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North Korea has launched an unidentified ballistic missile from its east coast, according to South Korea's military, which did not provide further details on the incident. This latest missile test follows a series of launches in March, during which North Korea accused the South Korean and U.S. militaries of conducting "dangerous provocative" drills. The ongoing tensions in the region continue to escalate as North Korea responds to joint military exercises by its southern neighbor and the United States. The situation remains closely monitored by international observers amid concerns over security and stability on the Korean Peninsula. 
Published: May 08 2025, 5 ameznews.inJacqueline Ma, a 36-year-old former teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary School and a one-time "Teacher of the Year," has been sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for sexually assaulting two minors. Prosecutors revealed that Ma groomed her victims with gifts and attention, initiating a sexual relationship with one boy when he was just 12 years old. Over ten months, she sent him love letters and suggestive texts, ultimately assaulting him in her classroom while his parents believed he was at a basketball program. Ma also groomed another boy, aged 11, in a similar manner. She pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including forcible lewd acts on a child and possession of child sexual abuse material. During her sentencing, Ma expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the harm she caused and the betrayal of trust, stating, "I ripped away their childhood." District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasized the lasting impact of Ma's actions on her victims. 
Published: May 11 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "substantial progress" in trade negotiations with Chinese officials in Geneva, though he did not provide specific details of any agreements reached. Following two days of talks, Bessent confirmed that President Donald Trump was informed of the outcomes, which included discussions aimed at reducing the $1.2 trillion US trade deficit. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described the negotiations as constructive, suggesting that the differences between the two nations might not be as significant as previously thought. The meeting marked the first direct engagement between US and Chinese officials since tariffs exceeding 100% were imposed on each other's goods. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett indicated that China was eager to rebalance trade relations, hinting at potential announcements of further foreign trade deals in the near future. The discussions took place at a villa in Switzerland, chosen for its neutral status. 
Published: May 11 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump expressed skepticism on Sunday regarding Ukraine's potential to secure a ceasefire deal with Russia, suggesting that President Vladimir Putin is not genuinely interested in reaching an agreement. In a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that the upcoming meeting in Turkey on Thursday should be an opportunity for Ukraine to negotiate directly with Russian officials. He described the ongoing conflict as a "BLOODBATH" and emphasized the importance of this meeting for both parties, along with European leaders and the US, to assess the feasibility of a potential resolution. Trump's comments reflect growing concerns about the prospects for peace in the region as the conflict continues. 
Published: May 11 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks in Istanbul on Thursday, following a suggestion from US President Donald Trump to engage in negotiations with Russia. In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky emphasized the importance of a full ceasefire, expected to commence on Monday, to facilitate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. He stated, "There is no point in prolonging the killings," underscoring the urgency for peace. Zelensky expressed hope that this time, the Russian side would approach the discussions constructively. The meeting in Türkiye represents a significant step in the search for resolution amid ongoing hostilities in the region. 
Published: May 11 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Taliban authorities have suspended chess across Afghanistan due to concerns that the game could promote gambling, which is prohibited under their interpretation of Islamic law. Atal Mashwani, a spokesperson for the sports directorate, stated that chess is viewed as a gambling activity, leading to its ban until religious considerations are resolved. The national chess federation has not organized events for two years, facing internal leadership issues. Azizullah Gulzada, a cafe owner in Kabul who hosted informal chess competitions, expressed disappointment over the ban, highlighting the game's popularity among young people seeking recreational activities. He noted that chess is played in other Muslim-majority countries, suggesting that the ban could negatively impact his business and the community. This move is part of a broader trend of restrictions on sports in Afghanistan, particularly affecting women, who have been largely excluded from participating in athletics since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. 
Published: May 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inBilly Evans, the partner of jailed Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, has launched a new blood-testing startup named Haemanthus, aiming to raise over $50 million for its innovative diagnostics technology. The company plans to develop a machine that utilizes lasers to analyze blood, saliva, and urine samples for detecting cancer and infections, a concept reminiscent of Theranos' controversial claims about its own blood-testing capabilities. Haemanthus intends to initially focus on pet health before expanding to human diagnostics. Despite Holmes serving an 11-year prison sentence for defrauding investors, she has been advising Evans on the startup. Notably, venture capitalist James W. Breyer, who previously invested in Theranos, has declined to support Haemanthus, citing concerns about its similarities to the failed company. Holmes, once celebrated as a Silicon Valley visionary, was convicted in 2023 after a high-profile trial exposed her fraudulent practices. 
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks with Ukraine to seek an end to the ongoing war, a move welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire as a precursor to negotiations. Since the invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and heightened tensions between Russia and the West. Putin's offer, made during a televised address, suggests negotiations could occur in Istanbul without preconditions, although he has previously shown little willingness to concede. Zelenskiy responded positively but insisted on a "full, lasting, and reliable" ceasefire starting May 12. Meanwhile, Putin has faced pressure from major European powers for an unconditional ceasefire amid ongoing hostilities, including recent drone attacks on Kyiv. The Russian leader maintains that Ukraine must renounce NATO ambitions and accept Russia's territorial claims for peace talks to progress. 
Published: May 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has launched a controversial self-deportation initiative called "Project Homecoming," which offers undocumented migrants free flights and cash bonuses to leave the country voluntarily. Announcing the executive order in a video, Trump claimed the program would save taxpayers "billions and billions" of dollars, stating that illegal immigrants who choose to remain in the US would face severe penalties, including sudden deportation. The initiative allows migrants to book free flights via a new app, CBP Home, and offers a $1,000 stipend to incentivize departure. Trump emphasized that this approach is significantly more cost-effective than current deportation methods, which he noted cost over $17,000 per individual. He warned that those who do not comply could face harsh legal repercussions but hinted at potential pathways for return for those who leave voluntarily. This move is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown since taking office in January. 
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn his inaugural address, newly elected Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) significantly influenced both his vision and his choice of papal name, referencing Pope Leo XIII's pivotal work on social issues during the Industrial Revolution. Prevost, elected on May 8 with a two-thirds majority from the cardinals, emphasized the parallels between the 19th-century industrialization and today's AI advancements. He stated, "The church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching... to confront the ethical challenges" posed by modern technology. The pope's remarks come amid discussions about AI's risks and ethical implications, echoing concerns raised by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had warned about the dangers of AI-driven misinformation. Pope Leo XIV is set to be formally installed on May 18, 2025, in St. Peter's Square, marking the start of his papacy. 
Published: May 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin has proposed new peace talks with Ukraine, reflecting on a previously abandoned draft deal from 2022 and acknowledging Russia's control over nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory. This initiative was met with a positive response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who emphasized that discussions could only proceed if Moscow agreed to an immediate ceasefire. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the talks would consider both the 2022 draft, known as the "Istanbul Communique," and the current situation. Initially, negotiations began shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, but they broke off in May. The draft suggested Ukraine adopt a stance of permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from major powers, while addressing Ukraine's potential EU membership and limitations on its military forces. However, territorial issues remain a significant challenge in achieving lasting peace. 
Published: May 11 2025, 5 pm
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