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Slovak leader in serious but stable condition as shooting stokes political violence fears
"I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X. "Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good," she said."Violence must not be existant in European politics," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a post on X on Wednesday, calling the attempt on Fico’s life a “cowardly attack."Simon Harris, Ireland's taoiseach, or prime minister, called the assault a "shocking and vile attack on democracy" in a post on X, with leaders across Europe echoing similar sentiments."Shots at Robert are shots at freedom and democracy," Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević said in a separate post, adding: "There cannot be any place for violence in politics."Political experts and pro-democracy advocates in Europe also weighed in, warning of concerns around the future of democratic discourse across the continent. "Politicians & journalists are key pillars of our democratic systems. When they are targeted by any kind of violence or intimidation, we all lose. Democracy loses," wrote Ricardo Borges de Castro, a senior adviser to the European Policy Center. "We strongly condemn the attempted assassination of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and call for a swift, impartial investigation into today’s attack," Freedom House, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., said Wednesday, just days after posting an analysis on how Fico's Smer party "posed challenges to democratic resilience.""Such brazen political violence is completely unacceptable in any context," said Freedom House, which Russia designated an "undesirable" organization earlier this month, effectively banning anyone from working or collaborating with the group. Chantal Da SilvaChantal Da Silva is a breaking news editor for NBC News Digital based in London. Mahalia Dobson
Are migraines getting worse?
Migraines are increasing in frequency and intensity among Americans: Could climate change be a reason?Although the number of Americans who have migraines has remained stable for the last 30 years, their impact on people’s daily activities — including missing social events or being less productive at school or work — has become much worse, according to a recent study.The report, published in early May in the journal Headache, analyzed 11 studies among U.S. adults from 1989 to 2018 on both episodic and chronic migraines. Researchers found the prevalence of migraines in the past three decades has remained stable, but found Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores, which measure how migraines affect a person’ daily activities, jumped from 22.0% to 42.4% since 2004, the study found.The “disability” scores reflect how severe a migraine is. Migraines affect an estimated 39 million adults in the U.S, according to the American Migraine Foundation.“While the burden initially increased more significantly among women and has since stabilized, the rate of burden in men has continued to escalate,” lead author Dr. Fred Cohen, assistant professor of medicine and neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, told NBC News. “Additionally, our research indicates that the average monthly frequency of headaches has risen over the past 20 years.”Dr. Timothy A. Collins, chief of the headache division in the department of neurology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, said migraines are causing people to be less productive at school and work, attend fewer social and leisure activities and perform fewer household chores because the migraines more frequent and more forceful. Collins was not part of the study.The Mount Sinai researchers note that the observed increase in the frequency and negative impact of migraines on work and home productivity may be due to increased social awareness of migraines and less stigma around the debilitating condition. Climate change can lead to more erratic and severe weather conditions, which are known triggers for migraines, Cohen said.“As extreme weather events, like hurricanes, become more frequent and intense, they could be contributing to an increase in migraine attacks and their severity,” he said.There is some evidence that thunderstorms and barometric pressure can trigger headaches, but it’s unclear if “regular” air pollution — such as bad air from wildfires — is a migraine trigger, Collins added.These weather changes may trigger a migraine by disrupting the balance of chemicals in the brain, like serotonin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Weather-related triggers include bright sunlight, extreme heat or cold, sun glare and high humidity. British researchers warned on Wednesday that extreme weather and heat fluctuations may aggravate neurological disorders such as stroke, dementia and schizophrenia. Climate change could also be linked to migraine "severity, duration and frequency," according to the paper published Wednesday in the Lancet Neurology. "Worsening climate conditions (including rising temperatures, extreme weather patterns, and escalating pollution) are likely to lead to effects of two types: heightened attack frequency in people who already have migraine, and an upsurge in the overall occurrence of migraine," the scientists from University College London wrote.Monitoring weather changes, such as with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HeatRisk tool or your local National Weather Service Forecast Office, can help migraine patients who are sensitive to extreme weather.Dr. Mark Burish, director of the Will Erwin Headache Research Center at UTHealth Houston, said the research highlights a “concerning trend,” but why migraine disability is worsening is still unclear. Dr. Rochelle Frank, a clinical professor in neurology at the University of California Davis School of Medicine, said, “There are many factors that could be contributing to these findings.” More research is needed, she said. How to avoid migrainesTreatment for migraines may be based on a patient’s medical history, other medications being prescribed, as well as personal preference, Burish said.One of the main risk factors for increased severity and frequency of migraine attacks is inadequate treatment, Cohen said. “As-needed” treatments can range from over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen, to prescription medicines and wearable devices, Burish said. “For patients who have headaches often or are heavily burdened by their headaches despite their ‘as needed’ treatment, we add a preventive treatment,” Burish said. This may include over-the-counter supplements, prescription medications, self-administered injections, wearable devices, infusions and provider-performed procedures, he said.Preventative medication can often decrease the number of days that people get headaches every month by greater than 50%, Collins added.Not all treatment requires medication. Many people may not realize how everyday conditions — dehydration, sleep deprivation, skipping meals and emotional stress — can trigger symptoms.Dietary changes such as avoiding caffeinated beverages, chocolate or alcohol that can trigger a migraine, improving sleep hygiene and vitamin/mineral supplements can also have a significant impact on headache health, Cohen said.
The Mirage casino, which ushered in an era of Las Vegas Strip megaresorts in the ‘90s, is closing
The iconic Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip will shut its doors this summer, the end of an era for a property credited with helping transform Sin City into an ultra-luxury resort destination. The July 17 closure will clear the way for major renovations and construction on the 80-acre property, which is to reopen in 2027 as the Hard Rock Las Vegas, featuring a hotel tower in the shape of a guitar soaring nearly 700 feet above the heart of the Strip. “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, said Wednesday in a statement announcing the closure. It will be the second time this year that a Strip casino shutters. The Tropicana Las Vegas closed in April after 67 years to make room for a $1.5 billion baseball stadium planned as the future home of the relocating Oakland A’s. The iconic Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip will shut its doors this summer, the end of an era for a property credited with helping transform Sin City into an ultra-luxury resort destination. Getty Images Explore More Developed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn, the Mirage opened with a Polynesian theme as the Strip’s first megaresort in 1989, spurring a building boom on the famous boulevard through the 1990s. Its volcano fountain was one of the first sidewalk attractions, predating the Venetian’s canals and the Bellagio’s dancing fountains. It was known as a venue where tourists could see Siegfried and Roy taming white tigers or a Cirque du Soleil act set to a Beatles soundtrack. The July 17 closure will clear the way for major renovations and construction on the 80-acre property, which is to reopen in 2027 as the Hard Rock Las Vegas. Getty Images for CityCenter Its volcano fountain was one of the first sidewalk attractions, predating the Venetian’s canals and the Bellagio’s dancing fountains. Shutterstock It will be the second time this year that a Strip casino shutters. Paul Webb/Shutterstock The final curtain on the Beatles-themed show, which brought Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr back together for public appearances throughout its 18-year run, also comes down in July. Hard Rock International said Wednesday that more than 3,000 employees will be laid off and it expects to pay out $80 million in severance. The Culinary Workers Union, which has represented about 1,700 employees at the Mirage since it opened, said in a statement that the contract it won last year ensures laid-off workers will get $2,000 for each year of service. Start and end your day informed with our newsletters Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Thanks for signing up! The contract also gives them the option of being called back to work and maintaining their seniority when the hotel reopens. “Culinary Union will continue
Raccoon invades pitch and dodges trash can-wielding officials at soccer game
American sports may have seen its most epic battle of the year: a single raccoon vs a team of men trying to capture it with trash cans.The stripy tailed interloper stopped play for almost two minutes in the Major League Soccer game between Philadelphia Union and New York City on Wednesday night, prompting a battle of wit and skill with staff on the field of Subaru Park in in Chester, PA. “We need to find him a ball because he’s moving very well in the center of midfield,” said Callum Williams, the commentator on Apple TV. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite as bizarre as this, particularly given the amount of time he’s remained on the field” he added. A stadium official approached the urban scavenger with the most appropriate of impromptu capture devices — a trash can — but the creature was too quick and got got away.Having run the almost the full length of the field in its bid for freedom, a second member of staff then attempted to stop the furry fugitive, before a third man armed with yet another trash can finally managed to capture it.By this point the match commentators were rooting for the raccoon. “This is marvelous entertainment. Go on, raccoon! You can get away,” Williams said, before adding “Don’t hurt him!” as the plastic prison was at last put into place.Dubbed “Raquinho” by some, it now holds the not particularly well-contested record of spending the most amount of minutes of any raccoon on the field in MLS history, the league said. Fans speculated which team would be first to sign the raccoon, given its impressive footwork and acceleration. One YouTube commentator argued that it had already shown more promise than any Manchester United attacker this season.The raccoon was picked up by a local pest control company and released back into the wild, Philadelphia Union said in a statement on X.Fans speculated which team would be first to sign the raccoon, given its impressive footwork and acceleration, with one YouTube commentator arguing that it had already shown more promise than any Manchester United attacker this season.The raccoon's appearance was not good omen for the home team: Philadelphia lost the game 2-1, leaving the team in ninth place in the MLS table after 12 games.
Obama will headline fundraiser to boost Democratic Senate candidates
Former President Barack Obama will headline a fundraiser next month to benefit Democratic Senate candidates, according to details shared first with NBC News.The June 5 event in Potomac, Maryland, will feature Obama and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the state’s junior senator, discussing “the importance of protecting Democrats’ Senate majority and the stakes of the election,” a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee aide said.Longtime Democratic donors Jeffrey and Lora Drezner are hosting the evening fundraiser, according to a copy of the invitation.“Given the stakes of this election, President Obama will do all he can to support President Biden’s re-election,” Obama senior adviser Eric Schultz said in a statement the former president’s office released earlier this year to preview his planned involvement in the 2024 campaigns. “In fact, he looks forward to helping Democrats up and down the ballot make the case to voters this fall. Our strategy will be based on driving impact, especially where and when his voice can help move the needle.”This year’s Senate races could tip partisan control of the chamber, where Democrats hold a one-seat majority thanks to three independent members aligned with the party. Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jon Tester of Montana are up for re-election in two states that former President Donald Trump won by large margins. Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania are among the other states hosting key races. In Van Hollen’s state, the retirement of Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin has set up a competitive battle between Democratic Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Republican Larry Hogan, a popular former two-term governor.Nearly eight years after leaving the White House, Obama remains one of the Democratic Party’s top fundraising draws. He and former President Bill Clinton joined President Joe Biden in March for an event that the Biden re-election campaign said brought in more than $26 million.Obama’s office has indicated that he plans to also lend his name this year to fundraising emails and to record ads and robocalls for candidates in down-ballot races.
Amazon security guard tries to kill unsuspecting boss before he’s shot dead in gunfight with police: ‘He almost executed me’
Disturbing footage shows the moment an Amazon warehouse security guard trainee tried to shoot his supervisor in the back of the head before he was gunned down during a firefight with police. Ali Hamsa Yusuf, 22, was captured on surveillance video shuffling into the Amazon facility in West Jefferson, Ohio, where he waved a pistol around on May 12 around 4:40 p.m., video from XSYX showed. The deranged worker used his keycard to enter the warehouse — where more than 100 employees were working — and appeared behind his unsuspecting supervisor, who sat at his desk. Ali Hamsa Yusuf is seen walking into the Amazon facility in West Jefferson, Ohio, with a pistol in his hand. West Jefferson Police Seconds later, Yusuf pointed the gun directly at the head of his supervisor from about three feet away. Yusuf’s gun jammed as he pulled the trigger, racking back the pistol and aiming again to fire one more shot toward his boss. Explore More The gunman, however, missed both shots. “He shot at me twice, but he missed,” the contracted security guard told 911 dispatchers, according to the outlet. “He almost executed me.” No injuries were reported at the facility. Yusuf points the gun directly at the head of his supervisor from about three feet away and fires a shot. West Jefferson Police The bullet misses his supervisor and he’s able to run for safety. West Jefferson Police “It appeared that he had a jam, was checking the top rail of the gun, and then ultimately fired the round. It just missed the victim’s head,” West Jefferson’s Police Chief Brandon Smith said Monday. When officers arrived at the warehouse, Yusuf was already on the lam. About 90 minutes later, he was spotted in a white Toyota Camry in Columbus, 20 miles from the Amazon warehouse. Police spot Yusuf in a white Toyota Camry in Columbus, 20 miles from the Amazon warehouse, about 90 minutes later. Columbus police Multiple police vehicles from Columbus and Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office swarmed Yusuf’s Camry at a busy intersection, according to dash cam footage. Yusuf was fatally shot when he opened fire on police and nearby civilians ran for their lives. The disturbed trainee was taken to Doctors West Hospital but was pronounced dead soon after arriving. Police opened fire and fatally wound him during a gunfight. Columbus police The Columbus police officer shot, identified only as a four-year veteran of the department, suffered minor injuries due to his bulletproof vest absorbing the force of the bullet. “One of our officers was shot in the chest, and by the grace of God, his body armor saved his life,” a statement released by the department read. The officer was released from Grant Hospital the same day of the shootout and is “doing okay,” Columbus police Chief Elaine Bryant said during the press conference Monday. The Columbus police officer shot, identified only as a four-year veteran of the
Kicks, kites and more kicks: What to do in West Michigan this weekend
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — From large indoor conventions to massive outdoor festivals, West Michigan has something for everyone to enjoy this weekend. Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of May 17: Roll’N Out Food Truck Fest This Sunday marks the sixth annual Roll’N Out Food Truck Fest in Calder Plaza. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., you will be able to enjoy offerings from dozens of food trucks from across West Michigan. It is free to attend. You can click here to learn more about the event. Inside woodtv.com: Storm Team 8 forecast Local Spins Fest Local Spins is celebrating 12 years of online coverage of music in and around Grand Rapids with a festival of its own. Local Spins Fest will feature lots of local artists from all kinds of genres to put on a great show at Studio Park this Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for the festival can be found here. Bird Bonanza at Blandford Nature Center If you love birds and birdwatching then you’re going to want to head to Blandford Nature Center this Saturday for its Bird Bonanza. This event will give guests the opportunity to take guided hikes with bird experts and keep an eye out for several species flying around. Click here for more information. Busy weekend at DeVos Place It’ll be a busy weekend for everyone at DeVos Place this weekend, with three vents on Saturday. Barley, BBQ and Beats will give out all of the food and drinks you want to support Hospice of Michigan; the Grand Rapids Tequila Festival will give you an inside look at the industry; and shoe collectors will flock tor the Sneaker Nutz Shoe Convention. Support takes center stage at Barley, BBQ & Beats For more information on these events, click here. WestFest 2024 WestFest is back for another year starting this Saturday at John Ball Zoo Park. The event is held to celebrate Grand Rapids’ West Side and will provide all of the traditional carnival fun for the whole family. It runs from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday night. Click here for details. Northview High School PAH event Northview High School is hosting an event to celebrate the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in West Michigan. Northview PAH will be held this Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will include games, door prizes and more. Former UFC fighter Matt “The Hammer” Hamill will also be in attendance to sign autographs and do a wresting demonstration. More information can be found here. Independence Pro Wrestling presents MAYDAY After last month’s show at the Four Star Theatre, Independence Pro Wrestling is back for another incredible event. MAYDAY will bring two hours of wrestling to the audience. All ages are welcome to attend and there will be prize packages for some lucky fans. Get your tickets by clicking here. Kalamazoo Garden Festival The Kalamazoo Garden Festival is this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free to attend and you will be able to enjoy live music, food trucks and a vendor market on top of all of the gardening tips, workshops and speakers. Details can be found by clicking here. Jeep Fest 2024 This weekend marks the third annual Jeep Fest in Grand Haven. The fun kicks off Thursday but the big show starts Saturday morning where you can take your Jeep into town and check out plenty of food, live music, an auction and so much more. Click here for details. Grand Haven Kite Festival Look up to the skies this weekend at the world-famous Grand Haven Kite Festival. The event will feature dozens of kits of all sizes in the air all day Saturday and Sunday. There will be stunt kite flyers and you can even break yours out as well. More information can be found here.
Meryl Streep reveals her favorite love scene was with this Hollywood legend, admits she ‘didn’t want it to end’
Meryl Streep reflected on her famous shampoo scene with Robert Redford in the 1985 movie “Out of Africa.” In the epic romantic drama, Streep starred as a Danish baroness who falls in love with a big game hunter, played by Redford, while running a coffee plantation in colonial South Africa. During a memorable scene from the film, Redford tenderly washes Streep’s hair by a river while reciting lines from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” “It’s a sex scene in a way, because it’s so intimate,” the 74-year-old actress said during a Wednesday conversation at Cannes’ Théâtre Debussy, per Variety. “We’ve seen so many scenes of people f——, but we don’t see that loving touch, that care.” While speaking at Cannes, Streep recalled that filming the scene initially wasn’t very pleasant. According to the UK Metro, she told the crowd that she and Redford, now 87, were warned by the production to be wary of potentially dangerous wild animals nearby. Meryl Streep recalled her famous shampoo scene with Robert Redford in “Out of Africa.” Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock “We had lions, but they were imported from California and they were supposedly fine — tame. They were not,” the actress said, per the outlet. “And the second thing we were told is the animal that kills the most people in Africa is the hippopotamus, if you get between the hippopotamus and the water,” she added. “So we were shooting in the river and the hippopotamus were right above it. I don’t know if they show that in the movie, I can’t remember, but I was aware of it!” Streep explained that she didn’t want the scene to end. Moviestore/Shutterstock Streep recalled that Redford was worried about their safety and wasn’t washing her hair well at first. “It wasn’t good,” she admitted. However, Streep’s longtime hair stylist and makeup artist Roy Hellund jumped in and demonstrated how he typically washed the actress’s hair, which Streep described as “the best part of my day.” “Redford took the lesson, and he just really got into it, and he was great,” Streep recalled. “By take five I was so in love!’ The actress and Redford played lovers in the 1985 epic romantic drama. Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock “I didn’t want it to end that day, even in spite of the hippos,” she added. Directed by Sydney Pollack, “Out of Africa” was based on Karen Blixen’s 1937 autographical book of the same name. The film was a box office hit and received 11 Academy Award nominations, including a best actress nod for Streep. “Out of Africa” went on to take home seven Oscars, including best picture and best director for Pollack. Streep said that her co-star is “very easy to talk to.” Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock During a 1985 interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Streep praised Redford, telling the outlet that she found him “very charming.” “We really got to know each other after he arrived in Africa,” she said. “I developed this huge crush on him, which made it easier to do the love story. He’s really wonderful to work
Chinese electric car maker Nio unveils rival to Tesla’s Model Y – BBC.com
Chinese electric car maker Nio unveils rival to Tesla’s Model Y BBC.com Chinese EV startup Nio is changing its global strategy ...
NYPD officers rescue man who fell onto subway tracks during seizure from oncoming train: ‘Come on!’
Dramatic body cam footage captured the heart-pounding moment two NYPD officers raced through a Bronx subway station to rescue a man who had fallen onto the tracks during a medical emergency. Two of New York’s Finest from the 47th Precinct rushed into the station during rush hour at the Third Avenue/149th St. station just after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The man, who was reportedly suffering from a seizure, landed inches away from the deadly third rail as a train was rapidly approaching the concourse. One of the officers gained access to the platform thanks to a passenger who opened the emergency exit gate for him, while the other was forced to hop the turnstile. “Despite the imminent dangers, @NYPD47Pct officers sprang into action & without hesitation pulled him off the tracks,” the NYPD said. The man fell onto the tracks during a medical emergency, landing inches from the third rail. NYPD Explore More “Come on, come on, come on,” one officer shouts as they grab the man and pull him up off the tracks with the help of several bystanders on the platform. The officers follow suit and attempt to escape the tracks, with one leaping back up on the platform with ease as the other heroic officer struggled to escape from danger The officers jumped onto the tracks without any hesitation as a train was approaching the station. NYPD “Come on, come on, come on,” one officer shouts as they grab the man and pull him up off the tracks with the help of several bystanders on the platform. NYPD The heroes’ work wasn’t done there as they went to tend to the ailing man who was now lying on his side. “What’s your name buddy, what’s your name,” one of the officers asked, as the police investigated how the man ended up on the tracks. “He fell off the tracks, we pulled him up, he was having a seizure. “I thought the train was coming, I thought the train was going to hit us.” The man was lifted onto the concourse with the help of the two officers and several bystanders. NYPD The heroes’ work wasn’t done there as they went to tend to the ailing man who was now lying on his side. NYPD Following the ordeal, the officers received praise from several people at the station. “You saved a life,” one man said. “They both risked their lives jumping into the tracks to save his life,” a woman sitting outside on a bench near an ambulance added. “Y’all did a good job. Really, really good job.” One officer was forced to hop the turnstile as he rushed to help the man. NYPD Following the ordeal, the officers received praise from several people at the station. NYPD “They both risked their lives jumping into the tracks to save his life,” a woman sitting outside on a bench near an ambulance added. NYPD It was unclear of the
