Thông tin từ các nguồn báo chí và chuyên trang điện ảnh gần đây cho thấy Robert Downey Jr., người thủ vai Tony Stark/Iron Man trong MCU, sẽ trở lại vũ trụ điện ảnh này. Tuy nhiên, anh không trở lại với vai Iron Man đã từng làm nên tên tuổi của mình. Thay vào đó, Robert Downey Jr. được xác nhận sẽ đảm nhận vai phản diện Doctor Doom trong hai bộ phim Avengers sắp tới gồm:

1. Avengers: Doomsday, dự kiến ra mắt vào ngày 1 tháng 5 năm 2026.
2. Avengers: Secret Wars, dự kiến ra mắt vào ngày 7 tháng 5 năm 2027.

Như vậy, Tony Stark (với vai trò Doctor Doom) sẽ góp mặt trong tập phim Avengers: Secret Wars, chứ không phải trực tiếp thủ vai Doctor Doom mà khán giả đã quen thuộc. Đây là một diễn biến bất ngờ và thú vị, hứa hẹn sẽ mang đến nhiều điều hấp dẫn cho người hâm mộ vũ trụ điện ảnh MCU của Mavel.

Hành trình Siêu Anh Hùng trở thành nhân vật phản diện lớn.

Trong Avengers: Endgame (2019), Tony Stark/Iron Man đã hy sinh bản thân để đánh bại Thanos và đội quân của hắn. Anh đã sử dụng sức mạnh của sáu Viên đá Vô cực để thực hiện cú búng tay, xóa sổ Thanos và toàn bộ đội quân của hắn, nhưng năng lượng khổng lồ từ các viên đá đã gây ra các tổn thương bức xạ chí mạng cho cơ thể phàm nhân của Tony, dẫn đến cái chết của anh. Khoảnh khắc anh trút hơi thở cuối cùng là một trong những cảnh phim xúc động và mang tính biểu tượng nhất của MCU.

Các đoạn clip ngắn rò rỉ về việc Tony Stark hồi sinh thành Doctor Doom, đây là một giả thuyết thú vị và hiện tại chưa có bất kỳ thông tin chính thức nào từ Marvel Studios xác nhận điều này. Tuy nhiên, chúng ta có thể suy đoán về một số khả năng dựa trên vũ trụ truyện tranh Marvel và các diễn biến gần đây của MCU:

Thuyết Đa vũ trụ (Multiverse): 

Với sự ra mắt và vai trò ngày càng quan trọng của đa vũ trụ trong MCU, khả năng một biến thể (variant) của Tony Stark từ một vũ trụ khác trở thành Doctor Doom là hoàn toàn có thể. Biến thể này có thể có một quá khứ và những lựa chọn khác biệt, dẫn đến việc anh ta trở thành một nhân vật phản diện mạnh mẽ như Doctor Doom. Việc Robert Downey Jr. được đồn đoán sẽ thủ vai Doctor Doom càng củng cố giả thuyết này.

Giả thuyết về Sự can thiệp của các thế lực siêu nhiên hoặc công nghệ tiên tiến: 

Trong truyện tranh, Doctor Doom thường liên quan đến cả khoa học và ma thuật. Một khả năng khác là một thế lực siêu nhiên hoặc một công nghệ cực kỳ tiên tiến nào đó có thể hồi sinh Tony Stark theo một cách thức biến đổi anh ta thành Doctor Doom. Điều này có thể liên quan đến các sự kiện trong tương lai của MCU, đặc biệt là trong bối cảnh Secret Wars, nơi các thực tại khác nhau va chạm và hợp nhất.

Giả thuyết về Hoán đổi cơ thể hoặc chiếm đoạt: 

Một số giả thuyết cho rằng Doctor Doom có thể bằng cách nào đó hoán đổi cơ thể với Tony Stark hoặc chiếm đoạt cơ thể anh ta sau khi anh chết. Điều này có thể liên quan đến ma thuật của Doom hoặc một công nghệ đặc biệt nào đó mà anh ta sở hữu.

Tóm lại: Mặc dù cái chết của Iron Man trong Endgame là một kết thúc rõ ràng cho nhân vật Tony Stark của vũ trụ chính (Earth-616), sự trỗi dậy của đa vũ trụ mở ra vô vàn khả năng. Việc Robert Downey Jr. có thể trở lại MCU với vai Doctor Doom rất có khả năng sẽ liên quan đến một biến thể từ vũ trụ khác, hoặc một sự kiện đặc biệt nào đó trong bối cảnh đa vũ trụ của Secret Wars. Chúng ta sẽ phải chờ đợi những thông tin chính thức từ Marvel Studios để biết được câu trả lời cuối cùng.

Trước khi bất kỳ khả năng thực sự nào sẽ diễn ra, chúng ta sẽ phải tiếp tục hồi hợp chờ đợi lịch công chiếu sau đây: 

• Avengers: Doomsday, dự kiến ra mắt vào ngày 1 tháng 5 năm 2026.
• Avengers: Secret Wars, dự kiến ra mắt vào ngày 7 tháng 5 năm 2027.

Thế Anh.

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CALITODAY – Washington DC (May 20, 2025) – Former Republican Congressman Billy Long (Missouri), nominated by President Trump to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has been accused of accepting a $65,000 bribe tied to questionable tax credit dealings.

During his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) revealed two audio recordings suggesting that tax credit brokers who worked with Long expected "special favors" if he was confirmed. One recording featured the CFO of White River Energy—a company that paid Long $65,000—stating they anticipated favorable treatment for a “fake” tribal tax credit they were pursuing.

“I’ve never spoken to anyone at White River. I worked through Capitol Edge Strategies,” Long responded when questioned. He also claimed he did not even know which Native American tribe the disputed credit was supposedly linked to.

Long, who previously worked as an auctioneer and a tax credit lobbyist, argued that his role was simply to connect “friends with shared interests.” However, Democrats called it a blatant conflict of interest—especially since the tax credits in question are believed to be fraudulent.

A Senate Finance Committee report alleges that White River sold fake tax credits to investors and reassured them they had "friends inside the IRS" who could smooth things over. After the scheme was exposed, the company began lobbying for Long’s confirmation. More than $165,000 reportedly went into the lobbying campaign—most of it from tribal tax credit players, including those at White River.

Republicans defended Long, calling him a “needed reformer” for an IRS in the midst of staff reductions. “He brings a valuable business perspective,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee). “Before public service, he was a small business owner and auctioneer—careers that give him a real-world grasp of what small business owners face.”

The Trump administration has been aggressively restructuring the IRS, firing many of the employees hired during the Biden-era $80 billion modernization initiative. The agency may lose up to 40% of its workforce in the coming years due to firings, hiring freezes, and retirements.

The IRS has gone through multiple acting commissioners since Trump took office, following the resignation of Commissioner Danny Werfel. Leadership struggles have intensified under Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and presidential adviser Elon Musk, especially regarding access to taxpayer data by a controversial cost-cutting board.

Neither the White House nor White River Energy has responded to requests for comment.

– Reported by Hanh Duong in Washington DC

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CALITODAY (May 20, 2025): On Tuesday, President Trump applied pressure on House Republicans to support the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB), which encompasses key elements of his agenda, during a rare visit to Capitol Hill.

He clarified lawmakers' positions on several major sticking points in the bill, leading to a series of last-minute negotiations that leaders hope will culminate in the bill's passage by the weekend.

Trump urged moderate Republicans from blue states to abandon their fight over the state and local tax (SALT) deduction and warned members not to "mess with Medicaid" as some lawmakers considered changes to the program.The Daily Beast+4WSJ+4POLITICO+4

"There was love in that room. No shouting," Trump told reporters after the meeting. "I think it was a love fest. And there were a few things we spoke about specifically that some people felt a little differently about. Not a big deal."

The OBBB has faced numerous obstacles in the House as different factions within the conference clash over priorities. Deficit hawks have pushed for changes to avoid increasing debt, while moderates seek to raise the SALT cap.Barron's

A White House official said Trump made it clear during the meeting that he is losing patience with all opposing factions within the House Republican conference, including the SALT Caucus and the House Freedom Caucus, emphasizing that every Republican should vote "Yes."

Trump's main request to the conference was not to let SALT derail the bill, arguing that Republicans could fight for SALT later; not to touch Medicaid except to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, specifically by removing illegal immigrants and establishing reasonable work requirements; and to unite and complete the bill, a White House official told The Hill.

The President told Republican lawmakers in the closed-door meeting to "leave SALT aside," arguing that concerns over this provision should not hinder the bill's passage. He indicated support for increasing the SALT deduction from $10,000 to $30,000 for anyone earning $400,000 or less—a proposal currently in the bill that SALT Caucus members have opposed.

He specifically targeted Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who has advocated for more significant changes to the SALT deduction.

"I understand your district better than you do," Trump told Lawler, according to a source. "If you lose because of SALT, you were going to lose anyway."Time

Lawler maintained his position immediately after Trump's remarks, stating he was "not budging."Time

Later in the day, after meetings of the SALT Caucus in the Speaker's office, Lawler said GOP leaders had made "an improved offer" to SALT Caucus members, and lawmakers were awaiting a cost estimate from the Joint Committee on Taxation.

"We're waiting for more information, but we've made progress," Rep. Lawler said.

Trump also firmly opposed major changes to Medicaid. "Don't mess with Medicaid," Trump told lawmakers in the private meeting.

Trump told reporters before the meeting that the bill does not cut "anything meaningful" and instead focuses on "waste, fraud, and abuse." He also expressed concern that migrants are receiving Medicaid benefits.Time

Hardline conservatives had mixed reactions to the President's push.The Daily Beast

Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, who has advocated for more changes to Medicaid, seemed unmoved by Trump's message as of Tuesday evening.

"I don't think the President has convinced enough people that the bill is sufficient as it stands," Harris said after the meeting.

Later in the day, Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.)—another Freedom Caucus member who was among four hardline conservatives who blocked a key House Budget Committee vote on the bill last week—said he was "very optimistic" about the negotiations.

"We're getting closer," Brecheen said, adding that Trump's move against the SALT Caucus—their preferred proposal would significantly increase the bill's deficit cost—had been helpful.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who has consistently opposed the House plan to use Medicaid cuts to fund the large partisan bill, said on social media platform X, "I hope Republicans in Congress are listening" after hearing Trump say Republicans should leave Medicaid alone.

The bill includes major reforms to Medicaid that are estimated to cause millions to lose coverage by 2034. The bill would require states to implement work requirements for childless adults aged 19 to 64 to qualify for the program and seeks to shorten the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act, along with a host of other changes.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday that the requirements for "able-bodied" Americans receiving Medicaid to work 20 hours a week are "reasonable provisions."

Trump also told House Republicans not to "be stupid about the debt ceiling," urging them to pass a four-year extension rather than a two-year one, a source told The Hill.

The current bill includes plans to raise the national debt ceiling by $4 trillion, which would likely last about two and a half years, as the Treasury Department warns the government risks defaulting on over $36 trillion in the coming months.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has consistently opposed deficit-increasing legislation, also angered Trump on Tuesday.

"I don't think Thomas Massie understands government," Trump told reporters before the meeting. "Frankly, I think he's a showboat. I think he should be voted out."

Trump's trip to Capitol Hill underscores that Republicans are entering a critical phase with the reconciliation package, which includes key parts of Trump's agenda on taxes, border funding, and spending.Business Insider

The President has been in regular contact with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) throughout the process. He has hosted lawmakers at the White House, spoken with them by phone, and lobbied Republicans on Truth Social to support the package.

If Trump can persuade any hesitant lawmakers, it would be valuable for GOP leadership, given the extremely narrow margin in the House. Republicans can afford only a few defections while still passing the bill in a party-line vote.

After the meeting, Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) said he thought Trump might have changed some minds.

"He had them all laughing for 30 minutes," he said—including when he used profanity while discussing leaving Medicaid alone.

President Trump on Tuesday urged moderate Republicans to "forget about SALT," but appeared not to win their support.

Republican Representatives from New York Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota, and Andrew Garbarino said they voted "no" on the package after Tuesday morning's meeting.

SALT has become one of the biggest sticking points in Republicans' efforts to advance Trump's OBBB.

Speaking at a GOP conference meeting at the Capitol for over an hour on Tuesday morning, Trump made it clear during the meeting that he is losing patience with all opposing factions within the conference, according to the White House.

A host of Trump administration officials were also present on Capitol Hill during Budget or Oversight committee hearings. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was set to testify before two Senate panels following Trump's Monday conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the escalation of Israel's attack on Gaza. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum were also scheduled to testify before various committees.

Additionally, a committee hearing aimed at declassifying U.S. documents focused on John F. Kennedy.

HANH DUONG

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SHINCHEONJI - On the 16th of May, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji Church of Jesus) hosted a worldwide seminar. Chairman Lee Man-hee spoke about the prophecies and fulfillment of the entire book of Revelation in the Peace Park in South Korea. The book of Revelation has been around for 2,000 years, but no one has been able to understand it or know the true meaning of its fulfillment, which is the purpose of why Chairman Lee has been traveling around the whole world testifying the revealed word of the entire book of Revelation.

Numerous congregation members, pastors, and news media companies worldwide came in-person and tuned in online (Zoom and YouTube) to hear the Chairman speak firmly on the book of Revelation, more specifically the fulfilled realities of the prophecies written in the book of Revelation from chapters 1-22.

 

Chairman Lee began the word portion by emphasizing that as believers we should not only know the prophecies and understand them, but “we need to know the actual entities of the fulfillment of Revelation, and make an effort to learn the word again and again”.

 

He asked the pastors and believers in attendance, “Have you mastered Revelation? If you add or subtract from Revelation, you will receive curses (Revelation 22:18-19). We need to resolve this, don’t we? We need to resolve it.”

Chairman Lee urged the pastors to have the mindset of reflecting on themselves and striving to become a pastor that God acknowledges. He explains how there is only one witness mentioned in the book of Revelation that has seen and heard all the realities of Revelation chapters 1-22 and is able to testify to them. “If one does not know the true entities of the fulfillment of the prophecies of Revelation, then one does not have authority to call someone a cult”.

Shincheonji, Church of Jesus is able to testify to the realities of Revelation because God, Jesus, and the word of truth are with them. At the forefront of this, despite Chairman Lee’s advanced age, he continuously testifies the realities of the prophecies of the book of Revelation, so when the prophecies have been fulfilled, then believers can see and believe in the physical fulfillment, as the actual entities will appear according to the scriptures (John 14:29). If a person wants to enter heaven then they must have the qualifications to enter heaven, “a person with this mindset (receiving qualifications) can enter heaven”.

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CALITODAY (May 18, 2025):
Donald Trump’s Medicaid‑cutting proposal, dubbed the “BBB” (Big Beautiful Bill), aims to slash healthcare coverage for tens of millions of Americans. Critics derisively call it “Big Boobs Bursting,” mocking both its initials and its devastating impact.

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Administrative Burdens and Work Requirements
Doctors, patients, and health‑policy experts warn that a wave of new paperwork and red tape will rip away essential care. As part of President Trump’s legislative wishlist, House Republicans plan to impose strict work requirements on all Medicaid enrollees aged 19 to 64—with only narrow exemptions. States would have no authority to waive them. According to GOP figures presented to the Energy and Commerce Committee, nearly 5 million people would lose Medicaid coverage under these rules.

Republicans defending the changes insist they target only “able‑bodied” adults who ought to work but choose not to.

“I’m all for work requirements,” said Rep. Don Bacon (R‑Neb.). “If you’re of working age and healthy, you should be in the workforce—improving skills or holding down a job. Most Americans want that.”

Exempt groups—those with disabilities, pregnant women, and people in jails or treatment centers—are “the truly needy,” Republicans say. But to qualify for exemption, individuals must submit proper forms and documentation in perfect order at application and renewal, a hurdle that many fear will prove insurmountable.

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Scope of Savings and No Safety Net
Work requirements represent the single largest savings item in the bill’s health section—about $301 billion over seven years—almost entirely by kicking millions off Medicaid. There is no transition to other coverage or job‑training support.

“They aren’t saving by making care more efficient or keeping people healthier,” warns Jennifer Wagner, director of Medicaid Eligibility & Enrollment at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “These ‘savings’ mean states spend that money—or people simply go without care.”

 

Georgia is currently the only state with a Medicaid work requirement, part of its partial expansion program. There, very low‑income adults qualify only if they meet the monthly work or community engagement rules.

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Personal Impact: One Atlanta Social Worker’s Struggle
Forty‑seven‑year‑old Atlanta social worker Tanisha Corporal needed coverage after her nonprofit job ended last summer. She applied three times through Georgia’s online portal—but her records vanished. Her appeal was denied.

“I emailed, but got no reply—or just short, unclear, untrue responses,” she recalls.

Finally, after going public at a state hearing, her case was approved in March—but only after months uninsured. She skipped her annual mammogram despite a family history of breast cancer; her college‑aged son dislocated a finger and delayed care fearing the cost. She eventually paid the retroactive bills—but opponents say her ordeal will become the nationwide norm if the bill passes.

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Lawmakers Spar Over Process and Politics
“I believe you’re effectively doing everything possible to disqualify people—either they can’t fill out the paperwork or don’t know how,” said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D‑N.J.) during an all‑night committee session wrangling over the bill’s details.

Nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation analysis shows no widespread “idle adult” population on Medicaid—two‑thirds of the 26.1 million adults enrolled in 2023 were employed, while nearly 30 percent stayed home due to caregiving, illness, disability, or schooling.

“These are low‑income people whose lives are already complicated by variable work hours, part‑time or gig jobs, and changing employers,” notes Larry Levitt, KFF’s vice president for health policy. “Any of them could easily be dropped.”

Upgrading state IT systems for work‑requirement verification is itself a major line item: Georgia’s online enrollment buildout cost nearly five times more than covering benefits.

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Partisan Divide and Leadership Frustrations
Originally championed in Trump’s first term, work requirements were promoted as an anti‑poverty tool. Arkansas briefly implemented them in 2018 before a federal judge struck them down in 2019—over 18,000 lost coverage in just five months.

House conservatives are pushing to accelerate the work‑requirement start date, front‑loading the savings (and coverage losses) well ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R‑Calif.) blasted his party for blocking a key committee vote to advance the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” calling it “a real misstep.”

Five House “fiscal hawks” (Reps. Chip Roy, Ralph Norman, Josh Brecheen, Andrew Clyde, and Lloyd Smucker) voted down the motion Friday by 16–21. Smucker later clarified his “no” vote was a procedural maneuver to preserve committee review of the OBBB.

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Wider Legislative Package and Political Stakes
The GOP’s broader package slated for Memorial Day includes: repeal of overtime and tip taxes; extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts; Medicaid work requirements; and reversal of Democrats’ 2022 green‑energy tax credits. Millions could lose health coverage; state and local tax deductions would shrink.

McCarthy even lamented that Trump is “both president and Speaker”—joking that only then might the bill pass. The House Budget Committee reconvenes Sunday at 10 pm to try again.

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Meanwhile… Trump Compares Qatar Jet to Statue of Liberty Gift
Separately, President Trump faces bipartisan criticism for accepting Qatar’s gift of a luxury 747‑8 for Air Force One—later earmarked for his personal library after he leaves office. He visited Doha on May 14, where Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani greeted him warmly.

Sen. Rand Paul (R‑Ky.) called the $400 million jet a “conflict of interest,” likening public perception to trading on America’s largest arms sales.

“Could owning a $400 million plane skew policy? Possibly,” he told ABC’s This Week.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the gift on CNN, analogizing it to France’s Statue of Liberty and Britain’s Resolute Desk. He also touted Qatar Airways’ $160 billion Boeing order—“the largest in company history”—as a bigger prize.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, on NBC’s Meet the Press, rebuked Trump for critiquing America’s role in the Middle East on foreign soil, especially in Saudi Arabia—the birthplace of most 9/11 hijackers. Pence nevertheless praised Trump’s economic deals on the trip.

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Looking Ahead
As Washington wrangles over Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” questions loom about whether GOP leaders can unite to pass massive spending cuts, reshape Medicaid, and reconcile internal divisions—before Americans head to the polls in 2028.

— HẠNH DƯƠNG, CALITODAY

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CALITODAY (May 18, 2025) – Today, Sunday, May 18, Pope Leo XIV held his inauguration Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

The inauguration Mass began Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, with the attendance of hundreds of dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and tens of thousands of worshippers.

Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, became the first American Pope to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, 2025, after being elected by 133 cardinals in the papal conclave. Before the Mass, Pope Leo XIV made his first journey around St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile.

Standing in the white, open-top popemobile, the Pope blessed tens of thousands of faithful and visitors in the square, greeting pilgrims and well-wishers with a smile, hand waves, and the sign of the cross.

During the homily, Pope Leo XIV laid out his papal priorities, criticizing economic systems that exploit nature and marginalize the poor.

"In our time, we still see far too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of difference, and an economic model that exploits Earth’s resources while casting aside the poorest," Pope Leo XIV said.

Vice President JD Vance was among hundreds of dignitaries attending the Mass, which began at 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT). The ceremony included symbolic rites, where the Pope received his special papal ring and delivered his first homily that will shape his papacy.

After two decades as a missionary in Peru, the 69-year-old cardinal was relatively unknown to most Catholics. Over the past week, however, he has given a glimpse of the kind of leader he intends to be.

On Sunday, May 18, in his first public blessing, Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal: “no more war.”

The Pope called on world powers to seek true and lasting peace in Ukraine, urged a ceasefire in Gaza, and demanded the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants.

He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan reached on Saturday and said he was praying for a “miracle of peace” in the world.

Pope Leo XIV recited the Regina Caeli prayer to honor the Virgin Mary in front of tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and along the Via della Conciliazione leading into the Vatican.

One woman awaiting the Regina Caeli prayer was moved to tears during the Pope’s first Sunday blessing as pontiff at the basilica.

Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope repeated the famous appeal: “no more war,” echoing the frequent plea of the late Pope Francis.

He referenced the recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in which an estimated 60 million people died.

Pope Leo XIV described today’s world as being amid “a piecemeal World War III,” repeating a phrase coined by Pope Francis.

The crowd erupted in applause as the Pope’s peace message resonated. Tens of thousands came to witness the newly elected 267th Pope deliver his first Sunday address.

He expressed personal sorrow for the suffering in Ukraine and also lamented the situation in Gaza. Calling for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and release of remaining hostages, he responded to Israel’s resumption of airstrikes after a broken two-month truce.

Nuns cheered from below the basilica as Pope Leo XIV made his appearance. His message builds on the legacy of Pope Francis, who also called for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release in his Easter address on April 20, 2025, just one day before his death.

Following Pope Francis’s death, Leo XIV was elected on Thursday, May 8, 2025, after a two-day conclave in the Sistine Chapel.

Previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, he chose the name “Leo” in tribute to Pope Leo XIII, renowned for his teachings on social justice.

He celebrated his first Mass as Pope at the Sistine Chapel on Friday and described himself as “an unworthy choice” for the papacy during a meeting with the cardinals on Saturday.

World leaders and faithful across the globe have hailed the new pontiff as “the people’s pope”, emphasizing his focus on laypeople and inclusivity, key priorities inherited from Pope Francis.

In all of his public appearances since being elected, Pope Leo XIV has avoided mentioning his American nationality, prompting criticism from some conservative U.S. commentators.

Previously, American flags had waved in anticipation of his appearance from the central balcony for his first Sunday blessing on May 11.

Before becoming pope, he openly criticized former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, particularly over their harsh immigration policies.

In February, Prevost shared an article titled, “JD Vance is Wrong: Jesus Never Asked Us to Rank Our Love for Others.”

In his first address Thursday evening, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that he is a descendant of immigrants, calling for compassion for refugees and migrants worldwide. He indirectly reminded Americans that Trump’s wife and in-laws are immigrants, as is Vice President Vance’s wife, whose family hails from India.

“How can those in power justify such cruel treatment of migrants—separating children from their parents and locking them in cages at the border?” he asked.

Hạnh Dương – Cali Today

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CALITODAY (May 17, 2025) – Republicans are increasingly concerned that a bitter Senate primary in Texas next year could jeopardize their efforts to maintain control of the U.S. Senate.

Earlier this week, the Senate Leadership Fund released a poll showing Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) trailing Attorney General Ken Paxton (also a Republican) by 16 points. However, in a hypothetical general election matchup, Paxton loses to former Congressman Colin Allred (D-Texas) by one point, as Allred considers entering the 2026 Senate race.

Cornyn and his allies argue that if Paxton secures the GOP nomination, Republicans will be forced to divert more resources to defend the seat at a time when they hope to expand their Senate majority.

“The main concern is that nobody wants to spend a fortune in Texas — a race we should win,” Cornyn told The Hill, noting that recent polling shows Paxton trailing Allred.

“This would be the first time since 1994 that a Democrat could win, and we’re not going to let that happen,” the senator added.

Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has set a target of 55 GOP Senate seats in the upcoming midterms, focusing on flipping Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire, while defending GOP seats in Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Many Republicans fear Paxton’s nomination could derail that strategy. “I just hate to see intraparty warfare in my state. It’s going to cost a lot of money and take focus away from other Senate races we could win,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who previously served as deputy attorney general under Cornyn when the latter was Texas’s attorney general.

Cornyn’s allies argue there’s still time to close the gap and change the dynamics of the race.

“They need to reintroduce the senator to voters — he hasn’t been on the ballot in six years,” said a national GOP staffer. “Voters don’t know who Ken Paxton is.”

Cornyn’s camp has already begun attacking Paxton, releasing a digital ad accusing him of approving $7.1 million in funding for liberal-leaning groups.

Paxton, a rising figure in the far-right conservative wing of the party, is viewed in Washington as a controversial figure due to a long history of legal troubles, including now-dismissed securities fraud charges, allegations of corruption, and an impeachment by the Texas House.

This wouldn’t be the first time in recent memory the GOP has lost a deep-red state Senate seat after a messy primary. Just eight years ago, former Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) defeated Republican Roy Moore in Alabama’s 2017 special election after Moore faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations.

Some Republicans cite the losses of other ultra-conservative candidates, such as Kari Lake, who lost to Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in Arizona.

However, Paxton’s supporters argue the GOP should reject the narrative that he’s unelectable and would hurt other races.

“The Texas Senate race is a $100 million race. It doesn’t matter who’s on the ballot,” said a senior Paxton campaign adviser, referencing Senator Ted Cruz’s 2012 primary win over then-Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.

“No one said the same about Ted Cruz,” the adviser added.

Cruz defeated Dewhurst in the primary despite being outspent and Dewhurst having institutional GOP backing.

Cornyn has faced warning signs from the GOP base in recent years.

In 2022, he helped lead the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act through Congress after the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. He was later booed at the Texas GOP convention and formally censured by the Collin County GOP.

While Cornyn and the Texas GOP appear to have moved forward — with state party chair Abraham George calling Cornyn an “ally” this month — many Republicans fear it’s too little, too late.

“The grassroots booed him off the stage in 2022 for ‘giving up’ their Second Amendment rights to the Biden administration, and those feelings haven’t changed — that’s reflected in the polling,” said Paxton’s adviser.

Allred, who worked with Cornyn on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act while in the House, criticized the senior senator in an interview with journalist Tara Palmeri this week.

“I know John Cornyn, and I know what he really believes in. In many ways, I think he’s abandoned much of that. After all these years in the Senate, he decided that reelection mattered more than staying true to his values and representing Texas authentically,” Allred said.

Allred also criticized Paxton, calling him “particularly damaging to our state, our reputation, and ineffective as a potential senator.”

A GOP strategist, speaking anonymously and skeptical of Cornyn’s ability to win the primary, described the Texas race as a dilemma for the GOP, citing Paxton’s weakness with general election voters.

“Ken Paxton may be the only Republican in Texas who, if placed on the ballot, would put the seat in real jeopardy,” the strategist said.

“Panic level? Nine out of ten,” the strategist added. “This is a five-alarm fire.”

That panic, however, hasn’t yet reached the conservative grassroots.

“Many donors and operatives have concerns, but activists and voters look at the race and believe the Republican will win — so they’ll back whoever best aligns with their values. For many, that’s Cornyn; for others, it’s Paxton,” said Texas GOP strategist Brendan Steinhauser, who ran Cornyn’s 2014 campaign but is neutral in this race.

Meanwhile, another Republican may shake up the race. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) is considering entering and has spoken with the White House about the possibility, according to a source. The Senate Leadership Fund poll shows Hunt capturing 19% in a three-way race with Cornyn and Paxton. In a direct matchup with Allred, Hunt leads by four points.

“I think that’s pretty great, right?” Hunt told The Hill about the poll. He said he’s “keeping all options open.”

“Publicly, I love my district,” he added. “I’m in a great position. When you’re holding aces, it’s easy to make decisions. We’ll see how things unfold.”

One of the biggest unknowns in the race is whether President Trump will endorse. Paxton is seen as aligned with the MAGA movement and close to Trump, while Cornyn, though critical of Trump in the past, has largely supported his Senate agenda. Earlier this month, Cornyn’s office released a memo showing he voted with Trump “over 99% of the time.”

A Wall Street Journal report this week showed the White House isn’t hesitant to get involved in Senate primaries. The outlet reported that Trump’s team shared a poll with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) showing her trailing Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) by nearly 20 points.

“The White House being silent on Cornyn speaks volumes,” said the anonymous GOP strategist.

“Cornyn can’t win a primary, and Paxton jeopardizes the seat. It’s a terrible outcome for the White House, the president, and frankly the vice president — under whose watch they don’t want Texas to fall to Democrats,” the strategist added.

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TRUMP BLASTS WALMART FOR PRICE HIKES!

On Saturday, May 17, President Trump criticized Walmart over its decision to raise prices this week due to high costs linked to Trump’s own trade war policies.

“Walmart should STOP blaming tariffs as the reason for rising prices across the board,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Walmart made BILLIONS last year — far more than expected.”

“Between Walmart and China, as the saying goes, ‘ABSORB THE TARIFFS’ — and don’t charge loyal customers,” he added. “I’ll be watching — and so will your customers!!!”

On Thursday, Walmart announced plans to raise prices as soon as next month to offset costs tied to Trump’s aggressive tariff agenda.

“We always work to keep prices as low as possible, and that won’t change,” a Walmart spokesperson told The Hill. “We will keep prices low for as long as possible given the narrow retail margins.”

The retailer did not issue profit guidance for Q1 due to economic uncertainty as experts warn about long-term negative impacts on U.S. consumers.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon also highlighted the challenge of thin retail margins during Thursday’s earnings call but said the company can’t “absorb all the pressure” from tariffs.

On Thursday, the company reported Q1 profits fell to $4.45 billion or 56 cents per share, down from $5.10 billion or 63 cents per share, according to the Associated Press.

Trump’s Saturday post came after his administration reversed course earlier this week, cutting tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% for 90 days. China responded by reducing its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to 10%.

This marks another major shift in Trump’s trade policy, including selective tariff exemptions for China, a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico (mostly returned to previous terms), and a 90-day pause on “reciprocal” tariffs for dozens of countries.

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TRUMP INSISTS ON ACCEPTING QATAR’S GIFTED JET

In a Friday interview, President Trump again defended accepting a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar’s government to replace Air Force One, dismissing bipartisan criticism as “leftist nonsense.”

“I just want to say, it’s a far-left story,” Trump told Bret Baier of Fox News in Abu Dhabi during his Middle East tour this week. “People here — to show you how ridiculous this is — they wanted me to pay a billion dollars.”

“I got a good deal,” he added.

The Boeing 747-8, previously used by the Qatari royal family and estimated to be worth at least $400 million, was donated to the Pentagon for temporary Air Force One use during Trump’s presidency and will eventually be displayed at Trump’s future presidential library.

The deal has raised ethical and security questions from lawmakers on both sides, with Trump accusing Baier of piling on.

In the interview, Trump insisted he would not personally benefit from the gift — saying it was a gift to the federal government, and the plane would be “old” by the time it’s transferred to his archive. He cited Ronald Reagan’s Air Force One displayed at his library in Pasadena, California.

“This plane is going to the U.S. Air Force for whoever is president, and at some point, like with Ronald Reagan’s, it will be retired and displayed,” he said.

Reagan’s plane was transferred to the Reagan Foundation in 2001, three years before Reagan’s death at age 93 and 12 years after leaving office. The current Air Force One Boeing 747s were commissioned during Reagan’s presidency.

The Pentagon already has a contract with Boeing for two new Air Force One aircraft.

“We need a plane in the meantime before those are ready because Boeing is very slow,” Trump said. “They’ll be able to retire this one quickly.”

He emphasized the new Air Force One planes will be “ready by then,” when the Qatar jet is retired to his library.

“And they’ll be brand-new aircraft, etc.,” Trump added.

Earlier, Trump said it would be “stupid” to reject the expensive foreign gift, saying he was uncomfortable with the idea of the U.S. president flying in an unimpressive aircraft compared to other world leaders.

“When you look at a brand-new 747 and compare it to a 42-year-old plane, they’re not even close. The others are bigger, shinier, sleeker. It doesn’t look good,” he told Baier on Special Report.

He also said he spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani about the gift and the backlash in the U.S. during a press conference earlier this week.

“I think he was actually offended,” Trump said. “He gave a gift to help people who once helped them.”

– Hạnh Dương

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· Context: The U.S. Supreme Court has extended a temporary block on the Trump administration’s plan to rapidly deport Venezuelan migrants accused of gang affiliations, under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act (AEA).

· About the Law: The AEA, rarely invoked, allows for the detention or deportation of foreign nationals during wartime or invasion. It was last used during WWII to detain Japanese Americans.

· Legal Issues: The Court ordered that migrants must be notified more than 24 hours in advance of deportation and given due process to challenge it, criticizing the administration for short notice and lack of transparency.

· Controversy: Conservative justices (Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito) dissented, saying the Court was overstepping. Civil rights groups like the ACLU are pushing for an urgent ruling on whether Trump can invoke this law outside of wartime.

2. James Comey Accused of Threatening Trump with '8647' Shell Arrangement

· Incident: Former FBI Director James Comey posted an image on Instagram showing seashells arranged to form the number 8647. In slang, “86” means “eliminate” or “kill,” and Trump is the 47th president (as well as the 45th).

· Political Fallout:

o Trump and his allies (Tulsi Gabbard, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee) accused Comey of inciting assassination.

o The Secret Service and DOJ are reportedly investigating.

o Comey deleted the post, claiming he had no intent to incite violence and wasn’t aware of the phrase’s potential interpretation.

· Legal Challenge: Free speech protections under the First Amendment make it difficult to prosecute unless the message constitutes a “true threat.” Prosecutors would need to prove intent and imminence, which is unclear in this case.

HANH DUONG

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QUOTE:“Accepting a foreign jet of such value from a nation that backs Hamas violates fundamental U.S. foreign policy principles,” said Dr. Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace. “It’s not only unusual—it poses significant national security risks.”

CALITODAY (May 15, 2025) – During his visit to Qatar, President Donald Trump is facing intense backlash from both parties over his acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family.

The aircraft is intended to replace Air Force One and later be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library.

Democratic senators immediately responded by blocking a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar, calling Trump’s move unconstitutional and a potential national security threat.

“This isn’t a gift of goodwill – it’s an illegal bribe,” said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). “Unless Qatar rescinds the offer or Trump rejects it, we will take steps to stop this deal.”

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a moderate Republican, also voiced concerns:

“This deal is riddled with espionage, ethical, and constitutional risks. A sitting president accepting a foreign aircraft is unprecedented and alarming.”

Concerns include the potential for embedded surveillance devices and the cost of upgrading the plane to meet U.S. security standards—potentially over $1 billion. Though Trump claims the aircraft will be managed by the Department of Defense and later donated to his library, many lawmakers remain skeptical.

“No one gives someone a $400 million jet without expecting something in return,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted on X. “Let’s get serious.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced a freeze on all DOJ nominations to protest the gift. Nine other senators called on the Pentagon to investigate possible counterintelligence threats related to the transaction.

Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) stated on CNBC:

“This gift presents serious threats of espionage and surveillance.”

In Doha, Trump further stirred controversy by proposing to “turn Gaza into a free zone under U.S. control.”

“I would be proud if the U.S. took over Gaza and made it a free zone,” Trump said.

The idea has drawn sharp opposition from the Palestinian Authority and key Arab allies like Saudi Arabia—especially as Qatar continues to broker ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

HANH DUONG

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CALITODAY (May 14, 2025) – According to Reuters, Boeing secured the largest deal ever for wide-body aircraft sales on Wednesday, May 14, when state-owned Qatar Airways placed a firm order for 160 jets, with options to purchase 50 more, during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab nation.

According to the White House, the agreement, involving Boeing 777X and 787 aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines, is valued at $96 billion.

This marks a major win for Trump on his high-profile visit to the region, though it will take years before the planes are delivered.

The sale also provides a boost to Boeing and its largest engine supplier at a time when Airbus’s large A350 models, equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, are facing maintenance issues due to operations in the world’s hottest climates — including the Middle East.

According to Boeing, the deal includes 160 firm orders — 130 Boeing 787s and 30 Boeing 777Xs — along with options for 50 additional long-haul jets. Boeing’s stock rose 0.6% in New York, while GE Aerospace shares increased by 0.7%.

The U.S. administration said that for the 787 aircraft, Qatar chose GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines over Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000. GE’s GE9X engine is the sole option for the 777X.

The purchase of 400 GE engines marks the largest engine deal in GE Aerospace history, CEO Larry Culp stated. Qatar Airways confirmed this, having told Reuters in March that it was placing a large order for wide-body jets.

Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the signing ceremony along with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Trump said Ortberg told him this was Boeing’s largest jet order in its history.

The deal was signed during the second stop of Trump’s Gulf tour, following a series of agreements reached with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The 777X is still under development and is expected to begin deliveries in 2026 — six years behind schedule. Qatar Airways already has 94 777X orders. Competitor Emirates has 205 777X orders. Both were early customers when Boeing launched the program in 2013.

As of April 30, Boeing’s order book included 521 orders for the 777X and 828 orders for the 787.

For Donald Trump, there are no strategic allies or regional friendships — only short-term advantages he can seize. In preparation for his Middle East trip, Trump unilaterally announced a halt to strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen — just two days after they launched a missile attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, causing foreign airlines to flee.

Trump justified the decision by saying the Houthis had promised not to fire missiles or drones at U.S. ships in the Red Sea.

Trump sidelined Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu while reshaping the Middle East. He accepted Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa — a former rebel commander who became Syria’s Prime Minister in January 2025.

Trump claimed he was working to end the Gaza war “as soon as possible” by supporting Netanyahu’s efforts to strike Hamas. But now, Trump is accepting a luxury 787-8 aircraft from Qatar’s royal family to serve as the new Air Force One — even though Qatar finances Hamas, which attacks Israel. As a result, Trump excluded Netanyahu from his Middle East tour focused on deals benefiting himself and his family.

This implies that Hamas will survive, rebuild, and prepare for another attack on Israel in the near future.

In his current urgent Middle East visit, whether Trump still sympathizes with Netanyahu's concerns or not, he is advancing a series of regional initiatives without including Israel. He hasn’t arranged for Israel to be present at critical meetings, and he’s ignoring Israel’s growing concerns over Trump’s deals with its adversaries.

Trump has deepened U.S.-Saudi relations, leaving Israel out of the equation — telling Saudi leaders that although he hopes they will join the Abraham Accords with Israel, “you’ll do it in your own time.” Unspoken is his acceptance that Saudi Arabia won’t normalize ties with Israel as long as Netanyahu rejects even a theoretical path toward a Palestinian state. Trump signed a record $142 billion arms deal with Riyadh, likely alarming Jerusalem — particularly if Israel’s air superiority is compromised. He’s reportedly discussing a nuclear energy deal for Saudi Arabia — which opposition leader Yair Lapid warned on May 14 could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.

Trump is determined to sign a deal with Iran, while the U.S. remains evasive about whether such a deal would require dismantling all of Iran’s nuclear facilities — causing panic in Jerusalem.

Despite Israeli objections, Trump lifted all sanctions on Syria’s new leader, whom Israel understandably still views as heading a terrorist regime — unless proven otherwise — and called on President Ahmed al-Sharaa to normalize ties with Israel and join the Abraham Accords.

Trump recently arrived in Qatar, a known financial backer of Hamas. Qatar is also suspected of paying off some of Netanyahu’s aides to lobby on its behalf. Trump declared he was “absolutely committed” to helping resolve the hostage-war crisis.

Each of these moves significantly affects Israel’s daily security, economy, and public welfare. Any Israeli government would seek to influence and revise Trump’s rapid moves concerning the Houthis, Syrians, Saudis, and Iranians. But Israel is largely sidelined as Trump pursues them for his own gain.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is now America’s strongest partner under Trump. On the evening of May 13, rumors swirled in Jerusalem that Trump was angry with Netanyahu for pushing him toward military action against Iran, while Trump favors diplomacy. It’s also believed that Trump concluded Israel is no longer central to U.S. interests in the region.

Currently, it’s not that Trump “doesn’t like you” — it’s that “I’m moving forward, with or without you.” Through this trip, Trump is elevating the Gulf nations — and by definition, reducing Israel’s significance in his strategic calculations.

“The transformation under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has truly been extraordinary,” Trump praised Saudi Arabia in his keynote speech on Tuesday evening, May 13, calling the crown prince America’s strongest partner. “We have great partners around the world, but there’s no partner stronger — and none like the gentleman sitting right in front of me,” Trump said of Bin Salman. “He is your finest representative... I like him very much... a great man.”

Trump’s admiration for Gulf progress implies a downgrade of Israel’s status as a regional power, leading innovator, and smart investment destination. At present, even getting a flight to Israel is difficult.

In reality, Trump’s new wave of deals and alliances could destroy America’s longstanding ally in the Middle East — Israel.

On the flight to Qatar, Trump claimed that good U.S.-Gulf relations were “very good for Israel.” But in truth, he excluded Israel from all political and economic meetings with Gulf nations — the very ones actively funding Hamas and the Houthis, who attack Israel every single day and night.

— Hạnh Dương

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