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Syrian state television has officially relaunched with a trial broadcast of the Alekhbariah channel, nearly five months after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The broadcast began at 5:00 PM local time from Damascus, showcasing new branding and images of the capital. Following the December takeover by new authorities, state media had suspended operations, citing delays due to sanctions and outdated equipment. Alaa Bersilo, the head of the new authority, emphasized the channel's role as a mediator between the state and society, while Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa described the launch as an emotional milestone. The previous regime's media outlets faced crackdowns, and the landscape has shifted with the rise of exiled and formerly opposition media. Despite the end of decades of repression, press freedom in Syria remains precarious, ranking 177th out of 180 on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. 
Published: May 06 2025, 6 ameznews.inHarvard University has publicly opposed what it describes as "illegal government overreach" by the Trump administration, which has halted federal research grants amidst rising tensions over pro-Palestine protests on campus. Education Secretary Linda McMahon informed Harvard's president that the university should no longer seek federal funding, citing alleged failures in legal obligations and transparency. In response, Harvard criticized the administration's actions as an attempt to impose "unprecedented and improper control" over its operations, emphasizing its commitment to compliance with the law, promoting viewpoint diversity, and combating anti-Semitism. This confrontation escalated following Harvard's lawsuit against the federal freeze on over $2.2 billion in grants, with a total of $9 billion under review. The university's stance reflects broader conflicts with the administration regarding campus activism and diversity initiatives, raising concerns about the potential impact on its funding and academic freedom.
Published: May 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inBalvinder Singh Sahni, a prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman, has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined Dh500,000 for financial crimes, including money laundering. The Dubai court also ordered the confiscation of Dh150 million from Sahni, known as Abu Sabah, who was convicted alongside 33 others, including his son. The court found that Sahni laundered the funds through a network of shell companies and forged invoices. As the founder and chairman of the Raj Sahni Group, which has a significant property portfolio in the UAE and beyond, Sahni is a well-known figure in Dubai's elite circles, famous for his luxury car collection and social media presence. Following his prison term, he will be deported from the UAE. The case against him began in 2024, revealing extensive financial misconduct linked to both local and international operations.
Published: May 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a significant escalation of tensions, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that Harvard University will be ineligible for federal grants due to alleged failures to address anti-Semitism on campus. This decision halts $2.2 billion in federal funding for Harvard, part of a broader $9 billion funding review affecting the university and others. The Trump administration has long criticized Harvard for its refusal to comply with demands for government oversight of admissions and hiring practices, claiming the institution has neglected its legal and ethical responsibilities. McMahon's letter emphasized that Harvard should no longer seek federal grants, marking a decisive end to new funding opportunities. This move aligns with the administration's crackdown on universities, which it accuses of fostering anti-Semitism and promoting diversity programs perceived as discriminatory against conservative viewpoints. Concerns are growing over potential impacts on academic freedom as the administration threatens further punitive measures against institutions and foreign students involved in protests.
Published: May 06 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn a significant restructuring move, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has mandated a minimum 20 percent reduction in active-duty four-star generals and admirals, as outlined in a memo from the Defense Secretary. This directive is part of President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to streamline military leadership, following a series of high-profile dismissals of senior officers earlier this year. The memo also calls for a 10 percent reduction in the overall number of generals and a 20 percent cut in National Guard generals, though specific implementation details remain unclear. Hegseth emphasized that the cuts aim to eliminate "redundant force structure" to enhance strategic readiness and operational effectiveness, asserting that the military's bureaucracy is overly cumbersome. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about potential politicization within the military amid these changes, which coincide with a broader push to reduce civilian staff within the Pentagon.
Published: May 06 2025, 6 ameznews.inHollywood has reacted with skepticism to President Donald Trump's announcement of a 100 percent tariff on foreign films, with industry insiders questioning the feasibility and rationale behind the policy. Entertainment lawyer Jonathan Handel criticized the proposal as "nonsensical," pointing out that many US productions, including major franchises, are filmed abroad for creative reasons. Trump's directive, issued via Truth Social, aims to promote American-made films but has left the industry in turmoil, with stock prices dropping and unions uncertain about its implications for TV series. Critics argue that such tariffs would harm the US film industry by raising production costs and limiting the availability of films. While some in Hollywood support the goal of increasing domestic production, they advocate for tax rebates instead of tariffs. The White House stated that no final decision has been made, emphasizing the administration's commitment to bolstering the industry while addressing national security concerns.
Published: May 06 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Pulitzer Prizes, announced Monday at Columbia University, highlighted significant coverage of global conflicts and domestic issues, including the wars in Gaza and Sudan, alongside the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The Washington Post received the breaking news reporting award for its coverage of Trump's injury during a rally, while ProPublica was recognized for its public service reporting on the dangers faced by women due to restrictive abortion laws, notably the case of Amber Thurman, who died after being denied care. The New York Times' Declan Walsh won for international reporting on Sudan's conflict and gold trade, and a Pulitzer for commentary went to Gaza poet Mosab Abu Toha for his poignant essays in The New Yorker. Additionally, Reuters won for investigative journalism on fentanyl regulation, and a New York Times photographer captured a striking moment of Trump's assassination attempt, earning recognition in breaking news photography.
Published: May 06 2025, 5 ameznews.inIsrael has launched airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port following a missile attack by the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels that targeted near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vowed retaliation against the Houthis, who have claimed their missile strikes are in solidarity with Palestinians. While most missiles from Yemen have been intercepted by Israel's defense systems, this recent missile marked a significant breach, being the first to evade interception since March. In response, the Houthis announced plans to impose a "comprehensive" aerial blockade on Israel, aiming to repeatedly target its airports, with Ben Gurion Airport as their primary focus. They urged international airlines to consider their warning seriously and cancel flights to Israel to ensure passenger safety. The Houthi's statement was reportedly communicated to the International Air Transport Association and the United Nations' aviation body.
Published: May 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern on Monday regarding escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, describing the situation as "at their highest in years." He urged both nations to exercise "maximum restraint" and to avoid military confrontation, emphasizing that "a military solution is no solution." Guterres offered the UN's assistance to facilitate peace and diplomacy, particularly in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 deaths. Following this incident, India has taken punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting India's resolve to respond decisively against terrorism. Amid these heightened tensions, Pakistan has requested closed consultations at the UN Security Council, scheduled for May 5, to address the implications for regional and international peace.
Published: May 06 2025, 12 ameznews.inMia Schem, a 22-year-old Israeli woman recently freed from Hamas captivity, has accused a prominent fitness trainer in Tel Aviv of drugging and raping her in her home shortly after her release. In an interview with Israel's Channel 12, Schem recounted her ordeal, stating that she met the trainer at a Purim party and had attended several training sessions with him. After he offered to connect her with a Hollywood producer interested in her story, she agreed to host a meeting at her home, during which she alleges he manipulated her friend into leaving and then assaulted her. Schem claims to have little memory of the incident, believing she was drugged, and described the emotional aftermath as more distressing than her previous captivity. Her mother expressed concern over her daughter's condition post-assault. Schem emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating that silence protects others, not victims.
Published: May 05 2025, 10 pm
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