Ex-President Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer: A Critical Update

By Joseph Ax and Nandita Bose

() -Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

At 82 years old, Biden received a diagnosis on Friday due to urinary issues. He and his family are currently evaluating various treatment choices alongside medical professionals, as stated in their announcement.

"This indicates a more intense version of the illness; however, the cancer shows sensitivity to hormones, enabling better control strategies," his office stated.

Cancers that have spread, or metastasized, are classified as Stage 4, which is the most progressed phase. Many cases of prostate cancer are identified at a less advanced stage.

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of the 236,659 instances of prostate cancer identified in 2021, 70% were detected when the cancer was still confined within the prostate gland. Approximately 8% of newly diagnosed cases that same year pertained to advanced stages of the disease.

Biden's physical health and mental acuity drew scrutiny during his 2021-2025 presidency. He abruptly ended his bid for reelection last July, weeks after a halting performance during a debate against Republican Donald Trump prompted panic among his fellow Democrats.

President Trump, who has consistently criticized Biden since assuming office in January, showed empathy on Sunday for both Biden and his wife, Jill, in a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Malia and I were deeply moved upon learning of Joe Biden's recent health update," he stated, alluding to former First Lady Melania Trump. "Our thoughts go out with warmth and support to both Jill and the entire family, and we sincerely hope for Joe’s swift and complete recuperation.

Biden's office stated that the cancer received a nine out of ten on the Gleason score grading system, utilized to assess the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

Dr. Herbert Lepor, a urologist at NYU Langone, stated that a score of nine indicates "a very high risk." However, he also mentioned that numerous men can survive for "five to ten years and more" even when dealing with metastatic prostate cancer.

He mentioned that over the past ten years, significant progress has been made in treating advanced prostate cancer.

Dr. Chris George, who serves as the medical director of the cancer program at the Northwestern Health Network, stated that prostate cancer becomes incurable when it reaches the bones; however, he also noted that various treatment options can manage the condition effectively.

BIDEN, TRUMP LARGEST AGE AT PRESIDENTIAL VICTORY seçen صند

Biden was the oldest individual to secure the U.S. presidency when he won the election in 2020 at the age of 77. However, this record was surpassed by Trump, who was 78 years old at the time he ousted Vice President Kamala Harris in the previous year.

Several leading Democrats have recently admitted that pushing Biden as the 2024 presidential candidate was a mistake, considering the significant worries from voters regarding his advanced age. Even prior to the debates held during the previous summer, Ipsos poll data indicated that a majority of Americans, both Democrats included, felt Biden was too elderly to be elected for another term.

“It was an error for the Democrats to ignore the voters’ concerns sooner,” Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Murphy stated during an interview with NBC News' “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning, prior to Biden’s diagnosis being made public.

Biden has kept a low profile since leaving office, making only a handful of public appearances, including an April speech in which he defended the Social Security Administration against Trump's planned cuts.

In interviews, he has also stood up for his legacy and dismissed claims in two recently released books suggesting that he experienced cognitive decline during his final year as president.

He stated previously this month on ABC's 'The View,' 'They have it incorrect,' pointing towards the authors of the books.

Biden's health update led to an influx of supportive remarks on Sunday from both Democrats and Republicans.

"Joe is a warrior — and I am confident he will confront this challenge with the same fortitude, toughness, and positivity that have consistently characterized his existence and guidance," Harris stated in an official release.

In 2015, Joe Biden suffered the loss of his son, Beau Biden, who passed away from brain cancer.

In 2022, Biden reinstated the Obama-era initiative called the Cancer Moonshot with the aim of cutting the mortality rate from cancer by half within the next quarter-century.

(Reported by Nandita Bose, Joseph Ax, Steve Holland, Kristina Cooke, Costas Pitas, and Nancy Lapid; Edited by Paul Simao, Colleen Jenkins, Rod Nickel, Diane Craft, and Lincoln Feast.)

Afghan Christian Pastor Urges Trump: Warns of Taliban Retaliation After Refugee Protections Revoked

As the Trump administration have shifted to ending protections for numerous Afghan nationals, with faith leaders and activists raising concerns about the possible deportations of Christian converts, who according to them, could endure significant persecution from the Taliban regime.

Pastor Behnam Rasooli, also referred to as Pastor Ben, guides the congregation. Oklahoma Khorasan Church In Oklahoma City, there is a congregation mainly made up of Afghan Christian refugees. During an interview with Fox News Digital, he recounted terrifying stories about the risks he claims his Christian community encounters.

"If any of these Afghan Christians Pastor Ben asserted that if people are sent back to Afghanistan, their initial experience would likely involve the husbands being executed, while the wives could be subjected to sexual slavery. He added that alternatively, these individuals might face imprisonment with nightly physical abuse.

The Department of Homeland Security has officially terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS). for Afghan nationals , potentially requiring over 9,000 people to go back to Afghanistan under Taliban control.

EXCLUSIVELY: WITH AFGHAN CHRISTIANS FACING DEPORTATION, RELIGIOUS LEADERS ARE URGING THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO RE EVALUATE THEIR DECISIONS

Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem pointed to "enhanced security conditions" and a stabilizing economy as rationale.

"Noem stated that this administration is restoring TPS to its initial temporary purpose. After reviewing the circumstances in Afghanistan with our interagency colleagues, we have determined that these conditions do not fulfill the criteria necessary for a TPS designation," she explained.

REVIEW ON THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION

The protection for Afghans is scheduled to end on May 20, with the official termination of the program occurring on July 12.

Noem mentioned that ending this designation is consistent with the administration's larger objective of eliminating fraud and addressing national security risks within the immigration system.

TPS enables individuals from nations experiencing armed conflicts, natural calamities, or other crises to reside and work lawfully within the United States. Former President Joe Biden initially granted TPS status to Afghanistan after the Taliban took control in 2021.

Those facing risks include individuals from Pastor Ben’s congregation who embarked on dangerous trips to arrive in the U.S. through legal means. He shared the tale of a party that reportedly made their way from Brazil to Mexico, featuring a 76-year-old woman and a 7-month-old infant, enduring a ten-month wait in a Mexican church refuge as they sought permission to cross into the U.S. legally using the CBP One application.

For several weeks, they lacked both food and water, yet they remained steadfast in their determination to endure these hardships as they sought lawful entry into the United States," he stated. "However, under the current administration, we learned that these paroles are now being rescinded. Moreover, they aren’t even providing work permits anymore.

Christians in Afghanistan endure regular torture and persecution from their family members, according to watchdog groups.

Fox News Digital contacted the White House regarding the pastor's concerns and was provided with the following statement:

"Alongside its unsuccessful exit from Afghanistan, the Biden administration improperly admitted tens of thousands of Afghan nationals into the U.S. through parole, along with hundreds of thousands of other immigrants. Parole is intended as a short-term measure provided on a case-by-case basis for compelling humanitarian concerns or public advantage; it does not serve as a route to permanent residency or citizenship. Those Afghans who do not qualify under current immigration laws and fear persecution based on protected criteria can seek asylum and allow the judiciary to review their claims," stated White House spokesperson Kush Desai to Fox News Digital.

Groups such as Help The Persecuted have been advocating. have petitioned Nominate Afghanistan for designation as a Country of Particular Concern, and grant Temporary Protected Status to Afghan Christians and minority groups experiencing verified religious or belief-based persecution until their asylum applications can be thoroughly reviewed and resolved.

The petition highlights the Taliban's aggressive persecution of Christians, encompassing arrests at borders, mistreatment during detainment, and the implementation of regulations that criminalize all forms of Christian worship.

Pastor Ben encourages his fellow Christians to join together in support of their oppressed brethren.

He stated, 'They rely on us today to speak for them.' He highlighted how we possess the liberty that they lack, and enjoy all the comforts from which they are deprived. However, what they desire most is simply having the church as an active participant.'

He spoke directly to President Trump as well: "Mr. President, I completely endorse your deportation initiative since we don’t want criminals residing in the U.S., however, we must recognize that within the group you intend to deport, not all individuals are lawbreakers. There are people who could face severe consequences such as death threats, imprisonment, separation from their spouses, or loss of their children."

“Please, let’s ensure this doesn’t happen to them,” said Pastor Ben. “Let’s maintain the American Dream.”

Morgan Phillips from Fox News Digital provided contributions for this report.

Original article source: Afghan Christian pastor pleads with Trump, warns of Taliban revenge after admin revokes refugee protections

'Don’t Overlook Their Plight': Freed Hostages Add Urgency to Low-Key Israel Day Parade in New York

' Don't Lose Sight of Them': Released Captives Add Urgency to Low-Key Israel Day Parade in New York

Many thousands participated in New York City’s pro-Israel march in Manhattan—the second such event since October 7—with the ongoing hostage situation being a primary focus. Even though energetic Zionist youth organizations were present, the sparse crowd of onlookers highlighted Israel’s increasing isolation as the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate.

May 19th, 2:00 AM May 19th, 2:00 PM

NEW YORK – Thousands of supporters of Israel took part in the yearly Israel Day Parade in Manhattan, making it yet again the biggest one-day pro-Israel gathering globally.

The second demonstration following the October 7 assault, the continuous hostage situation undoubtedly dominated the day’s agenda more than anything else, despite the event's organizers formally stating this year's theme as "Hatikvah."

The parade demonstrated steadfast backing for Israel from both the American-Jewish community and Israelis. Over the past few years, it has progressively mirrored right-leaning perspectives, coming into closer alignment with the policies of the Israeli government.

This observation was common among most of the marching ensembles, which performed Israeli popular tunes along with hymns about the Messiah’s coming set to simplistic pop melodies. Many of these groups also adorned the captives with the required yellow ribbons and shouted slogans like “let them return.”

Several Gaza conflict demonstrations—including an event organized by anti-occupation advocates aimed at confronting a minor gathering of Israeli cabinet members and prominent settlement figures—failed to take place as scheduled because of stringent police blockades.

Approximately 30 members of the Israelis for Peace group staged demonstrations a few blocks away from the conference. The police worked to maintain order between these demonstrators and more conservative bystanders who disagreed with their message.

For numerous organizations participating in the parade aside from the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, the atmosphere was somewhat optimistically described as festive. This sentiment starkly contrasts with the prevailing sentiments among most Israelis, who are grappling with heightened anxieties related to the Gaza conflict and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s growing estrangement internationally.

Stepping back from the enthusiastic gatherings of Jewish day schools and Zionist youth movements, the scarcity of observers relative to previous years was striking.

Almost thirty city blocks from what is considered one of the most bustling areas in the busiest cities globally were closed off to pedestrian traffic. This move came as tensions escalated between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators recently. The situation reached an unparalleled level of violence when National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited New York City last month. Due to this unrest, both local authorities and event planners decided against taking risks.

Consequently, much of the parade route seemed as deserted as a ghost town.

Although pedestrians were able to traverse each segment of a quarter-mile, and enthusiasts congregated close to the end point, the pro-Israel pride parade, which was streamlined and strictly managed, served as an evocative symbol for Israel’s present position globally.

The group from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum was among the most substantial contingents taking part in the march. Although they did not share the same level of cheerfulness as others in the procession, their determination and focus were clearly visible.

Many attendees — comprising numerous freed captives and relatives of those killed during the hostage situation — donned identical black garments inscribed with "bring them home now." They also carried signs displaying the numeral 58, representing the count of hostages still held captive, alongside Israeli flags featuring a yellow ribbon superimposed upon the Star of David symbol.

Participants additionally held up placards featuring the images of hostages along with their names and the message "don’t forget me, bring me home."

Participating in the parade will be former hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel (both U.S. citizens), along with Doron Steinbrecher, Ilana Gritzewsky, Andrey Kozlov, and Eliya Cohen (and his companion, Ziv Abud from the Nova festival tragedy).

"Keith is back at home, thank you, thank you, thank you. I feel incredibly fortunate; I wish every hostage could return home just as Keith did and like Edan Alexander. This moment is etched in my memory forever," stated Aviva alongside a group of bipartisan U.S. legislators and prominent Israeli diplomatic representatives—including Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon and Israel’s Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis.

"I understand what it’s like living in Gaza. I’m familiar with the experience of facing mortality and enduring such harsh treatment. We ought to unite and help bring them back home immediately,” she went on to say.

Attending as well were Ronen and Orna Neutra—the Israeli-American couple whose son Omer was killed, with his body still held captive—and Ruby and Hagit Chen, whose late Israeli-American son Itay is also being detained in Gaza.

Adam Elbaz, one of the participants, informed Haaretz that joining the forum’s march aimed at bringing attention to individuals who remain captive. He stated, “I am contributing my part to illuminate their situation.”

Another participant, Almog Sagui, emphasized that the procession was a clear appeal to both Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump to return the remaining hostages. She stated, "This is a means of demonstrating to the world our insistence on having everyone returned safely."

Although numerous families have openly condemned Netanyahu's behavior – particularly his prioritization of his political future over the wellbeing of their relatives – there were virtually no indications of political disagreement within the boundaries of the parade.

In fact, Chen prominently marched alongside high-ranking Israeli officials such as Culture Minister Miki Zohar, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, and Yitzhak Wasserlauf, all part of an official Israeli government delegation.

The Israeli officials participating in the parade, along with various other members of parliament and high-ranking diplomats from Israel, frequently face condemnation from demonstrators who feel let down by these individuals' influence on Israeli democracy. This dissatisfaction compounds due to their insufficient backing for both the hostages and calls for a ceasefire.

These demonstrations fell short, as numerous participants expected the procession to remain non-political. This viewpoint was evidently held by many from the Jewish-American leftist community, causing some to refrain from joining the parade despite their previous attempts at providing a contrasting influence in recent times.

Although the parade showcased significant support for Israel’s more militant backers, their influence will face scrutiny during Monday's Jerusalem Post yearly conference. This event will feature prominent Trump administration figures such as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Hostage Affairs Envoy Adam Boehler as keynote speakers.

Witkoff and Boehler will be present as they emphasize the lack of daylight between themselves and Israel, even as they speak to the public shortly after Trump bypassed Israel during his Middle Eastern visit. This comes at a time when he is becoming more aware of the humanitarian situation in Gaza due to input from his Arab counterparts.

This development follows closely after Witkoff and Boehler attempted to secure the release of remaining hostages without going through the Israeli government, which proved successful with Alexander being freed the previous week.

Experts Warn: Trump's Latest Retreat Could Have Major Consequences

Experts say Donald Trump's recent international talks are not proceeding as expected.

Trump's recent negotiations in Switzerland resulted in what some saw as a win for the president, because it stopped some of the bleeding in the trade war against China.

However, other nations have noticed this and are exploiting what they see as Trump's vulnerability, as reported by Bloomberg.

Interested in getting more up-to-date political news? Tap here for the newest stories from Raw Story.

EXCLUSIVE: A breastfeeding mother of a U.S. citizen files lawsuit against Kristi Noem following an incident involving ICE grabbing her.

The report indicates that China’s assertive approach during negotiations for a tariff ceasefire with the U.S. has led certain nations to believe they should adopt stronger stances in their own trade discussions with the Trump administration. It further notes that Trump’s readiness to significantly reduce initial duties of up to 145% on Chinese goods astonished governments ranging from Seoul to Brussels, which had until then adhered to the U.S.’s call for negotiation instead of responding to tariffs with countermeasures.

The article cites Stephen Olson, "a previous US trade negotiator currently serving as a visiting senior fellow at ISEAS — Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore," stating, "This alters the negotiation dynamics."

"A number of nations will examine the results of the Geneva talks and determine that Trump has started to recognize he may have miscalculated," the specialist further noted.

As reported by Bloomberg, global leaders remain tight-lipped about their stance.

The document further states, “Although authorities are hesitant to openly demonstrate any toughening of their stance, indications suggest that especially from bigger countries, they're recognizing they possess greater leverage than initially believed and can consequently afford to decelerate the negotiation process.”

Marko Papic, who serves as the chief strategist for GeoPolitical Macro at BCA Research, shared a comparable perspective on how other nations view President Trump’s actions.

Papic stated that numerous nations could draw lessons from China, emphasizing that the appropriate approach to negotiating with President Trump involves standing firm, staying composed, and compelling him to concede.

Access the complete report here (a paid subscription is needed).

Recommended Links:

• Struggling Trump supporters are soon in for a harsh reality check—still, this isn’t something to celebrate.

Budget Panel Greenlights Trump's "Giant, Beautiful Bill" for House Vote

The House Budget Committee gave approval President Trump 's " big, beautiful bill On Sunday, following Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) persuading a group of Republican dissenters to withdraw their objections contingent upon modifications that haven’t been made public yet and could still change.

Why it matters: This represents a significant victory for Johnson and Trump, just two days later. GOP opposition torpedoed Their initial try at getting it through the committee. However, they must also navigate it through the House Rules Committee and then get approval on the House floor, despite Republicans holding only a narrow majority.

• The tally stood at 17-16, where four Republican members voted "present," and every Democrat opposed the measure.
• Republican Congressmen Chip Roy from Texas, Ralph Norman from South Carolina, Andrew Clyde from Georgia, and Josh Brecheen from Oklahoma chose to vote 'present' following their initial 'no' votes on Friday.
• Norman mentioned that he was "looking forward to the modifications" being planned for the bill.

Catch up quick On Friday, the panel voted against the bill with a tally of 16 to 21, sparking intense discussions over the weekend with Republican holdouts on the committee.

• Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) stated during the session on Sunday evening that it was probable "there would be some modifications" to the proposal prior to its presentation on the floor.
• However, Arrington stated that he was unable to provide details on any specific matters or potential secret agreements that may have occurred.
• Johnson informed journalists at the Capitol earlier on Sunday evening about “some minor adjustments” to the bill, as reported by several sources on Twitter.

Zoom in One of the most contentious issues has been the Republican Party's major restructuring of Medicaid, with conservative and moderate factions advocating for different proposed alterations.

• Even if they manage to deliver the package, Senate Republicans will be awaiting with their individual solutions, according to Axios Pro's Peter Sullivan and Victoria Knight.
• Johnson has also been attempting to finalize an agreement with blue state Republicans for a SALT compromise .
• On Friday, Trump encouraged Republicans to back the proposal, writing on his Truth Social page, "The Republican Party doesn’t need ‘SHOWBOATS.’ Stop talking and get it done!"

Receive more political news in your inbox with Axios Sneak Peek.