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Two US astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, are set to return to Earth on Tuesday evening after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their extended stay followed propulsion issues during the Boeing Starliner’s maiden crewed flight, which rendered it unfit for their return. NASA announced the revised splashdown time for the SpaceX Crew Dragon craft, now scheduled for approximately 5:57 PM ET (2157 GMT), ahead of anticipated adverse weather later in the week. Joining Wilmore and Williams on the journey will be NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Their return marks the conclusion of an ordeal that saw them far exceed the typical six-month ISS rotation, although it remains significantly shorter than the US record of 371 days set by astronaut Frank Rubio in 2023. The astronauts’ prolonged absence has drawn public sympathy, necessitating the shipment of additional personal items from Earth. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a significant shift in U.S. media policy, President Donald Trump's administration has initiated mass layoffs at Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-funded media outlets, signaling a move to reshape entities critical to American influence abroad. Following a day of administrative leave for employees, contractors received termination notices effective March 31, with many relying on these jobs for their visas. While full-time staff remain on leave, the agency, which broadcasts in 49 languages, has begun to air music in the absence of new programming. Trump's executive order aims to cut funding for the parent U.S. Agency for Global Media, which had over 3,300 employees and sought nearly $950 million for the current fiscal year. Critics argue these cuts reflect a broader attack on press freedom, as the administration seeks to reduce government size and challenge traditional media narratives, amid rising competition from state-backed outlets in China and Russia.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inA Hilton hotel in Surfers Paradise was evacuated early Friday morning after two fires broke out, affecting over 400 guests. Queensland Fire Department dispatched six crews, with the first arriving shortly after 2 am, discovering a blaze on the roof that led to burning debris igniting a second fire on a lower level. The flames were extinguished by 2:30 am, and fire investigators were deemed unnecessary, with the hotel management handling the situation. Local resident Ralph Kogler described seeing the roof engulfed in flames, with debris scattering across multiple ledges and igniting tables below. Jockey Shane Dye, living nearby, recounted the confusion during the evacuation as guests were alerted to the danger. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and guests were allowed to return to their rooms after the fire was contained. Authorities do not consider the incident suspicious, but investigations are ongoing.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inScientists are debating the potential for "dark oxygen" production in the ocean's depths, following a controversial study published in *Nature Geoscience* last July. The research suggests that potato-sized polymetallic nodules, found four kilometers below the surface in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific, might generate enough electrical current to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen, challenging long-held beliefs that oxygen production was solely reliant on sunlight-driven photosynthesis. While the findings have sparked interest from mining companies seeking valuable metals like nickel and cobalt, environmentalists warn that such mining could harm fragile deep-sea ecosystems. Critics, including marine ecologist Andrew Sweetman’s detractors, argue the study is flawed, with multiple papers submitted to refute its claims. Prominent scientists have expressed skepticism about the results, emphasizing the need for further research to verify or disprove these groundbreaking assertions.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inRanjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Indian doctoral student in urban planning at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada last week after the US revoked their student visa due to alleged involvement in pro-Palestine protests. The US Department of State cited security concerns, linking Srinivasan to activities "supporting Hamas." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labelled them a "terrorist sympathiser," intensifying fears of political persecution. Srinivasan described their experience as a "dystopian nightmare," expressing concerns over the implications of political speech in the current climate. Following a visit from federal immigration officials, Srinivasan felt the situation had become too dangerous, prompting a hasty departure, leaving behind their cat. With a strong academic background, including degrees from CEPT University and Harvard, Srinivasan's research interests focus on urbanisation and the political economy of development, raising questions about the impact of such policies on academic freedom and expression.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inAstronomers have announced the discovery of 128 new moons orbiting Saturn, bringing the planet's total to 274—more than any other in the Solar System. This significant finding, led by Edward Ashton at Taiwan's Academia Sinica, has surpassed Jupiter's 95 moons. The newly identified moons, which are only a few kilometers in diameter, have chaotic orbits, often moving in reverse compared to Saturn's larger moons like Titan. The discovery utilized advanced imaging techniques at the Canada France Hawaii telescope, and the moons will be named after Gallic, Norse, and Canadian Inuit deities. Previous observations by Scott Sheppard between 2004 and 2007 hinted at these moons but lacked definitive tracking. Ashton noted that Saturn's outer position may allow it to capture more icy bodies, contributing to its high moon count.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inBaloch rebels have claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a paramilitary convoy in Noshki, Balochistan, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including three Pakistani soldiers. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) released a video showing the moment of the explosion, believed to have been caused by a suicide attacker who rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy. Following the blast, gunfire erupted, leading to further casualties among the attackers and civilians. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the "cowardly" assault, asserting it would not undermine Pakistan's resolve against terrorism. This incident follows a recent BLA hijacking of the Jaffar Express, where hostages were held for 36 hours, resulting in 31 fatalities. The BLA, which seeks independence for Balochistan and claims that its resources are being exploited by the Pakistani elite, has approximately 5,000 members, including an increasing number of women.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inA 45-year-old man sustained severe burns after being set on fire in Times Square early Sunday morning, an incident reminiscent of a deadly subway arson just three months prior. Authorities responded around 4 am, and the victim, who had been doused with an accelerant, was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition after a passerby extinguished the flames. The assailant fled the scene, and it remains unclear whether the attack was random or targeted. This violent episode has intensified discussions about street safety in New York, particularly as the city approaches a contentious mayoral election. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo criticized the current state of safety, while Mayor Eric Adams defended the city's decreasing crime rates and pointed to bail reform laws as a contributing factor to the violence. The recent arson follows the tragic death of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, who was killed in a subway fire, reigniting public safety concerns in the city.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inYemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for two missile and drone attacks on the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier group in the Red Sea, describing the actions as retaliation for recent US strikes that reportedly killed 53 civilians, including women and children. The Houthis stated their attacks were in response to ongoing US aggression and warned of further escalation if such actions continue. The US, under President Trump, has vowed to maintain military pressure on the Houthis and has conducted targeted strikes against their leadership. The escalation has drawn international concern, with the UN urging both sides to cease hostilities. The Houthis, who have been actively targeting shipping routes amid the Gaza conflict, have intensified their assaults, prompting fears of further disruptions to global trade. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, exacerbated by external military involvement, has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inBrazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, accused of supporting a coup attempt, addressed thousands of supporters at Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach, claiming a ban on his re-election bid constitutes a "denial of democracy." The 69-year-old, who served from 2019 to 2022, is barred from public office until 2030 due to unsubstantiated fraud claims regarding Brazil's electronic voting system. Despite this, Bolsonaro aims to position himself as a contender in the upcoming elections, drawing parallels with Donald Trump's political resurgence. The rally, officially calling for amnesty for those convicted in the January 8 riots, attracted fewer participants than previous events. Bolsonaro, who was in the U.S. during the riots, faces potential prison time exceeding 40 years if convicted. Political analysts suggest the demonstration was a strategic move to reaffirm his candidacy intentions while concerns linger over the health and popularity of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 11 pm
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