New York: Democratic leaders, desperate to compete in red states where their party’s brand is toxic, are trying something new this midterm season: not endorsing Democrats.In states such as Nebraska and Alaska, Democratic officials are, in some cases, ignoring their own party’s candidates while encouraging, or openly campaigning for, independent candidates they hope can outperform the Democratic label. The Democratic National Committee and some of its allies in Washington are quietly supporting the new strategy.Meanwhile, some independent candidates are chatting in a group text about their approach as they chart a course that could shake up Congress, which is plagued by partisan gridlock.Nebraska Democrats this week chose Cindy Burbank, a candidate for U.S. Senate, who said a key priority of the campaign is to ensure no Democrat gets involved in the election to pull an endorsement from independent Dan Osborne. According to state Democratic Chairwoman Jane Kleeb, Burbank reiterated her plans to drop out in the coming weeks during a private conversation with a party official shortly after the election closed.Democratic leaders believe Osborn, who came within 7 percentage points of winning a Senate seat in 2024, has the best chance to defeat Republican Senator Pete Ricketts.Democrats’ tilt toward independents is part of a deliberate strategy in some places, and closer to a wink and a nod in others, covering a handful of high-profile Senate and House and even statehouse contests. Independent Senate candidates are also running in states like Idaho, South Dakota and Montana, where Democratic leadership is not yet ready to fully embrace independent candidates, although many see them as the best chance for Democrats to fend off Republicans this fall.“For some states, and Nebraska is one of them, where Democrats are 32 percent of the electorate, this is a long-term strategy for us,” said Klebb, who also serves as vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee.Kleeb said his state party is supporting independent candidates for at least four state legislative seats in addition to the U.S. Senate: “We have to build a coalition with independents to win elections so we can do a good job for the people. Duration.”It appears that some of the national political machinery of the Democratic Party has become involved.The Democrats’ fundraising site, ActBlue, like popular Democratic-allied website builders, serves some independent candidates. At the same time, some party campaign committees in Washington quietly provide logistical support in some cases, while avoiding public criticism of independent candidates even in some races where there is a Democratic nominee.“The brand of the Democratic Party is terrible right now,” said Democratic strategist Josh Schwerin. “The combination of the brand problem and the existential nature of the threat facing our country requires us to have a bigger tent and look for candidates who can win.”

Risk to the Democratic Party

Some Democratic donors, strategists and party leaders in other states have privately pushed back, insisting that Democrats should not look to their own candidates for short-term political gain. They want Democratic officials on the ground in Washington and red states to work harder to make the Democratic brand more attractive — even if it takes several more years to be competitive.“What will the independents do for the Democratic Party if they win?”. asked Democratic strategist Mike Ceraso, who sees the shift toward independents in some cases as an effort to overshadow the Democrats. “We are a party of truth, honesty and integrity, but we are playing these stupid political games?”And there is no guarantee that, if elected, independent candidates will support all of the Democrats’ policy priorities or even the Democratic leadership in Congress.In Idaho, independent Senate candidate Todd Achilles, an Army veteran and former Democratic state legislator, said he would not compromise with either party if elected. He described his politics as “straight down the middle” and said he believed in individual liberty.“Idahoans should be able to live how they want,” he said. But the Democratic Party was a bad fit because it “has abandoned small red states like Idaho.”On his list of problems with the Democrats is that the party made a big mistake by initially running Joe Biden for president again in 2024. But he also said Trump, whom Idaho voters support by 36 points in 2024, is “losing its luster.”Achilles said he and other military veterans running for Senate as independents chat in the text series and are “pretty much on the same page.” He says the group wants to see a “railroad,” including term and age limits and campaign finance reform.“The priority is to get Congress back into action,” he said. “We have to break the grip of the two-party system.”

‘I will never vote for a Democrat’

In South Dakota, Navy and Air Force veteran Brian Bennings has launched an independent bid to defeat Republican incumbent Senator Mike Rounds, who is seeking a third term this fall.Bengins ran as a Democrat against Senate Majority Leader John Thune four years ago and lost by 43 points.A lifelong independent, he said this time when he tried to contest elections with the party’s organizational support but without any label, he was rejected by the party. Nevertheless, he insists that he can win even without the party’s formal support.He says a key lesson from his 2022 campaign was how difficult it was to break out of the Democratic Party label.Voters will immediately ask, “What are you?” He remembered.“When you say, ‘I’m a lifelong independent running as a Democrat,'” Bengs said, the reaction was instant. “‘I will never vote for a Democrat.’ And that was it,” he said.“So that takeaway made me nervous about running in any party system again, because it was just a soul-sucking experience.”In Alaska, some Democrats believe commercial fisherman Bill Hill, a retired school superintendent, may represent their best hope at defeating first-term Republican Representative Nick Begich for the state’s only House seat.Hill, a lifelong independent, raised more than $780,000 in the first three months of the year and bested Democrat Matt Schultz, a pastor, who raised $578,000.The state Democratic Party declined to endorse Schultz at its recent convention, which Hill also attended. The campaign committee of House Democrats in Washington has also so far declined to promote Schultz’s candidacy. Meanwhile, Hill is gathering support from the local union.Hill’s message to voters, she said, is the same for Republicans, Democrats and independents: “You need to be pragmatic about who you support this election cycle, because at the end of the day, we need to flip the House seat in Alaska.”A spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee criticized independents such as Osborn, Bengs, Achilles and Seth Bodnar running in Montana as “fake independents who will pursue liberal Democratic policies in the Senate.”Currently, there are two independents in the Senate: Maine Senator Angus King and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. The caucus of both is with the Democrats.In an interview, Hill said she was unlikely to form a coalition with Republicans in Washington if elected, but she would not commit to joining the Democrats. He was reluctant to criticize the Democratic Party or Trump.Hill acknowledged the challenge of running for Congress as an independent, but said it also had its advantages.“There is freedom there,” he said. “I can really represent the working people of Alaska.”

Bhojshala complex is a temple of Vagdevi, Hindus have the right to worship: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday recognized the disputed Bhojshala complex as a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).The Indore bench of the high court said, “We have noted the continuity of Hindu worship at the site through regulated worship over time, which has never ceased.”It further said, “We have recorded a finding that historical literature and records establish that the character of the disputed area was Bhojshala as a center of Sanskrit learning associated with King Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty and literary and architectural references associated with the period of King Bhoj indicate the existence of a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati at the site.”The court also said that the Indian government may consider bringing back the idol of Goddess Vagdevi from the British Museum in London.It further said that Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society or any other new waqf body can request alternative land in Dhar for setting up the mosque.The court said the overall administration of the property will remain with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which will also ensure its maintenance.Reacting to the verdict, lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain said, “The Indore High Court has delivered a landmark judgment partially setting aside the ASI order dated April 7, 2003. Further, the court has granted the Hindu side the right to perform puja and has recognized the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj. With regard to our demand for the return of the statue currently housed in the London Museum, the court has directed the government to consider this request; the court also said that the Muslim side The government is also free to present its views.“

Additionally, the court has asked the government to consider allotting alternative land to the Muslim side. The court has given us the right to perform puja rituals and directed the government to oversee the management of the site. The previous order of ASI, which had given the right to offer Namaz, has been completely overruled; From now on, only Hindu worship will take place there.”

security tightened

Police have tightened security in Dhar district.The legal conflict involves the determination of the religious character of the monument in Dhar district.Dhar District Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena has appealed to the people to maintain peace in the district and avoid spreading misleading information or rumours.In a video released by the Public Relations Office, he said, “The court’s verdict regarding the ancient structure protected by the ASI in Dhar district is expected. We appeal to all citizens to maintain peace in the district and not pay attention to misinformation or rumours. The district administration is keeping a watch on such misinformation and rumors and strict action will be taken against any untoward information received in this regard.”Later speaking to ANI, he said that additional police forces have been deployed to maintain peace in the areas.“Executive magistrate and police force have been deployed and we are keeping an eye on all important aspects,” he said.Hindus argue that the Bhojshala complex, located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, is a temple dedicated to the goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it is the site of the Kamal Maula Mosque.On May 12, the Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court reserved its decision after the final arguments. A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi was hearing the case regularly since April 6 and heard all concerned parties, including the petitioners, respondents, interveners and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).“The case is being heard regularly from April 6, 2026 and the case has been heard for approximately 25 days. During this period, the court heard all the parties, including the petitioner, respondent, intervener and the ASI, for approximately 60 hours. Bhoj Utsav Committee’s lawyer Shrish Dubey said, after hearing all the parties, the proceedings in the case ended today.He also said that the counsel representing ASI responded to all the deficiencies pointed out in the ASI survey and the questions raised thereon.“The final arguments in the case have now concluded, and the next hearing will be for verdict. Dubey said, “I am confident that the decision will come after the court holidays.”On the other hand, ASI’s counsel Aviral Khare said that during the final arguments, he responded to all the objections raised regarding the ASI survey report.“We informed the court that the survey conducted at the Bhojshala premises was conducted as per the directions of the court and with complete impartiality and transparency. Khare said, the ASI survey report runs into over 2,000 pages and contains a detailed description of every aspect, including the methods used, court directions, how and where the survey was conducted, what findings were made at various locations and the conclusions reached by the ASI after analytical studies and investigation.He said the final arguments of all the parties were completed on Tuesday and the court has reserved the matter for its decision. There will be no further debate in the matter; Only the verdict is left, which the court will pronounce at the appropriate time.According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus offer prayers in the complex from sunrise to sunset on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.

A Nintendo logo (file image)

Here’s a sentence that makes no sense and yet might actually be true: Nintendo is planning to launch the Switch 1 in India. Switch No 2. Original. Console which came out in 2017. One that has been available grey, modded and second-hand in the market for more than a decade.According to sources who spoke to the DeZero Podcast under anonymity, a February or March 2027 window is being targeted, with Reddington handling distribution on the ground. The price being quoted is around Rs 20,000. First-party titles are also part of the plan—Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart are early speculations. Pricing on software? No one knows yet.

House of Mario is run by a very small team from India

The people making these decisions are not full-fledged regional offices. DeZero’s sources describe Nintendo’s India operation as consisting of three or four Japanese executives and one Indian who moved to Tokyo and is working with them. It’s a small team for a big market, and what they’ve landed on is the official launch of a console that people are already starting to feel nostalgic about.To understand why the timing seems bad, consider this: According to Nintendo’s own financial results, the Switch 2 sold nearly 20 million units globally in its first fiscal year. This is not yet part of India’s conversation. Not officially anyway. Rishi Alwani, who closely covers the gaming industry through his 0451 newsletter, has accurately discovered that the gray market stock of the Switch 2 is already running at Rs 58,000 to Rs 65,000 in India.If Nintendo Shows Up, Here’s the Fine PrintSwitch consoles are already floating around in unofficial channels. The original Switch is so old that it can hardly be resold anymore – a used Switch sells for Rs 20,000-25,000 in good times. The price of the light is around Rs 20,000. The price of OLED is Rs 35,000. So Nintendo’s official India entry gives you a brand new base Switch 1 that costs almost the same as the second-hand original, available gray, modded, and sometimes even cheaper with a ton of games. Of course, it’s not a terrible deal. It’s not particularly exciting either.There’s no Indian eShop confirmed, no Switch Online gift cards at retail, and there’s the real possibility of a region lockout given what Nintendo did with Tencent in China. Distributor of choice, Redington has had a complicated relationship with gaming retail in India – Alwani’s 0451 newsletter notes that Redington and gaming retail have a history together in India, and it’s not one that most store owners take kindly to – the availability of Xbox, or lack thereof, tells that story well.This does not mean that the launch will not make any difference. Nintendo’s official presence means shelf space, visibility, and the kind of awareness that the gray market quietly never built. A person walking into a brick-and-mortar electronics store today doesn’t necessarily know that there are gaming consoles worth considering besides the PlayStation. This changes when there is a box with a price tag on the shelf.But Nintendo’s biggest competition in India at the moment is not PlayStation. Its own hardware is already here, already sold, already in people’s hands. For Rs 20,000, it would be nice if they at least came up with a 10th anniversary special edition. Something to make the occasion feel intentional rather than casual.

The reason for India’s dollar drought – most visible in the weakening value of the rupee – does not lie in the events of the past few months. This has been going on for about three years, and has now been pushed to crisis point due to the Iran conflict and changes in US trade policies.
For decades, the value of the rupee (called the exchange rate) was a simple tug of war between the products we imported (oil/gold) and the products we exported. This is called trade balance. But, in India’s case, it meant ‘trade deficit’ as we imported more than we exported. However, since the 1990s, and especially in the last two decades, the mathematics has become more complex.

saif ali khan Has said that it took him a long time to make his mark as an actor. Things started to change when he played the character of Sameer in the 2001 film ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ directed by Farhan Akhtar. After that, he became known as the stylish, modern man of Bollywood. But ten years ago, a very different kind of film showed a tougher and more serious side of him, which he later took forward in ‘Laal Kaptaan’ (2019), ‘Sacred Games’ and his new film ‘Kartavya’.

Saif Ali Khan looks back at the key achievements of his career

In an interview with Screen, Saif said, “When you look at his career, not everything is highlights. There are some highlights, and that’s quite good. Omkara is definitely something I’m proud of. Sacred Games in a way even more so. I don’t think there’s any connection between the two, but when you look back at some of the work that comes out in glitter letters, they stand out.”

The wake up call that changed Saif Ali Khan

The actor did not find this side of himself. It features a direct conversation with his mother, the veteran actor sharmila tagoreTo open his eyes. Saif recalls, “There was a time when he told me that you don’t look like a very interesting actor. You have to balance your choices and think more creatively. That was when I started taking things a little more lightly.” He doesn’t remember exactly when it happened, “It took a while, and there were a few phases”, but he has previously shared that it started when he told his mother he was excited to shoot a movie in France. He did not share his enthusiasm. Sharmila asked, “When will you tell me that you are playing an interesting role?” Saif takes it in good spirit and understands where she was coming from. “He saw more potential,” admits Saif with a smile. So, she was signaling me to wake up.”Saif argues, “I don’t know whether this should be seen as a relief or not.” He adds, “There have always been all kinds of filmmakers. There are some commercial people who have an eye on the Friday numbers, which means it requires a certain kind of energy, whatever it is, I don’t know. But then there are filmmakers with a more artistic scope, who had no option but to release their films that way.”

Why Saif Ali Khan thinks streaming is a game changer?

Saif believes that streaming has given filmmakers a new way to tell stories. He calls it “an important, alternative expression” given to some of these filmmakers. For them, it opens the door to stories that may never make it to the big screen. He further added, “There are some movies I would love to work on that people wouldn’t give a chance to release in theaters. But I think Netflix and other streaming platforms also want you to be entertained, so it’s ultimately competitive.”

-Kabaddi player Sonu Nolta

Panchkula: Gopal Sukhomajri, who had unsuccessfully contested the last assembly elections as an independent from Kalka, has been arrested in the murder of Kabaddi player Sonu Nolta.According to Panchkula police, Gopal, the alleged mastermind, was absconding after the murder that took place in Amravati area last year. With his arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has reached 12.The resident of Sukhomajri village in Pinjore area was arrested on May 12 and produced in court the next day, where police obtained a one-day remand for questioning. After interrogation, he was taken into judicial custody on Thursday and admitted to Ambala jail.Police said Gopal played a key role in planning and executing the murder. During remand, investigators seized his mobile phone and gathered vital clues. Further investigation is underway to uncover the wider conspiracy and identify other accomplices.On June 5, 2025, Sonu Nolta was shot dead by armed assailants outside a mall in Amravati area of ​​Panchkula, after which investigation is going on by multiple teams.The investigation revealed that Gopal allegedly assisted the main shooters – identified as Piyush Piplani and Ankush Solanki – in evading arrest after the murder. They are also accused of conducting reconnaissance, arranging weapons, sharing the victim’s location and facilitating the overall conspiracy.Police said the accused had a long criminal record and was active in local politics. More than a dozen cases were registered against him between 2012 and 2022 in Panchkula, Ambala and parts of Himachal Pradesh, including attempts to murder, assault, charges under the Arms Act, Mining Act, NDPS Act and Prison Act.In the October 2024 assembly elections, he emerged as a surprise contender by securing 31,688 votes (21.71%) and stood third in the Kalka constituency after the BJP and Congress candidates.

Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Bollywood star Jackie Shroff got emotional remembering his mother on Friday morning and shared an emotional video full of unseen childhood moments with his ‘mom’.

bollywood star jackie shroff He became emotional on Friday morning as he remembered his mother and shared an emotional video full of unseen childhood moments with his ‘mom’.The actor shared the emotional reel on his social media account with a simple caption, “Mom!”The video montage showed a series of rare and old photographs of Jackie’s mother from her younger days.Some of the pictures showed her smiling warmly in a saree, while the rest captured beautiful family moments from Jackie’s childhood days.In one touching frame, a young Jackie is seen sitting beside his mother, while another picture shows Jackie’s mother lovingly holding her grandsons Tiger and Krishna.The video montage also includes black-and-white family pictures from Jackie Shroff’s younger days.For the background score, Jackie chose Manna Dey’s soulful track “Maa Teri Surat Se Alag Bhagwan Ki Surat Kya Hogi”.For those unaware, Jackie has often spoken about his mother in many of his past interviews, highlighting how deeply attached he was to her.The actor’s mother Rita Shroff passed away in 2014. Jackie has often shared how his mother struggled to raise him and how her sacrifices shaped his life and career.Talking about Jackie Shroff’s professional front, the actor is currently preparing for his upcoming film The Great Grand Superhero – Arrival of Aliens, where he will be seen in the lead role as a grandfather with superhero abilities.The emotional fantasy-adventure story is directed by Manish Saini and will release on May 29, 2026.Its recently released trailer received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

NFL Trade Rumors: The Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers have emerged as potential suits for the All-Pro wide receiver (Getty).

The future of Tyreek Hill has quietly become one of the biggest stories surrounding the current NFL trade rumors. The veteran wide receiver is still unsigned after battling a serious knee injury last season, and many teams around the league continue to debate whether he can still change the game at age 32.Despite the uncertainty, contenders continue to watch closely. That’s why the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers have now emerged as two realistic landing spots for Hill before training camp begins. Both teams want to compete for the playoffs immediately, and both offenses still need another proven playmaker.

NFL trade rumors: Ravens and Chargers linked to Tyreek Hill as free agency questions continue

On May 14, LWOS analyst Anthony Palacios named the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers as teams that could still make sense for Tyreek Hill. The discussion gained momentum after NFL insider Jason La Canfora shared an anonymous general manager’s candid assessment during a SportsBoom interview discussing Hill’s market.“If he can’t get on top of the defense now, why are you bringing him in?” The GM told La Canfora. “I think he’ll have to wait a long time. That’s not an option for us.”That quote spread quickly because it highlighted the biggest concern surrounding Hill. Teams are unsure whether the explosiveness that made him dangerous in Kansas City and Miami is still there after the injury.Still, the Baltimore Ravens seem to be a natural fit. Baltimore has repeatedly targeted veteran receivers in recent years while building around Lamar Jackson. The front office previously added names like Odell Beckham Jr., DeSean Jackson and DeAndre Hopkins in hopes of strengthening the passing attack.The Ravens already have Jay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but Hill could still add another layer to the offense. Baltimore no longer needs him to dominate in goal. The team just needs him to create matchup problems at critical moments during playoff games.Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are also standing out for an important reason. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels already knows Hill well from their time together in Miami. That familiarity could make Los Angeles more comfortable taking a short-term gamble on the veteran receiver.The Chargers also haven’t added any other key veteran players this offseason. Right now, the offense is still relying heavily on Ladd McConkey to carry the receiving unit.Nothing seems imminent yet, but once training camp injuries start popping up around the league, Tyreek Hill trade rumors could become serious again.