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Jordan Belfort, the notorious stockbroker dubbed 'The Wolf of Wall Street', has publicly endorsed President Donald Trump's recent tariff increases, dismissing critics' concerns as "complete and utter nonsense." Speaking on Fox & Friends, Belfort argued that the tariffs are essential for revitalizing American manufacturing and addressing trade imbalances, despite the S&P 500's dip into correction territory amid fears of a trade war. Trump, defending his policies, asserted, "I'm not going to bend at all," emphasizing the need to reclaim American wealth. Economists warn that such tariffs could elevate consumer costs and strain international trade relations, but Belfort contended that criticism of Trump is inevitable, regardless of the actions taken. In a lighter moment, he praised Tesla CEO Elon Musk as a "hero" and announced plans to buy a Tesla, coinciding with Trump's recent promotion of the automaker at the White House. Belfort, a convicted fraudster, remains a controversial figure in financial circles. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA 61-year-old woman from Gainesville, Georgia, identified as Suzanne Renee Mericle, has been arrested and charged with murder following the fatal shooting of her partner, 68-year-old James David Barron, at their home on Bayridge Drive. Hall County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene at around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, finding Barron unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the torso; he later died at a nearby hospital. Mericle, who owns a well-reviewed dental practice, was present during the incident and has since been charged with murder, aggravated assault under the Family Violence Act, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The news of her arrest has left her patients and community in shock, with many expressing disbelief at the allegations against a woman they regarded as a dedicated professional and friend. Mericle is currently held at Hall County Jail without bond. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inLithuanian prosecutors have attributed last year's arson attack on an Ikea store in Vilnius to Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU, labeling it an "act of terrorism." The incident, which occurred in May 2024, resulted in no casualties but raised concerns over potential sabotage inspired by Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Prosecutor Arturas Urbelis revealed that two Ukrainian nationals are suspects, with one detained in Lithuania and the other in Poland. Investigators uncovered that the arson was orchestrated through intermediaries linked to Russian military and security forces, with plans to target shopping centres in Lithuania and Latvia for a €10,000 reward. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the situation, describing it as "exceptionally perfidious" for Russia to exploit Ukrainians for such acts, emphasizing the implications for future negotiations regarding Ukraine's fate. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inForever 21 has initiated voluntary bankruptcy proceedings in the United States, marking its second Chapter 11 filing in six years, as it seeks to orchestrate an "orderly wind down" of its U.S. stores while exploring potential asset sales. The fast-fashion retailer, known for its budget-friendly imitations of high-fashion styles, plans to conduct liquidation sales at its 540 U.S. locations, which will remain open during the process. The bankruptcy does not affect international stores operated by other licensees. Founded in 1984 by Do Won and Jin Sook Chang in Los Angeles, Forever 21 has faced significant challenges, including a struggling apparel market and fierce competition from low-cost rivals. Industry analysts suggest that the brand's lackluster merchandising and unclear market positioning have alienated younger consumers, raising questions about its future viability, possibly through an online licensing sale at a reduced valuation. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump has announced that Iran will be held accountable for any future attacks by Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have been targeting US and foreign vessels in the Red Sea. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that "every shot fired by the Houthis" will be considered a direct attack from Iran, which he accuses of playing the "innocent victim" in the ongoing conflict. His remarks follow recent US airstrikes in Yemen that resulted in significant casualties, including 53 dead. The Huthis have retaliated by claiming attacks on a US aircraft carrier and mobilizing protests in areas they control, asserting their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza. Trump, while advocating for a new nuclear deal with Iran, continues to apply a "maximum pressure" sanctions policy, indicating that any further Huthi aggression will be met with "great force." 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA Spanish court has upheld the decision to allow a 24-year-old woman, who is paraplegic, to proceed with her euthanasia request, rejecting an appeal from her father. The woman, who became paraplegic following a suicide attempt in 2022, was set to undergo the procedure in August last year after the euthanasia board in Catalonia approved her request. Her father, supported by the conservative group Abogados Cristianos, argued that his daughter’s mental health issues might impair her decision-making capacity and claimed she had changed her mind about euthanasia. However, the court ruled that she met the legal criteria for euthanasia, emphasizing her serious and chronic condition and affirming her ability to make this personal choice. Abogados Cristianos plans to appeal the ruling, citing alleged procedural irregularities, while the campaign group Right to Die with Dignity praised the decision as a victory for individual autonomy in end-of-life decisions. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA seven-year-old girl from Festus, Missouri, is in a coma after suffering severe third-degree burns when a NeeDoh cube toy exploded in her face. Scarlett Selby attempted to replicate a TikTok trend of microwaving the squishy toy to make it more malleable. Following the explosion, her father, Josh Selby, rushed to her aid after hearing her "blood-curdling scream" and struggled to remove the burning material from her skin. She was taken to the hospital, where doctors induced a coma to prevent airway swelling. Five months post-incident, Scarlett remains anxious about her recovery and potential skin grafts. Her mother, Amanda Blakenship, noted that Scarlett is self-conscious about her scars, which are "profound" and require ongoing treatment. In response to the incident, Mr. Selby is urging parents to discard their NeeDoh products, warning that the toy's contents can cause severe burns and are difficult to remove from skin. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inNEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi, where they exchanged meaningful gifts. Modi presented Gabbard with a pitcher of _Gangajal_—sacred water from the Ganges—collected during the recent Mahakumbh festival, which saw over 66 crore participants. "I also took the dip," he noted, highlighting the significance of the event. In return, Gabbard gifted Modi a Tulsi rosary, symbolizing her new role. Currently on a multi-nation visit, Gabbard will address the Raisina Dialogue on March 18, following discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where they reaffirmed the importance of strategic security in India-US relations. Earlier, she participated in a global intelligence conclave hosted by India, involving top security officials including Canada’s and the UK's intelligence heads. Gabbard had previously met Modi during his visit to Washington, DC, last month. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant advancement for global security collaboration, intelligence chiefs and national security advisers from various countries, including three members of the Five Eyes alliance, convened in New Delhi. The summit features US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, UK's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, and New Zealand's intelligence chief Andrew Hampton, alongside New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is the chief guest at The Raisina Dialogue. This multilateral conference, organized by the Observer Research Foundation and India's Ministry of External Affairs, attracts participants from over 120 nations, including heads of state, military leaders, and experts in strategy and geopolitics. The gathering underscores India's expanding role in international security, particularly amid rising concerns over radicalization linked to 'Khalistani' separatist groups in Canada. The 2025 Raisina Dialogue will explore themes such as politics, environmental challenges, and digital security, marking its 10th edition. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that 80 percent of its supported health services in Afghanistan may shut down by June due to a significant funding shortfall, exacerbated by cuts in US aid and a shift in development priorities. WHO stated that without urgent intervention, over 220 facilities could close by mid-2025, leaving an additional 1.8 million Afghans without access to primary healthcare. Already, 167 operations have ceased, with WHO's Afghanistan chief highlighting the dire humanitarian emergency that threatens years of health system progress. The country is grappling with multiple health crises, including outbreaks of malaria and dengue, and ongoing polio vaccination efforts. Save the Children reported that 18 of its health facilities have closed, affecting over 134,000 children. Afghanistan also faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with malnutrition impacting 10 percent of children under five, amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tulsi Gabbard, the United States' Director of National Intelligence, in New Delhi on Monday evening, following her discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about addressing the Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice. During their meeting, Modi gifted Gabbard a vase containing Ganga water from Prayagraj, which recently hosted the Maha Kumbh. This marks Gabbard's second meeting with Modi in two months, having previously met in February during his visit to Washington, D.C. Their discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism and cybersecurity, aimed at strengthening the India-US partnership. Prior to meeting Modi, Gabbard spoke with Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, where the Khalistani issue was a key topic. Gabbard is in India as part of a multi-nation visit to the Indo-Pacific, which includes stops in Japan and Thailand, focusing on fostering relationships and communication. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 pm
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