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The Trump administration has withdrawn Adam Boehler's nomination as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the White House announced on Saturday. Boehler, who has been actively working to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, will continue his efforts in a role as a "special government employee," which does not require Senate confirmation. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt praised Boehler's contributions, including his role in negotiating the return of American teacher Marc Fogel from Russia. The decision to withdraw was reportedly to avoid potential conflicts with his investment company and was unrelated to the backlash over his direct engagement with Hamas, which has stirred discontent among some Senate Republicans and Israeli officials. Following a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages, Boehler's discussions with the group marked a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding negotiations with designated terrorist organizations. 
Published: Mar 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a dramatic shift, President Donald Trump's administration has placed hundreds of journalists at Voice of America (VOA) and other US-funded media outlets on leave, halting operations that have long been vital in countering Russian and Chinese propaganda. The move, communicated via email over the weekend, affects staff at VOA, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Free Europe, who are now barred from their offices and required to return press passes and equipment. Kari Lake, head of the US Agency for Global Media, stated that federal funding no longer aligns with agency priorities, while the White House defended the cuts as a means to prevent taxpayer support for what they termed "radical propaganda." Critics, including advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers, condemned the decision as a threat to press freedom and a potential boon for authoritarian regimes, with concerns over the safety of journalists working in oppressive environments.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 8 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has appointed retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine, tasked with direct communication with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian leadership. Trump announced the appointment on his Truth Social platform, highlighting Kellogg's established rapport with Zelenskyy. Previously serving as acting national security advisor, Kellogg was notably absent from recent high-level negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, with a senior Russian official suggesting he was perceived as "too pro-Ukraine." Tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy escalated last month when Trump labeled the Ukrainian leader a "dictator." However, following a meeting in Kyiv, Kellogg commended Zelenskyy as a "courageous leader," indicating positive discussions. Ceasefire negotiations have faced significant challenges, particularly after contentious remarks from Putin regarding conditions for peace, which drew backlash from Kyiv.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a significant escalation of military action, the United States launched strikes in Yemen, marking the first such operations under President Donald Trump since his inauguration in January. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 24 individuals, including 13 civilians in the capital, Sanaa, and 11 others in the Houthi stronghold of Saada. Trump condemned the Iran-aligned Houthi group as "terrorists" and warned that their "time is up," urging Iran to cease its support for them. The Houthi political bureau condemned the attacks as a "war crime," vowing to respond to any escalation. This military action follows a series of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which they claim are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Trump administration has reclassified the Houthis as a "foreign terrorist organization," further intensifying the geopolitical tensions in the region.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inFaisal Nadeem, also known as Abu Qatal and the nephew of 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, has been killed in a targeted shooting at Mangla bypass in Pakistan's Jhelum district. Reports indicate that unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle he was traveling in. Nadeem was implicated as a handler for the Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists responsible for deadly attacks in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, in 2023, which resulted in seven fatalities and numerous injuries. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously filed a chargesheet naming Nadeem, along with Sajid Jutt and Mohd Qasim, as key figures who directed these terror operations from Pakistan. His death marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism linked to the region.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inAt least 33 people have died and numerous others have been injured as tornadoes and severe storms swept through the central United States on Saturday, officials reported. In Kansas, eight fatalities occurred in a massive pile-up involving over 50 vehicles during a severe dust storm that severely limited visibility. Missouri confirmed 12 storm-related deaths, while Arkansas reported three fatalities and 29 injuries, prompting Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to declare a state of emergency and assure residents of federal support. In Mississippi, six deaths were reported, with three individuals still missing. Power outages affected over 200,000 homes and businesses across the region, as meteorologists warned of more tornadoes expected to hit states like Mississippi and Tennessee. The National Weather Service cautioned that significant and potentially violent tornadoes could continue into the evening, highlighting the dangers inherent in the region known as "Tornado Alley."
Published: Mar 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inPope Francis is showing gradual improvement as he battles double pneumonia in a Rome hospital, according to a Vatican update on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, is reducing his reliance on mechanical ventilation at night, though he continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy. His condition remains stable, and he is undergoing medical treatments, respiratory physiotherapy, and mobility exercises, all contributing to his slow recovery. This week marks the 12th anniversary of his papacy, yet he has not been seen in public for five weeks, missing his weekly prayers with pilgrims. The Vatican has shifted to less frequent medical updates, now issuing them every few days instead of twice daily. Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis has continued his work from the hospital and recently approved a new three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inUS airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels, the first since President Donald Trump took office, reportedly killed at least 20 people, including children, according to Houthi officials. The strikes, which targeted the capital Sanaa and the northern Saada region, were described as a response to the Houthis' recent attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The US Central Command characterized the operations as "precision strikes" aimed at safeguarding American interests and maintaining navigation freedom. Trump warned Iran to cease its support for the Houthis and threatened severe retaliation against the group for its actions, emphasizing that "hell will rain down" if they continue their attacks. The Houthis have vowed to respond to the US strikes, asserting their readiness to escalate the conflict. The situation remains tense as the Houthis, who control significant territory in Yemen, have resumed their attacks following a ceasefire.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inUS astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth next week after an extended nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), initially intended to last just eight days. Their return, following the Crew-10 mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, may bring challenges, including a condition known as "baby feet," where prolonged absence of gravity leaves the soles of their feet soft and tender, making walking painful. Additionally, they face significant bone density loss, with weight-bearing bones losing about one percent of their density per month in space, alongside muscle weakening due to reduced physical activity. Other health concerns include changes in blood volume and circulation, which can lead to clots, and vision impairment from fluid build-up affecting the eyeballs. Furthermore, astronauts are exposed to harmful radiation without Earth's protective atmosphere, increasing health risks during and after their missions.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 8 ameznews.inCanada is reassessing its significant purchase of 88 US-made F-35 combat jets amid escalating tensions with the Trump administration, according to a spokesperson from the Canadian defence ministry. This evaluation follows Portugal's decision to reconsider its own potential acquisition of F-35s, reflecting growing international discontent over Trump's trade policies and his inconsistent support for NATO allies. Trump previously imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, which were later suspended under a North American trade agreement. Newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney has tasked the defence ministry with determining whether the F-35 contract, valued at Can$19 billion (approximately $13.2 billion), is the best option for Canada, given the shifting geopolitical landscape. While the deal remains in place, the government emphasizes the need to ensure it aligns with the interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces. Portugal is also exploring alternatives to replace its aging F-16s, considering both American and European aircraft options.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 10 pm
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