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A casual conversation on a flight to Sacramento in November 2023 led to the conviction of California couple Byron Lee Fitzpatrick, 24, and Shannon Lee Price, 28, for their involvement in an animal trafficking ring. During the flight, they bragged to fellow passengers, who turned out to be wildlife officers, about illegally hunting a mountain lion and smuggling an endangered turtle skull. Subsequent searches of their homes revealed a mounted barn owl, mountain lion claws, and numerous illegally captured deer. Both Fitzpatrick and Price were found guilty of violating state wildlife regulations, resulting in fines of $1,865 and $1,015, respectively, along with one year of probation that prohibits them from hunting. California Department of Fish and Wildlife's law enforcement chief Nathaniel Arnold emphasized the seriousness of wildlife trafficking, which is linked to larger criminal operations globally, as highlighted by a recent Moody's report. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 2 pmeznews.inElon Musk has predicted that US Vice President JD Vance will eventually succeed Donald Trump as president, calling him the "best VP ever" on his social media platform X. Musk, who is Trump's leading donor for the 2024 presidential campaign, has praised Vance in similar terms previously. Since Trump took office last month, Musk has been granted significant authority to reduce government spending and restructure federal agencies, serving as a "special government employee" and senior adviser. Vance, who is the third-youngest vice president in US history, has a controversial past as a former "Never Trumper," having once criticized Trump harshly. However, his political fortunes changed after securing Trump's endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race, marking a significant shift in his alignment with the former president.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia and the European Union have set a year-end deadline for a landmark free trade agreement, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi. The deal, which aims to enhance trade ties, comes as India explores similar pacts with other nations, including the UK. Past attempts at a free trade agreement have faced challenges, with negotiations stalling in 2013 and again in 2021 due to disagreements over tariffs and visa restrictions. The EU is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $137 billion in 2023-24. Modi emphasized a comprehensive collaboration blueprint covering trade, technology, and security, while von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean for global trade security. Additionally, discussions on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor were confirmed, aiming to improve connectivity and drive sustainable growth.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSouth Korean police have summoned a woman currently in Japan for questioning over allegations of kissing Jin, a member of K-pop sensation BTS, without consent during a public event in Seoul last year. The incident occurred during Jin's first public appearance following his mandatory military service, where he hugged fans and performed in front of thousands. The woman, believed to be in her 50s, reportedly kissed Jin's neck, prompting outrage among fans and a subsequent criminal complaint. The police confirmed that she has been booked and summoned, though her identity remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns. BTS, formed in 2013, has taken a hiatus since 2022 while its members fulfill military obligations, with Jin and J-Hope having completed their service. The remaining members are expected to finish by the end of 2025, with a potential return to group activities in 2026.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly considering a partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to enhance agents' self-defense skills, according to _The Independent_. During a recent teleconference with the heads of the FBI's 55 field offices, Patel expressed his desire to formalize this relationship, although the agency has yet to comment officially. Some agents have labeled the proposal as "surreal" and "wacky." Patel's connection to the UFC is notable, as President Trump, a fan of the sport, has attended events, and UFC President Dana White was involved in Trump's reelection campaign. Patel, who has initiated significant changes within the bureau, emphasized a commitment to integrity and transparency in a recent social media post, vowing to uncover any hidden records or misconduct. He was confirmed as director by the Senate with a narrow 51-49 vote and aims to lead the FBI into a new era focused on accountability.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 7 pmeznews.inScientists have captured rare footage of polar bear cubs emerging from their dens for the first time in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The video shows a mother bear and her three cubs navigating the icy terrain, highlighting their reliance on maternal support, as the cubs were observed outside the den without their mother only five percent of the time. This research, conducted by Polar Bears International, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and the University of Toronto Scarborough, was published in the _Journal of Wildlife Management_ on International Polar Bear Day (February 27). Lead author Louise Archer noted the remarkable nature of the cubs' first steps in such a challenging environment. The study also raises concerns about polar bear families potentially leaving their dens earlier in spring, a change that may be linked to climate change, although further monitoring is needed to understand this trend fully.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA devastating blast during Friday prayers at a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has resulted in at least five fatalities and 20 injuries, according to police reports. The explosion claimed the life of Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the head of a faction of the Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) and caretaker of the Madrassa-e-Haqqania in Akora Khattak. Authorities suspect the blast was a suicide bombing targeting Haqqani, who had received security protection. The explosion occurred during 'Jumma' prayers, prompting swift action from rescue teams that transported the injured to local hospitals, where an emergency was declared. The madrassa, known for its ties to the Hanafi Deobandi school of thought, has produced many notable Taliban figures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister and Governor condemned the attack, while JUI leaders called for blood donations to assist the injured.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 5 pmeznews.inApple has announced new initiatives to enhance safety for children and teens using its devices, responding to increasing legislative pressure in states like Utah and South Carolina for stricter age verification measures. The tech giant will introduce a Declared Age Range feature, allowing developers to access age information provided by parents during the setup of child accounts. This approach seeks to balance Apple's previous stance on age verification with the preferences of companies like Meta, which advocate for app stores to take on this responsibility. Alongside this, Apple is streamlining the child account creation process, enabling parents to select their child's age range and verify their information. The App Store will also provide additional guidance for parents on third-party apps, including details about user-generated content and parental controls. While some features are already available, a full rollout is anticipated later this year. Meta praised the move but called for more comprehensive legislation.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAn 18-year-old hiker, Sun Liang, survived for 10 days in the freezing conditions of China's Qinling mountains after going missing during a solo trek. Sun began his journey on February 8 but lost contact with his family two days later when his electronic devices ran out of battery. Isolated and injured with a fractured arm, he resorted to drinking river water, melted snow, and even toothpaste to survive. After his family alerted local authorities, a rescue operation involving over 30 members was launched, costing the family approximately 80,000 yuan. Sun was eventually found after he signaled for help while attempting to start a fire. Following his rescue, he warned prospective hikers about the treacherous conditions, stating that the area is unsuitable for trekking due to harsh weather and dangerous wildlife. Notably, over the past two decades, more than 50 hikers have gone missing or died along this perilous route.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inGermany's recent elections have highlighted a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with Friedrich Merz's conservatives emerging victorious, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) capturing 20.8% of the vote, doubling its support in four years. This marks a troubling normalization of the AfD, which has been classified as a right-wing extremist party by domestic intelligence. Despite a historical consensus among mainstream parties to exclude extremist groups from power, there are growing concerns about the longevity of this "firewall." Economic challenges, rising unemployment, and dissatisfaction with traditional parties have fueled the AfD's rise, as they exploit anxieties over immigration and national identity. With the US's waning influence in Europe, Germany faces pressure to lead while addressing internal divisions. Merz has acknowledged the need to resolve underlying issues to diminish the AfD's appeal, but the party's leader, Alice Weidel, is already positioning for future elections, signaling ongoing instability in German politics.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inDocuments released by the US Department of Justice on Friday revealed that notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had an extensive contact list featuring numerous high-profile celebrities, including US President Donald Trump, pop icon Michael Jackson, actor Alec Baldwin, and film producer Harvey Weinstein. Other notable names included former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, and supermodel Naomi Campbell, along with political figures like John Kerry and the late Ted Kennedy. The flight logs also listed individuals such as Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. Additionally, the Justice Department published a censored list of 254 masseuses, whose identities were protected due to their victim status. While the documents stirred interest, sources indicated they might not disclose significant revelations about connections between Epstein and prominent figures. Epstein, who faced numerous sexual assault allegations, died by suicide in prison in 2019, leaving behind a $634 million estate, part of which was allocated to victim compensation.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pm
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