New Articles Archives - Page 2 of 6 -

Knicks Eliminate Celtics in Game 6, Advance to Eastern Finals

The New York Knicks delivered a historic performance, defeating the Boston Celtics 119–81 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semi finals, marking their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. This 38-point victory stands as the largest playoff win in franchise history.Wikipedia+6Al Jazeera+6DIE WELT+6

Dominant Team Effort Propels Knicks Forward

Key players led the charge: Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 23 points, Mikal Bridges added 22, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points along with 12 rebounds. Josh Hart achieved a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists—the first Knicks postseason triple-double since Walt Frazier in 1972. Wikipedia+4Al Jazeera+4New York Post+4

Celtics Struggle Amid Injuries

The Celtics faced significant challenges, notably the absence of star Jayson Tatum due to a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in Game 4. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 20 points but fouled out late in the third quarter. The team shot 36% from the field and 30% from three-point range, unable to match New York’s intensity. Al Jazeera+4CelticsBlog+4BILD+4

Looking Ahead: Knicks vs. Pacers

The Knicks will face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, starting Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. This matchup rekindles a classic rivalry, with both teams vying for a spot in the NBA Finals.New York Post

This victory not only signifies a monumental achievement for the Knicks but also energizes their fan base as they continue their pursuit of an NBA championship

Moody Downgrade US Credit Rating: America’s Last Triple-A Falls

Moody downgrade US credit rating is the headline shaking global markets. On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Investors Service stripped the United States of its final perfect credit score, cutting the rating from Aaa to Aa1. This historic downgrade underscores deep concerns about America’s soaring debt, rising interest payments, and chronic political dysfunction.

Moody’s follows the lead of S&P (2011) and Fitch (2023), making this the first time in history that all three major agencies have rated U.S. credit below triple-A.

Why Did Moody Downgrade US Credit Rating?

Exploding Debt and Deficits

Moody’s decision centers on the U.S. government’s unsustainable fiscal path. Public debt now exceeds $36 trillion and is projected to hit 134% of GDP by 2035 if major policy shifts are not enacted.

Rising Interest Payments

Interest costs have overtaken defense spending and are on track to consume 30% of government revenues by 2035. Moody warns that ballooning interest payments will severely constrain fiscal flexibility.

Endless Deficit Spending

The federal deficit hit 6.4% of GDP in 2024—high for peacetime—and is projected to rise to nearly 9% of GDP within a decade.

Partisan Gridlock

Moody’s cited Washington’s ongoing political stalemate as a major risk factor. Lawmakers continue to kick the can down the road, failing to agree on reforms to taxes or entitlement spending.

Impact of the Moody Downgrade US Credit Rating

Costlier Borrowing

The downgrade may increase U.S. borrowing costs, potentially leading to higher interest rates for everything from mortgages to credit cards.

Market Volatility

While markets didn’t immediately panic, long-term investor confidence may erode. A lower credit rating can influence everything from Treasury demand to global economic sentiment.

Policy Pressure

With a presidential election approaching, the downgrade adds pressure on both parties to address fiscal issues—especially the future of the 2017 tax cuts, which Moody estimates could add $4 trillion to the deficit if extended.

Moody’s Mixed Outlook

Despite the downgrade, Moody’s changed its outlook from “negative” to “stable,” citing strong U.S. institutions, a robust economy, and effective monetary policy. But the agency warned: if no structural fiscal reforms are made, future downgrades could follow.

The Moody downgrade US credit rating should be a wake-up call for policymakers. With all major agencies now aligned in their skepticism, the message is clear: without serious action on debt and spending, America’s fiscal reputation will continue to deteriorate.

Trump IRS Data-Sharing Plan Approved by Federal Judge

Mexico Crash: At Least 21 Dead in Tragic Collision in Puebla

A Mexico crash on Wednesday morning has left at least 21 people dead and several others injured, according to local authorities. The tragic incident occurred on the highway between Cuacnopalan and Oaxaca in Puebla state.

Local official Samuel Aguilar Pala confirmed that 18 people were killed at the scene, while three more died later in hospital. The Mexico crash involved a cement tanker truck, a passenger bus, and a van.

According to reports by Mexican newspaper La Jornada, the Mexico crash was caused when the cement truck attempted to overtake a van and crossed into the opposite lane. It collided with the bus, then crashed head-on into the van before plunging into a ravine and catching fire.

Footage shared online showed a massive cloud of black smoke rising from the ravine and damage to the road railing, though the video has not been independently verified.

The crash is the latest in a series of deadly road accidents in the country, highlighting ongoing concerns about highway safety and driver behavior.

Israeli Airstrike Gaza Hospital Kills 48 After Hostage Release

On May 13, 2025, An Israeli airstrike Gaza hospital incident has drawn global outrage after a missile hit the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The Israeli airstrike Gaza hospital attack came shortly after hostages were released and taken to hospitals for medical checks, raising serious concerns about civilian safety and the targeting of medical facilities during ongoing conflict. The attack caused significant damage, creating large craters within the hospital compound and burying several vehicles, including a bus.

Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli drones maintained a presence over the hospital, hindering rescue efforts. Two civil defence officers were reportedly wounded by a quadcopter drone while attempting to approach the site. The casualties were transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which itself had been struck earlier that day. Among the fatalities at Nasser Hospital was Hassan Aslih, a prominent Palestinian photojournalist who was recovering from injuries sustained in a previous Israeli strike. Israel had accused Aslih of involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel.

These incidents occurred shortly after the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, who had been held hostage by Hamas since the October 7 attacks. Following his release, Alexander underwent medical evaluations at a hospital in Israel.

The Israeli military has maintained that Hamas utilizes hospitals in Gaza for militant activities, a claim that Hamas denies. The international community has expressed concern over the targeting of medical facilities, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian laws during conflicts

Israel Denying Food to Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

Israel Denying Food to Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

Israel denying food to Gaza has escalated into a dire humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has condemned the blockade, stating that “starvation is spreading” and labeling the denial of aid as the “weaponisation of humanitarian assistance” .

The Impact of Israel Denying Food to Gaza

The blockade has led to severe shortages of essential supplies. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 11% of children in Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition, with at least 55 children having died as a result . Food security experts warn that the entire population is at acute risk, with famine likely if the blockade continues .

International Condemnation of Israel Denying Food

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using starvation as a method of warfare, stating that the deliberate blocking of humanitarian aid constitutes a war crime . Medical charity Médecins du Monde has also condemned the blockade, warning that the months-long restriction is worsening acute malnutrition in the Gaza Strip .

Calls for Immediate Action

Aid organizations and international figures are calling for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. The UN and leading aid groups reject Israel’s proposed aid distribution strategy, citing humanitarian concerns .

As the situation deteriorates, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent a full-scale famine in Gaza

Jayson Tatum Injury Shocks Celtics in Game 4 Loss to Knicks

The Boston Celtics suffered a devastating blow in more ways than one Monday night at Madison Square Garden, falling to the New York Knicks 121-113 in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi finals. But the more pressing concern wasn’t the Celtics score or the Knicks score — it was what happened to Jayson Tatum.

There’s no official Tatum injury update yet, but the visuals and reactions say it all. “More importantly, it’s Jayson that I’m worried about,” said Al Horford after the Celtics’ 121-113 loss at Madison Square Garden. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White also expressed deep concern, with Brown calling the injury “tough” and admitting, “Didn’t look great.”

Before getting hurt, Tatum was brilliant — 42 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks. But now, the Celtics are down 3-1 in the NBA Playoffs, and the outlook is grim with their best player potentially out.

The Celtics injury report is already long: Brown, Holiday, Porzingis, and Hauser are all battling issues. But losing Tatum is a crushing blow.

As fans await the Jayson Tatum injury report, Game 5 becomes do-or-die. The big question remains: What happened to Jayson Tatum, and can the Celtics survive without him?

2025 NFL Mock Draft and Predictions

Gerard Depardieu Found Guilty of Sexual Assault

Gerard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of a 2021 movie, according to multiple reports. The renowned French actor, who has long been a controversial figure in the entertainment world, was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison term by a Paris court on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The court also imposed a fine of approximately $32,350 (29,040 euros) and ordered that Gerard Depardieu be added to France’s national sex offender registry, as reported by the Associated Press.

Despite the court’s decision, Gerard Depardieu, 76, has denied all allegations and is expected to appeal the ruling. According to his lawyer, the actor did not attend the sentencing hearing but continues to maintain his innocence.

The case stems from an incident on the set of the film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), where Gerard Depardieu allegedly groped a 54-year-old set decorator and a 34-year-old assistant director. One of the victims testified that Depardieu “touched everything, including my breasts,” and described being terrified while he allegedly laughed during the incident, Reuters reported.

Gerard Depardieu has faced scrutiny in the past over his behavior, but this marks the first time the actor has been formally convicted. Despite his long career and prominent status in French cinema, this legal ruling casts a significant shadow over his legacy.

As the legal battle continues, the public awaits the outcome of Gerard Depardieu’s appeal, which could potentially alter the final result of this high-profile case.

Rapper Tory Lanez stabbed in California prison

Trump IRS Data-Sharing Plan Approved by Federal Judge

A federal judge has officially approved the Trump IRS data-sharing plan, allowing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide taxpayer information to federal immigration authorities. This decision is a significant win for Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy, which aims to identify and deport undocumented immigrants using IRS data.

What Is the Trump IRS Data-Sharing Plan?

The Trump IRS data-sharing plan allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access sensitive taxpayer information through a new agreement with the IRS. According to the ruling, the plan is intended to assist in criminal investigations involving immigrants who have defied deportation orders.

Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled that the agreement does not violate tax confidentiality laws under its current structure. She was appointed by Trump in 2017 and made it clear the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) permits data sharing strictly for criminal enforcement—not civil deportation.

Why Immigrant-Rights Groups Oppose the Plan

Immigrant-rights groups have long argued that the Trump IRS plan breaks federal privacy rules by exploiting loopholes to use tax data for deportation. These groups warn that undocumented immigrants may now be too afraid to file taxes, undermining IRS efforts to collect revenue from all U.S. residents, regardless of legal status.

Alan Morrison, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, says his team is considering an appeal. He stressed that they’ll monitor the IRS and DHS closely to ensure the data is not used unlawfully.

Legal Debate Over Taxpayer Confidentiality

Federal law typically prevents the IRS from sharing private taxpayer information for civil matters like deportation. However, under the Trump IRS data-sharing plan, the Justice Department claims data requests will only target immigrants under criminal investigation for violating deportation orders.

Judge Friedrich agreed, writing:

“The Memorandum only allows sharing information for criminal investigations… The Court cannot assume that DHS intends to use the shared information to facilitate civil rather than criminal proceedings.”

Internal IRS Concerns Over the Trump Plan

Several career IRS officials refused to sign the agreement, citing legal risks. Still, the Trump administration implemented the plan in April 2025. These concerns highlight the ongoing tension between law enforcement goals and taxpayer privacy protections.

Immigrant Communities Fear Tax Filing Repercussions

The plan has caused fear in immigrant communities. For years, undocumented immigrants have used Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to file taxes without risk of exposure. Now, many worry that the IRS may be used as a tool for enforcement under the Trump IRS plan.

Conclusion: What’s Next for the Trump IRS Data-Sharing Plan?

This ruling does not mark the end of the legal battle. The plaintiffs may appeal the decision to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, immigration advocates and legal experts will be watching closely for any misuse of IRS data under this controversial policy.

UFC 315 : Jack Della Maddalena is New UFC Welterweight Champion

In a thrilling main event at UFC 315, held on May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, Australian fighter Jack Della Maddalena secured the UFC welterweight title by defeating reigning champion Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Della Maddalena.

Della Maddalena, known for his striking prowess, effectively neutralized Muhammad’s wrestling advantage by keeping the fight standing and delivering powerful combinations. Despite Muhammad’s aggressive push in the later rounds, including a takedown in the final frame, Della Maddalena’s consistent striking and defense secured his victory.

This win marks Della Maddalena’s 18th consecutive professional victory and extends his undefeated streak in the UFC to 8-0. He becomes the third Australian to hold a UFC title, joining the ranks of Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker.

In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her women’s flyweight title against Manon Fiorot, winning by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 48-47. Shevchenko’s experience and striking acumen allowed her to control the latter rounds, handing Fiorot her first UFC loss.

UFC 315 also featured the retirement of MMA legend Jose Aldo, who announced his departure from the sport following a unanimous decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo, a former featherweight champion, leaves behind a storied career that has significantly impacted the sport of mixed martial arts.

Della Maddalena’s victory at UFC 315 not only signifies a new chapter in the welterweight division but also sets the stage for potential high-profile matchups, including a possible bout against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Fans eagerly await what’s next for the newly crowned champion .

WWE Backlash 2025 Results: Cena Beats Orton

SNL Arcade Fire Backlash Over Misconduct Allegations

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is under scrutiny after featuring Canadian indie band Arcade Fire as the musical guest on its May 10, 2025 episode, despite past sexual misconduct allegations against frontman Win Butler.

The episode, hosted by actor Walton Goggins, marked Arcade Fire’s sixth appearance on the show. The band performed two tracks from their upcoming sixth album, Pink Elephant. However, their inclusion sparked criticism from viewers who questioned the decision to spotlight the band given the unresolved allegations against Butler.

In 2022, Butler faced accusations from multiple individuals, including claims of coercive control, emotional abuse, unsolicited explicit messages, and physical assault. While Butler acknowledged having consensual relationships with the accusers and expressed remorse, the controversy has continued to shadow the band’s public engagements.

Social media platforms were rife with reactions, with many fans expressing discomfort and disappointment over SNL’s choice. Some viewers felt the show failed to address the gravity of the allegations by providing a prominent platform to the band without acknowledging the controversy.

The episode also featured a notable return of former cast member Cecily Strong, who reprised her role as Judge Jeanine Pirro during the cold open. Goggins’ monologue touched on his recent roles and included a heartfelt moment where he invited his mother onstage for a dance, celebrating Mother’s Day.

As SNL approaches its season finale, the decision to feature Arcade Fire has ignited discussions about accountability and the responsibilities of entertainment platforms in addressing past misconduct allegations.

WWE Backlash 2025 Results: Cena Beats Orton