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A New Jersey couple, Treva Edwards, 60, and his wife Christine, 63, have been accused of forcing church members into slave labor and sexual exploitation for nearly a decade, according to federal prosecutors. Operating from their Orange apartment and the Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost church, the couple allegedly manipulated vulnerable individuals, claiming that disobedience would incur divine punishment. The Edwards reportedly isolated their victims, monitored their activities, and provided minimal food, while profiting from their forced labor. Treva Edwards is also charged with subjecting one woman to repeated sexual assaults, resulting in pregnancy and demands for abortion, all framed as God's will. Both were indicted on conspiracy to commit forced labor, with Treva facing additional charges of forced labor and sex trafficking. If convicted, they could face significant prison sentences, reflecting a broader commitment to combat human trafficking in the community, as stated by US Attorney Alina Habba. 
Published: May 13 2025, 10 ameznews.inBritish retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S) confirmed on Tuesday that a cyber attack, which has disrupted its online operations for over three weeks, resulted in the theft of some personal customer information. The incident, believed to be a ransomware attack, forced M&S to halt online orders on April 25, leading to a 15% drop in its share price since Easter. While the retailer maintains that no usable payment details or account passwords were compromised, it acknowledged the "sophisticated nature" of the breach and is notifying affected customers. M&S, which continues to operate its 1,000 physical stores, is collaborating with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to restore normal operations. Analysts estimate the financial fallout could exceed £30 million, as the company misses out on sales during a peak season. Although cyber insurance may mitigate some losses, coverage duration is typically limited.
Published: May 13 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a shocking incident in Kufa, Iraq, 50-year-old Aqil Fakhr al-Din was killed and partially devoured by his pet lion last Thursday, just days after acquiring the animal. Al-Din, known for keeping exotic pets, was attacked as he approached the lion's cage in his garden, suffering fatal injuries to his neck and chest. A neighbor intervened, shooting the lion to halt the attack. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Al-Barakiya district, raises serious concerns about the dangers of raising predatory animals in residential areas of Iraq, where there is no legal framework or veterinary oversight. Following the attack, al-Din's body was sent to forensic medicine, and a video of the lion's aftermath circulated on social media, further igniting discussions on public safety regarding exotic pet ownership.
Published: May 13 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA Paris court has convicted French actor Gerard Depardieu of sexually assaulting two women during a film shoot in 2021, imposing an 18-month suspended prison sentence. In a landmark case within the #MeToo movement in France, the actor, a prominent figure in French cinema, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, presiding judge Thierry Donard found Depardieu's explanations unconvincing, particularly in light of testimony from one plaintiff, set decorator Amelie K, who described being groped and subjected to explicit comments while trapped by the actor. Her account was supported by two witnesses, while Depardieu's statements were deemed contradictory. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the #MeToo movement in France, where societal attitudes towards sexual violence are gradually evolving, albeit at a slower pace than in the United States.
Published: May 13 2025, 3 pmeznews.inDedicated ambassadors worldwide, including Eleni Myrivili, the Global Chief Heat Officer for UN-Habitat, are addressing the urgent challenge of extreme urban heat in cities like Miami, Athens, and Santiago. Myrivili emphasizes that cities have become "heat traps," designed for different climates, necessitating a fundamental redesign to protect vulnerable populations. Initiatives in Athens illustrate this approach, with measures like categorizing extreme heat to trigger specific policies, creating public awareness campaigns, and developing shaded structures with cooling features for those waiting for public transport. The Mediterranean region has seen a dramatic increase in heat stress days, rising from an average of 29 to 66 in the summer of 2024, underscoring the need for innovative urban planning that prioritizes shade, wind, water, and nature. While air conditioning is vital for some, Myrivili warns against its over-reliance, as it exacerbates heat in public spaces rather than offering a sustainable solution.
Published: May 13 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA Hawaii babysitter, Dixie Villa, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter of 7-month-old Abigail Lobisch, who died in 2019 from diphenhydramine toxicity. Villa was found guilty of administering the antihistamine, commonly found in Benadryl, without medical approval in an attempt to sedate the baby while caring for multiple children. Abigail was discovered unresponsive at Villa's home, with an autopsy confirming the cause of death as drug toxicity. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Villa's actions were reckless and that she had options to act responsibly, such as contacting the child's mother. Despite Villa's attorney seeking probation due to her clean record, the judge emphasized the severity of the case, stating, "This should not have happened." Following the verdict, Abigail's mother expressed relief, saying, "My heart has never stopped hurting." An appeal from Villa’s legal team is anticipated.
Published: May 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe UN aviation council has officially held Russia accountable for the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, which resulted in the deaths of 298 passengers and crew. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is set to discuss potential reparations in the coming weeks, following a case initiated by Australia and the Netherlands. The flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine amid conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces. In November 2022, Dutch courts convicted two Russians and a Ukrainian in absentia for their involvement in the attack, a ruling Moscow dismissed as "scandalous." Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasized the decision as a vital step towards justice for the victims and a warning against violations of international law. Although the ICAO lacks regulatory power, it plays a crucial role in setting global aviation standards.
Published: May 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump's acceptance of a luxury 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar's royal family as a replacement for Air Force One has sparked significant political controversy, raising concerns among Democrats and some Republicans. The gift, valued at around $400 million, appears to conflict with the US Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign powers. Critics argue that such a donation could lead to ethical dilemmas and national security risks, with Senators Cory Booker and Rand Paul voicing their opposition. Trump, however, dismissed these concerns, insisting he would be "stupid" to refuse the offer and asserting that the plane would be donated to a future presidential library after his term. While the White House maintains that the donation will comply with legal standards, security experts warn that the Qatari jet may lack the advanced protective features of the current Air Force One.
Published: May 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for 71 coordinated attacks across over 51 locations in Pakistan's Balochistan province under its 'Operation Herof'. In a statement released on Sunday, the BLA condemned Pakistan as a "breeding ground" for global terrorism, urging the international community to recognize it as a terrorist state. Key strikes targeted military and intelligence sites, police stations, and infrastructure in regions including Kech, Panjgur, and Quetta, employing tactics such as ambushes and IED blasts. The BLA warned of a potential shift in regional dynamics, asserting that continued international tolerance of Pakistan's actions could lead to greater instability and bloodshed. The group, which advocates for Balochistan's independence, rejected claims of being a proxy for any state, emphasizing its role as an independent force in the struggle for self-determination since the province's integration into Pakistan in 1948.
Published: May 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inSean Combs' trial has commenced, focusing on serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking, with the defense contending that the case revolves around consensual adult relationships. Combs' attorney, Teny Geragos, argued that the prosecution is unfairly criminalizing Combs' private life, framing the case as one of "voluntary adult choices" amid themes of love and jealousy. In contrast, U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson alleged that Combs used violence, drugs, and manipulation to coerce women, including singer Cassie, into participating in drug-fueled sex parties, asserting that he filmed and blackmailed them. The trial, presided over by Judge Arun Subramanian, could last eight weeks, with Combs facing life imprisonment if convicted. Additionally, the defense challenged the exclusion of Black jurors, claiming racial bias, but the judge dismissed the challenge, citing a diverse jury selection.
Published: May 13 2025, 11 ameznews.inAs Australians increasingly engage in online activities, the risk of cybercrime is escalating, with over 87,000 reports filed in 2023-2024, translating to a report every six minutes, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. This surge in cyber threats has resulted in significant financial losses, including nearly A$319 million lost to scams in 2024 alone. Recent incidents highlight vulnerabilities, such as cyber criminals hacking major superannuation funds to steal A$500,000 from retirement savings. Experts emphasize the importance of "digital hygiene"—practices to safeguard online presence. Key recommendations include using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, updating software regularly, and being cautious about oversharing personal information on social media. As digital safety becomes a collective responsibility, individuals are urged to adopt these habits to protect themselves and their communities against cyber threats.
Published: May 13 2025, 11 am
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