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Doctor Deported Had 'Sympathetic' Hezbollah Photos on Phone: US

US authorities have deported Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a 34-year-old kidney specialist from Rhode Island, to Lebanon after discovering "sympathetic photos and videos" related to Hezbollah on her phone. Alawieh, who held an H-1B visa, was detained upon her return to Boston from Lebanon, where she attended the funeral of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, which she described as a "purely religious" event. The US Department of Justice stated that her removal was justified due to concerns about her intentions in the US, citing her statements and the content on her phone. This action occurred despite a federal judge's order barring her deportation without 48 hours' notice, raising allegations of a violation of court orders. The Justice Department defended Customs and Border Protection's actions, claiming proper channels for notification were not followed. The case has since drawn significant legal attention, with ongoing disputes regarding the deportation process. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 12 am

Pope Francis Can Breathe Independently, Vatican Reports

Pope Francis is showing signs of improvement as he spends short moments breathing without oxygen, according to a Vatican update on Monday. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14, receiving treatment for pneumonia in both lungs. For the past fortnight, he has been using an oxygen mask at night and a cannula during the day, but he has now transitioned to a reduced flow of oxygen. The Vatican reported that his condition remains stable, and he has been engaging in physiotherapy, prayer, and light work. A recent photograph, the first since his hospitalization, shows him in a wheelchair in the hospital chapel, appearing alert. In a written statement, Francis expressed solidarity with others facing health challenges, emphasizing that despite physical frailty, love and faith endure. This hospitalization marks the most serious health crisis of his papacy. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 7 am

Israel Launches Strikes on Gaza Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks

The Israeli military launched extensive airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza on Tuesday, resulting in at least 66 deaths and injuring around 150 people, marking the most significant escalation since a ceasefire began on January 19. The strikes were ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in response to Hamas's refusal to release hostages and to reject proposals from U.S. mediators. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the military operations aimed to achieve specific wartime objectives, including the release of hostages. Meanwhile, truce talks have stalled, with Israel seeking to extend the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement while Hamas insists on resuming hostage releases only under subsequent phases. The conflict, which began with a Hamas raid on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths and significant casualties on both sides. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 7 am

Australian Man Survives 100 Days with Titanium Heart

An Australian man has made history as the first person to survive over 100 days with a titanium artificial heart, known as BiVACOR, after suffering severe heart failure. The unnamed patient, in his 40s from New South Wales, received the device during a six-hour surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney last November, led by cardiothoracic surgeon Paul Jansz. The BiVACOR, invented by Dr. Daniel Timms, is designed to act as a bridge to a donor heart, utilizing a single moving part to reduce mechanical failure risks. Following a successful period with the device and no major complications, the patient underwent a heart transplant earlier this month. Researchers hailed the implant as an "unmitigated clinical success," though experts note that while BiVACOR could eventually serve as a permanent solution for some patients, its lifespan remains significantly shorter than that of a donor heart, which typically exceeds 10 years. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 7 am

Taiwan Spots 59 Chinese Aircraft Near Its Waters

Taiwan's defense ministry reported a significant increase in Chinese military activity around the self-ruled island, detecting 59 Chinese aircraft, nine warships, and two balloons within a 24-hour period. This marks the highest number of aircraft since October's record, coinciding with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent characterization of China as a "foreign hostile force." The ministry noted that 54 of the aircraft participated in "joint combat" patrols on Monday. In response, China's foreign ministry described these military maneuvers as a "stern warning" to those advocating for Taiwan's independence. China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over the island. The increase in Chinese military presence reflects Beijing's ongoing efforts to reinforce its sovereignty claims, which Taipei firmly contests. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 7 am

Israel consulted US before Gaza strikes, White House says

The Trump administration was consulted by Israel regarding its recent airstrikes in Gaza, as confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during an interview on Fox News. The strikes, which have reportedly resulted in dozens of fatalities, mark a significant escalation in violence following a ceasefire established on January 19 between Israel and Hamas. A senior Hamas official accused Israel of breaching this agreement. Leavitt reiterated President Trump's stance that groups like Hamas and Iran would face severe repercussions for their actions against the U.S. and Israel. The ongoing conflict intensified after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 hostages being taken. Since then, Israel's military response has reportedly claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives and led to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Meanwhile, the U.S. has conducted airstrikes in Yemen targeting the Houthi movement. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 8 am

Iran Condemns Trump's "Belligerent" Comments in UN Letter

Iran's UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, has condemned US President Donald Trump for what he termed "belligerent statements" regarding the Islamic Republic, asserting that such remarks violate the UN Charter. In a letter addressed to the Security Council, Iravani accused Trump and other US officials of attempting to "unlawfully justify" acts of aggression and war crimes against Yemen. The criticism comes in response to Trump's assertion earlier that day, where he stated Iran would be held directly responsible for any future attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been targeting international vessels in the Red Sea. This exchange highlights the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly concerning regional security and the ongoing conflict in Yemen. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 6 am

Israel Launches Strikes in Gaza During Ceasefire Negotiations

The Israeli military has intensified airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, marking some of the most violent assaults since a ceasefire began on January 19. Medics report casualties following strikes that hit three houses in Deir Al-Balah, a building in Gaza City, and various targets in Khan Younis and Rafah. The surge in violence highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas regarding the continuation of the three-phase ceasefire. Efforts by Arab mediators, with support from the United States, to reconcile differences between the two sides have so far been unsuccessful, despite discussions over the past two weeks. The situation remains critical as both parties struggle to maintain a fragile peace amid escalating hostilities. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 7 am

Trump: Xi Jinping to Visit US Soon

U.S. President Donald Trump hinted on Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping might visit the United States "in the not-too-distant future" amid escalating economic tensions between the two nations. Since taking office, Trump has imposed 20% tariffs on all Chinese imports, criticizing Beijing for its failure to curb the flow of chemicals linked to the opioid crisis in the U.S. While Trump has expressed optimism about his relationship with Xi, significant disagreements remain on issues such as tariffs and Taiwan. China has objected to the tariffs and claims to have taken substantial steps in counter-narcotics efforts, responding with limited retaliatory trade measures. During a board meeting at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Trump reiterated the need for tariffs to correct trade imbalances and generate government revenue, dismissing concerns that they could hinder economic growth or inflate prices. The White House and Chinese embassy did not comment on the remarks. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 5 am

US Bans China's DeepSeek on Government Devices: Report

The U.S. Commerce Department has issued a ban on the Chinese artificial intelligence model DeepSeek for all government-furnished equipment, as revealed in a recent internal communication. Staff were instructed not to download or access any applications related to DeepSeek, which has raised concerns about data privacy and the potential sharing of sensitive information with the Chinese Communist Party. The ban follows a significant selloff in global equity markets attributed to fears over DeepSeek's impact on the U.S. AI lead. Congressional members, including Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood, have introduced legislation to prohibit the AI model on government devices and urged state governors to implement similar bans. Several states, including Virginia, Texas, and New York, have already restricted DeepSeek's use, while a coalition of 21 state attorneys general has called for federal legislation to address the issue. The Commerce Department has not commented on the extent of the ban across the government. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 5 am

Starbucks Fined $50 Million Over Hot Tea Spill Incident

Starbucks has been ordered to pay $50 million to Michael Garcia, a customer who suffered severe burns from a hot tea spill at a California drive-through in February 2020. Garcia's lawyers claimed that a server improperly placed one of three oversized drinks in the tray, leading to the accident that caused third-degree burns to his groin and inner thighs. After enduring hospitalization and multiple skin grafts, Garcia has lived with lasting physical and psychological effects. Starbucks denied responsibility and initially offered $30 million to settle, but the case proceeded to trial when Garcia insisted on a public apology and policy changes. A Los Angeles jury ultimately awarded him $50 million, a sum that could exceed $60 million with additional costs. Starbucks plans to appeal, maintaining that it upholds high safety standards and disagrees with the jury's findings. The case echoes the infamous 1994 McDonald's coffee spill lawsuit. sources

Published:
Mar 18 2025, 5 am

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