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A Maryland man, Minh Phuong Ngoc Vong, 40, faces up to 20 years in prison for allegedly collaborating with foreign nationals in China to secure remote IT positions at 13 U.S. companies, including contracts with government agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration. From 2021 to 2024, Vong reportedly earned over $970,000 in salaries for software development work that was actually performed by North Korean operatives based in Shenyang, China. The Department of Justice claims this scheme is part of a larger conspiracy involving North Korean nationals using false identities to defraud companies and access sensitive U.S. government systems, with proceeds potentially funding North Korea's nuclear program. Vong, who worked at a nail salon, falsely claimed to have a degree and extensive experience in software development. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting to facilitating remote work for others while posing as an employee. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a poignant and gruesome ceremony known as Lang Pacha, Thais of Chinese descent gathered in Nakhon Ratchasima to conduct dignified funerals for hundreds of unclaimed corpses. Hospitals in Thailand transfer unidentified bodies to local foundations, which bury them before a ritual exhumation and cremation process that lasts several weeks. According to Buddhist beliefs, uncremated spirits remain trapped between worlds, unable to reincarnate until proper rites are performed. Volunteers, including shopkeeper Pimjai Sornrach, participated in the ritual, joyfully cleaning remains and expressing a desire to help others while earning merit. The event also serves as a call for legal reform, with advocates like Pisit Pongsirisupakul urging for improved systems to identify the deceased. Monks led prayers as the remains were cremated, highlighting the community's commitment to honoring the dead and addressing the issue of unclaimed bodies in Thailand. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inMark Carney's recent election as Canada's Prime Minister signals a potential thaw in the historically strained relations with India, which plummeted in 2023 following allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Carney, a political newcomer and former central banker, has prioritized rebuilding ties with India, emphasizing the need for shared democratic values in trade partnerships. His campaign pledged to diversify Canada's international alliances, particularly in light of tariff threats from the U.S., and he views India as a key partner for economic cooperation. The diplomatic fallout, which included the expulsion of diplomats from both nations, stalled the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), but Carney's leadership may revive discussions in areas like AI, fintech, and green energy. With a significant Indo-Canadian community in Canada, Carney is expected to maintain high immigration levels from India, particularly for skilled workers and students. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe trial of Erin Patterson, accused of murdering three elderly relatives with poisonous mushrooms, commenced in Australia on Tuesday, captivating national and international attention. Patterson faces charges for the 2023 deaths of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson, and sister-in-law Heather Wilkinson, as well as the attempted murder of Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson. The alleged poisoning occurred during a lunch at her home in Leongatha, where prosecutors claim the toxic mushrooms were included in a beef Wellington dish. Jury selection took place at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court in Morwell, with opening arguments set to begin Wednesday. Patterson has pleaded not guilty. The case has drawn significant media interest, with six courtroom seats reserved for journalists and an overflow room for additional viewers. State broadcaster ABC is producing a daily podcast, while streaming service Stan is creating a documentary on what is described as a high-profile criminal case. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAn 11-year-old boy from Florida, Louis Johnson III, tragically died by suicide after enduring severe bullying from his fifth-grade teacher, Donna White. The lawsuit filed by his parents claims White repeatedly insulted Johnson, calling him "stupid" and encouraging classmates to humiliate him. Despite numerous reports to the school and district about White's behavior, no action was taken, leading to Johnson developing depression and anxiety. On April 27, 2023, after spending the day with his father, Johnson shot himself at home. The lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages, alleging that the school board's negligence contributed to his death. An investigation revealed that White had a history of inflicting psychological distress on multiple students. Johnson's parents have since distributed suicide prevention flyers at the school, mourning their son's loss and highlighting his vibrant personality and potential. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inBritain's government has announced that it will exclude foreign sex offenders from asylum protections as part of a broader initiative to enhance border security. This move comes amid rising public concern over the number of asylum-seeking migrants and the associated costs of housing them. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour administration is pushing to deter illegal migration and expedite the removal of those denied refugee status. The proposed Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will be amended to deny refugee status to any foreign national with a criminal conviction that qualifies them for the sex offenders register, according to Interior Minister Yvette Cooper. Additionally, the government plans to implement new targets to accelerate the asylum decision-making process and utilize AI to assist caseworkers. Currently, there are 90,686 asylum cases pending an initial decision in the UK, with the government reporting a significant increase in removal rates since 2018. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inFour individuals aged between four and 18 were killed on Monday when a vehicle crashed into a building housing the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, approximately 10 miles south of Springfield. Illinois State Police confirmed that three victims were struck outside the building while one was inside, with several others injured and transported to local hospitals, including one by helicopter. The driver, who was unharmed, was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The incident occurred around 3:20 PM local time, prompting a swift police response. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his sorrow on social media, stating he was "horrified and deeply saddened" by the tragedy, highlighting the unimaginable grief faced by the families. The camp, known for its outdoor activities, had children who were expected to return home safely that day. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 10 ameznews.inJagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), has resigned after failing to secure his seat in Burnaby Central during the recent elections, where the Liberals, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, retained power but did not achieve a majority. Singh received approximately 27% of the vote, losing to Liberal candidate Wade Chang, who garnered over 40%. The NDP's decline in support also means it is set to lose its national status, which requires a minimum of 12 seats in Parliament. Singh expressed disappointment in the election results but emphasized his optimism for the party's future, invoking the Sikh principle of "Chardi Kala," or "rising spirits." Meanwhile, the Liberals are projected to lead in 164 districts, while the Conservatives follow with 147 seats, positioning them as a strong opposition. Carney, a newcomer to elected office, previously served as a central bank governor. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a remarkable turnaround, the Canadian Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney following Justin Trudeau's resignation, is projected to secure a fourth consecutive term in power after a snap election called in response to mounting challenges. Despite a competitive campaign from the Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre, their momentum faltered in the final stretch, leading to widespread mockery on social media from jubilant Liberal supporters. Users celebrated the outcome with humorous posts, expressing relief at avoiding a Poilievre-led government and pride in Canada's democratic choices. The election's context included heightened tensions with the U.S., as President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies and controversial comments regarding Canada added urgency to the Liberals' appeal. As reactions poured in, many Canadians reflected on their decision as a lesson learned from American political missteps, reinforcing their commitment to progressive governance. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inA tragic vehicle ramming incident at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver has left 11 people dead, including members of the Le family, whose 16-year-old son chose to stay home to complete homework. The attack occurred as a black Audi SUV barreled through a closed street lined with food trucks, injuring 32 others, with seven critically hurt. Among the deceased were a 5-year-old girl, Katie Le, and several community members, prompting vigils attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, faces eight counts of second-degree murder and has a noted history of mental health issues, although no motive has been established. Witnesses described the chaos, with one survivor recounting the horrifying moment of impact. Investigators are examining evidence and reviewing security footage, as officials emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures at public events. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inA significant power outage struck Spain and Portugal on Monday, affecting major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon, and disrupting transport systems, including traffic lights and airport operations. The blackout, which began at 11:33 AM Western European Summer Time, left millions without electricity and prompted both governments to declare a state of emergency. Authorities are investigating the cause, with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro suggesting it stemmed from extreme temperature anomalies affecting high voltage lines. Although speculation arose about a potential cyber-attack, European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed there was no evidence supporting this theory. By late Monday, power restoration efforts were underway, with Spain reporting that 61% of its electricity supply had been restored and Portugal's grid operator indicating that 85 out of 89 substations were back online. The incident highlights vulnerabilities within interconnected energy systems across Europe. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 11 am
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