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Failed Assassination Plot Against Iranian-American Journalist Uncovered

In July 2022, Khalid Mehdiyev, a 27-year-old self-identified member of the Russian mob, attempted to assassinate Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad after being hired for $30,000 by Azerbaijani associates linked to Iran's government. However, his mission quickly unraveled due to a series of amateur blunders, including texting Alinejad in an effort to befriend her and carelessly surveilling her home. After running a stop sign near her residence, police discovered an AK-47 and a ski mask in his vehicle, leading to his arrest. During court proceedings, Mehdiyev confessed that he intended to kill Alinejad, revealing that he had been paid to do so and had even considered setting her house on fire. His testimony implicates fellow Azerbaijani nationals Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, who have pleaded not guilty, while Alinejad, a prominent critic of Iran, has survived multiple assassination attempts. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 4 pm

Trump Proposes 200% Tariff on French Wine and Champagne

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a staggering 200-percent tariff on French wines, champagnes, and other alcoholic products from European Union countries in retaliation for the EU's planned 50-percent levy on American whiskey. Announcing his stance on Truth Social, Trump criticized the EU as "one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world," claiming it was established to exploit the US. This escalation follows the EU's unveiling of tariffs on $28 billion worth of US goods in response to American tariffs on steel and aluminum. The Distilled Spirits Council expressed disappointment over the EU's whiskey levy, warning it could hinder growth in the US spirits industry. Trump's trade wars have previously targeted Canada, Mexico, and China, with retaliatory measures prompting concerns over potential economic repercussions, including a recession. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 6 pm

Trump Criticized for Using 'Palestinian' as Insult Against Democrat

US President Donald Trump has faced backlash from Jewish and Muslim organizations after he referred to Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer as having "become a Palestinian" during remarks in the Oval Office. Trump's comments, which implied that Schumer had abandoned his Jewish identity, came as the senator resisted Republican pressure to support a stopgap government funding plan. Schumer, a long-time advocate for Israel and a proponent of a two-state solution, has also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Anti-Defamation League condemned Trump's remarks as offensive and inappropriate for a president, while CAIR's executive director called for an apology, labeling the term "Palestinian" as a racial slur. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, described Trump's rhetoric as "abhorrent," accusing him of fostering antisemitism and aligning with right-wing extremists. Schumer's office has not yet commented on the incident. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 6 pm

Neuroscientist-OnlyFans Model Faces Memory Loss After Bike Accident

Mercedes Valentine, a 25-year-old neuroscientist and OnlyFans model, suffered life-altering injuries in a motorcycle crash after colliding with a pigeon. The accident left her with a broken nose, skull, shoulder, and ribs, alongside a shattered pelvis and memory loss that erased her recollections around the incident. Before the crash, Valentine was celebrating her parents' 60th birthdays and had recently purchased a $900,000 home and a luxury car. The crash occurred when she swerved to avoid the bird, sending her motorcycle crashing into a parked car, resulting in her being thrown 260 feet. Fortunately, her family, all medical professionals, were nearby and provided immediate aid. After a week in the hospital and facing the possibility of blindness, Valentine has struggled with memory issues and emotional challenges but is determined to share her story to promote safety among motorcyclists. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 7 pm

Trump's Tariffs Spark Global "Boycott USA" Movement

President Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China have ignited trade wars and sparked a global "Boycott USA" movement, particularly strong in Europe and Canada. The term has surged in popularity on Google, with Denmark leading the charge, supported by a Facebook group of 73,000 members. Sweden and France also rank highly in searches, with dedicated groups advocating for local products. Canadian provinces have begun removing American-made alcohol from shelves, prompting criticism from industry leaders like Brown-Forman's CEO, who described the actions as "worse than tariffs." The U.S. Travel Association warns that a 10% drop in Canadian travel could lead to significant economic losses, while Tesla struggles with plummeting sales across Europe, facing declines of up to 70% in Germany. Amid these developments, Trump has claimed that "Radical Left Lunatics" are attempting to orchestrate a boycott against his company. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 5 pm

Meta Testing Community Notes in US Starting March 18

Meta Platforms has announced it will start testing a new feature called Community Notes on its social media platforms in the United States, beginning March 18. This development comes more than two months after the company decided to discontinue its fact-checking program. The introduction of Community Notes is part of Meta's ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement and content accuracy across its platforms. The company aims to provide users with more tools to contribute to the quality of information shared online. This testing phase will allow Meta to gather feedback and assess the effectiveness of the feature before any potential wider rollout. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 5 pm

France Faces Backlash Over Hijab Ad with Eiffel Tower

Dutch modest fashion brand Merrachi has sparked controversy in France with a promotional video featuring the Eiffel Tower draped in a hijab, part of a campaign advocating for the freedom to wear the Islamic headscarf. The ad, shared on Instagram, was met with fierce backlash from French politicians, who criticized it as "dangerous" and contrary to "French values." Lisette Pollet, a member of the right-wing National Rally party, called the ad an offense to France's democratic heritage, while her colleague Jerome Buisson described it as a "terrifying political project." Economist Philippe Murer demanded the closure of Merrachi's stores in France. Conversely, some social media users praised the ad as a creative marketing move that could stimulate important discussions about France's policies on Muslim women's attire. This incident highlights France's complex history with Muslim clothing, marked by laws banning conspicuous religious symbols in public schools and face coverings in public spaces. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 3 pm

Bombs Hidden in Perfume Sets Discovered at Russian Airport

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a 20-year-old man suspected of sending letter bombs to military officials, marking another incident Moscow attributes to Ukrainian operatives. The suspect allegedly dispatched explosive devices disguised as perfume gift sets to military personnel in multiple regions, including Moscow and Krasnodar, earlier this month. The FSB intercepted the parcels during security screenings at Chelyabinsk airport before they could be opened. Authorities claim that the suspect was recruited by "Ukrainian special services" in exchange for money, but communication ceased after the bombs were sent. Since the onset of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has detained hundreds of individuals for alleged collaboration with Ukraine, with courts frequently handing down treason convictions in such cases. Ukraine has not officially commented on this specific incident, though it has previously targeted military officials involved in the conflict. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 4 pm

Customer Urinates in Hotpot; Restaurant Faces Thousands in Damages

Haidilao, a leading Chinese hotpot restaurant chain, has pledged compensation to customers after a shocking video surfaced, showing a man urinating into a hotpot at a Shanghai outlet. The incident, which occurred on February 24, involved two men who filmed the act while dining in a private room, prompting widespread outrage on social media. In response, Haidilao issued an apology and announced legal action against the perpetrators, acknowledging a lack of contingency plans for such incidents. The restaurant will refund customers from 4,100 orders placed during the incident period, offering full refunds plus tenfold compensation. Shanghai police have detained two 17-year-olds in connection with the case. Amid criticism of its delayed response, Haidilao faces scrutiny not only for this incident but also in light of recent reports highlighting poor food hygiene standards across various eateries in China. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 4 pm

US Agencies Must Submit Mass Layoff Plans Today

In a significant move to reduce the size of the federal government, President Donald Trump has set a Thursday deadline for agencies to submit plans for mass layoffs and budget cuts. This initiative, spearheaded by tech billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, could potentially eliminate tens of thousands of federal jobs, adding to the 100,000 already cut from the 2.3 million-strong workforce. While a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 59% of Americans support cutting government size, the same percentage opposes the drastic job losses. Agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Education have revealed plans for substantial layoffs, while others are offering early retirement incentives to minimize legal challenges. Critics warn that aggressive cuts could hinder government functionality, as Trump's administration seeks to capitalize on its political capital before the end of its post-election phase. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 4 pm

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