An autopsy revealed that Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy Merrifield died from the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and alcohol after being found in his patrol vehicle following a crash. The death, ruled accidental, highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in the Espanola Valley, where fentanyl is increasingly prevalent. His death adds to New Mexico's high rate of opioid-related fatalities.
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A high-profile left-wing influencer and political commentator said Monday he was detained for hours by US border officials and interrogated about his political views. Advocacy group Defending Rights & Dissent said it was "deeply disturbed" by the notion of border officials stopping political commentators to interrogate them about constitutionally-protected speech.
President Zelenskyy announced he will be in Ankara awaiting Putin for peace talks, a move supported by the US, while Russia remains noncommittal. Ukraine insists on a ceasefire before negotiations, amidst ongoing drone attacks and battlefield preparations. International pressure mounts for a resolution, with European nations discussing further sanctions against Russia.
Cassie Ventura's testimony in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial revealed shocking details, including Combs inviting Britney Spears to her 21st birthday and suspecting her of an affair with Michael B. Jordan. Ventura also recounted threats against Kid Cudi, alleging Combs mentioned blowing up Cudi's car.
An Australian, Oscar Jenkins, faces 13 years in a Russian jail. He fought alongside Ukrainian forces. Russian authorities captured Jenkins last December. Australia denounces the trial as a sham. Penny Wong, the Foreign Minister, demands his humane treatment. Australia has been supporting Ukraine since 2022. They have provided financial and military aid. Anthony Albanese has condemned Russia's actions.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty, are now eligible for parole. The brothers, initially sentenced to life without parole, were resentenced due to new evidence of alleged abuse and evolving laws regarding youth offenders. Their case, recently revisited in popular media, raises questions about trauma, justice, and redemption.
Ukraine's air force reported losing contact with a US-made F-16 fighter jet during a manoeuvre to repel a Russian attack, with the pilot ejecting safely after reportedly destroying three air targets. This marks the second confirmed loss of an F-16 for Ukraine, a significant blow as these jets play a crucial role in intercepting missiles and engaging Russian aircraft.
Donald Trump's ambiguous remarks about his post-Middle East tour plans have ignited speculation. He hinted at a possible return to Washington, DC, but also suggested an "almost destination unknown," fueling rumors of a surprise appearance at the Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul.
Women and girls in war-ravaged Sudan face gang rapes, sexual slavery and killings, particularly at the hands of the paramilitary forces, UN experts warned Wednesday. Amid the carnage, women and girls are particularly vulnerable and face escalating risks of gang rape, sexual slavery, trafficking and forced marriage, warned a group of nine independent United Nations experts.
Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, detained in Turkey for allegedly "insulting" President Erdogan, has been released and is returning to Sweden, according to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Medin was arrested upon arrival in Istanbul while covering protests sparked by the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and faced additional charges of belonging to a terror organization, which he denied.