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Video: Fengyang Drum Tower in China Collapses After 650 Years

A partial collapse of the Fengyang Drum Tower, a historic structure in Anhui, China, occurred on Monday, sending debris tumbling and prompting tourists to flee for safety. The 650-year-old tower, originally built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, lost hundreds of roof tiles, creating chaos as visitors scrambled to avoid falling debris. Eyewitnesses reported that the tile collapse lasted for a minute or two, and fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the area was relatively empty at the time. The tower had undergone restoration, completed in March 2024, but social media users expressed concerns about the quality of modern construction, comparing it unfavorably to the durability of ancient techniques. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which has drawn significant attention online. The Fengyang Drum Tower is a prominent tourist attraction and is located approximately 320 kilometers from Beijing. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 12 pm

Bangladesh Army Chief Urges December Polls Amid Yunus Rift

Speculation regarding a rift between Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, and the military intensified on Wednesday following Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman's call for elections by December. Speaking to army officers in Dhaka, General Zaman emphasized that only an elected government can shape a nation's future, amidst accusations that Yunus's administration is stalling the electoral process to maintain power after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ousting. Tensions have escalated with the military banning gatherings near General Zaman's residence due to fears of protests from Islamic groups supporting Yunus. Furthermore, the Army Chief has clashed with the interim government over the establishment of a humanitarian corridor for the Rohingya crisis, insisting such decisions should originate from an elected body. Despite the rising tensions, the interim government has dismissed claims of discord, asserting that recent meetings between military leaders and Yunus were focused on national law and order. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 6 pm

China, Philippines Exchange Blame for South China Sea Tensions

China and the Philippines exchanged accusations on Thursday following a maritime confrontation in the contested South China Sea, escalating tensions in the strategic region. The Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries condemned the Chinese Coast Guard for firing water cannons and sideswiping its research vessel, the Datu Sanday, during an incident near a disputed reef, claiming the actions endangered civilian lives. Conversely, the Chinese Coast Guard asserted that the Philippine vessels had illegally entered its waters and ignored warnings, justifying its response as lawful control measures. The US ambassador to Manila criticized China's actions as reckless and destabilizing. Sandy Cay, the focal point of the incident, is near Thitu Island, which holds strategic significance for the Philippines amidst overlapping territorial claims from China and other nations. A 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidated China's extensive claims in the region, a decision Beijing continues to reject. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 6 pm

Investors Pour $148 Million into Trump's Meme Coin Dinner

Buyers of former President Donald Trump's $TRUMP meme coin are gathering for an exclusive dinner at his country club near Washington, D.C., with top investor Justin Sun among the attendees. The event has raised eyebrows due to its $148 million ticket sales and concerns over foreign influence and corruption. Sun, who has invested $18.5 million and is linked to the Trump family's crypto platform, recently posted a video near the White House as the SEC paused a fraud case against him. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have called for transparency regarding the attendees, citing the potential for untraceable foreign transactions and conflicts of interest. Despite the controversy, some attendees, including prominent crypto figures, view the event as a unique networking opportunity. Since its launch, the meme coin has reportedly generated significant profits for large investors, while smaller holders have faced substantial losses. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 7 pm

India Critiques Turkey's Support for Pakistan

In a stern rebuke to Turkey, the Indian government has urged Ankara to pressure Pakistan to combat cross-border terrorism, particularly in light of Turkey's recent support for Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need for Turkey to discourage Pakistan from using terrorism as a state policy and to take verifiable actions against its long-standing terror infrastructure. The relationship between India and Turkey has soured due to Ankara's military and ideological backing of Pakistan, including the provision of drones used in military escalations against India. Turkey's military posturing during India's Operation Sindoor, including the deployment of warships and alleged arms shipments to Pakistan, has further strained ties. Additionally, Turkey's lack of condemnation for the Pahalgam attack and its expressions of solidarity with Pakistan have heightened tensions, prompting India to reiterate the importance of mutual respect in international relations. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 5 pm

Senate Staffer Caught in Hearing Room: "I Have No Regrets

Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a former US Senate staffer, has stirred controversy after filming himself engaging in sexual activity in a Capitol hearing room, a scandal that led to his dismissal from Senator Ben Cardin’s office. The 25-year-old, dubbed the "Senate Twink," expressed "no regrets" about the incident, citing boredom with his job as a motivating factor. After the video surfaced online, he relocated to Australia, where he reflected on his actions during a FaceTime interview from a beach in the Outback. He admitted to reserving the Hart 216 room, previously used for significant Senate events, for the explicit act and later sharing the video in a group chat, which resulted in public exposure. Although the Capitol Police investigated, they concluded no crime was committed, despite a violation of congressional policy. Embracing his notoriety, Maese-Czeropski has since launched an OnlyFans account, aiming to profit from his newfound fame. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 5 pm

Trump's 'Golden Dome' Plan Could Spark Space Weapons Era

US President Donald Trump's announcement of the Golden Dome missile defense initiative marks a significant revival of a controversial Cold War-era concept, proposing a $175 billion network of satellites and weapons in Earth's orbit. This ambitious plan aims to intercept both conventional and nuclear missiles, potentially escalating the militarization of space amid rising tensions with adversaries like Russia and China. Experts warn that deploying missiles in space could provoke an arms race, as nations may respond by developing similar systems. While the Pentagon has not commented, reactions from Russia and China indicate serious concerns over the initiative's offensive implications. The project, reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, is backed by major defense contractors such as L3Harris and SpaceX, although its funding remains uncertain, with Republican lawmakers proposing an initial $25 billion investment tied to a contentious defense package in Congress. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 3 pm

Columnist Claims Jill Biden Commits "Elder Abuse" Over Joe's Campaign

In a recent interview, Washington journalist Sally Quinn accused former First Lady Jill Biden of "elder abuse" for allegedly pressuring President Joe Biden to run for re-election despite his cognitive health concerns. Speaking on Tara Palmeri's podcast, Quinn claimed that Jill Biden's support for her husband's campaign, particularly after a troubling June 2024 debate, demonstrated a lack of protection for him. "If Jill Biden had stood up and said, ‘Joe, you can't do it,’ he wouldn't have run," Quinn stated, expressing shock at Jill's actions post-debate, which she felt were dismissive of Biden's health issues. Noting parallels between Biden's forgetfulness and the early stages of dementia she witnessed in her late husband, Quinn raised questions about the president's undisclosed late-stage cancer diagnosis, suggesting it should have been detected sooner given the level of medical care available to him. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 4 pm

Gaza: Reflecting on War When You're Exhausted

Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza, images of devastation have flooded the media, revealing the profound human suffering in the region. Amidst this turmoil, a phenomenon known as "war fatigue" is emerging, affecting even seasoned journalists who find it increasingly difficult to engage with the relentless coverage of conflict. However, beyond the headlines of violence, stories of resilience and coexistence are quietly unfolding. Initiatives like Wahat al-Salam-Neve Shalom, where Jewish and Arab families live side by side, exemplify efforts to foster peace through education and shared experiences. Similarly, the village of Budrus has become a symbol of non-violent resistance against oppression. While the current climate may seem bleak, these grassroots movements serve as reminders that even in the darkest times, the pursuit of peace remains vital and possible. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 4 pm

France Rejects Pavel Durov's US Visit Request

France has denied Telegram founder Pavel Durov's request to travel to the United States for discussions with investment funds, according to prosecutors on Thursday. Durov, 40, was detained in Paris in 2024 and is currently under investigation for illegal content on his messaging platform. Although he was permitted to leave France for Dubai in March, his recent travel request was deemed neither urgent nor justified by the Paris public prosecutor's office. Durov sought to meet with senior tech figures, following accusations against France's DGSE intelligence service for allegedly attempting to influence Romanian elections by banning pro-conservative accounts on Telegram. The DGSE has dismissed these claims. In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Durov has indicated a willingness to cooperate with French authorities to address concerns regarding illegal content on his service. His lawyer has not yet commented on the latest developments. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 4 pm

Trump's Video Attack on Ramaphosa Contained Many Falsehoods

US President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a White House meeting on Wednesday, presenting a controversial video intended to support his claims of a "genocide" against white farmers in South Africa. The 4:30-minute video, which has circulated widely online, includes numerous inaccuracies, such as misrepresenting a protest scene with white crosses as burial sites for murdered farmers, when they were actually erected after a couple's killing in 2020. Trump also misidentified Julius Malema, who appears in the video chanting a historical anti-apartheid song, as a government official, despite him leading the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party, which has never held power. While farm murders do occur, they are part of a broader crime issue in South Africa, with the total number of such killings significantly lower compared to the national murder rate. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 4 pm

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