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French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's interaction at the European Political Community summit in Tirana has generated significant online chatter. In viral footage, Macron reaches for a handshake, only for Erdogan to unexpectedly grasp his finger and hold it while staring into the distance, resulting in an awkward moment for Macron as he attempts to free his hand. The exchange, which ended with both leaders laughing, has sparked speculation about its implications, with some observers suggesting it was a power play by Erdogan, who remained seated while Macron stood. Turkish media noted that Erdogan's grip was a response to Macron's attempt to assert dominance by placing a hand on his shoulder. This incident unfolds against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions between France and Turkey over issues like NATO's expansion and responses to the Russian war in Ukraine, highlighting the complex dynamics between the two nations. 
Published: May 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inPriya Saxena, a 28-year-old Indian PhD graduate from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, has received a legal reprieve allowing her to remain in the United States after the Trump administration sought to deport her. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked her F-1 student visa in April due to a minor traffic violation from 2021, where she failed to stop for an emergency vehicle. Saxena, whose visa was valid until February 2027, sued the administration, resulting in a federal judge granting a temporary restraining order that enabled her to graduate on May 10. The court later issued a preliminary injunction preventing DHS from detaining her without judicial approval, citing the agency's actions as potentially unlawful. This case highlights the Trump administration's broader crackdown on immigration, which has disproportionately affected international students over minor infractions and other issues.
Published: May 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inChaos unfolded on Saturday evening when the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtemoc collided with New York's iconic Brooklyn Bridge at around 8:30 PM. The vessel, carrying 277 crew members, primarily cadets, reportedly lost power, resulting in the catastrophic crash that sheared off its 147-foot masts, which exceeded the bridge's 135-foot clearance. The collision tragically resulted in two fatalities and 19 injuries. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with screams echoing as the ship drifted dangerously close to onlookers, and some sailors were seen falling from the sails. Eyewitness Elijah West recounted the panic, stating, "It was crazy," while Ismari Romero reflected on the abrupt shift from celebration to chaos. The Brooklyn Bridge, a vital thoroughfare since 1883, sees over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily, making this incident particularly shocking for both locals and tourists alike.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a potential shift in Israel's stance towards Hamas, expressing openness to negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Prime Minister's Office revealed that a team in Doha is exploring a proposal from US special envoy Steve Witkoff for a limited hostage exchange and a ceasefire, alongside a broader agreement that could involve the release of all hostages and the exile of Hamas operatives. Currently, 58 hostages are believed to be held by Hamas, with around 23 reportedly alive. Meanwhile, Hamas has stated it will only release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. Complicating matters, reports suggest that Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar may have been killed in an Israeli airstrike. Amid escalating violence, Israeli military strikes have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, raising pressure on Netanyahu from families of hostages demanding a resolution.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inElton John has criticized the British government for what he describes as "theft," following proposals that would allow tech firms to train artificial intelligence models on the UK's music and creative works without ensuring fair compensation for creators. The government's plan, aimed at establishing the UK as an AI superpower, suggests relaxing copyright laws, requiring artists to opt-out if they do not want their work used. This has drawn concern from industry giants like Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran, who argue it could jeopardize the livelihoods of emerging artists. John, a supporter of Labour leader Keir Starmer, emphasized the emotional depth of human creativity, stating that machines lack the soul and passion inherent in artistic expression. The government insists it is seeking a balanced approach that supports both creative industries and AI development, pledging to assess the economic impact before any final decisions.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCecilia Culver, a recent graduate from George Washington University, delivered a powerful commencement speech condemning the university's financial ties to Israel and labeling the situation in Gaza as "genocide." During her address, Culver expressed her sorrow over the plight of Palestinian students forced to abandon their education due to the ongoing conflict, stating, "I cannot celebrate my own graduation without a heavy heart." Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have reportedly resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Culver criticized GWU for its alleged complicity in the violence through its investments and called for transparency and divestment from what she termed an "apartheid state." Her speech received applause from parts of the audience, while university officials later issued an apology for what they deemed a violation of conduct.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens as Israel's military offensive, Operation Gideon's Chariot, intensifies, resulting in mass displacement and overwhelming casualties. Rows of body bags lie outside makeshift hospitals, where families search for missing loved ones amidst the chaos. Recent airstrikes, including one in Khan Younis that killed at least 24 people, have exacerbated the suffering of civilians already displaced by earlier attacks. Medical professionals, like surgeon Dr. Khaled Alshawwa, describe unbearable conditions, with hospitals collapsing under the strain of mass casualties and severe shortages of supplies. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to target Hamas, yet the operation has failed to achieve its objectives, with over 53,000 reported dead since its escalation began in March. Meanwhile, critical shortages of food, water, and medical aid persist, as the blockade on humanitarian assistance continues, leaving many in dire need of support.
Published: May 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAn unstable spring weather system has unleashed a series of tornadoes across the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, resulting in at least 27 fatalities and numerous injuries in Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia. The majority of the devastation occurred in Kentucky, where 18 people lost their lives and many others were critically injured. Drone footage revealed extensive damage in London, Kentucky, with homes flattened and trees stripped bare. Governor Andy Beshear warned that the death toll could rise as rescuers continue to search for survivors amid widespread destruction. Emergency shelters have been established, and residents have begun receiving donations of food and necessities. This latest storm follows a previous severe weather event in Kentucky that killed 24 people just two months ago. Concerns are growing about the impact of staffing cuts at National Weather Service offices on disaster response and warning effectiveness.
Published: May 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inElon Musk is facing significant backlash after sharing a message on X from a friend alleging that Johannesburg is in chaos, with non-functional traffic lights and exorbitant bread prices. The claims, which also included accusations of widespread corruption among Black South Africans, were quickly debunked by users posting videos of operational traffic signals and clarifying that a loaf of bread costs around $0.83 to $0.98. Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, supported these rebuttals, providing accurate pricing information and stating that there was no credible evidence for the corruption allegations mentioned. Critics have urged Musk to visit South Africa instead of spreading negative stereotypes, while this incident adds to previous controversies involving Musk and Grok regarding South African racial issues, including accusations of "white genocide."
Published: May 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inRussia launched its most intense drone assault on Ukraine since the onset of its full-scale invasion in 2022, following unsuccessful peace talks in Istanbul aimed at establishing a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey was rejected by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested lower-level negotiations instead. The talks, which lasted less than two hours, ended without a ceasefire, although both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war. Ukraine's intelligence chief indicated that the exchange could occur as early as next week. In a significant escalation, Russia deployed 273 drones, with Ukraine intercepting 88 and jamming 128. The attacks primarily targeted Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions, resulting in civilian casualties, including the death of a 28-year-old woman and injuries to three others. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump plans to engage with both Putin and Zelenskyy to discuss ending the conflict.
Published: May 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA British climber has set a new record for the most ascents of Mount Everest by a non-Sherpa, achieving his 19th summit on Sunday. Kenton Cool, 51, reached the peak of the 8,849-metre mountain in the morning, according to Rajan Bhattarai of Himalayan Guides. Fellow climbers have praised Cool's achievement, with Adrian Ballinger of Alpenglow Expeditions highlighting his experience and charisma as invaluable to the Everest community. Cool, who first summited in 2004, was accompanied by Sherpa Dorji Gyaljen, marking his 23rd ascent. The record for the most climbs overall is held by Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita, with 30 summits. Cool followed the popular Southeast Ridge route, first scaled by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. This climbing season, Nepal has issued 468 permits, each costing $11,000, underscoring the mountain's significance to local tourism and economy.
Published: May 18 2025, 2 pm
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