Author: Amanda Martinez

A federal judge temporarily halted Trump’s USAID worker suspension just hours before the move would have placed 2,200 employees on administrative leave. Judge Carl Nichols issued a restraining order responding to a lawsuit from two unions that sought to prevent the cuts. The order reinstates 500 employees already placed on leave and blocks additional suspensions until February 14 at midnight. Trump aims to dismantle USAID, arguing that the foreign aid agency wastes taxpayer money. Trump’s administration planned to lay off nearly all of the agency’s 10,000 employees, retaining only 611 staff members. Officials had already suspended 500 workers, and another…

In a significant turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious in the Delhi Assembly elections, with over 60% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The election saw a high voter turnout, with the BJP’s campaign focusing on criticizing the alleged mismanagement by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The BJP’s victory is seen as a major win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, with party officials attributing the results to the trust Delhi voters have placed in his vision for development and good governance. The party’s campaign was marked by intense rivalry with the AAP, with the…

Seismic activity continues to shake Santorini and nearby Greek islands, raising concerns among experts that a stronger earthquake could still strike. The Santorini earthquake swarm has triggered constant tremors, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to flee the popular island destination. Rémy Bossu, Secretary-General of the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, described the earthquake sequence as highly unusual and potentially leading to a stronger tremor. He explained that unlike typical earthquakes, in which smaller aftershocks follow a significant shock, this pattern shows increasing magnitude over time. Fearing the worst, Greek authorities have launched emergency measures, including evacuations and rescue force preparations. The…

Trump’s ICC sanctions order imposes financial and visa restrictions on those assisting the International Criminal Court in prosecuting US or Israeli officials. President Donald Trump signed the executive order while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington. The White House accused the ICC of unfairly equating Israel with Hamas after it issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas commander over Gaza war crimes. The US and Israel, both non-members of ICC, have rejected the court’s jurisdiction. Trump’s ICC sanctions order blocks financial assets and restricts travel for individuals aiding ICC investigations against American citizens or allies like Israel. The…

A federal judge halted Trump’s federal worker buyout plan just before the Thursday midnight deadline, delaying resignations for thousands of employees. Judge George O’Toole Jr issued the ruling pausing the program until a Monday hearing to address a lawsuit filed by federal worker unions. The lawsuit claims the Trump administration’s proposal violates federal law and lacks proper funding. The White House introduced the plan to shrink the federal workforce, offering financial incentives to employees who voluntarily resign. According to officials, 40,000 employees had already accepted the offer, though many raised concerns about the deal’s unclear terms. The administration initially hoped…

Cory Kerewaro, a reptile handler, was stunned to rescue 102 venomous snakes from a backyard mulch pile in Sydney. The incident began when a dog was bitten by one of the snakes. Kerewaro’s team was called to the scene and quickly discovered 40 red-bellied black snakes. Four snakes gave birth to live young after being replaced in a removal bag. The snakes, including five adults and 97 babies, are currently under quarantine. As the rescue effort unfolded Kerewaro’s team worked tirelessly to ensure the safe removal of the snakes. They carefully placed the snakes in specialized bags to prevent any…

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to prepare a plan allowing Gazans to leave if they choose. His statement aligns with former US President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle Gaza’s 2.1 million Palestinians elsewhere. Trump asserted that Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the US after the conflict, the claim met with immediate Palestinian rejection. Katz emphasized that Gazans should have freedom of movement and that countries criticizing Israel’s actions should accept them as refugees.  He also accused Hamas of preventing residents from leaving and argued that resettlement could support long-term reconstruction in a demilitarized Gaza.…

Indian tax officials have accused Kia Motors of $155 million in customs duties by misclassifying imported car parts. The confidential notice sent in April last year claims Kia imported components separately to pay lower taxes instead of declaring them as a single shipment. Kia India responded to the notice with a detailed rebuttal, arguing that its practices comply with regulations. The company, which has sold over a million cars since launching in India in 2019, has not shared additional details on its legal position. The finance ministry has not commented on Kia’s Indian tax dispute. The allegations stem from Kia’s…

As part of a significant policy change, USAID announced that thousands of employees will be put on leave beginning Friday evening. According to a statement, direct-hire employees will be impacted by the USAID staff cuts, except those in leadership positions, mission-critical roles, and specific programs. The precise number of affected employees will not be known until Thursday afternoon when officials will contact them. The Trump administration has repeatedly pushed for changes at USAID, arguing the agency wastes funds and must align with new priorities. Agency staff and democratic lawmakers have vehemently opposed the cuts, warning they endanger lives and harm…

A rebel alliance claiming control of Goma in eastern DR Congo has announced a ceasefire after fierce clashes left hundreds dead. The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which included M23 fighters, the Rebel’s declared a ceasefire in Goma on Tuesday due to a worsening humanitarian crisis. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government and international organizations accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies. Goma rebel ceasefire efforts remain uncertain as Congolese military officials reject the truce as an insincere propaganda move. “Have you seen the Rwandans do what they say?” General Sylvain Ekenge asked, dismissing the ceasefire announcement…

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to establish a US sovereign wealth fund, proposing its use for major investments. The fund, which he claims will become one of the biggest, could help finance national projects and even acquire TikTok. Over 90 countries operate sovereign wealth funds that invest surplus income for future generations, but the US currently runs a deficit. Trump’s sovereign wealth fund plans remain unclear on funding resources, though he previously suggested tariffs and asset monetization could generate revenue. Trump recently imposed tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada, though levies on Mexico and Canada were paused…

A car bomb exploded on Monday night in Manbij, northern Syria, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more. Officials confirmed the blast marked the deadliest attack in Syria. Bashar al-Assad fell in December last year. The explosion struck an area already destabilized by ongoing clashes between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the attack, vowing swift justice for the victims and promising severe punishment for the perpetrators. Hospital workers reported that the bomb detonated near a vehicle carrying agricultural workers, killing at least 11 women and three children. The White…