Trending World

Listen as Radio

US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Expected to Be Signed Friday

The United States and Ukraine are poised to finalize a draft minerals deal that would see Kyiv share revenue from its mineral resources with Washington, following significant pressure from President Donald Trump. This agreement, expected to be signed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington, aims to establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund to manage revenues from Ukraine's mineral and hydrocarbon resources. Ukraine would contribute 50% of its revenue, minus operating expenses, until reaching $500 billion, while the U.S. commits to long-term financial support for a stable Ukraine. The deal, however, does not guarantee American security commitments or weapons supplies, although it emphasizes U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty. Ukraine holds significant mineral deposits, including lithium and uranium, which could be pivotal for both nations. The agreement follows a contentious exchange between the leaders, highlighting the complexities of U.S.-Ukraine relations amid ongoing conflict with Russia. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 11 am

Pope Francis Resting Peacefully After Pneumonia Battle: Vatican

Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical but stable condition as he battles pneumonia in both lungs, according to a Vatican update on Wednesday. Admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, the pontiff's health initially worsened, raising concerns among Catholics worldwide. Following recent respiratory attacks that necessitated high oxygen levels and blood transfusions, the Vatican reported that Francis has had no acute episodes, and his vital signs are stable. A new scan was conducted for monitoring his pneumonia, but the prognosis remains uncertain. Despite his health challenges, the pope continues to engage with Church matters from his hospital suite, having resumed work after receiving the Eucharist. Pilgrims and faithful have gathered at the Vatican and the hospital to pray for his recovery, with doctors indicating that his hospital stay may extend beyond this week. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 1 pm

Over 250,000 Demand Revocation of Elon Musk's Canadian Citizenship

A petition demanding Elon Musk's revocation of Canadian citizenship has garnered 250,000 signatures, as critics accuse the tech billionaire of undermining Canada’s sovereignty. Musk, born in South Africa and later acquiring Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, has faced backlash for his alleged alignment with foreign interests, particularly during his tenure as a top advisor to former President Donald Trump, who has openly questioned Canadian sovereignty. The petition, initiated on February 20, describes Musk's actions as detrimental to Canada’s national interest. In a now-deleted post, Musk dismissed the petition by claiming "Canada is not a real country." Canadian MP Charlie Angus, who sponsored the petition, asserted that it reflects public anger towards powerful figures undermining the nation. While the petition cannot compel parliamentary action, it may receive an official government response when Parliament reconvenes on March 24. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 1 pm

White House Targets Press, Selects Media for Trump Coverage

In a significant shift in media access policy, the White House announced on Tuesday that it would take control over the selection of journalists covering presidential events, a move that President Donald Trump described as "calling those shots." Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, declared that the independent White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) would no longer have exclusive authority over the press pool, which consists of reporters covering the president in limited spaces. The WHCA criticized the decision, arguing it undermines press independence and allows the government to dictate which journalists report on the president. This announcement follows a recent dispute between the White House and the Associated Press, which has been barred from events over a controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. Critics, including WHCA President Eugene Daniels, warned that the move threatens the integrity of a free press in the United States. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 1 pm

Trump's Cabinet Meeting Features Elon Musk

US President Donald Trump is set to hold his first Cabinet meeting since returning to office, with most of his nominees confirmed by Congress. Among the attendees will be billionaire Elon Musk, appointed to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to reduce the federal workforce. Despite lacking formal authority, Musk's role as a "special government employee" has drawn scrutiny, particularly given his status as Trump's top donor in the 2024 campaign. The meeting will also feature controversial figures such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, known for conspiracy theories. While the Senate has approved Trump's cabinet picks, dissent within the Republican Party remains minimal. Recently, Musk faced staff upheaval at DOGE, with a third of his team resigning after he mandated federal employees justify their roles or face termination, leading to widespread discontent among government workers. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 2 pm

PM Modi Expected to Attend Russia's War Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the May 9 parade in Moscow's Red Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, as reported by Russian news agency TASS. A military source indicated that Modi's participation has a "high probability," and discussions are ongoing regarding the involvement of a ceremonial unit from the Indian armed forces, which would require advance preparations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that numerous countries have accepted invitations to the event, which aims to highlight the significance of Victory Day. Modi's visit is particularly noteworthy in the context of ongoing US-Russian negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, following his previous calls for peace during meetings with President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi last visited Russia in October 2022 for the BRICS Summit. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 11 am

US Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Nurse, Causing Blindness

A Florida man, Stephen Scantlebury, has been arrested following a violent attack on a nurse at Palms West Hospital that resulted in severe facial injuries, including multiple fractures. The incident occurred around 1:20 PM on the hospital's third floor, prompting a swift response from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. The nurse was rushed to St. Mary's Hospital for urgent treatment and may face permanent vision loss due to her injuries. Scantlebury, who is undergoing medical clearance before being booked, faces charges of attempted murder, which have been enhanced with a hate crime designation, potentially leading to harsher penalties. Witnesses reported that the assault was sudden and brutal, leaving hospital staff and the community shaken. HCA Florida Healthcare expressed support for the victim and confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 12 pm

5 Indian-Origin Men Sentenced for Deadly Singapore Hotel Fight

Five Indian-origin men were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to three years, along with caning, for their involvement in a riot that resulted in the death of former bouncer Mohammad Isrrat Mohd Ismail at Singapore's Concorde Hotel. Sridharan Elangovan received 36 months in jail and six strokes of the cane, while Manojkumar Velayanatham and Raja Rishi each received 30 months and four strokes. Sashikumar Pakirsamy and Puthenvilla Keith Peter were sentenced to 24 and 26 months, respectively. All pleaded guilty to rioting during the incident on August 19, 2023, which escalated after a verbal confrontation with Isrrat, who was fatally stabbed. Another suspect, Asvain Pachan Pillai Sukumaran, faces murder charges, with six other individuals also implicated in the riot. The case highlights ongoing issues related to gang violence in Singapore. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 12 pm

Study Reveals Why Mars Is Red

Mars, famously known as the 'Red Planet' for its distinctive rusty hue, owes its color primarily to a rust-colored dust called ferrihydrite, according to recent research. This finding, reported by CNN, reveals that the red tint arises from iron in Martian rocks interacting with water and oxygen, forming iron oxide over billions of years. While scientists previously attributed Mars' color to dry iron oxides like hematite, new analyses suggest ferrihydrite offers a more accurate explanation. Lead researcher Adomas Valantinas from Brown University noted that this discovery reshapes our understanding of Mars' past, indicating it once harbored liquid water—an essential factor for life. Co-author Jack Mustard highlighted the research as a "door-opening opportunity," emphasizing the need for actual Martian samples to verify these findings. NASA's Perseverance rover is currently collecting these samples, which could confirm the role of ferrihydrite in Mars' coloration. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 12 pm

Flightradar Reveals Causes of Near Collision on US Runway

A Southwest Airlines flight narrowly escaped a collision with a private jet at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning, as the private aircraft entered the runway without clearance, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Air traffic control recordings revealed a series of miscommunications between the controllers and the pilot of the Flexjet 560, who misunderstood instructions to hold short of Runway 31C. The Southwest flight, descending for landing, was just 50 feet from the runway when the pilot made a split-second decision to pull up and avoid the jet. The incident, which occurred around 8:50 am local time, led to an investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. Video footage of the near-miss circulated on social media, showing the Southwest flight's last-minute ascent. It later landed safely after executing a go-around to prevent a potential crash. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 12 pm

18 Dead in Thailand Double-Decker Bus Brake Failure Crash

A tragic bus accident in Thailand on Wednesday claimed the lives of 18 people when a double-decker vehicle, carrying local government officials on a field trip, reportedly suffered brake failure while descending a hill in Prachin Buri province, east of Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Colonel Siwapass Phuripatchaiboonchu confirmed that 17 victims were found dead at the scene, with one more succumbing to injuries in hospital. Of the 49 passengers on board, survivors have been hospitalized for treatment. Thailand's road safety record is among the worst globally, with approximately 20,000 fatalities annually, largely due to unsafe vehicles and poor driving practices. This incident follows a recent school bus tragedy in October, which resulted in 23 deaths, predominantly children, marking the deadliest road accident in the country in a decade. sources

Published:
Feb 26 2025, 10 am

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!