International

‘I knew I would prevail’: Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil talks about his months in ICE detention

‘I knew I would prevail’: Inside Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil’s months in ICE custody

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist who gained international attention during his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has spoken about the time he spent in custody, the obstacles he encountered, and his steadfast conviction in eventually achieving his freedom. Discussing his experience openly, Khalil reflected on the emotional and physical impact of his extended detention and the wider significance of his case for immigration justice and human rights.Khalil’s ordeal began when he was detained by ICE, an event that quickly sparked concern among immigrant rights advocates and members of the Palestinian-American community. His case highlighted the complex intersection…
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State Department is firing more than 1,300 staff on Friday

State Department will cut over 1,300 jobs on Friday

The U.S. State Department plans to initiate one of its largest workforce downsizings in recent history, with over 1,300 employees scheduled for dismissal this Friday. This extensive measure, impacting a significant portion of the Department’s personnel, highlights ongoing issues concerning budget limitations, administrative reorganization, and evolving foreign policy objectives.According to officials familiar with the decision, the cuts are part of a broader plan aimed at streamlining operations and reallocating resources to meet current diplomatic and security demands. While some of the affected positions involve temporary or contract roles, a substantial number are permanent staff, including foreign service officers, administrative personnel,…
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What will happen now that Trump has turned on Putin?

What could Trump’s opposition to Putin lead to?

The relationship between the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has been a central topic in global politics for a considerable time. During years past, Trump's posture concerning Russia garnered a mixture of critique and commendation, with numerous analysts highlighting his notably amiable stance towards Putin despite challenging geopolitical events. Nonetheless, Trump's recent remarks indicate a significant transformation in this dynamic, prompting inquiries regarding the possible effects on U.S.-Russia interactions, international diplomacy, and the wider global landscape.Recent comments by Trump, perceived as a noticeable shift from his earlier supportive view of Putin,…
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Critics slam Mexico’s gentrification protests as xenophobic. Activists say they’re fighting for their human rights

Critics denounce Mexico’s gentrification protests as xenophobic, while activists defend human rights

In Mexico, tensions are rising over the impact of gentrification, as local residents voice their concerns about displacement, soaring living costs, and the erosion of community identity. While some critics have labeled these protests as xenophobic, activists at the heart of the movement argue that their actions are a defense of fundamental human rights, not an attack on foreign individuals or cultures.The debate unfolding in various neighborhoods throughout Mexico City and other metropolitan areas highlights an increasing global issue: finding equilibrium between the arrival of newcomers, frequently from more affluent nations, and the rights and stability of long-standing local populations.…
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Bridge collapse kills 9 in India’s Gujarat state

Gujarat bridge collapse: 9 killed in Indian state

A tragic incident unfolded in the western Indian state of Gujarat when a bridge collapsed, leading to the loss of nine lives and sparking renewed debate over infrastructure safety in the country. The disaster, which occurred without warning, has left the local community in mourning and prompted authorities to launch an urgent investigation into the causes of the collapse.According to reports from the scene, the bridge gave way unexpectedly, sending several people plunging into the water below. Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, nine individuals lost their lives in the accident. Others sustained injuries, some of them serious,…
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South Africans fear spike in HIV infections as US aid cuts bite

South Africans fear spike in HIV infections as US aid cuts bite

In South Africa, one of the countries most heavily affected by the global HIV epidemic, a wave of concern is sweeping through communities, health organizations, and advocacy groups. This anxiety stems from recent cuts in United States government funding that has, for years, played a critical role in the country's fight against HIV and AIDS. With financial support shrinking, many fear that the progress made over decades in reducing HIV infections could be at risk, potentially leading to a resurgence of new cases and a weakening of prevention and treatment efforts.For more than twenty years, South Africa has led the…
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Concern for 'huge water demand' amid high temperatures

Heatwave intensifies concern over ‘huge water demand’

As regions across the globe face sweltering heatwaves and prolonged periods of high temperatures, concerns are mounting over the increasing demand for water and its implications for communities, agriculture, and the environment. The rising need for water amid extreme weather underscores the urgency of sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies.With temperatures reaching record highs in many areas, the demand for water has surged significantly. Households, industries, and agricultural sectors are all drawing on water resources at unprecedented rates to cope with the heat. This heightened demand has placed immense pressure on water supply systems, particularly in regions already grappling…
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China's emissions may be falling - here's what you should know

China’s emissions may be falling – key facts explained

China, widely acknowledged as the leading global producer of greenhouse gases, is exhibiting initial indications that its emission rates might be starting to change. This progression is gaining international attention as nations strengthen their initiatives to address climate change. It is essential for policymakers, environmentalists, and the general public to comprehend the elements driving this possible transformation and its significance for worldwide climate objectives.Over recent decades, China's swift industrial development has placed it at the leading edge of worldwide emissions. Propelled by industries reliant on coal and urban growth, the nation has played a key role in climate dialogues. Nonetheless,…
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Chef's food decoration at Chinese pre-school poisons 233 children

233 children poisoned after chef’s food decoration at Chinese pre-school

A concerning incident at a preschool in northern China has drawn nationwide attention after more than 200 children fell ill due to food contamination linked to decorative elements added to their meals. The episode has sparked fresh debate over food safety regulations and the oversight of catering services in educational institutions, underscoring the ongoing challenges of ensuring the wellbeing of children in school environments.According to local authorities, the mass food poisoning incident occurred at a kindergarten in the city of Ningjin, located in Hebei province. Early reports indicate that a decorative ingredient used in the preparation of meals served to…
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Eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano sends ash 11 miles high

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano in Indonesia erupts, ash reaches 11 miles into sky

In a striking demonstration of nature’s might, Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano erupted recently, sending a massive ash plume approximately 11 miles skyward. This notable volcanic occurrence has captured interest not only due to its immediate visual impact but also because of its wider effects on aviation, public safety, and environmental conditions in the area.Located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is part of Indonesia’s vast and volatile volcanic landscape. The country sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to the movement of…
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