Police Seek Suspect in Tarzana Hit-and-Run Incident

Adriana Smith, a Georgia woman declared brain dead, remains on life support to sustain her 22-week pregnancy, drawing significant media attention and raising questions about the implications of the state's anti-abortion laws. Her mother, April Newkirk, detailed the situation, stating, "We want the baby...but the decision should have been left to us – not the state," as Smith's hospitalization followed a diagnosis of blood clots in her brain. According to 11Alive, Georgia’s laws ban abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy and emphasize fetal personhood, potentially complicating healthcare decisions for pregnant individuals. Medical experts caution that the baby, named Chance, faces severe health complications, with limited chances of a viable delivery. Steven Ralston from George Washington University noted the grim prospects, while Newkirk expressed her hope for the baby's survival despite potential disabilities. The hospital has not commented widely on Smith’s status, citing privacy laws, but confirmed adherence to legal guidelines, as reported by the Washington Post. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr clarified that the law does not mandate life support for deceased patients, yet anti-abortion advocates argue the hospital's actions align with the protection of fetal life.

The U.S. Department of Defense has redeployed a high-altitude surveillance drone to the Black Sea region following the collapse of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This redeployment marks the first instance since President Donald Trump resumed office, with the last noted deployment occurring in June 2024. According to officials, the move comes as Russia has executed its largest drone assault since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Pentagon's decision underscores heightened tensions in the region, particularly in light of concerns over potential intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches by Russia. European leaders have reportedly been in contact with Trump to discuss the situation before his scheduled call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The urgency of the drone deployment reflects a strategic response to ongoing military developments in the area, as the U.S. continues to monitor Russian activities closely.

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center conducted the world's first human bladder transplant on May 4. The recipient, Oscar Larrainzar, 41, had previously undergone significant bladder and kidney surgeries due to cancer, leaving him on dialysis for seven years. He received both a kidney and bladder from a donor during the eight-hour operation, with results proving immediately successful, according to the UCLA statement. Dr. Nima Nassiri, one of the surgeons, reported that Larrainzar’s kidney function improved rapidly, eliminating the need for future dialysis. “The kidney immediately made a large volume of urine, and the urine drained properly into the new bladder,” Nassiri stated. Full bladder transplants had not been attempted before due to the complex vascular structure of the pelvis, making this procedure particularly challenging. Previously, patients requiring bladder reconstruction faced limited options, such as artificial bladders created from intestines, which carried considerable risks. Experts hope this pioneering surgery will lead to safer alternatives for patients with severe bladder disorders.