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Federal and state authorities are investigating a series of anonymous, racially charged text messages that have alarmed Black Americans nationwide. The messages, which urged recipients in states like Alabama, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia to report to a plantation to pick cotton, have been widely condemned as offensive and reminiscent of America's history of slavery. The Federal Communications Commission and the FBI are among the agencies probing the incidents, which have reportedly affected individuals in at least 21 states, including students. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who received one of the messages herself, emphasized the need for vigilance against such hate. The NAACP condemned the messages as part of a troubling trend of racist rhetoric following the recent presidential election, while President Trump's spokeswoman denied any connection between his campaign and the texts. The messaging service TextNow confirmed that the accounts responsible were shut down shortly after the reports emerged. 
Published: Nov 09 2024, 8 ameznews.inThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has postponed the announcement of this year's Oscar nominations for the second time, now set for January 23, due to ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Initially scheduled for January 17, the announcement was first moved to January 19 before the latest delay was confirmed. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang stated that the decision was made to extend the voting period and provide additional time for members amid the active fires in the area. The postponement underscores the impact of the wildfires on the film community and the importance of ensuring all members can participate in the nominations process.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 12 ameznews.inUS National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan indicated a "distinct possibility" of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas before President Joe Biden's term concludes next week. In a recent interview, he noted that "pressure is building for Hamas to come to yes," highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Biden's Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, who has been in the region for over a week. Sullivan mentioned discussions with Qatar's prime minister and Israeli officials, suggesting a positive trajectory in negotiations. He also acknowledged collaboration with President-elect Donald Trump's team, asserting that Trump's push for a deal has not hindered talks. While expressing optimism, Sullivan tempered expectations, recalling past instances where agreements fell short, stating, "We've been here before, we've been close before and haven't gotten across the finish line." The conflict, which escalated following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, remains unresolved.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inApple's new "core technology fee" for app developers is facing increased scrutiny from European Union antitrust regulators, who are concerned it could raise costs for software makers. According to Bloomberg, the EU has circulated questionnaires regarding the fee, which charges developers 0.50 euros ($0.51) per installed app, as part of compliance with the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation regulates the practices of major tech platforms and allows for fines of up to 10% of a company's annual revenue. Regulators are investigating whether these costs could be passed on to consumers and if developers will need to adjust their business models. Apple's prediction that the fee structure will lower costs for developers is also under examination. The company, which claims that 85% of its App Store developers pay no commission, saw its shares dip by 1.8% amid these developments.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inChina has condemned new US export regulations on artificial intelligence chips, labeling them a "flagrant violation" of international trade rules. The restrictions, announced in the closing days of President Joe Biden's administration, expand upon earlier curbs from 2023 aimed at limiting AI chip exports to China, a key competitor in advanced semiconductor technology. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce criticized the US for what it termed an abuse of export controls and a misuse of national security concepts, claiming that American high-tech firms and industry groups had previously voiced concerns that the Biden administration ignored. In response, Beijing vowed to implement "necessary measures" to protect its legitimate rights and interests. The statement reflects China's ongoing tensions with the US over trade and technology as both nations vie for dominance in the tech sector.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPressure is intensifying on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dismiss anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq following allegations from Bangladesh's interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, regarding her ties to properties gifted by the former regime. Siddiq, a Labour MP and niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is facing scrutiny amid calls for a probe into her connections to Hasina's administration, which is under investigation for corruption. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Starmer of appointing a "personal friend" to a key anti-corruption role despite Siddiq's own alleged corruption. In response to media reports about the properties, Siddiq has referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, asserting her innocence. While Starmer has expressed confidence in Siddiq, calls for her resignation continue as the investigation unfolds.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Biden administration has announced new regulations aimed at restricting the export of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) chips and technology, particularly to nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Set to take effect 120 days after publication, these rules will limit the number of AI chips that can be exported to most countries, while allowing unlimited access for close US allies, including Britain, Canada, Germany, and Japan. The restrictions focus on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), essential for AI model training, with caps based on computational power. Exemptions apply for companies like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure that meet specific criteria, as well as for smaller orders of GPUs. The regulations reflect ongoing concerns about global competition in AI technology, with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasizing the need to maintain America's leadership in the field.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a harrowing case from Poland, Mateusz Hepa, a 20-year-old car repair worker, confessed in court that he murdered 18-year-old Wiktoria Kozielska after a coin toss determined her fate. The incident occurred in August 2023 when Kozielska was returning home from a party in Katowice. After luring her to his apartment, Hepa brutally beat and strangled her with a rope, later admitting he chose strangulation to avoid bloodshed. He chillingly stated, "If it had been tails, she would probably still be alive." Following the murder, he engaged in necrophilia before attempting to conceal her body. Captured shortly after, Hepa expressed a compulsive desire to kill, claiming he had contemplated murder prior to the incident. As the trial unfolds in Gliwice, he faces a possible life sentence, with the next hearing scheduled for February 12, amid emotional outbursts from Kozielska's friends and family.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe French carrier strike group (CSG) led by the aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle departed from India on January 9, 2025, for the next phase of Mission Clemenceau 25 in the Indian Ocean, heading towards the Indonesian arc for the 'La Perouse' exercise. After departing, the CSG engaged in joint naval operations with the Indian Navy, including tactical manoeuvres with the Indian frigate INS Mormugao and air sorties involving Indian Sukhoi and Jaguar fighter jets alongside French Rafale Marines. The fleet replenishment tanker FNS Jacques Chevallier also refuelled the INS Mormugao at sea. A logistical stopover in India allowed the Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft to join the French forces in Indonesia, underscoring the strong strategic partnership between France and India, which has facilitated numerous joint exercises and operational support over the past 27 years. The CSG is set to participate in the upcoming VARUNA naval exercise upon its return.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a heartwarming reunion, Casey Colvin was overwhelmed with joy as he found his dog, Oreo, who had been missing since a devastating wildfire swept through Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades on January 7. With the help of a professional dog tracker, Colvin located Oreo sheltering in the debris of a neighbor's home on January 12. As he approached the rubble, he spotted Oreo and, with emotional calls of reassurance, the dog came running into his arms. “Oh my God! You're alive! Oh, honey!” Colvin exclaimed, capturing the moment that quickly went viral on social media. Colvin had been at work when evacuation orders were issued and faced a harrowing five-hour journey home, desperately trying to rescue his pets. The search garnered attention, with local reporter Liz Kreutz sharing updates and clarifying that Colvin had not abandoned his dogs during the crisis.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inBangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated legal proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 77, and several family members, including British anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq and World Health Organization official Saima Wazed. The cases stem from allegations of a large-scale land grab in a Dhaka suburb, where Hasina is accused of improperly allocating plots to herself and relatives. Hasina fled to India in August 2024 amid a revolution and has resisted extradition requests for charges including mass murder. The ACC's director general, Akhter Hossain, confirmed that the commission has gathered sufficient evidence for the cases, which will detail property acquisitions. Additionally, a separate investigation into alleged embezzlement of $5 billion related to the Russian-funded Rooppur nuclear power plant is ongoing. Siddiq has referred herself to the UK standards adviser following reports of her ties to properties linked to Hasina's administration.
Published: Jan 13 2025, 7 pm
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