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Thai director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke aims to expand the scope of gay cinema with his film "A Useful Ghost," which premiered at Cannes. Featuring popular influencer Davika "Mai" Hoorne, the film combines comedy with political commentary, telling the story of a ghost who helps her husband confront their past amid Thailand's political turmoil. While LGBTQ narratives in Thailand often focus on love and coming-out stories, Ratchapoom advocates for more politically charged queer tales. The film incorporates elements of satire, including a plot where the ghost's in-laws initially disapprove of her return but later enlist her help to deal with dissident spirits linked to real-life protests that resulted in over 90 civilian deaths in 2010. Hoorne praised the film's bravery, highlighting the challenges of addressing such topics in Thailand, especially in light of the recent political landscape and the legalization of same-sex marriage. 
Published: May 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSean "Diddy" Combs' former personal assistant, George Kaplan, testified at Combs' federal sex trafficking trial, revealing his role in concealing the hip-hop mogul's alleged misconduct. Kaplan, who worked for Combs from 2013 to 2015, described cleaning hotel rooms after Combs' parties, disposing of alcohol, baby oil, and drugs, while also delivering a "medicine kit" filled with prescription medications. He claimed Combs threatened his job regularly to maintain control over employees and silence allegations of abuse. The trial follows a lawsuit filed by Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie, who accused him of years of abuse and coercion, which Combs has denied. Testimony also included a federal agent presenting evidence from a raid on Combs' Miami home, where drugs and firearms were discovered. The trial continues with the expected testimony of rapper Kid Cudi, who has connections to the case.
Published: May 22 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a tense meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with a video alleging genocide against white people in South Africa, a claim Ramaphosa strongly disputed. The encounter, intended to "reset" US-South Africa relations, quickly escalated when Trump showcased a four-minute video featuring incendiary remarks from opposition politician Julius Malema, who was shown singing a controversial apartheid-era chant. Ramaphosa, maintaining composure, insisted that the majority of crime victims in South Africa are black and that land expropriation efforts are aimed at redressing historical injustices, not targeting white farmers. Despite the heated exchange, Ramaphosa later described the meeting as a "great success" and expressed hope for Trump’s attendance at the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg. The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions over Trump's unfounded claims of "white genocide," which have been amplified by billionaire Elon Musk.
Published: May 22 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe US Air Force successfully conducted a routine test of the nuclear-capable Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday, launching it from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Defence test site in the Marshall Islands. The unarmed missile, which flew approximately 4,200 miles at speeds exceeding 15,000 miles per hour, underscores the nation's nuclear deterrent capabilities, according to General Thomas Bussiere, commander of the US Global Strike Command. This test coincides with President Donald Trump's announcement of a $25 billion initiative for a nationwide missile defense system, dubbed 'Golden Dome,' aimed at countering various threats, including ICBMs and hypersonic missiles. However, experts warn that the plan faces significant technical and political hurdles, with an estimated total cost of $175 billion and a projected timeline of three years for implementation. The military emphasized that the test was routine and not a reaction to global events.
Published: May 22 2025, 8 ameznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed speculation of a rift with the U.S. following President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Gulf, which notably excluded Israel. Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE resulted in significant business deals but sparked media commentary regarding Israel's absence, despite it being a key U.S. ally in the region. This visit coincided with Trump's decision to halt U.S. airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, who continue to threaten Israel. Netanyahu revealed he spoke with Trump about ten days prior, during which the president reaffirmed his commitment to Israel. Amid increasing international calls for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza, Trump has highlighted the humanitarian crisis resulting from an ongoing Israeli blockade. Netanyahu also noted that U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged him to disregard "fake news" about any supposed discord between the two nations.
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump's ambitious "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative faces substantial technical and political hurdles, with costs likely exceeding initial estimates. Aiming to shield against a range of threats, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and drones, Trump seeks to have the system operational within three years. However, four months post-initiative launch, details remain sparse. Experts like Melanie Marlowe from the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlight challenges in funding and the need for advancements in defense technology. Trump has proposed an initial $25 billion budget, estimating total costs at around $175 billion, a figure some analysts deem unrealistic. The Congressional Budget Office has projected costs for space-based interceptors could soar between $161 billion and $542 billion over two decades. As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly with China and Russia, the complexities of implementing such a comprehensive defense system are becoming increasingly evident.
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the media in Jerusalem on Wednesday, discussing the ongoing Gaza conflict and tensions with Iran. He confirmed that there are currently 20 living hostages in Gaza and up to 38 deceased, asserting Israel's commitment to bringing them all home. Netanyahu expressed willingness for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the return of more hostages. On Iran, he emphasized the importance of a potential U.S. agreement to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons, while reiterating Israel's right to self-defense. Regarding the military offensive in Gaza, he stated that Israeli forces are making significant territorial gains to eliminate Hamas and secure the region. Netanyahu underscored the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis to maintain operational freedom and pledged to end the war under conditions that ensure Israel's security, aiming to defeat Hamas, free hostages, and reshape Gaza's future.
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inAt Columbia University's graduation ceremony on Wednesday, pro-Palestinian student protest leader Mahmoud Khalil was notably absent, prompting chants of "Free Mahmoud" from attendees. Khalil, a prominent figure in nationwide protests against Israel's actions in Gaza, has been detained for over two months by US authorities and faces deportation despite being a permanent resident. The ceremony, attended by 16,000 graduates, was marked by tension, with interim president Clare Shipman acknowledging Khalil's absence and defending free speech amid increasing government scrutiny of campus activism. Students expressed shame over the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests, particularly following recent arrests of 80 students. As graduates celebrated, the atmosphere remained charged, reflecting broader concerns about academic freedom and the impact of the Trump administration's policies on student activism. Outside the campus, pro-Palestinian demonstrators highlighted ongoing struggles, with one sign reading: "There is no graduation in Gaza today."
Published: May 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inPresident Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that his administration's cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its global aid programs have been "devastating," particularly for African nations. Speaking alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, Trump emphasized the need for other countries to contribute financially, stating, "The United States always gets the request for money. Nobody else helps." While the administration has defended the cuts as a means to eliminate waste, they have sparked controversy and are the subject of several federal lawsuits. The U.S. remains the largest humanitarian aid donor, contributing $61 billion last year, with South Africa receiving significant support for healthcare. However, recent funding reductions have impacted the country's response to its severe HIV epidemic, where testing and monitoring of patients have notably declined since the cuts were implemented.
Published: May 22 2025, 1 ameznews.inRussia's alliance with Armenia is deteriorating as Moscow struggles to meet its defense commitments amid the ongoing Ukraine war. Armenia, frustrated by a lack of military support during conflicts with Azerbaijan, is now seeking arms from France, which raises alarms in Moscow. Historically reliant on Russia for weapons, Armenia's growing ties with Western nations are seen as a shift in its strategic direction. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledged delays in fulfilling Armenia's orders, attributing these issues to the conflict with the West. He cautioned Yerevan about its increasing defense relationship with France, labeling it a concern given France's antagonistic stance towards Russia. Additionally, Armenia's recent withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and its dissatisfaction over the protection of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh further highlight the rift in their long-standing alliance.
Published: May 22 2025, 1 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump faced criticism after a tense exchange with an NBC reporter regarding the Pentagon's announcement of a modified Qatari Boeing 747, which is set to serve as a temporary Air Force One. During a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump dismissed the reporter's inquiries as a distraction from more critical issues, including violence against white farmers in South Africa. He labeled the reporter "terrible" and "not smart enough" for his role, further condemning NBC and its parent company, Comcast, as a "disgrace" and calling for an investigation into their operations. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, was accepted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and is intended for presidential use until new aircraft are delivered. Trump clarified on social media that the jet is a gift to the US government, not personally to him, emphasizing Qatar's longstanding alliance with the US.
Published: May 22 2025, 2 am
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