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US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a lengthy two-hour phone call focused on resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine and establishing a "lasting peace." Putin expressed gratitude for Trump's commitment to ending hostilities and discussed the necessity of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including Russia's security interests. The leaders explored a potential 30-day ceasefire, with Trump proposing mutual restraint on attacks against energy infrastructure, to which Putin responded positively. They also agreed on a prisoner exchange set for March 19, involving 175 individuals from each side, and discussed humanitarian considerations for Ukrainian soldiers. Beyond Ukraine, the presidents touched on broader international issues, including cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and stability in the Middle East. They expressed mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations and even considered organizing hockey matches between US and Russian players. Both leaders committed to ongoing dialogue on these matters. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPhoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State University (FSU) student and son of a veteran Leon County police officer, has been identified as the gunman in a shooting that left two people dead and six injured on Thursday afternoon near the campus's student union. Ikner, who is majoring in Political Science, reportedly opened fire before being shot by police and taken to a hospital, with his condition currently unknown. The two victims were not FSU students, and their identities have yet to be disclosed. Previously involved with the Leon County Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council, Ikner has a troubled past, including a custody dispute in his childhood. Authorities revealed that he had access to his mother's firearms, bringing one of her pistols to campus, and was also found with a shotgun, although it remains unclear if it was used during the incident. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Trump administration has mandated social media vetting for all U.S. visa applicants who have visited the Gaza Strip since January 1, 2007, according to an internal State Department cable obtained by Reuters. This directive applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa seekers, including NGO workers and those in diplomatic roles. If any concerning information arises during the vetting process, a security advisory opinion will be sought to assess potential national security risks. The cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, follows the revocation of hundreds of visas, including those of lawful permanent residents, under a 1952 law aimed at immigrants deemed harmful to U.S. foreign policy. Critics argue this approach infringes on free speech rights, particularly affecting students advocating for Palestinian rights. Rubio has indicated a commitment to revoking visas for individuals he perceives as threats to U.S. interests.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, was postponed on Thursday amid a dispute over a risk assessment document requested by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos, is seeking to have Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman removed from the case, accusing him of hostility and attempting to delay proceedings. The brothers hope to secure a parole-eligible resentencing, claiming they have reformed during their incarceration. Hochman, opposing their bid, argues that the Menendez brothers have not fully accepted their guilt and continue to cling to falsehoods. A new hearing is set for May 9, with the complete risk assessment report expected in June. The case, which gained renewed attention with a Netflix documentary, has captivated audiences since the brothers initially claimed a mafia hit before admitting to the killings.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inJunjie Zhang, a 30-year-old Chinese entrepreneur, has become a billionaire following the successful listing of his tea shop chain, Chagee Holdings Ltd, on Nasdaq, which raised $411 million amid US-China economic tensions. Priced at the top end of expectations, Chagee's shares surged 40% shortly after trading began, elevating Zhang's net worth to $2.6 billion, primarily from his stake in the company. Founded in 2017 in Yunnan, Chagee distinguishes itself from bubble tea brands by offering premium, milk-based teas and aims to revive ancient tea-making methods. With over 6,440 stores, mostly in China, Chagee is positioned for growth in a market projected to reach $58 billion by 2028. However, challenges include backlash in Malaysia over geopolitical issues and a crowded market, leading analysts to suggest that the US IPO may be its best chance for expansion amidst a declining appetite for new tea beverage investments in Hong Kong.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inStaff at the Mayhew animal shelter in London report a distressing rise in abandoned pets, driven largely by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the financial struggles many owners face. Elvira Meucci-Lyons, the shelter's director, noted that this year alone, over 130 animals have been taken in, reflecting a wider trend across the UK where the RSPCA reported a 32% increase in abandonments in early 2024 compared to the previous year. Many pet owners are forced to choose between feeding themselves and their animals, with some pets arriving in poor health due to unaffordable veterinary bills. The shelter is overwhelmed, providing food and care packages to struggling owners, yet staff express heartbreak over the number of animals they cannot assist. As inflation continues to impact everyday costs, including pet food, the situation remains dire for both pets and their owners in a nation known for its love of animals.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inOpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued an urgent call for engineers and system designers to join the company, emphasizing a pressing need for expertise in large-scale computing and infrastructure. In recent posts on X, Altman highlighted the "insane" scale of current challenges at OpenAI, particularly for those skilled in maximizing system performance and with backgrounds in compiler or programming language design. This recruitment drive coincides with OpenAI securing a $40 billion investment from SoftBank Group, aimed at advancing AI technologies and pursuing the ambitious goal of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Additionally, the Stargate Project aims to invest $500 billion over four years to bolster AI infrastructure in the U.S. and potentially abroad. The push for new talent reflects the increasing strain on OpenAI's systems, especially as user activity for its flagship tool, ChatGPT, has surged dramatically, exacerbating existing GPU shortages.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inPresident Donald Trump expressed hesitance to further increase tariffs on China during a press briefing in the Oval Office, citing concerns that escalating duties could hinder trade between the two nations. He claimed that officials representing Chinese President Xi Jinping had made attempts to initiate discussions, although he avoided confirming direct communication with Xi. Trump emphasized his positive relationship with Xi and noted that he might consider reducing tariffs to encourage consumer purchasing. Currently, the U.S. has imposed a staggering 145% in tariffs on Chinese goods, while China retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S. products. Despite the high stakes, Trump remained optimistic about reaching a trade agreement, including concessions related to TikTok’s U.S. operations, which he suggested could be discussed in the context of a broader deal. He indicated that China's resistance to tariffs had previously stalled negotiations regarding the popular video-sharing app.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inInternational Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the need for the U.S. and China to address their trade grievances and work towards a fairer, rules-based trading system. Speaking in Washington ahead of the upcoming IMF and World Bank spring meetings, she noted that both nations have significant issues, including U.S. concerns over China's intellectual property practices and non-tariff barriers. Georgieva welcomed India's recent move to reduce trade barriers, suggesting it could enhance the country's growth prospects. She highlighted the potential for tariff reductions in the European Union as well, which could foster broader bilateral and plurilateral trade agreements. While refraining from directly criticizing U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, she warned that rising trade barriers contribute to negative perceptions of the multilateral trade system, urging for a resolution to reduce uncertainty and improve global economic stability.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a significant advancement for India's inaugural high-speed rail corridor, Japan has announced it will supply two sets of its renowned Shinkansen trains at no cost to aid in testing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, currently under construction. The trains, one from the E5 series and one from the E3 series, are expected to arrive in early 2026, equipped with inspection tools to gather vital data on environmental challenges such as high temperatures and dust. This landmark project, overseen by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration across key cities. Funding for the project relies heavily on low-interest yen loans from Japan, covering about 80% of costs. As India prepares to introduce domestically made semi-high-speed trains in the interim, the collaboration signifies a crucial step towards implementing next-generation E10 trains in the early 2030s, reinforcing Japan's commitment to the project.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inHundreds gathered at the University of California, Berkeley, on Thursday to protest against President Donald Trump's administration, which has been accused of undermining American universities. This demonstration was part of a nationwide "Rally for the Right to Learn!" event, sparked by the administration's criticism of universities' handling of pro-Palestinian protests following the 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel. Trump labeled institutions like Harvard as "disgraceful," questioning their tax-exempt status and alleging they support "Marxism" and "radical left" ideologies. Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the administration's demands for control over academic programs, while Columbia University faced funding cuts after negotiations failed. Amidst ongoing scrutiny, the IRS is reportedly considering revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status, a move the university argues would have dire consequences for its financial aid and research capabilities. White House officials stated that any IRS actions would be independent of presidential influence.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 9 am
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