Newly released images submitted by US prosecutors show Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused in last week’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner shooting, posing with multiple weapons inside a hotel room shortly before the incident. The photos were included in a court filing as part of the government’s effort to keep Allen in custody while the case proceeds. The 31-year-old has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including attempting to assassinate a former US president. According to prosecutors, the images depict Allen standing before a mirror with weapons strapped to his body, including a knife, alongside a bag containing ammunition. Authorities allege that he later carried a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and multiple knives when he approached a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile dinner was being held. During the incident, attendees, including senior officials, were evacuated after gunfire erupted, and a Secret Service agent was injured but survived. The court memorandum states that Allen took the photos in the evening while dressed in formal attire, concealing weapons beneath a coat later discarded. Prosecutors say he monitored live coverage of the event before advancing toward the venue. They allege he rushed through a screening checkpoint with a raised shotgun and moved past a metal detector while holding the weapon. Investigators also cited notes recovered from Allen’s phone that detailed observations from his cross-country trip to Washington, D.C. Prosecutors described the incident as deliberate and dangerous, arguing that no conditions would ensure public safety if he were released. Additional charges include transporting a firearm across state lines and discharging a weapon during a violent crime, both carrying significant penalties if convicted.

Zohran Mamdani has renewed debate over colonial history by suggesting that any future meeting with King Charles III should include a discussion about the return of the Kohinoor diamond. Speaking at a press conference in New York, Mamdani said he would encourage the British monarch to consider returning the historic gemstone, widely regarded in India as a symbol of colonial-era exploitation. His remarks come ahead of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s planned visit to the One World Trade Center to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, an event Mamdani is expected to attend. The Kohinoor diamond, originally mined in southern India, passed through several South Asian empires before being taken by the British East India Company in 1849 after the Second Anglo-Sikh War. It was formally transferred under the Treaty of Lahore, signed by Maharaja Duleep Singh, and later became part of the British Crown Jewels. Today, the 105.6-carat diamond remains displayed in the Tower of London, continuing to draw attention as a contested artifact. Mamdani’s comments place the issue within a broader international movement seeking the return of cultural heritage objects held in Western institutions. Similar demands have been made by Greece for the Elgin Marbles and by Nigeria for the Benin Bronzes. While British authorities maintain the Kohinoor was acquired legally, critics argue the agreement occurred under coercive conditions. By raising the issue in a diplomatic context, Mamdani has shifted the conversation beyond ceremony, highlighting ongoing questions of historical accountability and the legacy of empire.

Legacy Texas chocolatier begins winding down operations A historic Texas confectionery business, Lammes Candies, is closing its operations after more than a century in business, citing mounting economic pressures and changing market conditions. The Austin-based company confirmed it will begin an orderly wind-down process after evaluating long-term sustainability challenges affecting the retail and confectionery sectors in the United States. Store closures confirmed across Austin and nearby cities The company has already shut down its Round Rock location as of Thursday, April 24, though the year was not specified. Additional closures include stores in Hillside and Lakeline Mall. Its flagship store in Austin will remain open temporarily, but no official closing date has been announced, leaving customers uncertain about final operations. Economic pressures and market shifts drive decision Lammes Candies stated that “unprecedented economic pressures and current market conditions” led to the decision. The company emphasized that it had carefully assessed shifts in consumer behavior, rising operational costs, and broader challenges facing family-owned retail businesses before deciding to cease operations. A family legacy spanning generations Founded in 1878 by William Wirt Lamme as the Red Front Candy Factory in Austin, the business officially became Lammes Candies on Thursday, July 10, 1885. After a temporary loss of the company due to a gambling debt, founder David Turner Lamme Sr. reclaimed it, establishing a legacy that continued for five generations. The company became known for handcrafted sweets, including its signature Texas Chewie Pecan Praline introduced in 1892. Final operations and transition for employees The company said it will fulfill remaining orders while supporting employees during the transition period. Ownership described the decision as difficult, highlighting the brand’s deep connection to the local community and its long-standing customer base. Since 2004, the business has been operated by fifth-generation family members, marking the end of a significant chapter in Texas retail history.

PayPal’s Venmo spinoff signals strategic shift to boost growth PayPal’s Venmo spinoff signals strategic shift to boost growth as CEO Enrique Lores informed managers this week that the company is reorganizing its reporting structure, separating Venmo into its own standalone business segment. The move reflects a broader effort to streamline operations and sharpen focus across its fintech portfolio. New reporting structure creates three distinct business units Under the restructuring plan, Venmo will operate independently, allowing clearer performance tracking and potentially positioning it for a future sale. Two additional segments will be formed: a PayPal-branded unit serving merchants and consumers, and a payment services division that includes Braintree along with crypto-related operations. The company is also reportedly seeking a digital banking executive to lead the newly independent Venmo unit. Leadership transition and competitive pressures Lores, who previously led HP Inc. and assumed leadership of PayPal in March, is implementing these changes as the company faces mounting competition from Apple, Google, and Stripe in digital payments. He succeeded Alex Chriss, whose tenure saw a steep decline in PayPal’s stock value following its pandemic-era peak. Investor interest and restructuring implications The company’s declining valuation has drawn attention from potential buyers, including reported interest from Stripe in acquiring parts or all of the business. PayPal has also engaged financial advisers to prepare for possible takeover attempts or activist investor campaigns. Following reports of the restructuring, PayPal shares rose by approximately 3%. Workforce uncertainty and executive departures The restructuring comes amid uncertainty over potential workforce reductions. Earlier in 2026, managers had been tasked with planning a 15% reduction in headcount, though those plans remain unresolved after the leadership transition. At the same time, key executives including Diego Scotti and Michelle Gill are departing as their divisions are restructured or dissolved. PayPal is also establishing a new artificial intelligence transformation group led by Anshu Bhardwaj, formerly of Walmart, and creating a financial services unit under Scott Young of Goldman Sachs. The changes highlight the company’s push to modernize operations and regain momentum in a rapidly evolving digital payments market.

India and Iran held talks on April 29, 2026, on ceasefire stability, Strait of Hormuz security, and trade impact. Both stressed diplomacy and continued coordination as regional tensions remain high despite the fragile truce. India, Iran discuss ceasefire stability and Strait of Hormuz security as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, focusing on the evolving security situation in Tehran and across the region. The discussion comes at a critical moment as the international community monitors a fragile two-week ceasefire involving Iran and a U.S.-Israel coalition, brokered earlier in April. According to an official statement, both leaders exchanged views on recent developments related to the ceasefire while also reviewing bilateral relations and broader regional security concerns. A central issue in the dialogue was the stability of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route through which nearly 90% of India’s liquefied petroleum gas imports pass, underscoring its economic significance for New Delhi. Officials familiar with the talks indicated that both sides emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted freedom of navigation in the region. Iran reportedly shared updates on its proposed 10-point peace framework, while India reiterated its longstanding position that de-escalation, sustained dialogue, and diplomatic engagement remain essential to achieving lasting stability in West Asia. Beyond immediate security concerns, the ministers also reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives, including the development of Chabahar Port. The project remains strategically important for India as it provides access to Central Asian markets, even as regional tensions pose logistical and security challenges. The conversation also addressed the broader impact of the conflict on global trade networks. Jaishankar highlighted concerns over prolonged instability, noting its disruptive effects on supply chains and economic activity. He emphasized that India continues to engage with multiple stakeholders in an effort to prevent escalation and support regional stability. The diplomatic exchange follows a period of heightened pressure from the administration of Donald Trump, which had issued strong warnings to Tehran over maritime disruptions. Although a ceasefire was implemented on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, tensions persist, with continued rhetoric from various factions raising concerns about its durability. As the ceasefire enters a sensitive phase, both ministers agreed to remain in close and frequent contact to monitor developments. For India, maintaining stability in the region is not only a strategic priority but also a critical economic necessity tied to energy security and trade continuity.

The war in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered widespread supply chain instability across South Asia, affecting energy security, economic stability, and regional cooperation. Countries across the subcontinent, heavily reliant on hydrocarbon imports from West Asia, are facing rising costs, reduced industrial competitiveness, and increased household expenditures as critical supply routes remain constrained. Fuel shortages and economic strain acros

Hackers claim to leak thousands of records A hacker group reportedly linked to Iran has claimed responsibility for leaking sensitive personal data of thousands of US Marines deployed in West Asia, triggering an investigation by the US Department of Defense. Reports indicate that the breach involved the release of names and personal details belonging to more than 2,000 Marines, raising serious concerns about military cybersecurity and operational safety. According to The Wall Street Journal, the leaked dataset included records of over 2,000 personnel, while another report suggested the number could be as high as 2,379. The group claiming responsibility has been identified as Handala, also known as Hanzala, which has previously been associated with cyber activities targeting Western interests. Details of leaked information and surveillance claims The hackers reportedly published the data on a channel on Telegram, presenting it as proof of their surveillance capabilities. The exposed information allegedly includes names and potentially other identifying details of US Marines stationed in the region. Reports also indicate that US troops received warning messages via WhatsApp, claiming they were being monitored and could be targeted. The group further asserted that it possesses additional sensitive data, including home addresses, family details, and daily routines of American personnel. It warned that more information could be released in the future, escalating concerns about the safety of military members and their families. Rising geopolitical tensions amplify cybersecurity risks The reported breach comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. The incident underscores growing cybersecurity threats tied to geopolitical rivalries, particularly in regions where US forces are actively deployed. Analysts say such cyber operations can serve both as intelligence-gathering efforts and psychological pressure tactics. Trump comments add to diplomatic strain Amid these developments, Donald Trump commented on relations with Iran, stating that the country had reached out to the United States regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In posts on his social media platform, Trump described Iran as being in a “state of collapse” and criticized its handling of negotiations over a non-nuclear agreement. The convergence of cyber threats and diplomatic friction highlights the evolving nature of modern conflict, where digital attacks increasingly accompany traditional geopolitical disputes.

Israel says it killed a senior Hamas intelligence leader involved in planning the October 7 attack, as violence continues in Gaza despite a ceasefire, with reports of additional casualties from a separate drone strike. The Israel Defense Forces said on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, that Iyad Ahmed Abd al Rahman Shambari, a senior figure in Hamas’s military intelligence wing, was killed in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, Shambari led the operations department within Hamas military intelligence and played a key role in planning the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war. The IDF statement did not specify the exact time of the strike or provide additional operational details. The Israeli military has repeatedly targeted senior Hamas figures as part of its broader campaign in Gaza following the large-scale assault that prompted Israel’s ground offensive in the enclave. A ceasefire announced on Friday, October 10, 2025, has largely reduced large-scale combat, but violence has continued across Gaza. The Gaza health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority, reported that at least 818 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began. The United Nations has previously considered such figures broadly reliable, though independent verification remains limited. Separately, Gaza’s civil defense agency said four people were killed and six others injured in a drone strike targeting a vehicle in the western Al Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City. A Gaza security official identified two of the victims as Hamas commander Iyad al Shanbari and his son Salah. The identities of the other two individuals were not disclosed. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the identities of those killed in that strike. The IDF has not publicly commented on the specific incident described by local authorities. The developments underscore ongoing instability in Gaza despite the ceasefire, with sporadic strikes and casualties continuing to be reported.

Exit poll predicts NDA sweeping Assam with 88 to 100 seats in Assembly elections. BJP-led alliance likely to secure third consecutive term with strong vote share lead. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is poised for a decisive victory in the Assam Assemb

Voting in Phase 2 of West Bengal elections saw 89.99 percent turnout till 5 pm, crossing 2021 levels. High voter participation across districts signals intense political contest and strong public engagement. The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 witnessed an impressive voter turnout of 89.99 percent by 5 pm, already exceeding the 80.4 percent recorded in the 2021 elections for the same 142 c

UAE exits OPEC and reshapes global oil and currency dynamics The decision by the United Arab Emirates to exit OPEC and OPEC+ marks a major shift in global energy markets. This move could increase oil price volatility, weaken OPEC’s control, and challenge the dominance of the US dollar in global oil trade. The timing is critical, coming amid rising oil prices, a growing dollar shortage in Gulf countries, and escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. What does thi

Trump passport controversy and political satire response The Trump passport announcement has triggered a fresh political exchange in the United States, with California Governor Gavin Newsom responding through satire while federal officials confirm the authenticity of the new travel document. The controversy began after US authorities revealed a limited-edition passport featuring President Donald Trump’s image, marking a historic shift in official government docume

The Bombay High Court deferred a 2017 defamation case to 2046, calling it an “ego fight” between elderly litigants. The court said such disputes waste judicial time and delay more urgent cases. The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised a long-running defamation case,

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on April 28, 2026, at around 10:00 AM EST to act quickly as nuclear deal negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. The statement highlights rising US-Iran tensions, ongoing diplomatic failure, and stricter American control over the

Nara Lokesh has taken charge as National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party, marking a major leadership shift. His rise reflects a transition toward younger leadership after playing a key role in the party’s 2024 comeback.  

Chandrababu Naidu urged Telugu Desam Party leaders to stay disciplined and avoid internal conflicts. He warned that small issues and power-driven behavior can damage the party’s image and public trust. Chandrababu Naidu has issued a firm yet measured warning to leaders of the Telugu Desam Party, urging them to maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary internal conflicts. Speaking at a recent party event, Naidu highlighted how minor disputes over issues such as flex banners, photo placements, and seating arrangements can create a negative perception among the public and harm the party’s image. His remarks come at a time when reports of friction between TDP and Jana Sena Party leaders have surfaced, particularly in the Pithapuram constituency. Although Naidu did not mention any individual names, political observers believe his comments were directed at local leaders involved in these tensions. He emphasized that such behavior distracts from the party’s primary goal of serving the people and maintaining unity within the ranks. Naidu stressed that discipline is the backbone of any political organization and must be followed at every level, from grassroots workers to senior leadership. He reminded party members that the public is closely observing their actions, and even small missteps can quickly turn into damaging headlines. Drawing lessons from the past, Naidu pointed out that voters have already penalized leaders from YSR Congress Party for similar behavior driven by arrogance and misuse of power. He cautioned TDP leaders not to repeat those mistakes and instead focus on responsible conduct. By calling for unity, humility, and public-oriented work, Naidu reinforced the importance of protecting the party’s reputation through disciplined and respectful behavior.

Abhishek Banerjee has steadily evolved into one of the most prominent faces of West Bengal politics, marking a significant transition within the Trinamool Congress. While he formally entered politics in 2011, his early exposure to political life came much earlier through his aunt,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway on April 29, 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s infrastructure development. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at the event, which highlighted the state’s push toward becoming an infrastructure-driven economic hub. Built at an estimated cost of ₹36,230 crore, the Ganga Expressway is the longest expressway in Uttar Pradesh and one of the country’s largest greenfield ro

King Charles III used a mix of humor and historical references during his recent visit to the United States, delivering speeches that balanced diplomacy with wit while reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two nations. His appearances, including an address to Congress and remarks at a state dinner at the White House hosted by Donald Trump, drew attention for their tone and messaging. During his engagements, the King made light-hearted comments that resonated with audiences while referencing shared history. In one instance, he joked about the British army’s burning of the White House in 1814, describing it as a “small attempt at beautification,” prompting laughter while acknowledging a historic conflict. His remarks also included references to earlier global rivalries, noting that without British influence, Americans might have been speaking French, a nod to the outcome of 18th-century European conflicts. In his address to Congress, King Charles drew on literary imagery, referring to “a tale of two Georges,” linking George Washington and George III. The comment highlighted shared history while emphasizing the evolution of relations between the United Kingdom and the United States. His speech avoided direct involvement in political controversies, instead focusing on broader themes of partnership and mutual respect. The King also touched on modern geopolitical issues, including defense cooperation and the role of alliances such as NATO. He referenced the enduring collaboration between the two nations, particularly in times of crisis, while acknowledging differing perspectives on international policy matters. His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation despite disagreements. By combining humor with carefully measured commentary, King Charles demonstrated a diplomatic approach that emphasized unity without overlooking complexity. His visit highlighted both the historical depth and contemporary relevance of the US-UK relationship, presenting a message aimed at strengthening ties while navigating sensitive political dynamics.

A major fire broke out at Gaur Green Avenue, a residential society in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, on Tuesday morning. The incident caused panic among residents, but timely evacuation helped prevent casualties.According to reports, the fire started around 9:00 AM in a locked apartment on the ninth floor of one of the towers. Thick smoke quickly spread to nearby floors, forcing residents to rush out of their homes. Fire department teams arrived at the spot soon after receiving the alert.