thursday, President Donald Trump will announce a new federal program that will provide almost $700 million in funding for coal‑fired power plants, new mining projects and coal exports. </p> <p>The plan will mobilize authority under the Military Production Act of 1947, a Cold War‑era law that gives presidents broad power over industries deemed essential to national security. Under this authority, the administration will directly support 13 existing coal power plants across the country and help fund the construction of new plants in Alaska and West Virginia – the first new U.S. coal plants built since 2013.</p> <p>In addition to plant support, the program will restart a coal‑fired power plant in Maryland and greenlight construction of a long‑delayed coal export terminal in Oakland, Calif., offering a total of more than 14,000 new or sustained jobs in coal, construction, rail and maritime sectors. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the announcement would be issued later Thursday.</p> <p>This move follows Trump’s earlier initiative last fall to open 13 million acres of federal land for coal mining and commit $625 million to modernize and recommission coal‑fired plants. Trump’s administration has used executive orders to blast away regulatory barriers and extend operation dates for aging plants that risk curtailing supply during peaks of demand.</p> <p>Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin will attend the briefing. The administration has charged the Energy Department with keeping plants in Michigan, Indiana, Colorado and Washington state beyond their scheduled retirement dates to meet rising U.S. power demand, driven by data centers, artificial intelligence workloads and electric‑vehicle adoption.</p> <p>Wright has noted that emergency orders have helped prevent major blackouts during last winter’s brutal cold spell that gripped most of the country. Critics see this as a taxpayer bailout of polluters that will push up electricity bills and degrade air quality.</p> <p>Environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, have slammed the program, arguing it prioritizes polluters. “Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk,” said Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the council.</p> <p>Opponents also point out that coal once accounted for more than half of U.S. electricity generation – a share now about 15% – while natural gas and renewables supply the rest. The Department of Energy’s strategic focus has moved toward nuclear and renewable sources, yet the current administration is backtracking on those goals.</p> <p>The surge in global coal demand has plateaued, and U.S. coal exports have fallen, largely due to trade tensions with China and shifting customers. The Department of Energy’s new financing will likely keep U.S. plants operating despite fewer international destinations.</p> <p>Trump’s policy is a clear example of using national security legislation for economic ventures, a tactic that has drawn both praise and condemnation across the political spectrum.</p>
AP

Trump Announces $700 Million Boost for U.S. Coal Industry","description":"President Donald Trump is set to release nearly $700 million to support coal‑fired power plants, new coal mines and exports, marking a significant push to revive the struggling domestic coal sector.","summary":"The President’s latest policy move directly addresses the decline of U.S. coal by allocating sizeable federal funds for plant support and new projects, while critics warn of environmental costs.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/fc9a635/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5178x3452+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ffc%2Ff6%2Fb60290354cce7c981f0edd5a7e5b%2F7b6a8444d663447f939bdf80c7d81555","text":"<p><strong>WASHINGTON, April 18 –</strong> At a White House briefing scheduled for Thursday, President Donald Trump will announce a new federal program that will provide almost $700 million in funding for coal‑fired power plants, new mining projects and coal exports. </p> <p>The plan will mobilize authority under the Military Production Act of 1947, a Cold War‑era law that gives presidents broad power over industries deemed essential to national security. Under this authority, the administration will directly support 13 existing coal power plants across the country and help fund the construction of new plants in Alaska and West Virginia – the first new U.S. coal plants built since 2013.</p> <p>In addition to plant support, the program will restart a coal‑fired power plant in Maryland and greenlight construction of a long‑delayed coal export terminal in Oakland, Calif., offering a total of more than 14,000 new or sustained jobs in coal, construction, rail and maritime sectors. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the announcement would be issued later Thursday.</p> <p>This move follows Trump’s earlier initiative last fall to open 13 million acres of federal land for coal mining and commit $625 million to modernize and recommission coal‑fired plants. Trump’s administration has used executive orders to blast away regulatory barriers and extend operation dates for aging plants that risk curtailing supply during peaks of demand.</p> <p>Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin will attend the briefing. The administration has charged the Energy Department with keeping plants in Michigan, Indiana, Colorado and Washington state beyond their scheduled retirement dates to meet rising U.S. power demand, driven by data centers, artificial intelligence workloads and electric‑vehicle adoption.</p> <p>Wright has noted that emergency orders have helped prevent major blackouts during last winter’s brutal cold spell that gripped most of the country. Critics see this as a taxpayer bailout of polluters that will push up electricity bills and degrade air quality.</p> <p>Environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, have slammed the program, arguing it prioritizes polluters. “Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk,” said Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the council.</p> <p>Opponents also point out that coal once accounted for more than half of U.S. electricity generation – a share now about 15% – while natural gas and renewables supply the rest. The Department of Energy’s strategic focus has moved toward nuclear and renewable sources, yet the current administration is backtracking on those goals.</p> <p>The surge in global coal demand has plateaued, and U.S. coal exports have fallen, largely due to trade tensions with China and shifting customers. The Department of Energy’s new financing will likely keep U.S. plants operating despite fewer international destinations.</p> <p>Trump’s policy is a clear example of using national security legislation for economic ventures, a tactic that has drawn both praise and condemnation across the political spectrum.</p>

Melinda French Gates Pledges $215 Million to Accelerate Women’s Health Worldwide
AP

Melinda French Gates Pledges $215 Million to Accelerate Women’s Health Worldwide

Detroit Chef Drives Support for Families in War‑Torn Lebanon","description":"Mirvet Makki, a Lebanese‑American caterer in Dearborn Heights, uses her business profits to send relief money to those displaced in Lebanon amid the Israel‑Hezbollah conflict.","summary":"In the wake of a renewed war in southern Lebanon, Lebanese diasporic community in the U.S. rallies to support families in crisis. Mirvet Makki, a 47‑year‑old chef, channels her weekly earnings from catering events to provide direct aid, while her peers organize fundraisers and navigate the challenges of immigration and remittance logistics. The piece explores the deep ties between the diaspora and their homeland, the economic reality of Lebanon, and the personal stories behind the collective generosity.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/ca31740/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/599x399!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca31740%2Fimage.jpg","text":"<p>CANTON, Mich. (AP) — Every week, Mirvet Makki sets aside earnings from her catering business to help people in <a href=\"https://apnews.com/hub/lebanon\">Lebanon</a> displaced by the war between <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/israel-hezbollah-conflict-timeline-a2f7978dee7f29af1d50f690d032e4d3\">Israel and Hezbollah militants</a>.</p>\n<p>Makki, 47, who cooks Lebanese dishes like couscous stews and traditional kibbeh in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn Heights, immigrated to Michigan in 1990. But her heart never left her childhood village of Bint Jbeil, one of the hardest‑hit areas in <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-home-demolitions-8ae2161e4f531760ad829279d65b1133\">southern Lebanon</a>.</p>\n<p>Nearly every Lebanese American has felt the impact of the latest round of fighting, which has displaced more than 1 million people—roughly one in every six Lebanese— and killed more than 3 500 people. It is Israel’s deepest invasion of Lebanon in more than a quarter‑century.</p>\n<p>“I was thinking, ‘What can I do for other people?’” Makki said. “So I used my business.”</p>\n<p>Even with the rising cost of living in the U.S., she said, “the money I can spare personally, I’ve been sending it to family.”</p>\n<p>In metro Detroit, where Arabic signs adorn restaurants, cafés and bakeries, there is a heavy sense of grief as the community watches the crisis unfold thousands of miles away.</p>\n<p>Like Makki, many grapple with guilt and hopelessness. It’s not easy to help loved ones who are unwilling or unable to leave their country and face a worsening economic crisis.</p>\n<p>“Honestly it’s hard. Like, what do you say?” Makki said. “They’re going to ask me what I’m doing. Let’s say I’m at work. They lost their jobs. Let’s say I tell them I’m home. They lost their homes.”</p>\n<p>Rome ? The conflict’s ripple effect is felt through a web of relatives and neighbors. Many have, over the decades, become policymakers or community organizers to support the diaspora’s needs.</p>\n<p>A worldwide network of Lebanese Americans are rallying to fundraise for families that were left fighting, especially when the U.S. immigration system halted processing of visas for Lebanese nationals in late January.</p>\n<p>“There is really no Lebanese homeland without the Lebanese diaspora,” Edward Curtis, director of Arabic Studies at Indiana University, said.</p>\n<p>Amid a strained economy, the value of the Lebanese pound has collapsed, making the U.S. dollar the de‑facto currency of the country. In February, Makki noticed how much prices had risen. Where $200 used to cover a car rental and a hotel room, now it barely paid for a dinner out.</p>\n<p>Some people crowdsource funds online through established relief organizations, but most prefer to send money directly to loved ones. Makki doesn’t want to send more than $10 000 in total to avoid suspicion. After that, she laughed, “Maybe take it there myself?”</p>\n<p>Nadia Bryant, 37, of Troy, Michigan, has been sending money to her half‑sisters in Lebanon, who are in temporary housing after their village of Ayta ash‑Shab was invaded by Israeli forces. Rather than using the money for themselves, Bryant stated her sisters help orphaned children. “They are not even trying to keep the money for themselves.”</p>\n<p>“I don’t even ask ‘How are you?’ That feels so stupid to me,” Bryant said. “I ask: what does today look like, or where are you today?”</p>\n<p>Attoui, an organizer in Detroit, has tried to convince her family to move to the U.S. multiple times since she came in 2006, but they do not want to leave. Despite those attempts, the U.S. halted processing of immigrant visas for Lebanese nationals.</p>\n<p>In conclusion, the diaspora’s collective empathy and resilience have become a lifeline for families in Lebanon, turning kitchens, community centers and virtual platforms into hubs for hope and support.</p>
AP

Detroit Chef Drives Support for Families in War‑Torn Lebanon","description":"Mirvet Makki, a Lebanese‑American caterer in Dearborn Heights, uses her business profits to send relief money to those displaced in Lebanon amid the Israel‑Hezbollah conflict.","summary":"In the wake of a renewed war in southern Lebanon, Lebanese diasporic community in the U.S. rallies to support families in crisis. Mirvet Makki, a 47‑year‑old chef, channels her weekly earnings from catering events to provide direct aid, while her peers organize fundraisers and navigate the challenges of immigration and remittance logistics. The piece explores the deep ties between the diaspora and their homeland, the economic reality of Lebanon, and the personal stories behind the collective generosity.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/ca31740/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/599x399!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca31740%2Fimage.jpg","text":"<p>CANTON, Mich. (AP) — Every week, Mirvet Makki sets aside earnings from her catering business to help people in <a href=\"https://apnews.com/hub/lebanon\">Lebanon</a> displaced by the war between <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/israel-hezbollah-conflict-timeline-a2f7978dee7f29af1d50f690d032e4d3\">Israel and Hezbollah militants</a>.</p>\n<p>Makki, 47, who cooks Lebanese dishes like couscous stews and traditional kibbeh in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn Heights, immigrated to Michigan in 1990. But her heart never left her childhood village of Bint Jbeil, one of the hardest‑hit areas in <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-home-demolitions-8ae2161e4f531760ad829279d65b1133\">southern Lebanon</a>.</p>\n<p>Nearly every Lebanese American has felt the impact of the latest round of fighting, which has displaced more than 1 million people—roughly one in every six Lebanese— and killed more than 3 500 people. It is Israel’s deepest invasion of Lebanon in more than a quarter‑century.</p>\n<p>“I was thinking, ‘What can I do for other people?’” Makki said. “So I used my business.”</p>\n<p>Even with the rising cost of living in the U.S., she said, “the money I can spare personally, I’ve been sending it to family.”</p>\n<p>In metro Detroit, where Arabic signs adorn restaurants, cafés and bakeries, there is a heavy sense of grief as the community watches the crisis unfold thousands of miles away.</p>\n<p>Like Makki, many grapple with guilt and hopelessness. It’s not easy to help loved ones who are unwilling or unable to leave their country and face a worsening economic crisis.</p>\n<p>“Honestly it’s hard. Like, what do you say?” Makki said. “They’re going to ask me what I’m doing. Let’s say I’m at work. They lost their jobs. Let’s say I tell them I’m home. They lost their homes.”</p>\n<p>Rome ? The conflict’s ripple effect is felt through a web of relatives and neighbors. Many have, over the decades, become policymakers or community organizers to support the diaspora’s needs.</p>\n<p>A worldwide network of Lebanese Americans are rallying to fundraise for families that were left fighting, especially when the U.S. immigration system halted processing of visas for Lebanese nationals in late January.</p>\n<p>“There is really no Lebanese homeland without the Lebanese diaspora,” Edward Curtis, director of Arabic Studies at Indiana University, said.</p>\n<p>Amid a strained economy, the value of the Lebanese pound has collapsed, making the U.S. dollar the de‑facto currency of the country. In February, Makki noticed how much prices had risen. Where $200 used to cover a car rental and a hotel room, now it barely paid for a dinner out.</p>\n<p>Some people crowdsource funds online through established relief organizations, but most prefer to send money directly to loved ones. Makki doesn’t want to send more than $10 000 in total to avoid suspicion. After that, she laughed, “Maybe take it there myself?”</p>\n<p>Nadia Bryant, 37, of Troy, Michigan, has been sending money to her half‑sisters in Lebanon, who are in temporary housing after their village of Ayta ash‑Shab was invaded by Israeli forces. Rather than using the money for themselves, Bryant stated her sisters help orphaned children. “They are not even trying to keep the money for themselves.”</p>\n<p>“I don’t even ask ‘How are you?’ That feels so stupid to me,” Bryant said. “I ask: what does today look like, or where are you today?”</p>\n<p>Attoui, an organizer in Detroit, has tried to convince her family to move to the U.S. multiple times since she came in 2006, but they do not want to leave. Despite those attempts, the U.S. halted processing of immigrant visas for Lebanese nationals.</p>\n<p>In conclusion, the diaspora’s collective empathy and resilience have become a lifeline for families in Lebanon, turning kitchens, community centers and virtual platforms into hubs for hope and support.</p>

Virginia Bus Crash Highlights Long‑Standing Safety Gaps in Commercial Transport
AP

Virginia Bus Crash Highlights Long‑Standing Safety Gaps in Commercial Transport

CBS News in Turmoil: ‘60 Minutes’ Faces Shake‑Ups and Scandals","description":"Explore the unfolding controversy at CBS’s flagship news program—the firing of top correspondents, leadership changes, and questions about its future direction amid a canny fight for relevance.","summary":"Recent leadership changes at CBS News have triggered the dismissal of three correspondents, including veteran Scott Pelley, and the appointment of new executives. While CBS attempts to re‑brand the legendary 58‑season show “60 Minutes,” critics argue the shake‑ups threaten the program’s core values and investigative legacy.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/cd33d6d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3600x2400+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2Fe7%2Fb553edb5b6448206b538498b3370%2F8c9c8f390853414fbe6839e426ea0b66","text":"<h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">CBS News in Turmoil: ‘60 Minutes’ Faces Shake‑Ups and Scandals</h2><p>In a continuous saga that echoed the intense launch of the show in 1968, CBS News leader Bari Weiss has unleashed a “new approach” on its flagship program. The move, described by the network as a necessary evolution, has already cost three senior correspondents, including veteran host Scott Pelley, and displaced long‑time producer Tanya Simon. With the program’s rating highs amid the political turbulence of the last few years, the crisis now threatens to eclipse its 58‑season legacy.</p><p>On September 24, 1968, Harry Reasoner famously declared “This is ‘60 Minutes,’” ushering in a new format for television journalism. He called it a “new approach.” Now, at the midpoint of its lifespan, the same phrase has become the rallying cry of those at the helm of a show that has outlasted a thousand political seasons.</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">The Shake‑Ups</h2><p>In a dramatic spin‑off from the network’s reality TV division, Weiss appointed technology columnist Nick Bilton as executive producer, replacing 30‑year veteran Tanya Simon. Alongside the leadership swap, the network axed award‑winning correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, effectively stripping the show of four of its most recognizable faces. The departure of Anderson Cooper, who left voluntarily, has left a void in on‑deck reporting.</p><p>Scott Pelley was fired in a tense meeting with management, after a confrontation with Bilton’s team. Pelley has publicly accused the new leadership of “instructing me to inject falsehoods and bias into politically sensitive stories” and has claimed that he was told to include unverified claims. He has also suggested that the changes serve political ends, praising former MSNBC editor‑in‑chief <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/849feac594d54642915110b4976d5046\" style=\"color:#0066ff; text-decoration:underline;\">Roger Segall</a> and setting a tone that favors a particular Washington establishment.</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">Apollo of the Past and the Future of the Show</h2><p>Historian Robert Thompson notes that, “It started in 1968—time is this good.” But the structural changes now raise the question whether the show will move toward a “next generation” or remain an untouchable relic of early network journalism. Thompson reminds that the program has continually evolved under different directors; writers and analysts still poke holes at the claim that the legacy cannot shift at all.</p><p>Former executive producer Jeff Fager—who authored <i>Fifty Years of 60 Minutes: The Inside Story of Television’s Most Influential News Broadcast</i>—has openly cautioned that “I can’t imagine running ‘60 Minutes’ without Scott.” Fager warned that the loss of “the most remarkable body of work” would hobo the network’s credibility.</p><p>Not long before these upheavals, CBS faced a civil‑rights lawsuit with President Donald Trump over an edited 2024 interview with former presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The lawsuit was settled for $16 million by Paramount and Skydance, whose merger has added more layers of corporate oversight to the network’s decision‑making. The settlement angered many at the show, and subsequently led to the departure of late‑night host Stephen Colbert.</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">The Outsider’s Verdict</h2><p>Media pundits have weighed in, from CNN’s Brian Stelter to the AP’s own role in bringing the turmoil to light. Žest opinions range from calling it a new era to it being, in some eyes, a clampdown. NBA commissioner Roger Goodell has been asked by Congress to testify on streaming adoption, reflecting the larger question about where the network’s future lies toward digital platforms and viewer engagement.</p><p>Weiss has made a promise that Season 59 will “deliver unforgettable stories” if the brand is consistent. The upcoming roster, however, remains unclear, and skeptics worry that the show may simply be in a battle over political narrative control.</p><p>So far, no clear direction has materialized. The question remains: will CBS “ride the new approach” or will the legacy of investigative journalism turn off its frazzled audience? The next 12 months will determine whether the show’s long‑standing brand will survive or become a footnote written by fan blogs and industry gossip.</p><p>— Jocelyn Noveck, covers media and entertainment for the AP</p>
AP

CBS News in Turmoil: ‘60 Minutes’ Faces Shake‑Ups and Scandals","description":"Explore the unfolding controversy at CBS’s flagship news program—the firing of top correspondents, leadership changes, and questions about its future direction amid a canny fight for relevance.","summary":"Recent leadership changes at CBS News have triggered the dismissal of three correspondents, including veteran Scott Pelley, and the appointment of new executives. While CBS attempts to re‑brand the legendary 58‑season show “60 Minutes,” critics argue the shake‑ups threaten the program’s core values and investigative legacy.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/cd33d6d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3600x2400+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2Fe7%2Fb553edb5b6448206b538498b3370%2F8c9c8f390853414fbe6839e426ea0b66","text":"<h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">CBS News in Turmoil: ‘60 Minutes’ Faces Shake‑Ups and Scandals</h2><p>In a continuous saga that echoed the intense launch of the show in 1968, CBS News leader Bari Weiss has unleashed a “new approach” on its flagship program. The move, described by the network as a necessary evolution, has already cost three senior correspondents, including veteran host Scott Pelley, and displaced long‑time producer Tanya Simon. With the program’s rating highs amid the political turbulence of the last few years, the crisis now threatens to eclipse its 58‑season legacy.</p><p>On September 24, 1968, Harry Reasoner famously declared “This is ‘60 Minutes,’” ushering in a new format for television journalism. He called it a “new approach.” Now, at the midpoint of its lifespan, the same phrase has become the rallying cry of those at the helm of a show that has outlasted a thousand political seasons.</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">The Shake‑Ups</h2><p>In a dramatic spin‑off from the network’s reality TV division, Weiss appointed technology columnist Nick Bilton as executive producer, replacing 30‑year veteran Tanya Simon. Alongside the leadership swap, the network axed award‑winning correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, effectively stripping the show of four of its most recognizable faces. The departure of Anderson Cooper, who left voluntarily, has left a void in on‑deck reporting.</p><p>Scott Pelley was fired in a tense meeting with management, after a confrontation with Bilton’s team. Pelley has publicly accused the new leadership of “instructing me to inject falsehoods and bias into politically sensitive stories” and has claimed that he was told to include unverified claims. He has also suggested that the changes serve political ends, praising former MSNBC editor‑in‑chief <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/849feac594d54642915110b4976d5046\" style=\"color:#0066ff; text-decoration:underline;\">Roger Segall</a> and setting a tone that favors a particular Washington establishment.</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">Apollo of the Past and the Future of the Show</h2><p>Historian Robert Thompson notes that, “It started in 1968—time is this good.” But the structural changes now raise the question whether the show will move toward a “next generation” or remain an untouchable relic of early network journalism. Thompson reminds that the program has continually evolved under different directors; writers and analysts still poke holes at the claim that the legacy cannot shift at all.</p><p>Former executive producer Jeff Fager—who authored <i>Fifty Years of 60 Minutes: The Inside Story of Television’s Most Influential News Broadcast</i>—has openly cautioned that “I can’t imagine running ‘60 Minutes’ without Scott.” Fager warned that the loss of “the most remarkable body of work” would hobo the network’s credibility.</p><p>Not long before these upheavals, CBS faced a civil‑rights lawsuit with President Donald Trump over an edited 2024 interview with former presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The lawsuit was settled for $16 million by Paramount and Skydance, whose merger has added more layers of corporate oversight to the network’s decision‑making. The settlement angered many at the show, and subsequently led to the departure of late‑night host Stephen Colbert.</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold;\">The Outsider’s Verdict</h2><p>Media pundits have weighed in, from CNN’s Brian Stelter to the AP’s own role in bringing the turmoil to light. Žest opinions range from calling it a new era to it being, in some eyes, a clampdown. NBA commissioner Roger Goodell has been asked by Congress to testify on streaming adoption, reflecting the larger question about where the network’s future lies toward digital platforms and viewer engagement.</p><p>Weiss has made a promise that Season 59 will “deliver unforgettable stories” if the brand is consistent. The upcoming roster, however, remains unclear, and skeptics worry that the show may simply be in a battle over political narrative control.</p><p>So far, no clear direction has materialized. The question remains: will CBS “ride the new approach” or will the legacy of investigative journalism turn off its frazzled audience? The next 12 months will determine whether the show’s long‑standing brand will survive or become a footnote written by fan blogs and industry gossip.</p><p>— Jocelyn Noveck, covers media and entertainment for the AP</p>

Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as Putin’s flagship economic forum opens
bbc.co.uk

Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as Putin’s flagship economic forum opens

Metaverse Meets the 60 Minutes Saga: Scott Pelley Fired as CBS News Sparks Virtual Debate","description":"In a virtual press room, journalists witness the termination of famed 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley amid renewed calls for editorial integrity.","summary":"On a Thursday, CBS News announced the firing of long‑time 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley—an action that followed a heated staff meeting where Pelley accused new head Bari Weiss of \"murdering the show.\" The decision, coming a day after the former correspondent lambasted Weiss’s management and called his qualifications \"slender,\" deepened the tumult at America’s most influential news program. In the derailed meeting, Pelley also alleged that CBS’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton—who lacks traditional broadcast experience—had orchestrated a hostile environment for him. Bilton’s written notice characterised Pelley’s conduct as a “performative display of hostility” that undermined the program’s success. The firing follows Weiss’s appointment last October and a preceding memo that called for a “new approach” at the flagship newsmagazine, aiming to expand beyond the 60‑minute format. CBS’s CEO David Ellison, an ally of former President Trump, faced criticism for allegedly shedding the show’s reputation to curry favor. This move, now being discussed in a metaverse‑integrated news platform, underscores the ongoing struggle with editorial independence versus corporate influence in modern journalism. Metaverse participants can now log in, attend the virtual press conference, and explore the 60 Minutes studio as avatars, immersing themselves in the unfolding drama.","image":"https://assets.apnews.com/6c/e7/b553edb5b6448206b538498b3370/8c9c8f390853414fbe6839e426ea0b66","text":"<p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">On Thursday, CBS News announced the termination of veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, a move that came after a heated staff meeting where Pelley slammed new head Bari Weiss for \"murdering the show\" and criticized his new executive producer Nick Bilton for having \"slender qualifications.\" The decision has left the long‑running investigative program in disarray, highlighting the ongoing clash over editorial independence and corporate governance.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">Pelley, 68, threatened that 60 Minutes had lost its DNA under the new leadership. He said the program was being pressured to “inject falsehoods and bias” without providing any concrete examples. Pelley’s statement echoed former complainants who had criticized Weiss’s earlier memo that called for a \"new approach\" to the prime‑time newsmagazine.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The termination letter, released by The Associated Press, named Bilton as the key figure who had \"hijacked\" the meeting to disparage Pelley’s intentions. Bilton, a technology journalist with no traditional broadcast experience, accused the seasoned correspondent of launching an ambush against him. He characterized Pelley’s actions as a “performative display of hostility” that made it clear the veteran did not wish to contribute to 60 Minutes’ future success.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The fallout has magnified since Weiss took over the network’s news operation last October amid a leadership overhaul. The firing came five days after she instructed staff to implement a \"new approach\" that could potentially expand the viewing format beyond the 60‑minute hook.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The episode affirms the aging power of broadcast journalism’s traditional gatekeepers—both elite editors and senior correspondents—while showing how corporate agendas can override journalistic integrity. CBS President Tom Cibrowski and 60 Minutes lead producer Nick Bilton have both hinted at a future that departs from the show’s legacy structure, which is rooted in the year 1968 birth of the longest running prime‑time program in TV history.\n</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5rem;margin-top:1.5rem;\"><b>Virtual Press Conference Opens New Era</b></h2><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">For the first time, metaverse‑styled journalism is poised to feature a live, fully interactive press conference where participants can attend as avatars. Visitors to the virtual 60 Minutes newsroom can chat with colleagues, view telemetry, and even explore the studio set in 3D. This integration provides a new venue for real‑time public discussion as it unfolds, shedding light on how the newsroom’s hierarchical tensions can multiply in the digital age.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">Metaverse historians note that the virtual platform offers a unique perspective amid the rapid shift to digital media. According to CBS media strategist Jess Wu, the decision to host the event online stresses the importance of transparency and engagement as the company wrestles with the same questions faced by terrestrial competitors: are advertisers or executive expectations becoming a threat to unbiased reporting?\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">Pelley’s former colleagues, now beyond the office walls, emphasize that the show’s historic investigative approach—an approach defined by “uncompromising journalism”—can still stay intact while ushering in modern technology. Nonetheless, the debate remains polarized, with some studio members claiming the new direction threatens to erode all investigations, while others hope the changes can pivot the show to reach newer, possibly younger audiences.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The industry will watch closely as the 60 Minutes staff updates their process through a mandate structured for the 21st‑century viewer while still defending the principles that defined its legacy. As the metaverse platform opens a new chapter for journalism, it will mirror the firefights and advocacy that left a lasting imprint on the network’s history.\n</p>
AP

Metaverse Meets the 60 Minutes Saga: Scott Pelley Fired as CBS News Sparks Virtual Debate","description":"In a virtual press room, journalists witness the termination of famed 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley amid renewed calls for editorial integrity.","summary":"On a Thursday, CBS News announced the firing of long‑time 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley—an action that followed a heated staff meeting where Pelley accused new head Bari Weiss of \"murdering the show.\" The decision, coming a day after the former correspondent lambasted Weiss’s management and called his qualifications \"slender,\" deepened the tumult at America’s most influential news program. In the derailed meeting, Pelley also alleged that CBS’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton—who lacks traditional broadcast experience—had orchestrated a hostile environment for him. Bilton’s written notice characterised Pelley’s conduct as a “performative display of hostility” that undermined the program’s success. The firing follows Weiss’s appointment last October and a preceding memo that called for a “new approach” at the flagship newsmagazine, aiming to expand beyond the 60‑minute format. CBS’s CEO David Ellison, an ally of former President Trump, faced criticism for allegedly shedding the show’s reputation to curry favor. This move, now being discussed in a metaverse‑integrated news platform, underscores the ongoing struggle with editorial independence versus corporate influence in modern journalism. Metaverse participants can now log in, attend the virtual press conference, and explore the 60 Minutes studio as avatars, immersing themselves in the unfolding drama.","image":"https://assets.apnews.com/6c/e7/b553edb5b6448206b538498b3370/8c9c8f390853414fbe6839e426ea0b66","text":"<p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">On Thursday, CBS News announced the termination of veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, a move that came after a heated staff meeting where Pelley slammed new head Bari Weiss for \"murdering the show\" and criticized his new executive producer Nick Bilton for having \"slender qualifications.\" The decision has left the long‑running investigative program in disarray, highlighting the ongoing clash over editorial independence and corporate governance.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">Pelley, 68, threatened that 60 Minutes had lost its DNA under the new leadership. He said the program was being pressured to “inject falsehoods and bias” without providing any concrete examples. Pelley’s statement echoed former complainants who had criticized Weiss’s earlier memo that called for a \"new approach\" to the prime‑time newsmagazine.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The termination letter, released by The Associated Press, named Bilton as the key figure who had \"hijacked\" the meeting to disparage Pelley’s intentions. Bilton, a technology journalist with no traditional broadcast experience, accused the seasoned correspondent of launching an ambush against him. He characterized Pelley’s actions as a “performative display of hostility” that made it clear the veteran did not wish to contribute to 60 Minutes’ future success.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The fallout has magnified since Weiss took over the network’s news operation last October amid a leadership overhaul. The firing came five days after she instructed staff to implement a \"new approach\" that could potentially expand the viewing format beyond the 60‑minute hook.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The episode affirms the aging power of broadcast journalism’s traditional gatekeepers—both elite editors and senior correspondents—while showing how corporate agendas can override journalistic integrity. CBS President Tom Cibrowski and 60 Minutes lead producer Nick Bilton have both hinted at a future that departs from the show’s legacy structure, which is rooted in the year 1968 birth of the longest running prime‑time program in TV history.\n</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5rem;margin-top:1.5rem;\"><b>Virtual Press Conference Opens New Era</b></h2><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">For the first time, metaverse‑styled journalism is poised to feature a live, fully interactive press conference where participants can attend as avatars. Visitors to the virtual 60 Minutes newsroom can chat with colleagues, view telemetry, and even explore the studio set in 3D. This integration provides a new venue for real‑time public discussion as it unfolds, shedding light on how the newsroom’s hierarchical tensions can multiply in the digital age.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">Metaverse historians note that the virtual platform offers a unique perspective amid the rapid shift to digital media. According to CBS media strategist Jess Wu, the decision to host the event online stresses the importance of transparency and engagement as the company wrestles with the same questions faced by terrestrial competitors: are advertisers or executive expectations becoming a threat to unbiased reporting?\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">Pelley’s former colleagues, now beyond the office walls, emphasize that the show’s historic investigative approach—an approach defined by “uncompromising journalism”—can still stay intact while ushering in modern technology. Nonetheless, the debate remains polarized, with some studio members claiming the new direction threatens to erode all investigations, while others hope the changes can pivot the show to reach newer, possibly younger audiences.\n</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1rem;\">The industry will watch closely as the 60 Minutes staff updates their process through a mandate structured for the 21st‑century viewer while still defending the principles that defined its legacy. As the metaverse platform opens a new chapter for journalism, it will mirror the firefights and advocacy that left a lasting imprint on the network’s history.\n</p>

Inside the Bet: Kalshi Flags George Santos’ Trading Play Ahead of Trump\u2019s Speech
AP

Inside the Bet: Kalshi Flags George Santos’ Trading Play Ahead of Trump\u2019s Speech

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