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US President Donald Trump has called for the revival of the Keystone XL Pipeline project, which was halted by his successor, Joe Biden, on his first day in office in January 2021 due to environmental concerns. The pipeline, first proposed in 2008, has faced significant opposition from environmental activists and Indigenous groups, who have organized protests against it in various locations. Trump criticized Biden's administration on his Truth Social platform, urging TC Energy, the Canadian company behind the pipeline, to resume construction immediately. Proponents argue that the project would reduce US dependence on oil from adversarial nations by transporting up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta to Nebraska. Although Canadian regulators approved the project in 2010, it was blocked by former President Barack Obama in 2015 before Trump reversed that decision in 2017. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 11 ameznews.inGermany's Chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, has pledged to prioritize European unity and security, aiming to foster "real independence" from the United States amid concerns over the new Trump administration and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, Merz criticized the US for its indifference towards Europe, questioning NATO's future and advocating for an independent European defense capability. His comments mark a significant shift for Germany, traditionally a close US ally, as fears grow that Trump might negotiate with Russia over Ukraine without European input. Merz, whose conservatives recently won a national election, faces coalition challenges while addressing pressing issues such as economic competitiveness, migration, and international security threats. He emphasized the need for unity in Europe and reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, while expressing reluctance to send troops, highlighting concerns over the potential withdrawal of US security guarantees. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Taliban has confirmed the arrest of British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds, both in their 70s, in Afghanistan, following a public plea from their four adult children for their release. The Reynolds have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, continuing their work with Rebuild, an organization focused on education and training programs, including initiatives for mothers and children, despite the Taliban's harsh restrictions on women's rights. Sarah Entwistle, one of their children, has called for a boycott of England's ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan, urging the British consulate to take action to secure her parents' release. "Our parents have always sought to honor the Taliban," she stated, emphasizing their desire for dialogue, but lamented the lack of communication after three weeks of silence regarding their detention. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inActor Alec Baldwin was involved in a heated confrontation with comedian Jason Scoop, who impersonated Donald Trump and taunted him about the fatal _Rust_ shooting incident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The altercation occurred outside Baldwin's New York City home, where Scoop, dressed in a suit and wig, mocked Baldwin, claiming he would offer a pardon for "murdering that woman in cold blood." A visibly agitated Baldwin threatened, "If this camera wasn't here, I'd snap your f***ing neck in half," as he confronted Scoop about his children living in the building. The exchange escalated, with Baldwin demanding Scoop leave, while the comedian continued to provoke him. Baldwin's involvement in the _Rust_ shooting has been controversial; he was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the case was later dismissed. Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger of the gun that discharged. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA viral video capturing cricket fans in Murree, near Islamabad, celebrating Virat Kohli's 51st ODI century against Pakistan highlights a surprising shift in sentiment among Pakistani supporters, who traditionally reserve their cheers for their own team. This enthusiastic response suggests either disillusionment with Pakistan's recent performances or a transcendent admiration for Kohli, whose record-breaking achievements in ODI cricket, including becoming the fastest to 14,000 runs, have cemented his status as a global icon. Following India's decisive victory over Pakistan, Kohli's century reinstated faith in the Indian team, which had faced criticism after recent losses. As he navigates the latter stages of his career, Kohli's performance in high-pressure situations reaffirms his mental resilience, making a compelling case for his place among cricketing greats. With India now on the brink of another ICC trophy, Kohli's resurgence signals a promising turnaround for both him and the team. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a controversial move amid ongoing cost-cutting efforts, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has announced the closure of the staff canteen at Old Trafford, with employees set to receive only fruit instead of free lunches. The closure is expected by the end of the week, with similar changes anticipated at the Carrington training base, where non-playing staff will be limited to soup and bread. Ratcliffe's measures come as the club grapples with losses exceeding £300 million over the past three years, prompting a new transformation plan aimed at restoring profitability after five consecutive years of financial decline. This is not the first instance of austerity under Ratcliffe; in December, he cut £40,000 in funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, and staff perks for the FA Cup final were also reduced. Captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly confronted executives over these changes, offering to cover costs himself, but his proposal was declined. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inBitcoin and ether plunged to multi-month lows on Tuesday amid a broader market sell-off, exacerbated by the recent $1.5 billion hack of ether from the crypto exchange Bybit. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, fell by as much as 6%, reaching $88,245, marking its first drop below $90,000 since mid-January and its lowest level since November. Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, experienced an even steeper decline, plummeting up to 11% to $2,333, its lowest price since October. The downturn reflects ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market as investors grapple with the implications of significant security breaches and market sentiment. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA 40-year-old Colombian man was arrested at Rafael Nunez International Airport in Cartagena while attempting to smuggle over 220 grams of cocaine hidden in a hair wig. The individual, from Pereira, was scheduled to fly to Amsterdam when anti-narcotics officers detected the suspicious wig during a security scan. The cocaine, valued at approximately $10,450, was intended to be divided into more than 400 doses. Footage from the authorities shows the wig being cut open to reveal the concealed drugs. This incident highlights a troubling trend, as Colombia continues to be the world's largest cocaine exporter, with a significant increase in coca leaf cultivation and cocaine production reported in 2023. According to a UN report, coca cultivation rose by 10% from the previous year, while cocaine production surged by 53%, marking the highest levels since monitoring began in 2001. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inElon Musk has given US federal workers "another chance" to justify their roles after an initial deadline passed, with many agencies advising staff to disregard his request. Musk's demand, communicated via email, sought a list of recent accomplishments from over two million federal employees, emphasizing accountability in government roles. The request has sparked confusion, as some agencies, including the Defense Department and the FBI, instructed employees to pause responses, citing cybersecurity concerns. Trump defended Musk's initiative, suggesting it would reveal inefficiencies within the workforce. However, unions and some lawmakers have expressed strong opposition, warning against potential unlawful terminations and urging a more compassionate approach. Amidst growing backlash, a federal judge has ruled against sharing sensitive information with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, highlighting the ongoing legal and political challenges facing his cost-cutting efforts. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inJulianne Moore's children's book, _Freckleface Strawberry_, is set for reprinting following a surge in interest after it was removed from schools serving US military families during the Trump administration. The Oscar-winning actress expressed her "great shock" on Instagram after learning that her 2007 book, which encourages children to embrace their differences, was banned as part of a Pentagon review targeting materials related to "gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology." The controversy reflects broader concerns over educational censorship, with over 10,000 book bans reported in US public schools during the 2023-2024 academic year, particularly affecting titles on race and gender. While supporters of the bans argue they protect children from political indoctrination, critics decry them as attacks on free expression. In response, major publishers have initiated legal action against book bans, challenging laws that restrict minors' access to certain materials. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA pilot suffering from a severe spider allergy was bitten by a hidden tarantula mid-flight on an Iberia Airbus A320 traveling from Dusseldorf to Madrid, causing significant delays as the aircraft was fumigated upon landing. The incident occurred on Friday when crew members administered Urbason, a corticosteroid, to manage the pilot's allergic reaction. Fortunately, the plane landed safely, and all passengers disembarked without incident. Specialist teams at Madrid Airport worked to eliminate the arachnid, which is believed to have entered the aircraft via luggage from a previous flight from Casablanca, Morocco. While it remains unclear if the pilot required further medical attention, Iberia confirmed he is in good health. The fumigation process delayed the next flight to Vigo by approximately three hours, leading to passengers inspecting their seats for any remaining spiders. The subsequent flight landed safely around midnight without any further sightings. 
Published: Feb 25 2025, 3 pm
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