Global Headlines and Breaking Stories - May 19, 2025

This is NNC Neural Newscast. Online at Nnewscast.com. Neural Newscast Global. I'm Andrew Lindbeck. Today is May 19th, 2025. On this day in 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was executed on charges of treason, adultery, and incest, marking a pivotal moment in the English Reformation and the tumultuous history of the Tudor dynasty. Turning to breaking news. Don Richard has testified in Sean Diddy Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial, detailing instances of physical abuse. NNC's Sarah Wheaton reports. Her testimony follows explosive accounts from Cassie Ventura, who described brutal assault and shared shocking texts from Combs. The case intensifies as Cassie's husband issued a powerful statement after four days of testimony. Richard's revelations mark a critical moment, adding weight to the prosecution's case against Combs as the trial unfolds in Los Angeles. NNC News, I'm Sarah Wheaton. At least 28 people have died after a series of devastating tornadoes tore through Kentucky and other parts of the Midwest and South. Sarah Wheaton has the details. Recovery efforts are now underway amid widespread destruction from these severe storms. Emergency responders are working urgently to assess damage, rescue survivors, and provide aid to affected communities. Officials warn that the death toll may rise as search and recovery operations continue across multiple states. Stay tuned for ongoing updates. Sarah Wheaton, reporting. Oklahoma faces severe weather threats today, including softball-sized hail and potential tornadoes. Residents must stay alert as storms intensify across the region. Emergency services urge everyone to monitor live radar updates continuously and prepare for rapid changes in conditions. This dangerous weather poses significant risks to safety and property. Take immediate precautions, seek shelter, and follow official warnings closely to stay safe throughout the day. For Neural Newscast, I'm Sarah Wheaton. Turning to World News. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for Israel to take full control of Gaza amid ongoing conflict. Here's Monica Kellan with more. This move comes as humanitarian aid trucks prepare to enter the territory, aiming to address urgent needs. The situation remains tense with debates over the scale and impact of Israel's actions in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that securing the area is essential while facilitating aid delivery to civilians caught in the crisis. Monica Kellyn reporting. Israel has issued one of the largest evacuation orders in recent months, directing residents of Khan Yunis in Gaza to relocate to the western part of the territory. NNC's Monica Kellan reports. The move comes ahead of what Israeli officials describe as an unprecedented attack. This directive marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as thousands are urged to move for their safety. The situation remains tense, with international observers closely monitoring developments in the region. This is Monica Kellan for Neural Newscast. Russia launched one of its largest drone attacks of the Ukraine war, with Ukrainian officials reporting that the strikes primarily targeted Kiev. The assault occurred just one day before a planned conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The timing of the attack adds a significant moment to ongoing tensions in the region, as diplomatic discussions and military actions continue to unfold. Israel permitted limited aid into Gaza on Monday, ending a two-month blockade. This shift, alongside uncertainty over military plans, reveals internal government debates on how to proceed. The decision reflects efforts to balance humanitarian concerns with security objectives, as officials weigh the timing and scope of a potential invasion. The situation underscores the complex challenges Israel faces amid ongoing conflict in the region. South Africa plans to appeal the acquittal of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omatosso, accused of assaulting women from his church. Omitoso denies the allegations and has reportedly returned to Nigeria. The case has drawn significant attention, with authorities seeking further legal action despite the court's decision. Monica Kellan reporting. Now, for the latest on the political front. Now, for the latest on the political front. In a rare weekend session, the House Budget Committee advanced the GOP's reconciliation plan, overcoming key hurdles. NNC's Cassandra Joyce reports, For Republican holdouts, who had opposed the bill over spending cut concerns, shifted to voting present, allowing the measure to move forward. This development signals a fragile consensus within the party as it pushes former President Trump's budget priorities. The vote highlights ongoing tensions between conservative fiscal goals and the need for party unity ahead of broader legislative battles. CBS News Torian Small Reports. This is Cassandra Joyce for Neural Newscast. Former President Donald Trump is actively engaging in efforts to influence the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reportedly planning calls with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to push for a ceasefire. Cassandra Joyce has the details. This diplomatic move comes amid growing international pressure for peace. Concurrently, Trump's political agenda advances in Congress, with key legislation on taxes and immigration gaining traction among GOP lawmakers. His involvement underscores the complex interplay between domestic policy ambitions and high-stakes foreign diplomacy. NNC News, I'm Cassandra Joyce. Pope Leo recently met with U.S. Senator J.D. Vance amid efforts by some American conservatives to improve relations with the Vatican. This marks a shift from tensions experienced under Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, who often clashed with right-wing figures in the U.S. The meeting signals a potential warming of ties, reflecting strategic outreach by conservatives aiming to align more closely with the papacy on shared values and influence global discourse. A major bill backed by former President Trump has narrowly passed a crucial House committee, moving one step closer to a full chamber vote. Despite this progress, significant hurdles remain as lawmakers debate its implications and political viability. The bill's future hinges on navigating sharp partisan divides, making its ultimate passage uncertain. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legislative battle surrounding Trump's agenda. In a surprising outcome, Romania's pro-European Union candidate has defeated a hard, right nationalist rival in the presidential election. This victory signals a rejection of nationalist rhetoric in favor of continued EU integration, reflecting broader regional trends where centrist forces are holding off nationalist challenges. The result not only stabilizes Romania's pro-Western trajectory, but also underscores the electorate's preference for moderate governance amidst rising populism in Eastern Europe. Transgender service members are confronting a difficult crossroads amid challenges to Trump's military ban. According to ABC News, these individuals must choose between voluntarily separating from the armed forces or facing involuntary discharge. This predicament highlights the ongoing policy uncertainty and personal toll of the ban, raising critical questions about military inclusivity and the future of transgender rights within the armed services. In an unexpected move, Donald Trump has publicly forwarded a plea involving Barack Obama, stirring political intrigue. The message, shared via social media, raises questions about Trump's current strategy and political positioning. Analysts suggest this could signal a shift or an attempt to influence ongoing political narratives ahead of upcoming elections. This is Cassandra Joyce, NNC. Exploring the world of scientific discoveries. Scientists have identified the most powerful solar storm ever recorded, striking Earth around 14,300 years ago. Here's Nathaniel Cohen with more. This ancient event far exceeded any modern solar storm in intensity. Researchers warned that if a similar storm occurred today, it could severely disrupt technology-dependent systems worldwide, from power grids to communication networks. This discovery sets a new benchmark for worst-case solar weather scenarios, highlighting the need for improved preparedness against extreme space weather events. Nathaniel Cohen, Neural Newscast. Fast, reliable, and powered by the future today. This is Neural Newscast. Catch every episode at NNewscast.com. Investors looking for exposure to large-cap value stocks might consider the Vanguard value ETF, or VTV. This fund focuses on established companies with strong fundamentals that are often undervalued compared to gross stocks. While it offers diversification and typically lower volatility, potential investors should weigh its performance against their financial goals and market conditions. As always, consulting a financial advisor is recommended before making investment decisions. 23Mee, the company known for popularizing genetic ancestry testing, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The move comes as the company faces financial challenges and it plans to seek a buyer to continue its operations. This development marks a significant shift for the once leading personal genetics firm, highlighting the evolving landscape of the genetic testing industry. Efforts to find a new owner are now underway. Ethan Wells, NNC News. Volonaut, a startup fresh out of stealth mode, has unveiled the air bike, a real-life flying bike that looks straight out of Star Wars. This sleek, futuristic vehicle combines cutting-edge tech with sci-fi style, offering a glimpse into the future of personal flight. For fans of innovative out-of-this-world machines, the air bike is a thrilling step toward making fantasy flying a reality. Stay tuned for more from What the Future. Kara Swift, NNC News. A new study in Marine Pollution Bulletin urges scientists worldwide to adopt a single, standardized model for citizen-led beach cleanups. This unified approach aims to improve the quality and comparability of data collected on marine litter. By streamlining methods, researchers hope to better track pollution trends and enhance efforts to protect marine life, making beach cleanups more effective and impactful on a global scale. This is Samuel Green, NNC. Cholino's innovative IPSC manufacturing technology has earned the FDA's Advanced Manufacturing Technology, AMT designation. This recognition highlights its potential to improve cell therapy production, offering hope for more efficient and accessible treatments. It's a promising step forward in advancing patient care through cutting-edge science. Laura Navarro, NNC News. Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald praised rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. saying, I saw a guy who made a lot of plays during the 2024 season. Fitzgerald highlighted Harrison's impressive potential and impact on the field, signaling a promising future for the young wide receiver in the NFL. NNC News. I'm Thomas Golding. Sunny Days are streaming soon. Sesame Street's 56th season will premiere exclusively on Netflix worldwide later this year, alongside Same Day releases on PBS and PBS Kids in the U.S. The reimagined episodes feature new animated segments and longer stories. Plus, Netflix will offer 90 hours of classic episodes and planned Sesame Street games. perfect for kids and families. This is Lydia Holmes for Neural Newscast. Six women have filed lawsuits against EXP Realty, alleging they were drugged and sexually assaulted at a company event. One woman is suing the real estate firm, claiming it ignored her report of assault. EXP Realty has not publicly responded to the allegations. The cases highlight growing concerns about safety at industry gatherings. For Neural Newscast, I'm Daniel Grove. I'm Andrew Lindbeck, Neural Newscast. You have been listening to NNC. Visit NNewscast.com for more episodes and deep dives. Neural Newscast fuses real and AI-generated voices for fast-quality news. AI creates humans review. We aim for accuracy, but errors can happen. Verify key details. Learn more at NNewscast.com.