May-2025

US News Headlines May 4th 2025

Nick Ras

05 May 2025 — 1 min read

Federal Policy and Executive Actions

Alcatraz Reopening Directive: President Donald Trump announced plans to reopen and expand the Alcatraz Island prison facility in San Francisco Bay. The administration has not yet provided details regarding the timeline or specific use cases for the facility.
Proposed Tariff on Foreign Films: President Trump proposed a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, citing concerns over the domestic film industry's decline. Industry representatives from countries such as the United Kingdom have expressed apprehension about the potential economic impact.
NFL Draft Announcement: The President is expected to announce that Washington, D.C., will host the 2027 NFL Draft, with plans to hold the event on the National Mall.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Flight Disruptions at Newark Airport: Newark Liberty International Airport experienced significant delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages and technological issues within the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic control operations. United Airlines canceled 35 daily roundtrip flights, citing safety concerns. The Department of Transportation announced plans to recruit 2,000 new air traffic controllers to address the crisis.

Weather and Environmental Conditions

Omega Block Weather Pattern: A persistent "Omega block" weather pattern is causing prolonged rain and potential flooding in parts of the Southern and Northeastern United States. The National Weather Service has issued flood advisories for affected regions, with some areas anticipating up to six inches of rain.

Public Health

Measles Outbreak in the Southwest: An ongoing measles outbreak has been reported in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, with over 800 confirmed cases and three fatalities. Health officials attribute the outbreak to declining vaccination rates and are urging the public to ensure immunizations are up to date.

International Relations

U.S.–Iran Nuclear Negotiations: The United States and Iran have engaged in a series of negotiations aimed at reaching a nuclear agreement. Talks have been held in Oman and Rome, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and regional security concerns. Recent discussions have faced challenges, with Iran canceling a scheduled meeting on May 4 due to technical reasons.

Cultural Events

Met Gala Security Measures: The upcoming Met Gala in New York City is implementing heightened security protocols, including a "frozen zone" perimeter, rooftop surveillance, and designated arrest processing areas. These measures aim to ensure the safety of attendees amid global tensions.

Day 3 of 3 – Full Body + Conditioning

Warm-up: * 5 minutes of jump rope or treadmill Workout: ExerciseSetsRepsDumbbell Goblet Squats412Incline Dumbbell Bench Press410Bent-Over Barbell Rows310–12Dumbbell Walking Lunges220 stepsCable Woodchoppers (Core)312/sideDumbbell Thrusters (squat → press)312 Conditioning Finisher (3 rounds): * 30 seconds jump squats * 30 seconds push-ups * 30 seconds mountain climbers *

Day 2 of 3 – Pull Focus (Back, Biceps, Glutes + Core)

Warm-up: * 5–10 minutes of mobility work + light rows Workout: ExerciseSetsRepsRomanian Deadlifts (Dumbbells/Barbell)410–12Lat Pulldown410–12Seated Row (Cable or Machine)310–12Dumbbell Curls312–15Face Pulls (Cable)315Swiss Ball Hamstring Curls312–15 Core Superset (repeat 3x): * Hanging leg raises (or lying leg raises) – 15 reps * Russian twists with dumbbell

Day 1 of 3 – Push Focus (Chest, Shoulders, Triceps + Legs)

Workout: ExerciseSetsRepsBarbell Back Squats (Smith Machine)48–10Dumbbell Flat Bench Press48–10Cable Chest Flys312–15Dumbbell Shoulder Press310–12Cable Lateral Raises312–15Triceps Pushdowns (Cable)312–15 Finisher (Optional): * Plank holds – 3 rounds of 30–60 seconds

US News Headlines May 13th 2025

Trump's Trip to Middle East President Donald Trump has begun his trip to the Middle East, focusing on business deals and strengthening ties with regional leaders. He has signed several new agreements with Saudi Arabia, including on military cooperation, and praised Middle Eastern leaders in a speech at