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A 40-year-old Colombian man was arrested at Rafael Nunez International Airport in Cartagena while attempting to smuggle over 220 grams of cocaine hidden in a hair wig. The individual, from Pereira, was scheduled to fly to Amsterdam when anti-narcotics officers detected the suspicious wig during a security scan. The cocaine, valued at approximately $10,450, was intended to be divided into more than 400 doses. Footage from the authorities shows the wig being cut open to reveal the concealed drugs. This incident highlights a troubling trend, as Colombia continues to be the world's largest cocaine exporter, with a significant increase in coca leaf cultivation and cocaine production reported in 2023. According to a UN report, coca cultivation rose by 10% from the previous year, while cocaine production surged by 53%, marking the highest levels since monitoring began in 2001. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inHamas has released six Israeli hostages as part of the final scheduled exchange under a ceasefire agreement with Israel, bringing the total number of released Israelis to 33, including eight deceased individuals. Separately, five Thai hostages were freed, while 63 hostages, including the remains of a soldier held since 2014, remain in Gaza. The handover of remains was complicated by a mix-up involving the body of Shiri Bibas, an Israeli mother abducted by militants, which was resolved after a tense standoff. Since the October 7 attack that initiated the conflict, Hamas has abducted 251 individuals, with 141 having been released, while 62 remain captive. In exchange for the hostages, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 prisoners and detainees during this ceasefire phase. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inApple Inc has unveiled plans to invest $500 billion in the United States over the next four years, following a recent meeting between CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump. This significant investment will primarily focus on developing Apple’s artificial intelligence platform, with plans to establish a large factory in Texas for AI server production. Additionally, Apple aims to create over 20,000 research and development jobs across the country and enhance its Apple TV+ service with new U.S.-based content. The investment will also support domestic sourcing of components, including from suppliers like Corning, and facilitate semiconductor manufacturing in collaboration with Foxconn in Houston. Furthermore, Apple intends to launch a manufacturing academy in Michigan to provide free skill development courses. Despite these domestic initiatives, iPhones and other devices will continue to be produced overseas, raising questions about potential tariffs on imports. Apple's stock rose 1.2% following the announcement.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Church of England's General Synod recently voted to enhance oversight of safeguarding measures for abuse complaints, yet fell short of establishing a fully independent body, a decision met with disappointment by victims seeking accountability. This compromise occurs amid a crisis for the Church, which has faced multiple abuse scandals, including the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby following revelations of his inaction on child sexual abuse allegations. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse highlighted systemic failures, including prioritizing the Church's reputation over victim safety, inadequate safeguarding measures, and a culture of secrecy. As the Church grapples with declining public trust and membership, it faces mounting pressure to implement survivor-centered reforms and embrace transparency. The Church's unique role as a state institution underscores its responsibility to lead by example in addressing these issues, or risk further eroding public confidence in faith-based organizations.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inErrol Musk, father of billionaire Elon Musk, has voiced skepticism regarding his son's suitability for a political career, citing Elon's difficulties in connecting with diverse groups of people. In an interview with Al Arabiya News, Errol emphasized that politics requires engagement with individuals across the spectrum of intelligence and sophistication, a skill he believes Elon lacks. As speculation about Elon’s presidential ambitions grows, particularly following Donald Trump's second term, Errol pointed out potential eligibility issues stemming from his son's birthplace. He also drew comparisons between Elon and Trump, suggesting that both may struggle to resonate with ordinary voters due to their backgrounds. Additionally, Errol discussed his son's recent role in shutting down the Department of Government Efficiency after uncovering systemic waste. He defended Elon against criticism regarding his public speaking, attributing misunderstandings, including an alleged Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration, to his son's communication challenges.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGermany's Chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, has pledged to prioritize European unity and security, aiming to foster "real independence" from the United States amid concerns over the new Trump administration and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, Merz criticized the US for its indifference towards Europe, questioning NATO's future and advocating for an independent European defense capability. His comments mark a significant shift for Germany, traditionally a close US ally, as fears grow that Trump might negotiate with Russia over Ukraine without European input. Merz, whose conservatives recently won a national election, faces coalition challenges while addressing pressing issues such as economic competitiveness, migration, and international security threats. He emphasized the need for unity in Europe and reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, while expressing reluctance to send troops, highlighting concerns over the potential withdrawal of US security guarantees.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Taliban has confirmed the arrest of British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds, both in their 70s, in Afghanistan, following a public plea from their four adult children for their release. The Reynolds have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, continuing their work with Rebuild, an organization focused on education and training programs, including initiatives for mothers and children, despite the Taliban's harsh restrictions on women's rights. Sarah Entwistle, one of their children, has called for a boycott of England's ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan, urging the British consulate to take action to secure her parents' release. "Our parents have always sought to honor the Taliban," she stated, emphasizing their desire for dialogue, but lamented the lack of communication after three weeks of silence regarding their detention.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inActor Alec Baldwin was involved in a heated confrontation with comedian Jason Scoop, who impersonated Donald Trump and taunted him about the fatal _Rust_ shooting incident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The altercation occurred outside Baldwin's New York City home, where Scoop, dressed in a suit and wig, mocked Baldwin, claiming he would offer a pardon for "murdering that woman in cold blood." A visibly agitated Baldwin threatened, "If this camera wasn't here, I'd snap your f***ing neck in half," as he confronted Scoop about his children living in the building. The exchange escalated, with Baldwin demanding Scoop leave, while the comedian continued to provoke him. Baldwin's involvement in the _Rust_ shooting has been controversial; he was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the case was later dismissed. Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger of the gun that discharged.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA viral video capturing cricket fans in Murree, near Islamabad, celebrating Virat Kohli's 51st ODI century against Pakistan highlights a surprising shift in sentiment among Pakistani supporters, who traditionally reserve their cheers for their own team. This enthusiastic response suggests either disillusionment with Pakistan's recent performances or a transcendent admiration for Kohli, whose record-breaking achievements in ODI cricket, including becoming the fastest to 14,000 runs, have cemented his status as a global icon. Following India's decisive victory over Pakistan, Kohli's century reinstated faith in the Indian team, which had faced criticism after recent losses. As he navigates the latter stages of his career, Kohli's performance in high-pressure situations reaffirms his mental resilience, making a compelling case for his place among cricketing greats. With India now on the brink of another ICC trophy, Kohli's resurgence signals a promising turnaround for both him and the team.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a controversial move amid ongoing cost-cutting efforts, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has announced the closure of the staff canteen at Old Trafford, with employees set to receive only fruit instead of free lunches. The closure is expected by the end of the week, with similar changes anticipated at the Carrington training base, where non-playing staff will be limited to soup and bread. Ratcliffe's measures come as the club grapples with losses exceeding £300 million over the past three years, prompting a new transformation plan aimed at restoring profitability after five consecutive years of financial decline. This is not the first instance of austerity under Ratcliffe; in December, he cut £40,000 in funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, and staff perks for the FA Cup final were also reduced. Captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly confronted executives over these changes, offering to cover costs himself, but his proposal was declined.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inBitcoin and ether plunged to multi-month lows on Tuesday amid a broader market sell-off, exacerbated by the recent $1.5 billion hack of ether from the crypto exchange Bybit. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, fell by as much as 6%, reaching $88,245, marking its first drop below $90,000 since mid-January and its lowest level since November. Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, experienced an even steeper decline, plummeting up to 11% to $2,333, its lowest price since October. The downturn reflects ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market as investors grapple with the implications of significant security breaches and market sentiment.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 2 pm
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