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More than 350 prominent figures from the film industry, including Hollywood stars Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon, have signed an open letter condemning what they describe as "genocide" in Gaza, released just before the Cannes Festival. The letter, published in French newspaper Liberation and US magazine Variety, highlights the tragic death of 25-year-old Gazan photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, who was killed alongside ten relatives in an Israeli airstrike. Hassouna's story will be featured in a documentary premiering at Cannes, prompting Iranian director Sepideh Farsi to urge festival organizers to take a stand against the ongoing violence in Gaza. In stark contrast, this year's festival will also showcase films addressing the war in Ukraine, underscoring a commitment to artistic expression amid global conflicts. As the festival kicks off, it will also see the return of Tom Cruise and the debut of several films by actors turned directors, amidst ongoing discussions about political statements in cinema. 
Published: May 13 2025, 3 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reducing prescription drug prices to align with those in other countries, giving pharmaceutical companies a 30-day deadline to meet price targets. Trump seeks to cut prices by at least 59%, with some reductions potentially reaching up to 90%. He criticized the European Union for pressuring US drug manufacturers to lower prices abroad, which he claims leads to higher costs in America. The order proposes a "Most Favoured Nation" policy, linking US drug prices to the lowest prices paid internationally. While the plan relies on companies negotiating prices, it may face legal challenges, particularly regarding drug imports. Experts suggest that significant litigation could arise if the administration enforces concrete actions to compel price reductions. The Federal Trade Commission has been tasked with investigating anti-competitive practices within the pharmaceutical industry as part of this initiative. 
Published: May 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inA tragic incident in Nebraska has left a family dead, with authorities alleging that 42-year-old Jeremy Koch fatally stabbed his wife, Bailey, 41, and their two sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, before taking his own life. The bodies were discovered at their Johnson Lake home shortly after Koch's release from psychiatric care, raising concerns about mental health support in the community. Bailey's father, Lane Kugler, found the victims and expressed deep sorrow over the state of mental health care in the U.S., emphasizing the struggles his son-in-law faced. Just days prior, Bailey had posted about her husband's deteriorating condition, revealing that he had been diagnosed with severe depression and had experienced psychosis. The deaths occurred hours before Hudson's high school graduation, prompting the Cozad school district to acknowledge the impact on the community. An investigation is underway, with autopsies ordered for the family. 
Published: May 13 2025, 7 ameznews.inTwo Indian students from Cleveland State University, Saurav Prabhakar, 23, and Manav Patel, 20, tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on May 10. The incident occurred when their vehicle veered off the Pennsylvania Turnpike, colliding with a tree and subsequently hitting a bridge. Both students were pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple traumatic injuries, with their deaths ruled accidental by the coroner. An unidentified passenger was also in the vehicle and was taken to Reading Hospital, though their condition remains unknown. The Consulate General of India in New York expressed its condolences and assured support to the grieving families, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time." The Consulate is in contact with the families to provide assistance as needed. 
Published: May 13 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran in response to its expanding nuclear program, despite ongoing negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The sanctions target three Iranian individuals and the company Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, linked to Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND). Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Iran is enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, significantly exceeding the 3.67 percent limit established by the 2015 nuclear deal, which the U.S. abandoned in 2018. The sanctions freeze any assets of the individuals and the company within the U.S. and prohibit business dealings with them. This announcement follows a fourth round of talks between the U.S. and Iran, which ended without major breakthroughs but left both sides cautiously optimistic about reaching a new agreement to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. 
Published: May 13 2025, 4 ameznews.inIndia's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, which he described as a decisive shift in India's military strategy against terrorism. In a national address, Modi claimed that over 100 terrorists and approximately 40 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a series of precision drone and missile strikes targeting what he termed "Pakistan's terror universities." He emphasized that these operations were a direct response to Pakistan's support for terrorism, citing historical links between global terror attacks and Pakistani bases. Modi warned that while retaliatory strikes have been temporarily suspended following Pakistan's commitment to address terrorism, India remains prepared to resume operations if necessary. He criticized Pakistan's attempts at nuclear intimidation, asserting that India would not be deterred from targeting terrorist hideouts. The operation, initiated after a Pakistan-linked attack in Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly destroyed nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 
Published: May 13 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn a significant development following trade talks in Geneva, the United States and China have agreed to suspend reciprocal tariffs for an initial 90-day period, a move US President Donald Trump has hailed as a "total reset" in relations. Describing the discussions as friendly, Trump emphasized that the relationship with China is now "very, very good," and hinted at a potential call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Under the agreement, China will impose 10% tariffs on US goods, while the US will tax Chinese imports at approximately 30%. Both nations acknowledged the importance of a sustainable economic partnership and committed to establishing a mechanism for ongoing discussions, led by Vice Premier He Lifeng from China and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The talks reflect a broader strategy by Trump to address trade deficits and ensure fair trade practices through reciprocal tariffs with various countries. 
Published: May 13 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe US military has reportedly spent over $21 million on flights to deport migrants during President Donald Trump's second term, according to figures released by the US Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). Between January 20 and April 8, TRANSCOM conducted 46 flights in support of these deportation efforts, accumulating 802.5 flight hours at an average cost of $26,277 per hour. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who disclosed the information, criticized the expenditure as a misuse of military resources for political purposes, stating that "every American should be outraged" by such actions. Warren, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized that US service members did not enlist to be involved in what she termed an "abuse of power." The Trump administration has framed its actions as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal migration, including immigration raids and the deployment of additional troops to the US-Mexico border. 
Published: May 13 2025, 12 ameznews.inDonald Trump has claimed responsibility for averting a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, asserting that his administration facilitated a ceasefire. Speaking at a press briefing, Trump emphasized the risk of a catastrophic nuclear war, thanking Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio for their efforts. However, Indian government sources refuted Trump's comments regarding trade discussions, stating that trade was not mentioned in conversations between U.S. officials and Indian leaders. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced India's stance against "nuclear blackmail," declaring that India would not tolerate terrorism and had initiated Operation Sindoor, a new doctrine aimed at combating terror. Modi clarified that the ceasefire is not permanent and stressed that retaliatory actions could resume if Pakistan fails to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. He warned that future strikes would target both the state sponsors of terrorism and the perpetrators behind attacks. 
Published: May 13 2025, 12 ameznews.inSince taking office on January 20, US President Donald Trump's tariff policies have created significant turmoil in financial markets and heightened uncertainty in the global economy. Key developments include the imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports and 10% on Chinese goods, aimed at curbing fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration. However, Trump has frequently altered his approach, pausing tariffs on Mexico and Canada after negotiations, delaying duties on low-cost Chinese packages, and exempting certain goods under the North American trade pact. Notably, he raised tariffs on steel and aluminium and announced a blanket 10% duty on nearly all imports. Following market upheaval, Trump paused most country-specific tariffs while maintaining the 10% blanket duty. Recent agreements with China have temporarily reduced reciprocal tariffs, but significant duties remain in place, reflecting ongoing tensions in international trade relations. 
Published: May 12 2025, 10 pm
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