Latest news with #Why
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'OutDaughtered': Why Danielle & Adam Busby Lawyered Up & Bid Farewell
'OutDaughtered': Why Danielle & Adam Busby Lawyered Up & Bid Farewell originally appeared on Parade. OutDaughteredstars Danielle and Adam Busby officially bid farewell to their Graeson Bee boutique—and they recently detailed their decision to lawyer up. On June 19, the TLC stars explained why they decided to shutter their clothing store on their More Than Reality Podcast. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 In the episode, the parents of six daughters—Blayke, 14, and quintuplets, Ava, Olivia, Hazel, Riley and Parker, 10—detailed ongoing problems with the Graeson Bee building they had been renting in League City, Texas. "We've had struggles with Graeson Bee over the past three-plus years," Adam revealed, detailing times when they had to cancel events and lose money because of an alleged sewage smell, frequent leaks and other issues. Ultimately, Adam and Danielle hired a lawyer, who helped them terminate their lease because the landlord allegedly did not uphold their side of the contract. They have since completely moved Graeson Been out of the building and shuttered the business. "The landlord, obviously they're angry, and then they post a letter on the door saying that we've defaulted on payments," Adam explained. "Yeah, because we moved out and we terminated the lease months ago. But it looks bad because they put this nasty letter on the door saying we weren't paying rent." In addition to closing the boutique, the Busbys are taking steps to sell their family home. Hopefully, they can get everything settled and move on with their family. Next: 'OutDaughtered': Why Danielle & Adam Busby Lawyered Up & Bid Farewell first appeared on Parade on Jun 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
25 Songs Defining My 2025 Playlist: From Chart-Toppers To Underrated Gems
It's hard to believe 2025 is almost halfway over; it truly feels like I blinked, and January jumped into June. From the biggest songs in the world to rising artists across multiple genres, the following tracks have been on repeat throughout a jam-packed six months. Listen while you read! A Spotify playlist is available here. Warren, "Ordinary" "Ordinary" was my introduction to Alex's music, and his rich, soulful tone immediately grabbed me. When I heard the combination of the background choir, the plucky guitar riff, and his powerful vocal delivery, I knew I was listening to a hit. Flashforward months later, he's performing the song on Love Is Blind and dominating the charts. I'm excited to hear more from this talented artist! Gomez, Benny Blanco, "Sunset Blvd" Selena Gomez has one of the most unique voices in pop music. Between songs like "A Year Without Rain," "Good For You," and now, "Sunset Blvd," she's shown that you don't need to belt to deliver a hit. Selena's power is the emotion she can convey, and Benny Blanco's '80s-synth production suits her tone and vocal style. Be warned — the chorus may be stuck in your head for days after listening. Grande, "Hampstead" Choosing which track to include from the deluxe edition of Eternal Sunshine was difficult, but the chorus of "Hampstead" sealed the deal. Ariana's vocals soar over the gentle instrumental, and the high notes sound effortless in her range. The layered harmonies in the second chorus elevate the ambiance and fill up the space in the mix. "Warm" is my other favorite from the deluxe edition. We need a music video stat! Grant, Lucky Dog, "All Talk" Earlier this year, I had the honor of writing a feature on Brody to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Broadway's The Outsiders. When I first heard his Tony and Grammy-nominated performance as Ponyboy, I was blown away by his voice and the depth he brings to the role. A multi-dimensional artist, Brody's 2025 pop-rock release, "All Talk," showcases his musicality, versatile vocals, and smart production choices. Citing Jon Bellion as one of his artistic inspirations, keep an eye out for new music! Speaking of Jon Bellion... Bellion, Luke Combs, "Why" Father Figure marks Jon's first album since 2018's Glory Sound Prep, and what a glorious return it has been. Jon writes, sings, and produces with a passion you can hear in every note. Acoustic single "Why" features Luke Combs, with both artists singing about the fear and uncertainty that comes with being a first-time father. Other highlights on the album include the high-energy title track "Father Figure" and the skillful production on "Kid Again." Don't miss Jon's August headlining show at Forest Hills Stadium. Rae, "Summer Forever" Addison was one of my most anticipated albums of the year, and it did not disappoint. After singles like "Diet Pepsi," "Headphones On," and "Fame Is A Gun," I was up at midnight on release night listening intently. "Summer Forever" is my favorite of the non-singles — it captures this atmospheric driving-in-the-summer-windows-down vibe that my playlist can't get enough of. I've been searching for this kind of ambient-synth pop, and Addison is absolutely delivering. Seavey, "Sleeping With The Lights On" My TikTok For You page has been unable to escape Daniel's viral hit, and I'm not mad about it. While performing this song on tour, Daniel finds a fan in the front row to sing the chorus with. Watching fans' reactions to singing along with their favorite artist is so wholesome, and it's also a super fun song. The opening synth draws you in, and the energy only builds from there. Schmidt, "My Stoner Girlfriend" Jason Schmidt has showcased his vocals as Sodapop in Broadway's The Outsiders and Buddy in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and his original music also highlights his songwriting skills. "My Stoner Girlfriend" has a super-fun, super-catchy, jazzy vibe and is incredibly easy to play on repeat. (Bonus points for the music video starring two of his Outsiders castmates.) "Afterlife" Evanescence's Fallen and The Open Door were the first albums I fell in love with from beginning to end, and it's so exciting to see all the new music coming out in 2025. Amy sounds incredible, and the production completely took me back to listening to songs like "Going Under" and "Tourniquet." Make sure to also check out Amy's collaboration with Halsey, "Hand That Feeds." Park, "Up From the Bottom" 2024's From Zero got a few new tracks this year, with a deluxe edition released in May. In "Up From the Bottom," lead singer Emily Armstrong brings an impressive level of intensity to her performance. Her grit when holding out notes captures the emotion of the lyrics and pairs nicely with Mike Shinoda's vocals. Don't miss Linkin Park's From Zero world tour, on sale now! "The Flood" AURORA is a once-in-a-generation artist. From her breakthrough hit "Runaway" to her most recent album, What Happened To The Heart?, it has been a joy witnessing the evolution of her artistry. 2025's deluxe track "The Flood" is especially heavy-hitting lyrically, investigating the concept of an 'invisible enemy', and questioning: "Who have I been fighting all this time?" Hayes, "Around The Sun" With summer right around the corner, "Around The Sun" hooked me with its feel-good vibes and upbeat lyrics, perfect for a beach playlist. As a fan of Hunter since his first single, it's exciting to see new music on the way! Keep an eye out for more in 2025, as Hunter enters a new era, Evergreen. Sands, "Hush" You can always count on Charlotte Sands to deliver a pop-punk banger, and "Hush" is no exception. The chorus is ready for screaming out at a stadium, featuring these crunchy guitars that rise above the mix, and Charlotte's voice flipping in and out of registers effortlessly. At two minutes and twenty-two seconds, this one is an easy "on repeat." "Last Night's Mascara - Stripped Back Version" Griff is an extraordinary talent, having an undeniable ability to weave descriptive and emotional lyrics with top-notch production. Having self-taught recording and producing, you can hear the smart choices Griff makes in her tracks, bringing a cohesive sound to her music. While the original version of "Last Night's Mascara" is layered with synths and background vocals, the stripped-back version gives the song a brand-new feel and is like listening to an entirely different track. Waterhouse, "On This Love" After the release of "Nostalgia" in 2022, I was hooked on Suki Waterhouse's unique style of acoustic dream-pop. In "On This Love," the use of minor chords, the combination of the 3/4 time signature, and reverbed vocals creates an atmospheric effect that makes you feel like you're watching the end credits of a James Bond movie. Ellie Goulding, AVAION, "Save My Love" Ellie Goulding is perfectly suited for dance music. Her voice is instantly recognizable — she has an ability to float over the synths and beats, and has a truly incredible timbre. "Save My Love" is a gorgeous dance-pop ballad that works with Marshmello's production, but could also work as a stripped-down piano version. Langley, "Weren't For The Wind" One of country music's most promising new artists, Ella Langley took the internet by storm with viral hit "You Look Like You Love Me." "Weren't For The Wind," the lead single for the deluxe version of 2024's Hungover, has a gripping, haunting melody that instantly caught my attention. With a slew of ACM awards already under her belt, it is safe to say that the country community is excited by this rising artist. Boone, "Momma Song" Between a viral headlining set at Coachella, performing with Brian May, the upcoming release of American Heart, and a sold-out tour, Benson Boone is having a breakout year. "Momma Song" showcases Benson's incredible vocal ability, hitting stratospheric notes amidst a sea of violins and orchestral instruments. The first time I heard this song, I immediately ran over to hug my mom — the lyrics will definitely hit you in the feels! American Heart releases June 20. Del Rey, "Bluebird" Lana has one of the most unique voices I've ever heard, and her tone is perfectly suited for reverb, acoustic instruments, and orchestral backing. "Bluebird" encompasses all of the above and adds layer upon layer to the instrumental (including a harmonica). Though the track builds up, it still continues the gentle vibe that works so beautifully. "Gas Station Cowboy Hats" Nightly might be my favorite new band I've discovered through Spotify's algorithm. When I heard the opening chords of "Gas Station Cowboy Hats," I was hit with a wave of nostalgia that drew me into the verse. It's the kind of song that makes you want to sit in a wide-open field on a warm summer night, just letting it play in the background. Lawrence, "Us Three" I've been a fan of Charlotte's for years (since the "Why Do You Love Me" days), and this might be my favorite song she's ever released. "Us Three" is impressive vocally, with the chorus flipping between octaves, and Charlotte effortlessly utilizing her mix and falsetto to tailor the emotion. It is also rare for a song to sound even better live than in the studio, but you need to listen to her performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Charlotte's debut album Somewhere is out June 27. Named Tom, "Waters" Sibling trio Girl Named Tom won The Voice season 21 with performances showcasing intricate arrangements and harmonies. While Bekah, Caleb, and Joshua all have strong voices, magic happens when they sing together, vocals blending as only siblings could. "Waters" takes them back to their roots, with a soothing melody, gentle guitars, and beautiful harmonies. The music video might inspire you to get up and just go for a walk in the woods! Joody, "Talk Me Down" Out of the blue, Spotify recommended "El Camino High" (thank you, Spotify algorithm!) and I was instantly hooked on Moody Joody's infectious synth-pop sound. 2025's "Talk Me Down" contains these same qualities — in particular, the use of 'speak-singing' throughout the verses and the bridge adds a unique element to the track. Color, "Headlights" Another find from Spotify's algorithm, "Headlights" is currently having a moment on Spotify, featured on playlists like "Viral 50". The driving beat in the instrumental gives a stream-of-consciousness vibe, where the first time I listened, I wasn't sure where the verses stopped and the chorus started. I haven't heard a song like "Headlights" in a long time, and it is an impressive debut from a rising band. finally, Tate McRae, "Nostalgia" So Close To What marked Tate McRae's first number-one album, and for good reason; the record is full of smart, catchy pop songs, perfect for radio play and arenas. Closing track "Nostalgia" is a highlight, with a gorgeous acoustic guitar and impressive vocals. Out of the entire album, "Nostalgia's" songwriting stood out to me, with lines like: "I manifested you would leave / So the day you did, I had you beat." Catch Tate's worldwide Miss Possessive Tour, coming to the US this Fall. Spotify Playlist What are some of your favorite 2025 releases so far? Let me know in the comments below!
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
2025 Songs You Need To Know: A Midyear Review
It's hard to believe 2025 is almost halfway over; it truly feels like I blinked, and January jumped into June. Alex Warren, "Ordinary" "Ordinary" was my introduction to Alex's music, and his rich, soulful tone immediately grabbed me. When I heard the combination of the background choir, the plucky guitar riff, and his powerful vocal delivery, I knew I was listening to a hit. Flashforward months later, he's performing the song on Love Is Blind and dominating the charts. I'm excited to hear more from this talented artist! Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, "Sunset Blvd" Selena Gomez has one of the most unique voices in pop music. Between songs like "A Year Without Rain," "Good For You," and now, "Sunset Blvd," she's shown that you don't need to belt to deliver a hit. Selena's power is the emotion she can convey, and Benny Blanco's '80s-synth production suits her tone and vocal style. Be warned — the chorus may be stuck in your head for days after listening. Ariana Grande, "Hampstead" Choosing which track to include from the deluxe edition of Eternal Sunshine was difficult, but the chorus of "Hampstead" sealed the deal. Ariana's vocals soar over the gentle instrumental, and the high notes sound effortless in her range. The layered harmonies in the second chorus elevate the ambiance and fill up the space in the mix. "Warm" is my other favorite from the deluxe edition. We need a music video stat! Brody Grant, Lucky Dog, "All Talk" Earlier this year, I had the honor of writing a feature on Brody to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Broadway's The Outsiders. When I first heard his Tony and Grammy-nominated performance as Ponyboy, I was blown away by his voice and the depth he brings to the role.A multi-dimensional artist, Brody's 2025 pop-rock release, "All Talk," showcases his musicality, versatile vocals, and smart production choices. Citing Jon Bellion as one of his artistic inspirations, keep an eye out for new music! Speaking of Jon Bellion... Jon Bellion, Luke Combs, "Why" Father Figure marks Jon's first album since 2018's Glory Sound Prep, and what a glorious return it has been. Jon writes, sings, and produces with a passion you can hear in every note. Acoustic single "Why" features Luke Combs, with both artists singing about the fear and uncertainty that comes with being a first-time father. Other highlights on the album include the high-energy title track "Father Figure" and the skillful production on "Kid Again." Don't miss Jon's August headlining show at Forest Hills Stadium. Addison Rae, "Summer Forever" Addison was one of my most anticipated albums of the year, and it did not disappoint. After singles like "Diet Pepsi," "Headphones On," and "Fame Is A Gun," I was up at midnight on release night listening intently. "Summer Forever" is my favorite of the non-singles — it captures this atmospheric driving-in-the-summer-windows-down vibe that my playlist can't get enough of. I've been searching for this kind of ambient-synth pop, and Addison is absolutely delivering. Daniel Seavey, "Sleeping With The Lights On" My TikTok For You page has been unable to escape Daniel's viral hit, and I'm not mad about it. While performing this song on tour, Daniel finds a fan in the front row to sing the chorus with. Watching fans' reactions to singing along with their favorite artist is so wholesome, and it's also a super fun song. The opening synth draws you in, and the energy only builds from there. Jason Schmidt, "My Stoner Girlfriend" Jason Schmidt has showcased his vocals as Sodapop in Broadway's The Outsiders and Buddy in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and his original music also highlights his songwriting skills. "My Stoner Girlfriend" has a super-fun, super-catchy, jazzy vibe and is incredibly easy to play on repeat. (Bonus points for the music video starring two of his Outsiders castmates.) Evanescence, "Afterlife" Evanescence's Fallen and The Open Door were the first albums I fell in love with from beginning to end, and it's so exciting to see all the new music coming out in 2025. Amy sounds incredible, and the production completely took me back to listening to songs like "Going Under" and "Tourniquet." Make sure to also check out Amy's collaboration with Halsey, "Hand That Feeds." Linkin Park, "Up From the Bottom" 2024's From Zero got a few new tracks this year, with a deluxe edition released in May. In "Up From the Bottom," lead singer Emily Armstrong brings an impressive level of intensity to her performance. Her grit when holding out notes captures the emotion of the lyrics and pairs nicely with Mike Shinoda's vocals. Don't miss Linkin Park's From Zero world tour, on sale now! AURORA, "The Flood" AURORA is a once-in-a-generation artist. From her breakthrough hit "Runaway" to her most recent album, What Happened To The Heart?, it has been a joy witnessing the evolution of her artistry. 2025's deluxe track "The Flood" is especially heavy-hitting lyrically, investigating the concept of an 'invisible enemy', and questioning: "Who have I been fighting all this time?" Hunter Hayes, "Around The Sun" With summer right around the corner, "Around The Sun" hooked me with its feel-good vibes and upbeat lyrics, perfect for a beach playlist. As a fan of Hunter since his first single, it's exciting to see new music on the way! Keep an eye out for more in 2025, as Hunter enters a new era, Evergreen. Charlotte Sands, "Hush" You can always count on Charlotte Sands to deliver a pop-punk banger, and "Hush" is no exception. The chorus is ready for screaming out at a stadium, featuring these crunchy guitars that rise above the mix, and Charlotte's voice flipping in and out of registers effortlessly. At two minutes and twenty-two seconds, this one is an easy "on repeat." Griff, "Last Night's Mascara - Stripped Back Version" Griff is an extraordinary talent, having an undeniable ability to weave descriptive and emotional lyrics with top-notch production. Having self-taught recording and producing, you can hear the smart choices Griff makes in her tracks, bringing a cohesive sound to her music. While the original version of "Last Night's Mascara" is layered with synths and background vocals, the stripped-back version gives the song a brand-new feel and is like listening to an entirely different track. Suki Waterhouse, "On This Love" After the release of "Nostalgia" in 2022, I was hooked on Suki Waterhouse's unique style of acoustic dream-pop. In "On This Love," the use of minor chords, the combination of the 3/4 time signature, and reverbed vocals creates an atmospheric effect that makes you feel like you're watching the end credits of a James Bond movie. Marshmello, Ellie Goulding, AVAION, "Save My Love" Ellie Goulding is perfectly suited for dance music. Her voice is instantly recognizable — she has an ability to float over the synths and beats, and has a truly incredible timbre. "Save My Love" is a gorgeous dance-pop ballad that works with Marshmello's production, but could also work as a stripped-down piano version. Ella Langley, "Weren't For The Wind" One of country music's most promising new artists, Ella Langley took the internet by storm with viral hit "You Look Like You Love Me." "Weren't For The Wind," the lead single for the deluxe version of 2024's Hungover, has a gripping, haunting melody that instantly caught my attention. With a slew of ACM awards already under her belt, it is safe to say that the country community is excited by this rising artist. Benson Boone, "Momma Song" Between a viral headlining set at Coachella, performing with Brian May, the upcoming release of American Heart, and a sold-out tour, Benson Boone is having a breakout year. "Momma Song" showcases Benson's incredible vocal ability, hitting stratospheric notes amidst a sea of violins and orchestral instruments. The first time I heard this song, I immediately ran over to hug my mom — the lyrics will definitely hit you in the feels! American Heart releases June 20. Lana Del Rey, "Bluebird" Lana has one of the most unique voices I've ever heard, and her tone is perfectly suited for reverb, acoustic instruments, and orchestral backing. "Bluebird" encompasses all of the above and adds layer upon layer to the instrumental (including a harmonica). Though the track builds up, it still continues the gentle vibe that works so beautifully. Nightly, "Gas Station Cowboy Hats" Nightly might be my favorite new band I've discovered through Spotify's algorithm. When I heard the opening chords of "Gas Station Cowboy Hats," I was hit with a wave of nostalgia that drew me into the verse. It's the kind of song that makes you want to sit in a wide-open field on a warm summer night, just letting it play in the background. Charlotte Lawrence, "Us Three" I've been a fan of Charlotte's for years (since the "Why Do You Love Me" days), and this might be my favorite song she's ever released. "Us Three" is impressive vocally, with the chorus flipping between octaves, and Charlotte effortlessly utilizing her mix and falsetto to tailor the emotion. It is also rare for a song to sound even better live than in the studio, but you need to listen to her performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Charlotte's debut album Somewhere is out June 27. Girl Named Tom, "Waters" Sibling trio Girl Named Tom won The Voice season 21 with performances showcasing intricate arrangements and harmonies. While Bekah, Caleb, and Joshua all have strong voices, magic happens when they sing together, vocals blending as only siblings could."Waters" takes them back to their roots, with a soothing melody, gentle guitars, and beautiful harmonies. The music video might inspire you to get up and just go for a walk in the woods! Moody Joody, "Talk Me Down" Out of the blue, Spotify recommended "El Camino High" (thank you, Spotify algorithm!) and I was instantly hooked on Moody Joody's infectious synth-pop sound. 2025's "Talk Me Down" contains these same qualities — in particular, the use of 'speak-singing' throughout the verses and the bridge adds a unique element to the track. In Color, "Headlights" Another find from Spotify's algorithm, "Headlights" is currently having a moment on Spotify, featured on playlists like "Viral 50". The driving beat in the instrumental gives a stream-of-consciousness vibe, where the first time I listened, I wasn't sure where the verses stopped and the chorus started. I haven't heard a song like "Headlights" in a long time, and it is an impressive debut from a rising band. And finally, Tate McRae, "Nostalgia" So Close To What marked Tate McRae's first number-one album, and for good reason; the record is full of smart, catchy pop songs, perfect for radio play and arenas. Closing track "Nostalgia" is a highlight, with a gorgeous acoustic guitar and impressive vocals. Out of the entire album, "Nostalgia's" songwriting stood out to me, with lines like: "I manifested you would leave / So the day you did, I had you beat." Catch Tate's worldwide Miss Possessive Tour, coming to the US this Fall. Spotify Playlist What are some of your favorite 2025 releases so far? Let me know in the comments below!
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Touts His Conflict Resolution Skills, Calls for Iran Israel Deal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump, who champions an "America First" ideology and policy approach, touted his ability to cool international conflicts and cited several high-profile agreements and diplomatic breakthroughs he made across both of his presidencies in a Truth Social post on Sunday. The post called for a deal between Iran and Israel, who have exchanged rocket fire in recent days following Israel's attack on Tehran and several other cities. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran and Israel have severed diplomatic ties and maintained a hostile relationship, marked by proxy conflicts and direct strikes. Why It Matters The Make America Great Again (MAGA) president has campaigned on and prioritized domestic policy but is also known for getting involved in international agreements. Trump often touts that no major wars began during his first term, however, the U.S. did still engage in military operations at that time, such as in Syria. On the campaign trail, he frequently said this in contrast to his then-political opponent, former President Joe Biden, under whose Oval Office tenure Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine and the Palestinian militant group Hamas conducted a deadly attack on Israel, prompting a large-scale Israeli military response that has lasted 20 months, decimated Gaza, and killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Associated Press. While the U.S. has helped mediate talks in the region, Trump has also implemented travel bans that disproportionately affect several countries in the Middle East. Alongside his political dealings, he has maintained business interests in the region notably through The Trump Organization, which some critics have warned pose conflicts of interest. What To Know While Trump has only been back in office for about five months, his first term was marked by involvement in several international agreements. In his Sunday morning Truth Social post, Trump said that Iran and Israel "will make a deal." He added: "We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place." Although the second Trump administration has been involved in talks with Iran, no formal diplomacy has come out of it. The conversations follow years of strained, distrusting relations between the U.S. and Iran, which intensified after Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term. The U.S. is Israel's closest ally, providing billions of dollars in military aid annually. In the most recent escalation, U.S. missile defense systems helped intercept retaliatory missiles from Tehran to Israel. Israeli strikes in Iran have killed over 400 people, according to the AP. In his Sunday post, Trump pointed to several international conflicts in which he claims to have played a key role in resolving, such as that he brought "peace" to the long-running dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over a massive dam on the Nile River, a vital water and energy source for the region. While the United States helped facilitate negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during Trump's first term—and Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia appeared close to reaching a deal—Ethiopia ultimately declined to sign a formal agreement. Negotiations have largely been stalled in recent years. Abraham Accords The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Morocco. Sudan later joined in 2021. The U.S.-brokered normalization agreements were pushed by Trump's then-senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner. However, most other Arab countries still demand an independent Palestinian state based on the borders before the 1967 Middle East War, with East Jerusalem as its capital, before considering normalization. The Trump administration has sought to expand the accords to incorporate Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, although that remains unlikely with Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza and now in Iran. The Abraham Accords have often been regarded as Trump's biggest foreign policy achievement. Kushner founded the Abraham Accords Peace Institute shortly after, which has since been absorbed by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. From left: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump, Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-NahyanAbraham, stand on the Blue Room Balcony during... From left: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump, Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-NahyanAbraham, stand on the Blue Room Balcony during the Abraham Accords signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on September 15, 2020, in Washington. More AP Photo/Alex Brandon Kosovo-Serbia Economic Normalization In his Sunday Truth Social post, Trump pointed to his efforts with Kosovo and Serbia, writing "during my first term, Serbia and Kosovo were going at it hot and heavy, as they have for many decades, and this long time conflict was ready to break out into WAR." The Kosovo War ended in 1999, but tensions between Kosovo and Serbia remained tense and instable for the following decades. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as a separate state, which declared its independence in 2008. The Washington Agreement, signed in 2020, marked a U.S.-brokered effort to normalize economic ties between Kosovo and Serbia after years of stalled negotiations. While not a formal treaty, the deal included infrastructure, trade, and diplomatic commitments aimed at easing regional tensions and fostering cooperation. U.S.–Taliban Doha Agreement Signed in 2020, the U.S.–Taliban agreement committed the U.S. to gradually withdraw all troops from Afghanistan, while the Taliban pledged to prevent terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS from operating on Afghan soil. The agreement laid the groundwork for the full U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, carried out under Biden. The withdrawal, and the chaos that accompanied it, drew sharp criticism from many Americans. A bombing at Kabul's airport during the evacuation killed 13 U.S. service members and more than 170 Afghans. Thousands of Afghan allies, including interpreters who supported U.S. forces, were left behind in a country swiftly overtaken by the Taliban. Earlier this month, Trump suspended the issuance of new visas to Afghan nationals and moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status for some Afghans already in the U.S. India-Pakistan Ceasefire Trump compared an Israel Iran deal to the recent India Pakistan ceasefire in his Sunday Truth Social post. In May, India and Pakistan exchanged cross-border strikes in a sharp escalation that raised fears of war between the two nuclear-armed nations. Trump claimed in a Truth Social post that he had mediated a "full and immediate ceasefire." Pakistan acknowledged the U.S. role in helping to de-escalate tensions, while India downplayed Trump's involvement and denied that trade incentives played a part in the truce. Trump reiterated his stance in the Sunday Truth Social post saying, "...just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP!" What Happens Next? While Trump has called for an Iran Israel deal, it remains unlikely the two will come together. Trump wrote in a Saturday social media post that the U.S. "had not nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight." Iran has said it believes the U.S. is involved. Israeli officials have reportedly asked the Trump administration to join in on efforts to attack Iran, with Iran's nuclear program having long been a focal point of U.S. and Israeli concern. Tehran insists its efforts are solely for energy purposes. Trump talked to ABC News' Rachel Scott on Sunday about the matter, saying, "We're not involved in it. It's possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved." Meanwhile, Israel struck Tehran again on Sunday, raising the death toll to over 400. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that if Israel continues to strike across Iran, the Islamic republic would launch "more painful and crushing responses," according to the government-linked Mehr news agency.
RTÉ News
12-06-2025
- RTÉ News
Kidnapping survivor Jody Plauché on surviving abuse and trauma
The latest episode of RTÉ's acclaimed podcast, Insights with Sean O'Rourke, features author, speaker, and child safety advocate Jody Plauché. Listen back above. As a child growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jody was sexually abused* and later kidnapped by his trusted karate instructor. Just days after his rescue, Jody's father, Gary Plauché, took justice into his own hands, shooting and killing the abuser in front of TV cameras —an act that would spark national debate and media scrutiny. In the years since, Jody has refused to be defined by the trauma he endured. Instead, he has become a leading voice in child abuse prevention and education. His book Why, Gary, Why? —named after the now-infamous words caught on camera—shares his story and helps others recognise the patterns of grooming and abuse that too often go unnoticed. In their interview, Jody opens up to Sean on the healing process and his message to other survivors: "You can go through something, if you have the proper support—be it a psychologist, a friend, just as long as you have someone who can give you the proper support."
