A tragic collision between a recreational boat and a passenger ferry near Clearwater, Florida turned a routine Sunday evening commute into chaos.
According to Fox News, a hit-and-run boat crash involving the Clearwater Ferry resulted in one death and multiple injuries when a recreational vessel struck the passenger ferry carrying approximately 45 people near the Memorial Causeway bridge around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday.
The impact of the collision forced the ferry onto a sandbar south of the bridge, prompting first responders to declare a "mass casualty incident."
Six passengers were classified as "trauma alerts," with two sustaining serious injuries requiring helicopter transport to nearby hospitals. The deceased victim was among the ferry passengers, though their identity has not been released.
Local emergency services swiftly mobilized to manage the crisis, working methodically to ensure all passengers received necessary medical attention. The rescue operation continued late into the night, with first responders successfully removing all injured and uninjured passengers from the stranded ferry by 10:30 p.m.
The City of Clearwater provided regular updates throughout the incident, confirming that no passengers were reported missing from the ferry. The vessel, which typically serves as a vital transportation link between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, remained grounded on the sandbar as authorities assessed the situation.
Law enforcement agencies launched an immediate search for the fleeing vessel, which had departed the scene without rendering aid. Their efforts proved successful when another law enforcement agency later identified the boat, though specific details about the vessel and its occupants have not been disclosed.
The U.S. Coast Guard has taken charge of the investigation, working in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to piece together the circumstances leading to the fatal collision.
Investigators are gathering evidence from the crash site and interviewing witnesses to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the busy waterway, particularly during evening hours when visibility can be challenging. The Memorial Causeway area, a popular route for both commercial and recreational vessels, has become the focus of increased scrutiny following the crash.
Local authorities are reviewing marine traffic patterns and safety protocols in the wake of the incident. The investigation is expected to examine factors such as lighting conditions, weather circumstances, and navigational compliance of both vessels involved in the collision.
The fatal ferry collision has left the Clearwater community reeling as authorities work to bring those responsible to justice. The incident occurred on the Clearwater Ferry, a vital transportation service connecting downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Beach when it was struck by a recreational boat that fled the scene.
The crash resulted in one death and six injuries, including two passengers who required urgent helicopter evacuation to local hospitals. The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continue their investigation into the incident, with the suspect vessel now identified by law enforcement, though details about its occupants remain undisclosed pending further investigation.
President Donald Trump and former president Joe Biden's political rivalry takes center stage during their journey to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Rome.
According to The Daily Beast, Trump broke presidential tradition by declining to share Air Force One with Biden for their trip to the Vatican, despite a precedent set during Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005 when President George W. Bush traveled with former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
When questioned about Biden's attendance at the papal funeral, Trump displayed apparent indifference. He tersely acknowledged Biden's presence, stating he was unaware of his predecessor's plans to attend. The sitting president further emphasized that meeting with Biden during the Italy trip was not a priority for him.
The stark contrast between past and present presidential relationships becomes evident through this diplomatic incident. The 2005 papal funeral demonstrated a moment of unity among American leaders, regardless of their political differences. Today's scenario paints a different picture of American leadership.
The physical distance between the two leaders extended into the ceremony itself. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump maintained their distance from Joe and Jill Biden during the funeral Mass, despite their close proximity. This behavior aligned with Trump's consistent stance toward his predecessor.
Trump's administration has kept Biden in its crosshairs since taking office. The president has repeatedly referenced Biden in his speeches and social media posts, maintaining an adversarial stance toward his political rival.
While avoiding interaction with Biden, Trump found time to engage with other world leaders. His meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the funeral drew particular attention from international observers.
Trump spoke optimistically about ongoing negotiations, taking to Truth Social to share updates about potential diplomatic progress. He suggested that high-level meetings between relevant parties could lead to a conclusion of current negotiations.
The president's selective diplomatic engagement highlighted his priorities during this significant international gathering. His willingness to meet with certain world leaders while avoiding others revealed the complex nature of current American diplomatic relations.
The funeral of Pope Francis brought together world leaders in a moment of shared mourning and respect. However, the event also highlighted the deep divisions within American political leadership.
This incident adds to a growing list of broken presidential traditions under Trump's leadership. The decision to separate travel arrangements marked another departure from established protocols that historically promoted unity among current and former presidents.
The papal funeral brought America's political divide to the international stage, with President Trump's refusal to share Air Force One with former president Biden breaking long-standing traditions. This departure from diplomatic norms occurred during one of Catholicism's most significant moments.
The event highlighted how modern political rivalries can overshadow traditional displays of American unity during major international gatherings. While Trump engaged with other world leaders like President Zelenskyy, his deliberate distance from Biden demonstrated the persistent nature of their political antagonism, even during a moment of global religious significance.
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin's ambitious strategy to counter President Donald Trump faces significant hurdles in the Democrats' quest to regain control of the Senate.
According to The Daily Caller, the freshman Democrat senator has acknowledged that her "war plan" may fall short of securing a Senate majority in 2026, suggesting Democrats should instead focus their efforts on reclaiming the House of Representatives.
Slotkin's assessment marks a stark departure from the optimistic outlook presented by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently expressed confidence in becoming majority leader by 2027. The Michigan senator's more pragmatic approach defines success as maintaining the party's current 47 seats, with a best-case scenario of gaining only one or two additional seats.
The disconnect between Slotkin's and Schumer's perspectives highlights growing tensions within the Democratic Party. While Schumer maintains an aggressive stance on reclaiming Senate control, Slotkin advocates for a more measured approach focused on defending existing seats.
Slotkin argues that Democratic candidates must fundamentally alter their communication strategy to appeal to voters who rejected them in previous elections. She specifically calls for projecting strength and moving away from identity politics.
The senator drew inspiration from an unexpected source, suggesting that Democratic politicians should emulate Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell's "alpha energy" and abandon what she characterizes as "weak and woke" messaging.
Democratic hopes for Senate expansion suffered another setback with Maine Governor Janet Mills' decision not to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The 77-year-old governor's choice represents a significant recruitment failure for the party.
The Senate Leadership Fund seized on this development, with Communications Director Chris Gustafson pointing to it as evidence of the Democratic Party's broader challenges. He connected Mills' decision to other recent Democratic retirements, including Senator Durbin's announcement.
These recruitment difficulties compound the party's existing challenges in expanding their Senate presence beyond their current minority position.
Slotkin said:
We are on offense. The best-case scenario for Senate Democrats would be adding one to two seats, but that would still put the conference several seats short of forming a majority. Democratic candidates must change the way they communicate with voters to project strength and reject identity politics.
Despite advocating for messaging changes, Slotkin's voting record demonstrates continued alignment with core Democratic positions. She supported her party in opposing Republican-led initiatives on transgender athletes in women's sports and sanctions against ICC officials regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The senator's approach represents a tactical rather than ideological shift, focusing on presentation while maintaining consistent policy stances on controversial issues.
The Democratic Party faces mounting pressure to redefine its electoral strategy while maintaining its policy positions. Slotkin's candid assessment suggests a growing recognition within the party of the challenges ahead. Recent developments, including high-profile retirements and recruitment difficulties, have complicated Democrats' path to Senate control. The party must balance its ambitious goals with practical limitations in the current political environment.
President Donald Trump's unexpected stance on a controversial deportation case has created waves in Washington's political circles.
According to The Daily Caller, Trump expressed willingness to consider bringing back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national deported in March, despite his administration's previous hard stance on the matter.
The case has sparked intense debate after federal prosecutors acknowledged that Abrego Garcia's deportation resulted from a clerical error, as he had received a withholding of removal order in 2019. Democrats have rallied behind the cause, with several lawmakers making high-profile visits to El Salvador to advocate for his return.
Department of Justice documents reveal that local law enforcement arrested Abrego Garcia in March 2019 while associating with MS-13 members. A reliable source identified him as a gang member, providing details about his nickname and rank within the organization.
Court records show an immigration judge determined Abrego Garcia's MS-13 membership in 2019, denying his bond release request. The Board of Immigration Appeals later upheld this decision when Abrego Garcia failed to disprove his gang affiliation.
The Department of Homeland Security recently released documents showing a domestic violence restraining order filed by Abrego Garcia's wife in 2021. The allegations detailed multiple instances of physical abuse, including a violent incident that left her bleeding.
Trump shared his perspective with TIME magazine, stating:
That's not my determination. It's something that, frankly, bringing him back and retrying him wouldn't bother me, but I leave that up to my lawyer. You could bring him back and retry him.
The president further challenged media portrayals of Abrego Garcia, expressing frustration with how the case has been presented to the public:
I believe that they made him look like a saint, and then we found out about him. He wasn't a saint. He was MS-13. He was a wife beater and he had a lot of things that were very bad, you know, very, very bad.
While the Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return, the situation faces diplomatic hurdles. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele maintains firm control over Abrego Garcia's custody at the country's Terrorism Confinement Center.
The prison, specifically built to house gang members and dangerous criminals, currently holds Abrego Garcia along with over 200 other deportees from March's operation. This has created a complex international situation where U.S. court orders hold limited influence.
Democratic opposition to the administration's handling of the case continues to grow. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and four House Democrats have visited El Salvador to advocate for Abrego Garcia's return, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has announced plans for state officials to boycott the Salvadoran government.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation case has evolved into a significant political dispute, highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement and international cooperation. His March deportation to El Salvador, despite a previous withholding of removal order, has sparked intense debate between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers.
The case's resolution remains uncertain as President Trump's openness to Abrego Garcia's return conflicts with El Salvador's firm stance against releasing him. This standoff between U.S. court orders and Salvadoran sovereignty continues to complicate efforts to address what the administration admits was a clerical error in the deportation process.
A poignant moment unfolds as world leaders gather to pay their final respects to Pope Francis at the Vatican, with President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron's firm handshake capturing attention.
According to the New York Post, a forensic lip reader has decoded the interactions between world leaders during the sign of peace portion of the funeral mass, revealing that while Trump and Macron's handshake was notably firm, no words were exchanged between the two leaders.
First Lady Melania Trump played a crucial role in guiding the President's interactions during the ceremony. Forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman observed Melania whispering, "Donald, look left" to the President, prompting him to engage with other world leaders present at the service.
President Trump actively engaged with several world leaders during the sign of peace. He greeted Estonian President Alar Karis and Spain's King Felipe VI with warm acknowledgments, saying "Great to see you" to both leaders.
The President's interaction with Finnish President Alexander Stubb was particularly cordial. Freeman noted Trump saying, "Great to see you, Alex, good to see you. How are you doing?" to the Finnish leader, even while still completing his handshake with Macron.
Prior to the funeral service, Trump held a significant 15-minute conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inside St. Peter's Basilica. This marked their first meeting since a heated exchange in the Oval Office two months ago.
The Trump family secured front-row positions during the funeral service despite earlier speculation about seating arrangements according to Vatican protocol. The President wore a navy suit and tie, while Melania chose a black lace ensemble appropriate for the occasion.
Throughout the service, Trump showed concern for his wife's comfort. Freeman decoded a tender moment when Trump asked Melania "You okay?" to which she responded with a subtle nod.
The couple also shared a brief exchange about the proceedings, with Trump telling his wife, "It was a good discussion," though the specific conversation referenced remains unclear.
The funeral service drew more than 250,000 mourners to Vatican City, including delegations from 164 countries. This massive gathering highlighted Pope Francis's global influence and the international community's desire to honor his legacy.
Jeremy Freeman, the London-based lip reader who provided these insights, brings considerable expertise to his analysis. Born deaf, he has served as a University College London-certified expert witness for various entities, including police, journalists, and legal proceedings, for 16 years.
Pope Francis's funeral marked the end of an era for the Catholic Church following his passing at age 88 on Easter Monday at his Vatican residence. The three-hour Catholic mass brought together an unprecedented gathering of world leaders and faithful followers.
The interaction between Trump and Macron, though wordless, exemplified the complex dynamics of international relations even during moments of shared mourning. Their firm handshake, observed by millions worldwide, occurred during a solemn ceremony that united global leaders in paying respects to the deceased pontiff at St. Peter's Basilica.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hints at potential actions against President Donald Trump during a televised discussion on CNN.
According to The Daily Caller, when questioned about the possibility of impeaching Trump if Democrats regain control of Congress, Schumer avoided ruling out such action while emphasizing Trump's alleged daily violations of the rule of law.
The discussion emerged after Democratic Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff's recent town hall comments suggesting Trump had committed impeachable offenses exceeding previous standards. CNN's Dana Bash specifically questioned Schumer about whether impeachment would become a priority under Democratic congressional control.
Schumer expressed strong criticism of Trump's leadership across multiple policy areas, including economic decisions, international relations, and legal matters. He emphasized the Democrats' current strategy of highlighting these issues to the American public rather than committing to specific future actions.
When pressed about impeachment plans, Schumer stated:
Well look, right now, President Trump is violating the rule of the law in every way. And we're fighting him every single day in every way. And our goal is to show the American people, over and over again, whether it's the economy, whether it's tariffs, whether it's Russia and overseas and whether it's rule of law, how bad he is. Two years is too far away to predict, our job is day to day to day, to show who Trump is, what he is doing and it's having an effect.
The Democrats' concerns center particularly on Trump's handling of immigration enforcement, specifically regarding the deportation of alleged gang members despite federal court orders.
Democrats have accused the administration of defying multiple court orders, including U.S. District Judge James Boasberg's March 15 directive concerning the return of Tren de Agua members. The controversy extends to the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 member whose return from El Salvador was mandated by the Supreme Court.
The administration maintains compliance with these court orders while continuing its aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. These disputes have intensified the already contentious relationship between Democratic leadership and the White House.
Democratic Texas Representative Al Green has emerged as a vocal advocate for immediate action, announcing plans to file impeachment articles within 30 days. This follows his previous February announcement of impeachment intentions, made just weeks into Trump's second term.
Trump's presidency has already witnessed two impeachments under Democratic leadership. The first occurred in December 2019 regarding his communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about investigating the Biden family. The second followed the January 6 Capitol riot.
The Democratic response to Trump's actions continues to evolve as party leaders assess their options and build their case against the president. Schumer's careful positioning on CNN reflects the party's measured approach while maintaining pressure on the administration.
Democrats are focusing their efforts on documenting and publicizing what they view as Trump's violations of legal and democratic norms. Their strategy appears to balance immediate oversight with potential future actions should they regain congressional control in upcoming elections.
The possibility of a third impeachment remains contingent on multiple factors, including electoral outcomes and the accumulation of evidence supporting their claims against the president.
Drag performer and actor Jiggly Caliente, known for captivating audiences with fierce performances and advocacy work, faced health complications in the final weeks of life.
According to Breitbart, Jiggly Caliente, whose legal name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning at age 44, surrounded by loved ones, just days after undergoing a major surgical procedure that involved the amputation of the right leg.
The drag star's family shared details about the severe infection that led to hospitalization and the subsequent amputation. The health crisis emerged suddenly, forcing Castro-Arabejo to withdraw from upcoming commitments, including an anticipated appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines. The performer's condition deteriorated rapidly despite medical intervention.
The family issued two statements within days of each other, first announcing the leg amputation on Thursday and then confirming the death on Sunday. Medical professionals had attempted to save Castro-Arabejo's leg but ultimately determined amputation was necessary due to the aggressive nature of the infection.
The drag performer's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans worldwide during this difficult time. They emphasized how Castro-Arabejo maintained strength and dignity throughout the ordeal.
The family shared this moving tribute to the performer's impact:
A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.
Castro-Arabejo first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on season four of RuPaul's Drag Race, where the performer's charisma and talent caught viewers' attention. This led to a return appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season six, further cementing Caliente's place in drag entertainment history.
Beyond the drag competition scene, Castro-Arabejo built an impressive acting portfolio. The performer secured a recurring role as Veronica Ferocity on the groundbreaking FX series Pose, which explored New York's ballroom culture.
Additional acting credits demonstrated Castro-Arabejo's range as a performer. These included appearances in the 2020 independent film Milkwater and the 2021 television series Wigs in A Blanket, showcasing versatility across different entertainment formats.
Throughout a career spanning television, film, and live performance, Castro-Arabejo remained committed to advocacy work. The performer used growing visibility to champion causes important to the LGBTQ+ community.
Fellow performers and fans praised Castro-Arabejo's willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in the public eye. This openness helped create safer spaces for others to express themselves freely. The impact of Castro-Arabejo's work extended far beyond entertainment, inspiring countless individuals through a combination of artistic excellence and dedicated activism.
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, widely celebrated as drag performer Jiggly Caliente, passed away on Sunday morning at age 44 after experiencing severe health complications that necessitated the amputation of the right leg. The performer's family confirmed the peaceful passing was witnessed by close friends and relatives at the bedside.
The drag star's legacy encompasses memorable appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race, a recurring role on the series Pose, and various film and television projects. Beyond entertainment achievements, Castro-Arabejo's dedication to advocacy work and creating inclusive spaces leaves an enduring impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the entertainment industry.
A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Miami as authorities apprehended a second suspect connected to the Easter Sunday theft of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's personal belongings.
According to Fox News, law enforcement officials arrested an accomplice in Miami on Sunday, marking the second detention related to the theft of Noem's purse containing $3,000 in cash and her DHS access card from a Washington D.C. restaurant.
The Secret Service collaborated with the Miami Beach Police Department to locate and arrest the suspect, who is currently being held on an immigration detainer while charges are finalized. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the second suspect but confirmed their belief that the individual acted as a co-conspirator in multiple theft incidents alongside the primary defendant.
The first suspect, identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally present in the United States, was arrested on Saturday. Authorities linked him to a series of similar thefts throughout April, where he allegedly targeted restaurant patrons by stealing purses from the backs of their chairs.
Law enforcement officials recovered video evidence showing the suspects' modus operandi, leading to Leiva's identification and subsequent arrest. He now faces two counts of robbery and additional charges related to the Secret Service investigation.
Retired NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro provided insight into the nature of the crime, suggesting that the perpetrators were motivated by the opportunity to steal luxury items rather than targeting Noem specifically. The Secret Service has officially confirmed that the theft was not related to Noem's position as DHS Secretary.
Noem shared her account of the incident with podcaster Vince Coglianese on the "VINCE Show," describing how the theft occurred while she dined with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C.
The DHS Secretary said:
It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet. I actually felt my purse, he hooked it with his foot and drug it a few steps away and dropped a coat over it and took it. I felt it, but I thought it was my grandkids kicking me in the legs. But it was very professionally done, and it tells that this happens all the time to people and that they live in communities where this is a danger and it reaffirms why I am here.
The stolen items included Noem's driver's license, passport, medication, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet. Security footage captured a white male wearing an N95 surgical mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap executing the theft.
Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros praised the cooperation between agencies that led to the second arrest. The Miami Beach Police Department's quick response to information from Washington resulted in targeted patrols that successfully located the suspect without incident.
Noem expressed gratitude through her spokesperson, acknowledging the efforts of the Secret Service, ICE, and other law enforcement partners in apprehending the suspects. She emphasized that the first arrested suspect had an extensive criminal history and had been in the country illegally for years.
The theft of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse during Easter Sunday lunch with her family has resulted in two arrests within a week. The incident, which occurred at The Capital Burger in Washington D.C., involved the theft of personal items, including $3,000 in cash and official DHS credentials.
While the first suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, faces multiple robbery charges, authorities are finalizing charges against the second suspect, who was apprehended in Miami. The Secret Service has confirmed that despite the high-profile nature of the victim, the theft was not targeted at Noem's position but rather part of a series of professional theft operations targeting restaurant patrons.