Senior Vitol trader met US president at White House last week and gave millions of dollars to his re-election campaign

Experts say central banks are increasingly stuffing their vaults as an insurance policy in a volatile world

Stephen A. Smith has spent decades debating sports on television, but now he is openly acknowledging that the loud chatter about him running for president is not just noise anymore. Video During a recent appearance on ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis, the ESPN mainstay said he is “dead serious” about the idea of launching a 2028 presidential run. Smith made it clear that politics has never been part of his life plan, but conversations with people he trusts have forced him to think differently. “I’m considering it in all seriousness,” Smith said, explaining that respected voices in his circle have urged him not to dismiss the possibility. While stressing he has “no desire to be a politician,” he framed the discussion as a matter of duty, adding that “with tremendous power comes tremendous responsibility.” Smith said some of those encouraging him believe the current political landscape creates a real opening. He recalled being told, “We think there is a legitimate shot that you have to win with the nonsense that I see taking place on Capitol Hill.” Faith has also played a role in keeping the door open. Smith shared that his pastor advised him against shutting the idea down entirely, saying, “You never know what God has in store for you.” A registered Independent, Smith noted that any official move would not come before 2027. If he did run, he said he would welcome challenging entrenched politicians head-on. “I’m dead serious about wanting to go up against those politicians… to call out what they have done to our country, to harm us,” Smith said. “It would be my pleasure.” The comments echo earlier remarks he made last August on "Real Time with Bill Maher," where he admitted a run was “possible” while voicing frustration with Democratic leadership. Despite recently signing a reported five-year, $100 million ESPN deal and juggling acting roles, Smith summed up his hesitation simply: “My life is pretty damn good.”

DHH church has hundreds of volunteers packing and delivering groceries to families who have been too scared to leave their homes during the immigration operation.

A fellow detainee says he witnessed Geraldo Lunas Campos being choked to death by guards at the ICE detention center in Texas on Jan. 3.