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Errol Musk, father of billionaire Elon Musk, has voiced skepticism regarding his son's suitability for a political career, citing Elon's difficulties in connecting with diverse groups of people. In an interview with Al Arabiya News, Errol emphasized that politics requires engagement with individuals across the spectrum of intelligence and sophistication, a skill he believes Elon lacks. As speculation about Elon’s presidential ambitions grows, particularly following Donald Trump's second term, Errol pointed out potential eligibility issues stemming from his son's birthplace. He also drew comparisons between Elon and Trump, suggesting that both may struggle to resonate with ordinary voters due to their backgrounds. Additionally, Errol discussed his son's recent role in shutting down the Department of Government Efficiency after uncovering systemic waste. He defended Elon against criticism regarding his public speaking, attributing misunderstandings, including an alleged Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration, to his son's communication challenges. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift from tradition, the Vatican has begun providing daily updates on Pope Francis's health as he battles double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital. Historically, discussing the pope's health was considered taboo, but the Holy See's transparency reflects Francis's desire for openness and counteracts misinformation circulating on social media about his condition. The updates detail his treatment, including the use of high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions, and were reportedly initiated by the pope himself, who sought clarity regarding his health status. Experts have noted that this approach builds trust and is a departure from the Vatican's past reticence on such matters, exemplified by the delayed disclosures about previous popes' health issues. As misinformation proliferated, Vatican officials recognized the importance of being forthcoming to prevent conspiracy theories from taking root. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inBilly McFarland, the convicted fraudster behind the disastrous 2017 Fyre Festival, has announced plans for a second iteration of the event, dubbed "Fyre 2," set to take place from May 20 to June 2 on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Promising a "three-day escape to the Mexican Caribbean," McFarland's announcement on Instagram claims attendees will engage with talent by day and enjoy music at night. A website for ticket sales has launched, featuring prices ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million for luxury packages, though no performers have been confirmed. Reflecting on his past, McFarland stated, "I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for doing this again," but he believes the new team has "amazing plans." The original Fyre Festival, co-founded with rapper Ja Rule, infamously failed to deliver on its lavish promises, leading to widespread ridicule and McFarland's conviction for wire fraud. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRoberta Flack, the iconic Grammy-winning singer renowned for hits like "Killing Me Softly With His Song," passed away on Monday at the age of 88, as confirmed by her publicist. The cause of death was not disclosed, but Flack had been battling ALS, which robbed her of her singing voice after her diagnosis in 2022. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in 1937, Flack rose to fame in the 1970s, blending R&B with her unique "scientific soul" style. She gained prominence after Clint Eastwood featured her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in his film "Play Misty for Me," earning her consecutive Grammys. Flack was also known for her collaborations with Donny Hathaway and her involvement in social movements. Tributes poured in from artists like Jennifer Hudson and Questlove, celebrating her profound impact on music and culture. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSudan has begun sending crop samples to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, often dubbed the "doomsday" vault, located in the Arctic, as a crucial measure amid the ongoing civil war that has devastated the nation. Since April 2023, conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces has led to tens of thousands of deaths and left millions displaced, with over half the population facing severe hunger. The samples, including various sorghum species vital to Sudan's food security and cultural heritage, symbolize hope for the future amid the crisis. The vault, designed to withstand global disasters, serves as a genetic repository for crops worldwide, having previously assisted in restoring seed collections damaged by conflict in Syria. In total, 14,022 new samples from various countries have been deposited, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity and the resilience of affected communities. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inHamas has released six Israeli hostages as part of the final scheduled exchange under a ceasefire agreement with Israel, bringing the total number of released Israelis to 33, including eight deceased individuals. Separately, five Thai hostages were freed, while 63 hostages, including the remains of a soldier held since 2014, remain in Gaza. The handover of remains was complicated by a mix-up involving the body of Shiri Bibas, an Israeli mother abducted by militants, which was resolved after a tense standoff. Since the October 7 attack that initiated the conflict, Hamas has abducted 251 individuals, with 141 having been released, while 62 remain captive. In exchange for the hostages, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 prisoners and detainees during this ceasefire phase. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inApple Inc has unveiled plans to invest $500 billion in the United States over the next four years, following a recent meeting between CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump. This significant investment will primarily focus on developing Apple’s artificial intelligence platform, with plans to establish a large factory in Texas for AI server production. Additionally, Apple aims to create over 20,000 research and development jobs across the country and enhance its Apple TV+ service with new U.S.-based content. The investment will also support domestic sourcing of components, including from suppliers like Corning, and facilitate semiconductor manufacturing in collaboration with Foxconn in Houston. Furthermore, Apple intends to launch a manufacturing academy in Michigan to provide free skill development courses. Despite these domestic initiatives, iPhones and other devices will continue to be produced overseas, raising questions about potential tariffs on imports. Apple's stock rose 1.2% following the announcement. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Church of England's General Synod recently voted to enhance oversight of safeguarding measures for abuse complaints, yet fell short of establishing a fully independent body, a decision met with disappointment by victims seeking accountability. This compromise occurs amid a crisis for the Church, which has faced multiple abuse scandals, including the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby following revelations of his inaction on child sexual abuse allegations. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse highlighted systemic failures, including prioritizing the Church's reputation over victim safety, inadequate safeguarding measures, and a culture of secrecy. As the Church grapples with declining public trust and membership, it faces mounting pressure to implement survivor-centered reforms and embrace transparency. The Church's unique role as a state institution underscores its responsibility to lead by example in addressing these issues, or risk further eroding public confidence in faith-based organizations. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGermany's Chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, has pledged to prioritize European unity and security, aiming to foster "real independence" from the United States amid concerns over the new Trump administration and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, Merz criticized the US for its indifference towards Europe, questioning NATO's future and advocating for an independent European defense capability. His comments mark a significant shift for Germany, traditionally a close US ally, as fears grow that Trump might negotiate with Russia over Ukraine without European input. Merz, whose conservatives recently won a national election, faces coalition challenges while addressing pressing issues such as economic competitiveness, migration, and international security threats. He emphasized the need for unity in Europe and reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, while expressing reluctance to send troops, highlighting concerns over the potential withdrawal of US security guarantees. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Taliban has confirmed the arrest of British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds, both in their 70s, in Afghanistan, following a public plea from their four adult children for their release. The Reynolds have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, continuing their work with Rebuild, an organization focused on education and training programs, including initiatives for mothers and children, despite the Taliban's harsh restrictions on women's rights. Sarah Entwistle, one of their children, has called for a boycott of England's ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan, urging the British consulate to take action to secure her parents' release. "Our parents have always sought to honor the Taliban," she stated, emphasizing their desire for dialogue, but lamented the lack of communication after three weeks of silence regarding their detention. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pm
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