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Donald Trump has accepted an invitation from King Charles for a state visit to Britain, making him the first elected U.S. president in modern history to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered the invitation during a White House press conference, to which Trump responded affirmatively, expressing enthusiasm for the visit alongside First Lady Melania Trump. The date for the visit has yet to be announced. Trump previously visited the UK for a three-day state visit in June 2019, hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and was one of only three U.S. presidents to receive such an honor during her 70-year reign. His visits have historically sparked significant protests, with his 2018 trip costing police over £14 million due to extensive security measures. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has sought to downplay his recent remark referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a "dictator." During a press interaction on Thursday, Trump expressed disbelief at his own comment, stating, "Did I say that? I can't believe I said that," in response to questions from journalists regarding his post on Truth Social earlier this month. This statement comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Trump's comments and their implications for US-Ukrainian relations. The incident highlights the often controversial nature of Trump's rhetoric as he navigates international politics. The remarks were made public on February 28, 2025, and have since drawn attention to the dynamics between the US and Ukraine during a critical period. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a notable meeting in Washington, former President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin would honor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, contradicting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's concerns over the need for a US "backstop" to prevent further aggression from Russia. As Starmer sought security guarantees for Kyiv, he presented Trump with an unprecedented invitation from King Charles III for a second state visit, aiming to strengthen ties amid fears that Trump might compromise Ukraine's position. Trump downplayed previous controversial remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, jokingly stating, "Did I say that?" The two leaders are set to meet again, with Trump expected to sign a deal granting the US access to Ukraine's rare minerals, though security guarantees appear absent. Starmer's visit follows a similar trip by French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting ongoing tensions over European defense responsibilities. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a tragic incident in Sacramento, California, Indian student Nilam Shinde was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident on February 14. The 58-year-old driver, Lawrence Gallow, fled the scene but was arrested five days later on February 19, facing felony charges for causing permanent injury. Shinde, a post-graduate student at California State University from Maharashtra's Satara, suffered multiple fractures and underwent emergency brain surgery, remaining in a coma. Her family initially faced delays in securing a US visa to visit her, but intervention from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expedited their appointment. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed support for Shinde's family, confirming ongoing assistance during this difficult time. The university has also reached out for travel permits to facilitate family visits as Shinde's condition remains critical. 
Published: Feb 27 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a significant advancement for China's tech landscape, home appliance brands are integrating DeepSeek's artificial intelligence models into their products, including TVs, fridges, and robot vacuum cleaners. The Hangzhou-based startup has emerged as a formidable player in the AI sector, outperforming Western counterparts at a fraction of the cost, thereby bolstering national pride amid U.S. efforts to curb China's technological progress. DeepSeek's founder, Liang Wenfeng, has received accolades from Chinese authorities, with plans to launch the R2 model soon, following the success of R1. Major manufacturers like Haier, Hisense, and TCL Electronics join industry giants such as Huawei and Tencent in adopting DeepSeek's technology. Enhanced capabilities will allow devices to execute complex commands with greater precision, as exemplified by a robotic vacuum cleaner's ability to navigate obstacles and follow intricate instructions, such as avoiding children's toys while cleaning. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe United States has enacted significant cuts to its overseas development and aid programs, with the State Department reporting a staggering 92 percent reduction in multi-year contracts, amounting to $54 billion. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump initiated a 90-day freeze on foreign aid to reassess spending in line with his "America First" policy. The review led to the elimination of nearly 5,800 contracts and 4,100 grants, totaling a 28 percent reduction of $4.4 billion. While many programs were slashed, critical initiatives such as food assistance and medical treatments for diseases like HIV and malaria remained intact. The cuts prompted layoffs of 1,600 USAID employees and placed others on administrative leave. Meanwhile, a federal judge ordered the administration to restore aid, but the Supreme Court granted a temporary hold on this directive. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inWorkers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were permitted to briefly return to their Washington headquarters on Thursday to collect personal belongings, following a drastic decision by the Trump administration to cut over 90% of the agency's aid contracts. This sweeping move, part of a 90-day pause on foreign aid initiated in January for a review aligned with Trump's "America First" policy, has thrown USAID into disarray, halting global operations and jeopardizing vital humanitarian assistance. Thousands of employees were put on leave, and many are not expected to return. As laid-off staff exited the building, they were met with support from onlookers, including an emotional scene with a young girl holding a sign for her father. Although some critical aid programs remain, major funding cuts have affected crucial health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa and contracts with UNAIDS. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inNael Barghouti, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner in Israeli jails, was released on Thursday after spending 45 years incarcerated, including 34 years consecutively. His release was part of a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, which included a hostage-prisoner swap. Barghouti was initially arrested in 1978 for the murder of an Israeli officer while affiliated with Fatah, the party of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Following his release, he was expelled to Egypt. The latest swap marked the seventh and final exchange in the initial phase of the ceasefire that began on January 19, which has significantly reduced violence after over 15 months of conflict that devastated Gaza. Under the terms of the truce, Israel released 643 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages and freed 25 live Israeli hostages, alongside five Thai prisoners. Barghouti had previously been released in a 2011 exchange but was re-arrested in 2014. 
Published: Feb 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPope Francis has been hospitalized for 14 days due to double pneumonia, marking the longest stay of his papacy. While the Vatican reports slight improvement in his condition, doctors caution that his prognosis remains "reserved." The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his resilience despite ongoing health issues, may face a prolonged recovery period, impacting his ability to resume his rigorous schedule, including the upcoming Easter celebrations and the significant Jubilee year in 2025. Speculation about his potential resignation has intensified, with experts suggesting he may consider stepping down after the Jubilee, particularly if his health does not improve. Should the pope pass away, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell would manage Church affairs until a new pope is elected, with conclave meetings expected to occur 15 to 20 days posthumously. Francis continues to work from his hospital bed, indicating his commitment to his role as leader of the global Catholic Church. 
Published: Feb 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inElon Musk, appointed by former President Donald Trump to streamline the US government, proposed on Thursday that Congress members should receive salary increases to mitigate corruption. Musk, who holds significant influence as an advisor within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), suggested that higher compensation could reduce corruption costs, which he claimed could be up to 1,000 times more burdensome to taxpayers. Historically, lawmakers have resisted salary hikes due to public perception, despite acknowledging that competitive salaries are vital for attracting diverse candidates. A proposed salary adjustment was recently removed from a short-term funding bill, with Musk inaccurately asserting it would result in a 40 percent increase, while the actual adjustment would have been about $6,600. Amidst controversy surrounding the DOGE initiative, which has seen staff resignations and pushback from cabinet members, Musk emphasized the urgency of government reform, warning of potential bankruptcy. 
Published: Feb 27 2025, 10 pm
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