QUICKREADS

Los Angeles faces flood risks as first rains in months help battle wildfires
Los Angeles is experiencing its first significant rainfall in months, aiding in wildfire containment but raising landslide risks on recently burned hillsides. Rainfall amounts varied, with a flood watch issued for the area. While the wet weather benefits firefighting efforts, heavy downpours could trigger mudflows, leading to road closures and safety concerns for affected regions.

Pro-Palestinian protesters storm Columbia University's Butler Library, several arrested| Video
Pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Columbia University's Butler Library, leading to NYPD intervention. Several arrested for non-compliance. The protest follows last year's campus demonstrations against the Israel-Gaza war, with tensions spreading across campus.
IRS mandates weekend overtime to clear tax error backlog, internal memo sparks staff concerns
IRS mandates weekend overtime for staff at Kansas City processing center to clear tax return error backlog, with employees required to work 16 hours over two weekends to address critical processing delays and potential staffing shortages.

Record-breaking gas prices in California by 2026? Here’s what a gallon could cost you
California gas prices could skyrocket to $8.44 per gallon by 2026, driven by refinery closures and new regulations. A USC professor's study warns of potential 75% price increase, impacting consumers and potentially influencing nationwide fuel markets.

Indo-Canadian premier of Canada’s Yukon province, Ranj Pillai, resigns
Ranj Pillai, the second Indian-origin Canadian provincial leader, announced his resignation as Yukon's Premier. He will step down after leading the territory since January 2023, triggering a leadership race before the November election.

China's Xi Jinping in Russia for Victory Day amid exchange of fire with Ukraine
Xi Jinping and Lula visit Russia for Victory Day amid intense Russia-Ukraine conflict, with ongoing missile and drone exchanges. Zelensky maintains 30-day ceasefire proposal while tensions escalate, with Xi expected to discuss Ukraine war with Putin.

Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces up to 24 years in Philippines' jail: Will Russia step in to free him?
Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces 24 years in Philippine jail after allegedly harassing security guards, attempting to grab a firearm, and filming without permits during a livestream. His dual citizenship complicates potential diplomatic intervention.

Kash Patel, FBI director, is not happy with this Trump's decision for his agency
FBI Director Kash Patel criticized Trump's proposed budget cuts of $545 million, arguing the agency cannot maintain its mission with reduced funding. Patel is working to prevent cuts and preserve existing law enforcement capabilities.

Fentanyl Crisis Provided Opening for U.S.-China Trade Talks
Beijing's outreach to Washington regarding fentanyl has led to upcoming trade talks in Switzerland, marking a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations. Both nations are seeking to ease tensions after extensive tariffs. The discussions aim to address drug trafficking concerns and explore new trade agreements, with officials hopeful for progress in reducing trade barriers.

The Britain-India trade deal is a sign of things to come
Sir Keir Starmer praised a new trade deal between Britain and India as the UK's most significant since Brexit. The agreement includes substantial tariff reductions, particularly benefiting whisky and car exports. It aims to boost bilateral trade by £25.5bn over 15 years, although restrictions on services and immigration remain contentious. This deal may influence future global trade negotiations.

Singapore urges citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan in fresh advisory
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to defer non-essential travel to Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan due to heightened security tensions following an April 22 terror attack. Singaporeans are advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and register with the MFA for safety updates and assistance.

Pakistan airspace closed for all commercial flights at Lahore, Islamabad airports after India's Operation Sindoor
Pakistan closed airspace at Lahore and Islamabad airports following India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror spots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a previous terrorist attack killing 26 people.

500 billionaires in 4 states while 3 have none- America's shocking wealth divide revealed
Four states (California, New York, Florida, Texas) host 528 of America's 902 billionaires, valued at $2 trillion. Ten states have one billionaire, while Alaska, Delaware, and West Virginia have none, highlighting dramatic wealth concentration.

‘Dave Portnoy ruined my life’: Temple student Mohammed Khan speaks out on antisemitism row and Auschwitz 'trip'
Temple student Mohammed Khan claims Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy ruined his life after an antisemitic incident at a pub. He faces interim suspension from Temple University and potential expulsion, with an Auschwitz learning trip offer now revoked.

Santa Ana stabbing: 3 high school students injured in Orange County
Three high school students were stabbed near Santa Ana High School in Orange County, California, on Wednesday. No arrests have been made yet, and details remain limited as the investigation continues.

Why 'pro-vaccine’ Janette Nesheiwat was replaced last minute as surgeon general nominee
White House replaces Dr. Janette Nesheiwat with Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General nominee after far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized Nesheiwat's pro-vaccine stance and challenged her medical background. Trump praised Means as an exceptional candidate with strong health credentials.