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Cicada Brood XIV Emerges in US After 17 Years

After a 17-year hiatus, Brood XIV cicadas have begun to emerge across the southern United States, marking their return since the summer of 2008. As ground temperatures rise in the North, millions more are anticipated to surface. Cicadas, often confused with locusts, are part of the Hemiptera order and have fascinated scientists and families alike due to their unique life cycle, which includes spending nearly two decades underground before a brief period of mating and death above ground. While their massive swarms serve as a defense mechanism against predators, their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat destruction and climate change, leading to irregular emergences. Chris Simon, a cicada expert, emphasizes the importance of appreciating these insects, which play a vital role in the ecosystem, while also calling attention to the challenges faced by scientific research amid political shifts. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 11 am

Russia: Trump Made Ukraine Pay for US Aid with Minerals

Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian security official, criticized a recent minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States, claiming it indicates that US President Donald Trump has compelled Kyiv to finance future military aid with its mineral resources. The agreement, signed in Washington, grants the US preferential access to Ukrainian minerals and supports investment in Ukraine's reconstruction. Additionally, the Trump administration reportedly informed Congress of plans to approve defence-related exports to Ukraine, marking a significant step since Trump's return to the White House. Medvedev, now a prominent anti-Western figure, suggested that Ukraine's reliance on its national wealth for military supplies reflects a deepening subjugation to US influence. As the US grows impatient with stalled peace talks, Moscow has expressed a willingness for negotiations, while Kyiv calls for an immediate ceasefire. Analysts predict the minerals deal will complicate Russia's objectives in Ukraine, further entrenching US involvement. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 6 pm

CEOs' Pay Up 50% Since 2019, 56 Times Workers' Earnings

Average CEO pay in India has surged to $2 million annually, as reported by Oxfam, highlighting a stark contrast with the mere 0.9% increase in average worker wages since 2019. The global CEO compensation has risen by 50% in real terms over the same period, while billionaires amassed an average of $206 billion in new wealth last year, equivalent to $23,500 per hour. Although the gender pay gap among 11,366 corporations worldwide has narrowed from 27% to 22% between 2022 and 2023, female employees still effectively work unpaid on Fridays. Wage inequality persists, particularly in low-income countries, where the richest 10% earn 3.4 times more than the poorest 40%. Amidst rising living costs, Oxfam's executive director Amitabh Behar criticized the system that allows CEO pay to soar while many workers struggle to afford basic necessities. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 4 pm

British Great-Grandma Becomes World's Oldest at 115

Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old British woman, has become the world's oldest person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, aged 116. Born on August 21, 1909, in Hampshire, Caterham, the last living subject of King Edward VII, resides in a Surrey care home after outliving her husband and both daughters. Recognized by the US-based Gerontological Research Group and LongeviQuest, she celebrated her milestone birthday last August with a letter from King Charles III. Caterham attributes her longevity to a life philosophy of avoiding arguments and embracing opportunities. A great-grandmother of eight, she traveled to India as a young woman and continued to drive until nearly 100 years old. Despite surviving Covid at 110, she emphasizes the importance of family and maintaining a positive outlook on life. Caterham's remarkable life story reflects resilience and a commitment to cherishing family memories. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 5 pm

World's Most Powerful Magnet Powers Global Nuclear Fusion Project

SINGAPORE: The long-awaited International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, involving over 30 nations, has reached a critical milestone with the assembly of the world's most powerful magnet, essential for generating clean energy through nuclear fusion. Located in southern France and supported by major powers including the US, China, Japan, and the EU, the project aims to create a magnetic system to contain super-hot plasma for energy production. The final component, the central solenoid, has been completed and tested, with assembly now underway, although the project has faced a four-year delay since its initial 2021 deadline. ITER's director general, Pietro Barabaschi, expressed optimism about the project's future, emphasizing international cooperation despite geopolitical tensions. While there is growing investment in fusion technology, Barabaschi remains cautious about the timeline for achieving cost-effective fusion, suggesting it may take longer than a decade. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 2 pm

Trump Administration's New Policy on Foreign Students Explained

The Trump Administration is intensifying its crackdown on international students, particularly targeting those from India, with new policies that expedite deportations. Under these guidelines, students lose their right to remain in the U.S. if their visa is revoked, a significant shift from prior rules that allowed them to stay and finish their studies. Legal representatives have raised concerns, noting that the changes grant Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) broader authority, enabling deportations even without prior criminal charges. Since January 20, 2025, ICE has reportedly terminated the SEVIS records of approximately 4,736 international students, with many facing deportation due to minor infractions or mere contact with law enforcement. Critics argue that the administration's approach undermines the principle of "innocent until proven guilty," as it relies on a database linking students to criminal records, often without individual assessments. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 3 pm

Columbia Student Mohsen Mahdawi Released After Gaza Protest Detention

A federal judge has ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student detained during a citizenship interview earlier this month due to his involvement in protests at Columbia University over the Gaza conflict. Mahdawi, who has been a legal US permanent resident since 2015 and is set to graduate next month, expressed defiance outside the Vermont courthouse, stating, "I am not afraid of you," in reference to President Trump. He criticized the administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists, asserting that his arrest stemmed from his advocacy for peace. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting student activists and failing to address anti-Semitism on campuses amid ongoing protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties. Mahdawi's case highlights broader tensions surrounding immigration policy and political dissent in the US. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 3 pm

Nurse Loses License After Affair with Stepson, Caught by Husband

The Florida Department of Health has revoked the medical license of 35-year-old nurse Alexis Von Yates following allegations of a sexual relationship with her 15-year-old stepson. The situation came to light when her husband discovered the two in a compromising position at their home in Ocala. Reports indicate that the teenager had been subjected to inappropriate comments from Yates, who allegedly expressed her sexual frustrations prior to the encounter. During a visit while his father was at work, the stepson and Yates engaged in sexual activity after watching a horror movie together. The incident prompted the boy to flee the house, overhearing Yates telling his husband that the boy resembled him as a child. Following the revelation, Yates was arrested in November and faces charges of sexual assault against a minor, to which she has pleaded not guilty. The Health Department emphasized the need for nurses to exhibit good judgment and moral character. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 3 pm

Iranian Port Blast Linked to Charity Tied to Khamenei

An explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaei port, linked to the Bonyad Mostazafan foundation overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has resulted in at least 70 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. This foundation, subject to U.S. sanctions for allegedly enriching Khamenei and supporting the Revolutionary Guard, has significant economic power in Iran, managing assets worth billions. While Iranian authorities have not confirmed the cause of the blast, local reports suggest it involved a highly explosive cargo, possibly related to missile fuel, raising concerns about the foundation's operations. Satellite images indicate the explosion's epicenter was near the foundation's terminal, which handles dangerous materials. Experts have drawn parallels to past catastrophic blasts involving chemical compounds, noting a reddish cloud observed prior to the explosion. Despite denials from Iranian officials regarding missile fuel imports, the incident has sparked widespread speculation about the nature of the cargo involved. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 3 pm

Trump Still Blames Biden 100 Days Into New Term

Six months after reclaiming the presidency, Donald Trump continues to fixate on his predecessor, Joe Biden, frequently attributing the nation's economic challenges to him. On his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that the country's GDP decline in the first quarter stemmed from the "overhang" of Biden’s presidency, despite evidence linking the downturn to his own protectionist trade policies. Since his inauguration, Trump has mentioned Biden an average of six times daily, even drawing criticism from conservative figures like Dave Portnoy, who argued that the current stock market reflects Trump's policies, not Biden's. During a recent rally, Trump mocked Biden's demeanor and reiterated false claims about the 2020 election. Political analysts suggest that while Biden bashing has historically benefited Trump, its effectiveness may diminish over time, especially as he faces dwindling approval ratings and a lack of substantial opposition from Democrats. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 1 pm

Will Canada and India Finally Mend Their Relations?

In the recent Canadian election, the Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, secured 168 seats—just shy of a majority—amidst a backdrop of shifting political dynamics influenced by US President Donald Trump's trade war. Carney's rise marks a significant change from Justin Trudeau, and his leadership may help stabilize the party's position as it seeks support from the diminished New Democratic Party (NDP), which suffered a notable loss in vote share and the departure of leader Jagmeet Singh. The Conservative Party, under Pierre Poilievre, faced a major setback with Poilievre losing his seat, as Trump's controversial remarks inadvertently fostered a sense of national unity in Canada. Moving forward, Carney must navigate complex relations with the US while addressing economic challenges and the need for diversification, especially given strained ties with China and India. His pragmatic approach may provide an opportunity for a reset in Canadian foreign policy. sources

Published:
May 01 2025, 1 pm

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