A former U.S. soldier has been extradited from Ukraine after being charged in connection with an alleged international crime spree that included the 2018 killings and robbery of a couple in Florida. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 34-year-old Craig Austin Lang is facing federal indictments in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona stemming back to 2019. Lang, a U.S. citizen, denied the charges in his Florida court appearance.

Lang is accused of using a firearm during a deadly violent crime in Florida, violating the Neutrality Act, and conspiring to commit violence in Venezuela. The extradition was possible after Lang’s claim challenging the process was rejected by the European Court of Human Rights. Lang pleaded not guilty in the Florida case while facing charges in other states.

Lang’s alleged conduct is shocking in its scope and its callous disregard for human life, stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri. The case involves multiple charges across different states, reflecting a complex narrative of criminal activities.

The killings in Florida occurred in 2018 when Lang and another former U.S. Army soldier, Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer, allegedly murdered a couple during a planned weapons purchase. The two individuals had previously claimed to be part of a volunteer battalion in Ukraine and were deported back to the U.S. following detainment in Kenya.

The Justice Department’s investigation indicates that Lang had been involved in various criminal activities across borders, including attempting to acquire passports illegally and violating passport restrictions. Lang’s extradition from Ukraine opens a new chapter in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Zwiefelhofer, who was also convicted in connection with the Florida case, awaits sentencing. The complex web of events surrounding the allegedly orchestrated crime spree continues to unfold as Lang’s case progresses through the U.S. legal system.

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New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): Congress candidate from North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency Udit Raj expressed determination to take to the streets post-General Election results along with all parties of the INDIA bloc in a united effort to safeguard democracy. Raj criticized the exit polls, alleging possible bias towards the BJP and hinting at pre-determined results. Emphasizing the Congress party’s commitment to democracy, Raj highlighted the importance of opposition unity for the greater good of the nation. Despite the opposition’s confidence in victory, the BJP’s performance, especially in Delhi, remains uncertain. North West Delhi’s constituency witnessed voter dissatisfaction with BJP, raising questions about the party’s influence amidst growing concerns over various issues such as inflation, unemployment, and constitutional amendments. The upcoming days hold significant political implications, promising intense post-election developments as parties gear up for potential protests to uphold democratic ideals.

Over the last few months, news has been flying that Paramount is getting closer to a deal to be sold to or merge with Skydance. Now after Skydance Media reportedly made the deal even stronger, a special committee of Paramount Global’s board members has approved a merger with Skydance but the majority owner has not signed off on the deal. CNBC reports that the deal could be officially announced in the coming days.

Details are still thin, but at last report with this deal, the Redstone family will get $2 billion, and Class B shareholders will get $3 billion to complete the deal, according to CNBC.

Last April CNBC reported a deal is close that would see Paramount merge with Skydance, but Spectrum Cable TV could be an issue. Now Spectrum and Paramount have reached a deal to keep Paramount networks on Spectrum Cable TV and add some of its streaming services.

In April, Variety reported that Paramount Global’s majority owner, Shari Redstone, turned down a cash offer from Apollo Global Management for $27 billion.

Exact details of the offer have not been disclosed, but it is reported that the Redstone family prefers this Skydance deal over other offers.

Paramount Global is controlled by media executive Shari Redstone who also controls National Amusements, which owns 77% of Paramount’s voting shares. Reportedly, the Redstone family is also looking to sell their 77% ownership of Paramount. With that ownership, the Redstone family needs to be on board with any deal, and it has been reported that they are more interested in a deal like this than other deals, like the offer from Appollo Global Management to buy just the studios.

Any sale or merger would include the entire Paramount company from its cable TV networks, like Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV, to multiple movie theaters.

Talks between Paramount and Skydance have reportedly been happening since November 2023.

The entertainment industry faces difficult times with cable TV viewership declining and most streamers struggling to achieve profitability. Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+, is among the companies fighting to stay afloat.

A Christian employee has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Fire Department, alleging religious discrimination and retaliation. Capt. Jeffrey Little claims he faced disciplinary action for refusing to raise a Pride flag and seeking a religious exemption. The dispute led to his suspension, an internal investigation, and breaches of privacy. Little’s lawyers argue the department violated his constitutional rights, compelling speech, and religious freedom. The lawsuit seeks remedies such as back pay, reinstatement, and religious accommodation for Little, asserting that his beliefs were disregarded. The Fire Department has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.