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Rubio: Thousands of US Visas Possibly Revoked Amid Crackdown

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed on Tuesday that the number of visas revoked under the Trump administration's strict immigration policies has likely reached the thousands, indicating that further action is anticipated. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to enhance deportations and cancel student visas, targets individuals perceived to support Palestinians or criticize Israel, which officials claim threatens U.S. foreign policy. Rubio emphasized that visas are privileges, not rights, and mentioned that the initial count of revoked visas was over 300, a figure he personally authorized. Critics, including Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, argue that such actions infringe on First Amendment rights and due process. The case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student detained for over six weeks after co-authoring a critical opinion piece, highlights the contentious nature of these policies, culminating in her recent release following a federal judge's intervention. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 6 am

Trump vs. Springsteen: Verbal Showdowns Unveiled

Bruce Springsteen and Donald Trump, both in their 70s and with New Jersey ties, have emerged as cultural figures representing contrasting ideologies. Springsteen, a longstanding critic of Trump, recently delivered a scathing indictment of the current administration during a concert in Manchester, England, calling it "corrupt" and urging Americans to resist authoritarianism. In response, Trump disparaged Springsteen on social media, labeling him a "dried out prune" and questioning his talent. The exchange escalated, with Trump suggesting an investigation into Springsteen and Beyoncé for potential illegal campaign contributions to Kamala Harris. Springsteen’s political activism is not new; he has a history of challenging Republican leaders through his music and public statements. Fellow musician Neil Young also defended Springsteen, criticizing Trump for his priorities. As Springsteen continues his European tour, the political divide between him and Trump remains stark, highlighting the ongoing cultural battle in America. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 1 pm

Japan Minister Resigns Over Free Rice Comment

Japan's Agriculture Minister, Taku Eto, resigned on Wednesday amid backlash over his remarks regarding rice gifts from supporters, which many perceived as out of touch with the economic struggles facing consumers. His comments followed the government's release of over 300,000 tonnes of rice from emergency stockpiles to mitigate rising prices, which have surged to record levels. During a fundraiser, Eto stated he had "never bought rice" due to the generosity of his supporters, prompting public outrage. After acknowledging the insensitivity of his remarks, he submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is already under pressure ahead of the upcoming upper house elections. Japan is grappling with rice shortages caused by poor harvests and rising production costs, and a recent survey indicated that 87% of respondents are dissatisfied with the government's handling of rice pricing, contributing to a significant drop in Ishiba's cabinet approval ratings. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 1 pm

Russia's Shadow Fleet: Putin's Secret Oil Armada Explained

The European Union and Britain have introduced extensive sanctions targeting Russia's "shadow fleet," a covert network of aging oil tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions and secretly export Russian oil. This initiative, described as the EU's largest-ever package against such operations, aims to further strain Moscow's financial resources amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The shadow fleet, which operates outside international shipping regulations by frequently changing flags and names, has become essential for Russia to maintain oil revenues following strict sanctions imposed by the West. Recent incidents linked to these vessels have raised environmental and security concerns, including significant oil spills and potential sabotage activities. The EU has blacklisted 342 vessels, while the UK has sanctioned 100, as part of broader efforts to enhance maritime security. Meanwhile, hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine dimmed following a recent call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, complicating diplomatic efforts. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 1 pm

Women Abandon Kids, Marijuana to Drink at Bar

In a troubling incident in Glendale, Arizona, two US women were arrested after allegedly leaving their four children, including a seven-month-old, unattended in a parked car while they visited a bar. Police were alerted around 11 PM on March 8 when a bystander noticed a young child wandering in the parking lot. Upon investigation, officers discovered a bag of marijuana within reach of the children inside the vehicle. The women, who returned approximately 45 minutes later, appeared intoxicated and initially claimed they had only gone to the bar to use the restroom. However, they later admitted to drinking, despite conflicting statements about the duration of their absence. As the children were taken for a medical checkup, one of the women pleaded with officers not to remove them, acknowledging the severity of the situation. Both women now face charges of criminal negligence and child abuse. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 1 pm

Concerns Over US Intel Aide's Email on Venezuelan Gang

A senior adviser to Tulsi Gabbard, Joe Kent, has urged a reassessment of intelligence concerning the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, suggesting a "common sense" link to the Venezuelan government despite a prior assessment stating no direct connection. In emails obtained by Reuters, Kent questioned the National Intelligence Council's conclusion that Venezuela does not support the gang's activities in the US, arguing that any adversarial nation would likely send criminals across borders. This push aligns with claims made by President Trump, who has cited Tren de Aragua's activities as justification for expedited deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The intelligence community's original findings, which did not support the administration's narrative, have led to the removal of NIC chief Michael Collins, raising concerns about politicization within US intelligence. A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence dismissed Kent's assertions, labeling them as part of a "deep state" effort against the Trump administration. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 2 pm

Couple Unearths Horrifying Discoveries in 145-Year-Old Home

A millennial couple, Christopher Jones and Paloma Mills, recently unearthed a series of bones while renovating their newly purchased 145-year-old Victorian home in the UK. After acquiring the property in August 2023, the couple embarked on extensive remodeling, which led to the startling discovery beneath the floor while digging for plumbing. Jones recounted finding a "chonker" bone alongside a 1970s coin and a pair of socks, with further excavations revealing more bones, including what appeared to be a jawbone and pantyhose. Speculating that the bones might be animal remains, the couple's unusual find has captured significant attention on social media, prompting mixed reactions from users. This incident follows a previous case in 2022, where another UK couple discovered a treasure trove of gold coins worth £250,000 while renovating their home. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 11 am

Pakistan Seeks Additional $4.9 Billion Loan After Growth Miss

The Pakistan government is seeking to borrow USD 4.9 billion from international banks to bolster its foreign exchange reserves and meet external financing needs, following a recent USD 1 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Islamabad plans to secure USD 2.64 billion in short-term loans at interest rates between 7% and 8%, alongside USD 2.27 billion in long-term financing. The government is in discussions with major banks, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank, for this funding. The IMF aims for Pakistan to raise its reserves to USD 13.9 billion by June, while current reserves stand at about USD 14 billion. Meanwhile, the country's economic growth fell short of expectations, achieving only 2.68% for fiscal year 2024-25, against a target of 3.6%, with varying sector performance reported during a recent National Accounts Committee meeting. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 12 pm

Afghan Capital's Water Crisis Strains Families' Survival

Kabul is facing a severe water crisis exacerbated by rapid urbanization, years of conflict, and climate change, leaving residents like Bibi Jan struggling to balance basic needs. The 45-year-old housewife often has to choose between purchasing water from expensive tankers and providing food for her family. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, Kabul could run out of groundwater by 2030, with current sources already contaminated and insufficient for the city’s six million residents. The Taliban government has initiated projects to manage water resources, but financial and technical challenges hinder significant progress. As population growth outpaces urban planning, the situation continues to deteriorate, with only 20% of the population served by outdated water systems. Bibi Jan, like many, is forced to ration water, highlighting the dire need for sustainable solutions in a city where water scarcity is becoming increasingly critical. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 12 pm

Teen Girl Disappears at Australian Airport, Search Ongoing

A 17-year-old girl, Pheobe Bishop, has been reported missing in Queensland, Australia, after failing to board a flight from Bundaberg Airport on May 15. Last seen around 8:30 am, Pheobe was dropped off by acquaintances but did not check in for her scheduled journey to Brisbane and onward to Western Australia. Authorities are investigating her disappearance, including reviewing CCTV footage, but have yet to confirm if she left the airport voluntarily. A land search of the area has yielded no sign of her or her belongings. Pheobe is described as approximately 180 cm tall, with long dyed red hair and hazel eyes, last seen wearing a green tank top and grey sweatpants. Her family has expressed growing concern, with her mother making emotional appeals for information online. Police are urging anyone with relevant details, particularly dashcam footage from the vicinity, to come forward as the search continues. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 12 pm

Trump's $200 Million Plane Purchase Explained by NDTV

Donald Trump has expressed a desire to acquire a lavish Qatari jet valued at approximately $200 million to replace the aging Air Force One, as the two new Boeing 747-800s he ordered will not be ready until at least 2027. In May 2025, during a trip to West Asia, Trump criticized the current aircraft's size compared to those of other nations, emphasizing America's need for an impressive plane. Following a viewing of the Qatari jet at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump reportedly selected a red, white, and blue color scheme. Initially pursued as a purchase, Trump later claimed the jet would be a "gift" from Qatar, a declaration met with skepticism amid concerns over foreign influence and propriety. As negotiations continue, legal experts are assessing the implications of such a significant gift, while both Democrats and some Republicans voice their discontent over the situation. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 12 pm

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