Top Spanberger ally targeted in FBI corruption probe has long history of controversy
On Wednesday, the FBI raided the office of a Democratic state lawmaker with a history of financial and ethical controversies. During her more than four decades in politics, Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas has faced controversies ranging from her handling of campaign funds to the way she runs her marijuana dispensary. Federal authorities have been investigating Lucas on suspicion of corruption and illegal marijuana sales for years, beginning under the Biden administration, sources familiar told Fox News Digital. Lucas’ office did not respond to a request for comment sent by Fox News Digital on Wednesday. The raid comes after years of scrutiny over Lucas’ political conduct, business dealings and public behavior. FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN TURNED VA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE ABIGAIL SPANBERGER ACCUSED OF ETHICS VIOLATION Lucas has been a central figure in the commonwealth’s redistricting fight and is widely considered the driving force behind Virginia’s new map, which voters narrowly approved but is currently held up in court. When Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, lambasted Virginia Democrats over what he and others have largely characterized as a push to gerrymander the commonwealth for political ends, Lucas issued a profane response that she “f—ing finished” what Republicans started on a federal level. She also has dropped several memes and GIFs on social media condemning former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Virginia Republicans like Rep. Jennifer Kiggans of Virginia Beach — and has enlisted background tracks such as Famous Dex’s “Hoes Mad.” VIRGINIA DEMOCRAT GIVES PROFANITY-LACED RESPONSE TO CRUZ’S CRITICISM OF THE STATE’S REDISTRICTING PUSH One such post includes an artificially generated image of Kiggans and Reps. Ben Cline, Rob Wittman and John McGuire, wearing McDonald’s uniforms, while a dig at Kiggans had the caption “you want fries with that.” Wittman was shown being pulled away from the House Armed Services Committee gavel, the panel for which he is considered the chair-in-waiting. Another meme showed a red-eyed Lucas split next to a U-Haul truck at the governor’s mansion while Youngkin was in office. “She completely controls what’s happening in Virginia right now,” a Republican strategist, commenting on her fervent ambassadorship of the redistricting referendum, told CNN. During her tenure as the top Democrat on the Virginia Senate’s Finance and Appropriations Committee, Lucas has pushed for the expansion of casinos in the commonwealth. Due to her position on the committee, the senator has considerable sway over whether casino projects advance. While trusted to help regulate gambling, Lucas has pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from major players in the gaming industry. Lucas, for instance, reportedly played a pivotal role in advancing an $11 billion casino project being developed by Comstock Holdings in northern Virginia. Comstock Holdings and its top executive are some of Lucas’ largest donors. In November 2023, Comstock CEO Christopher Clemente cut a $100,000 campaign check to Lucas, per campaign finance records. Comstock itself donated an additional $100,000 to Lucas between August 2024 and December 2025. VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS TALK AFFORDABILITY — AND VOTE TO NEARLY TRIPLE THEIR OWN PAY Rivers Casino Portsmouth, which Lucas has repeatedly bragged about helping to establish, has funneled tens of thousands of dollars into her campaign account since opening in 2023. Lucas also accepted $165,000 from the company Pace-O-Matic and its executives as she pushed to legalize gambling machines made by the company. Text messages obtained by the Virginia Mercury in June 2024 indicate that local officials viewed Lucas as a key powerbroker when it came to approving gambling projects. Lucas’ pot shop was also subject to a journalistic investigation, given that Virginia still outlaws cannabis in most forms. According to the commonwealth’s cannabis regulatory agency, medical marijuana is legal, as well as possession in a private residence and public possession of up to 1 oz. Sales of “adult-use” cannabis and pop-up shops are illegal, as is driving under the influence of the drug or transporting it in a rideshare. LEGAL GROUP ACCUSES VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT OF FELONY AFTER HOSTING DEM POLITICAL RALLY FOR FREE With that, the cannabis shop co-owned by Lucas and located next to her senatorial office in Portsmouth has long received scrutiny. A Virginia Mercury investigation showed some “Lucky Charms”-labeled bars contained the substance Delta-9 THC, which it said conflicts with Virginia’s ban on sales but allowance of small-scale possessions. Lucas has advertised her shop on X, writing in a 2022 post that she was a “78-year-old grandma who legalized pot and now has her own cannabis (sic) store. And I’m the last thing standing between The GOP and total control of Virginia. That’s worth an [retweet].” She followed that up with a message saying, “did I mention my store is on High Street in Portsmouth,” with a GIF of former President Barack Obama dropping a microphone. The Virginia Mercury’s investigation found “rampant mislabeling” among dealers across the commonwealth, and the professor said findings from Lucas’ store were in line with the 66 total samples collected statewide. Lucas had also been accused of fomenting unrest during a George Floyd protest in her home city of Portsmouth. Lucas and several protesters were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and injury to a monument exceeding $1,000, following a June 2020 protest at a Confederate monument. Protesters tore heads off of some of the monument’s statues, according to The Associated Press, and at one point, a statue was toppled to the ground, seriously wounding a protester. Lucas’ charges were eventually dropped, but she had also called for Portsmouth Police Chief Angela Greene to resign amid the fallout. Greene later said she had been fired and would be suing over her termination – after she considered the situation a conspiracy in which people drew hundreds of others to the site to commit “felonious acts.” SCANDAL-PLAGUED VIRGINIA AG HOPEFUL’S WIFE REPORTEDLY DONATED TO FUND THAT FREED ACCUSED CRIMINALS, MURDERERS An account from the AP quoted Lucas as telling police officers responding to the unrest that “they are going to put some paint on this thing and y’all can’t arrest them… [they’re] gonna do it and
Longtime Dem Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to resign months into new term
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, 73, said Thursday she will resign effective June 30, a surprise move less than six months after the five-term Democrat won reelection to lead the nation’s 14th-largest city. “Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life,” Lyles, 73, said in a statement to The Charlotte Observer and other local outlets on Thursday. “I am proud of our record navigating various challenges, strengthening our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and building a foundation for Charlotte’s continued success during a time of rapid growth.” “As in all things politics, I am sure there will be speculation as to why I am making this decision now,” the statement continued. “Simply put, I am going to spend time with my grandchildren. Like many of us, I have missed some moments with them and intend to not miss anymore.” Lyles easily won reelection in 2025 after facing questions over whether she would run again, and there were growing questions about her recent visibility and active leadership of the city. CHARLOTTE’S ‘PRO-CRIME’ POLICIES UNDER FIRE AS CAREER CRIMINAL CHARGED WITH KILLING COMMUTER: EXPERT The Charlotte Ledger reported that Lyles had been missing more City Council meetings than usual after years of regularly presiding over them. She also had not attended most monthly zoning meetings for several months — possibly longer. WFAE reported that some in the community, private sector and city government had raised concerns about Lyles’ health and whether she could continue carrying out the responsibilities of the office. The outlet reported that Lyles had appeared confused at times during procedural discussions, including at one recent council meeting when she had to be reminded that she needed to cast a tiebreaking vote. Asked Monday at the Government Center by a WFAE reporter whether she intended to complete her term, Lyles declined to answer directly. CHARLOTTE TRAIN STABBING SUSPECT’S STATE CASE STALLS AMID MIND CONTROL CLAIMS — BUT UNCLE SAM SAYS NOT SO FAST “We will see,” she said, just days before her resignation. The station reported that Lyles was then escorted away from the reporter by an assistant and later by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer. Her resignation will leave the Charlotte City Council to decide who completes the remainder of her term. Lyles has served as Charlotte’s mayor since 2017 after previously serving on the City Council.
The Gaza journalist killed on the day his daughter was born
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – May 7, 2025, was the day Amal Sobeih’s daughter was born. It was also the day her husband was killed. Yahya Sobeih saw little Sana come into the world. At six in the morning, he took Amal to the hospital as she struggled through labour pains. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list At the time, Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza was still raging, and military strikes across the enclave had not stopped. But the couple were filled with excitement as they prepared to welcome their third child, and the first sister to their two sons, Baraa and Kenan, who were four and three at the time. Amal explains that doctors told her she needed an emergency caesarean section after she arrived in the hospital, but aside from that, the delivery went smoothly. “It was a perfect day at the beginning … the delivery went quickly, the baby was healthy, and everyone was happy,” Amal says. “Yahya was overjoyed. He carried his daughter and kept telling everyone, ‘My beautiful princess is here.’” He went on to spend several hours with his wife and newborn daughter. He checked on them, recited the Islamic call to prayer into the baby’s ears, took photos of her, and welcomed relatives who arrived to congratulate him. Before leaving, Yahya told Amal he would step out briefly and return soon. “He asked me to rest and take care of myself. He said he would check on our two boys at home and bring some supplies for the baby, then come back so we could choose a name together,” Amal recalls. “Unfortunately, I did not know that would be the last time we would ever see Yahya.” Advertisement Yahya, who worked as a journalist, survived for five hours after the birth of his baby daughter, whose photo he proudly shared on social media while holding her in his arms. Later that day, Yahya was killed in an Israeli air strike targeting a commercial area in central Gaza City. The strike killed at least 17 people and wounded dozens more. Sana, whose birth last year coincided with the death of her father, Yahya Sobeih, at her family home in central Gaza City [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera] Shocking news Relatives gathered around Amal in the hospital were unsure how to break the news to her, so soon after she had given birth. Their only concern was how they would tell her while she remained in such a fragile physical and emotional state after delivery. But she knew something was up. “There were constant phone calls, tense faces, conversations that suddenly stopped whenever I came close. Even the medical staff kept checking on me, and my mother was whispering all the time,” Amal says. “I kept asking my mother, ‘Is something wrong? What’s happening?’ But nobody answered me clearly. Everyone spoke in a strange way,” she explains. “I picked up my phone and immediately called Yahya. I called more than 15 times, but he never answered, which was unlike him. He always answered me immediately or at least sent a message.” She only found out what had happened after she accessed the internet. “The headline appeared right in front of me: ‘Journalist Yahya Sobeih killed five hours after welcoming his newborn daughter,’” Amal says through tears. “I felt the blood freeze in my veins. I screamed uncontrollably because I could not believe it. I felt like I was losing my mind.” Yahya had been attacked while distributing sweets to relatives and friends in celebration of his daughter’s birth. Among those killed with him were his cousin, his closest friend and his brother-in-law – the same people who had been in the hospital only hours earlier congratulating him, holding the baby and taking photos. Amal says the shock was not only in losing him, but also in being unable to say goodbye. Still recovering from surgery, she was forced to remain lying in bed for hours. “I just wanted to see him one last time … to touch him, to say goodbye … but I couldn’t.” Yahya Sobeih was killed five hours after his daughter was born. He was able to hold her and take photographs with her before leaving the hospital [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera] A year of grief Amal had already lost her brother, his wife, and their three children in the war, as well as her sister and her four children, all killed in Israeli attacks. Advertisement But Amal calls the past 12 months, since the death of Yahya, “the year of grief”. She says she has battled through not one war, but two: the ongoing military conflict itself and the struggle of raising her children alone. Yahya’s sudden absence forced Amal into a reality she had never imagined, even though he had often prepared her for the possibility that he could be killed at any moment because of his work as a field journalist covering the war. “Every time I heard about a journalist being killed, I felt terrified,” Amal says tearfully. “But I never imagined I would lose him.” Only a few months after Yahya’s death, Amal was displaced with her three children to southern Gaza after the Israeli military announced a ground operation in Gaza City last September. She describes the suffering of searching for shelter and living in a tent under harsh conditions with a four-month-old baby and two young boys who were still struggling to understand their father’s absence. “Yahya was a source of support, a wonderful husband and father. We never lacked anything with him around, even during the war,” she says. “During the famine, he searched for food and paid whatever he could for his children. Losing him under such circumstances was unimaginably painful.” Gradually, Amal realised she had to become both mother and father to her children. Despite her grief, she decided to continue her husband’s path and began working for the same media company he worked for. “I try to continue my husband’s message,
Iran war day 69: Tehran ‘reviewing’ US proposals; Israel bombs Beirut
Trump says US-Iran talks are progressing as Tehran reviews a US proposal delivered through Pakistan. Published On 7 May 20267 May 2026 United States President Donald Trump has said the US has held “very good talks” with Iran and suggested a deal to end the conflict could be within reach, as Tehran says it is still reviewing a US proposal delivered through mediator Pakistan. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the proposal remains “under review” and that Tehran will communicate its response once it has “finalised its views”. Recommended Stories list of 1 itemend of list The diplomatic push comes amid continuing regional tensions, with uncertainty remaining over whether the negotiations can produce a breakthrough after weeks of military escalation and political threats between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military campaign by bombing Beirut in the first strike on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire, widely seen as fragile, came into force on April 17. Here is what we know: In Iran Iran reviewing US proposal: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei said a US proposal to end the war is still “under review” by Tehran. Iran will convey its views to key mediator Pakistan after “finalising its views”, Baghaei told the ISNA news agency. Iranian speaker mocks US operations: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf ridiculed recent military operations against Tehran, joking on social media that “Operation Trust Me Bro failed” and that Washington had now returned to “Operation Fauxios”. War Diplomacy Iran seeks China’s help: Tehran is looking forward to China’s support for a “new post-war” regional framework following its conflict with the US, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a post on X. Pakistan PM ‘hopeful’: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator between Iran, the US and Israel, said he was “hopeful” the current momentum of negotiations would lead to peace in the region. Trump pushes for fast Iran deal: Trump is aiming to secure an agreement with Iran before the end of his upcoming trip to China, as negotiators work through a reported 14-point framework via Pakistani mediators. Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett says the compressed timeline suggests the White House believes a breakthrough may be close, while also allowing Trump to project momentum before a high-profile foreign visit. Advertisement In the Gulf US warplane disables Iranian tanker: The US military says a Navy fighter jet fired on and disabled the rudder of an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly tried to breach Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports. In the US Trump predicts quick end to war: Trump says the conflict with Iran “will be over quickly” as Washington pushes for a deal over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Speaking to supporters, Trump said the US “cannot allow” Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, according to the Reuters news agency. US threatens escalation: Trump threatened to resume bombing in Iran if it did not agree to a deal. “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” Trump said in a social media post. In Israel Sirens sound in northern Israel: Israel’s military says it intercepted a “suspicious aerial target” launched from Lebanon after warning sirens sounded across northern Israel. In Lebanon Lebanon ceasefire under strain: Israeli forces are carrying out daily air strikes deeper inside Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire, signalling a widening of the conflict beyond the country’s south. Hezbollah steps up attacks: Hezbollah says its fighters carried out 17 targeted strikes against Israeli forces inside Lebanese territory, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire. Global economy Hormuz closure hits global shipping: German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd says the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is costing it about $60m a week in fuel and insurance, as companies avoid the waterway over fears of Iranian attacks and potential sanctions linked to IRGC-controlled transit procedures. China banks urged to halt refinery loans: Beijing’s financial regulator has reportedly advised major Chinese banks to pause new loans to five oil refineries sanctioned by the US over alleged links to Iranian oil, according to Bloomberg News. Adblock test (Why?)
French warship moves towards Hormuz for possible defensive mission
Iran says it is reviewing a US proposal that Donald Trump says could bring the war to an end. Published On 7 May 20267 May 2026 A French aircraft carrier is heading south of the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea in preparation for a possible defensive mission aimed at restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategically critical waterway that has been effectively blocked amid the US-Israel war on Iran. The French Ministry of Armed Forces said on Wednesday the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle was en route to the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s traded oil transited prior to the war. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are leading a multinational mission towards restoring freedom of navigation in the strait, which they say would be entirely defensive and deployed only once the war ended. “[It] may help restore confidence among shipowners and insurers,” Macron said on X. “It remains distinct from the parties at war.” Macron, who spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, said he also intends to raise the matter with United States President Donald Trump. “A return to calm in the Strait will help advance negotiations on nuclear issues, ballistic matters, and the regional situation,” Macron wrote. “Europeans … will play their part.” France is framing the mission as a win-win solution for Iran and the US in an effort to incentivise them to agree. “What we are proposing is that Iran gains passage for its ships through the strait and in return commits to negotiating with the Americans on issues of nuclear materials, missiles, and the region, and we propose that the Americans, for their part, lift their blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and, in return, obtain Iran’s commitment to negotiations,” a French presidency official told the AFP news agency. Advertisement The announcement comes as Tehran says it is reviewing a US proposal that Trump says could bring the war to an end. Trump signalled progress in the negotiations on Wednesday, but at the same time threatened to resume bombing if Tehran did not accept the US plan. Iran played down reports that an agreement was close, saying it had yet to present its response to Pakistani mediators. Trump has frequently played up the prospect of an agreement that would end the war, but the two sides remain at odds over a variety of issues, ranging from Iran’s nuclear programme to its control of the strait. The Reuters news agency, citing a Pakistani source and another person briefed on the mediation, reported that the two sides were close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum to formally end the conflict. US media outlet Axios also said the two sides were “getting close” to an agreement on a memorandum, in which Iran would agree not to develop a nuclear weapon and halt enrichment of uranium for at least 12 years, it said. The US would lift sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and both sides would agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days of signing. The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baghaei, said Tehran has yet to provide its response to the US proposal and that “the investigation into the exchanged texts is ongoing”. Adblock test (Why?)
Will TVK’s Vijay be Tamil Nadu CM? Why did AIADMK move MLAs to Puducherry? What is resort politics?
Thalapathy Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam(TVK) emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, but it fell short of 10 seats to secure a majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. TVK remains short of the 118 required for a simple majority, despite Congress extending its alliance.
Operation Sindoor Anniversary: How India’s defence strategy changed one year later?
One year after Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces are in the middle of their biggest structural and doctrinal overhaul since the Kargil War.
From Namoh 108 lotus to Ratnagiri mangoes, here’s what PM Modi gifted to Vietnam President
The Namoh 108 is a unique variety of the National Flower (Lotus) developed by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, UP. The Namoh 108 holds profound cultural importance as it serves as a “living bridge” between ancient Indian heritage and modern biotechnological achievement.
Suvendu Adhikari hits TMC, defection looms large as MLAS skip first post-poll meeting, Mamata Banerjee appears helpless| Explained
Mamata Banerjee warned that dissent against the party or its brass would invite action.”Some of our own people have sabotaged us. We will examine all such allegations,” a TMC senior quoted her as saying.
Rubio heads to Rome with Trump’s Iran clash looming over Pope, Meloni talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio previewed a high-profile trip to Rome from the White House briefing room Tuesday, delivering sharp warnings to Iran and flashing easy command of the podium that drew praise from conservative allies online. “The trip is really not tied to anything other than the fact that it would be normal for us to engage, and other secretaries of State have done that in the past,” Rubio said at the White House press conference on Tuesday of his trip to Italy. The briefing came two days before Rubio is set to visit the Vatican and Italy for meetings amid heightened tensions between President Donald Trump, Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the U.S.-Iran conflict. Rubio used the briefing to defend the administration’s posture toward Tehran, downplay the timing of the Italy visit and signal that Washington is not backing off its pressure campaign. RUBIO TO VISIT ITALY, VATICAN AMID TROOP DRAWDOWN CALL, TENSION WITH TRUMP, POPE LEO: REPORTS “The message to Iran … these guys are facing real catastrophic destruction to their economy, generational destruction to their economy, generational destruction to the wealth of their country imposed on themselves by the actions that they’re taking,” said Rubio of Iran on Tuesday. “They should check themselves before they wreck themselves in the direction that they’re going,” Rubio quipped, referencing Ice Cube’s rap song, “Check Yo Self.” Rubio, a Catholic, is expected to meet with Pope Leo on Thursday morning, at a time when the pontiff has criticized the Trump administration’s Middle East peacemaking efforts. RUBIO OVERHAULING ‘BLOATED’ STATE DEPARTMENT IN SWEEPING REFORM “There has also been this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable,” the pope said in April. “There are certainly issues of international law here, but even more so a moral issue for the good of the whole entire population.” RUBIO’S TRUMP ADMIN JUGGLING ACT GROWS AS MEME-WORTHY ROLE LIST BECOMES REALITY The comments were seemingly in reference to one of Trump’s Truth Social posts, where he wrote, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will… God Bless the Great People of Iran!” Trump told reporters on Wednesday in the Oval Office he only has one message for the Pope. “I can tell you this, that as far as the Pope is concerned, and it’s very simple. Whether I make him happy or I don’t make him happy, Iran can not have a nuclear weapon. And he seemed to be saying that they can. And I say they cannot, because if that happened, the entire world would be hostage. And we’re not going to let that happen,” he said. TRUMP MEETS WITH ITALIAN PM GIORGIA MELONI AT HIS MAR-A-LAGO RESORT Rubio will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has been distancing herself from the U.S. amid mounting domestic and political pressure over the widening Middle East conflict. The meeting comes as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on NATO allies to align with the U.S. against Iran, including ordering the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany — a drawdown expected to unfold over the next six to 12 months. Meloni said Tuesday she would not support any effort to reduce the U.S. military presence in Italy, drawing a contrast with Trump’s broader push to reposition American forces in Europe. Italy remains a key U.S. security hub in Europe, hosting nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops across six bases as of the end of 2025. Rubio heads to his high-profile meetings fresh off of social media commenters and conservative leaders applauding how well he stepped in for Karoline Leavitt behind the podium after she took maternity leave late last month. The secretary joked with reporters, fielded questions in multiple languages and delivered pointed warnings to Iran, giving supporters a glimpse of the presence he will likely carry into the Rome trip. “Marco Rubio is showing the nation & the world what we’ve known about him for decades,” said Republican Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez on X. “Rubio is one of the most eloquent, articulate, & incredibly capable statesmen of our times.” “President Trump made an EXCELLENT choice in him. He proves it every single day,” he added.