International News
Apollo Creed Actor, Carl Weathers Is Dead
Hollywood Icon, Carl Weathers, acclaimed for his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, who had a prolific career spanning decades, has passed away at the age of 76.
Manager Matt Luber officially confirmed the actor’s passing on Thursday.
He said, “The actor died peacefully at home on Thursday.”
Weathers, whose diverse contributions ranged from the classic “Predator” to the popular series “The Mandalorian,” breathed his last peacefully at home on Thursday, with the cause of death yet undisclosed.
His family, in a statement to CNN, commemorates him as an extraordinary individual whose indelible mark extends across film, television, arts, and sports, making him a beloved figure worldwide and across generations.
Weathers was a former football player who had no prior boxing experience, landed the role of Apollo Creed in the Oscar-winning film “Rocky” and its subsequent sequels.
In a 2015 Hollywood Reporter interview, Weathers shared an amusing story about auditioning with Sylvester Stallone, initially unaware that Stallone was both the writer and star of the film.
Following what he considered a lackluster audition, Weathers humorously quipped, “I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with.”
The character of Apollo Creed drew inspiration from Muhammad Ali, whom Weathers later had the opportunity to meet.
Weathers leveraged his “Rocky” exposure into various roles, capitalizing on his imposing physicality. Notably, he starred in the 1987 sci-fi action movie “Predator” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
International News
DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home
Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.
Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.
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The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”
The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”
Details later……….
International News
Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital
Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.
The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.
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According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.
Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.
Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.
Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.
For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.
International News
‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal
US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.
SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock
According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.
“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.
“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”
Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”
“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.
“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.
Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.





