The Trump administration has withdrawn $766 million in funding from Moderna, impacting the development of vaccines against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including H5N1 bird flu. This decision raises concerns despite evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of Moderna's vaccines. Simultaneously, a new, highly contagious Covid-19 variant, NB.1.81, has emerged in the US, adding to public health challenges.
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Beth Martin, a 28-year-old British mother, tragically died in Turkey shortly after arriving for a holiday. While Turkish authorities cite cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure, the circumstances surrounding her death are shrouded in mystery. Upon repatriation, her heart was reportedly missing, prompting disbelief and demands for answers from her family, who also question potential medical oversights.
A monument honoring Josef Stalin has been unveiled at Moscow's Taganskaya subway station, sparking mixed reactions. The statue, depicting Stalin surrounded by workers and children, commemorates the Moscow Metro's 90th anniversary. While some Russians view Stalin as a strong leader who modernized the country, others condemn his brutal repression. Activists protested the unveiling, citing Putin's own criticism of Stalin's crimes.
French street artist Theo Clerc, imprisoned in Azerbaijan for 422 days for painting graffiti in the metro, has been pardoned and released. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev granted the pardon, allowing Clerc to return to France. French authorities had previously raised concerns about discriminatory treatment in the case, as Clerc's codefendants received only fines.
Clean energy investments in the U.S. face setbacks, with over $14 billion in projects canceled or delayed due to concerns surrounding President Trump's policies and potential tax credit cuts. This has resulted in an estimated loss of 10,000 jobs. While other nations advance green initiatives, the U.S. navigates uncertainty, impacting states heavily invested in EV and battery production.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin, accusing him of "playing with fire" amid stalled peace talks and escalating attacks on Ukraine. Trump hinted at potential severe consequences for Russia if it weren't for his past actions.
Joseph Edlow, Trump's USCIS nominee, aims to end post-graduation OPT for international students, sparking concerns among students and educators. He believes the program has been misapplied, despite court rulings upholding its validity. This proposal threatens the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent and undermines experiential learning, potentially harming economic competitiveness and innovation.
Nasa's James Webb Telescope captures a stunning image. It shows the galaxy cluster Abell S1063. This cluster is 4.5 billion light years away. The image reveals faint galaxies from the early universe. Scientists are studying glowing streaks and warped arcs. These features provide insights into the 'Cosmic Dawn'. The GLIMPSE program aims to understand the universe's first galaxies.
Lecturers at the University of Zimbabwe have been on strike since April 16, demanding a salary increase to $2,500 per month, the amount they earned before a currency devaluation in 2018. The strike has led to the cancellation of exams, and the university administration has suspended several union leaders, further escalating the situation.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the deadly attacks on civilians near aid distribution sites in Gaza as potential war crimes. Recent incidents, including one in Rafah that killed 27, highlight the dangers faced by Palestinians seeking essential food aid. Turk called for investigations and accountability, criticizing Israel's militarized aid system for endangering lives and violating international standards.
In 2025, millions of Muslims will gather in Mecca for Hajj, beginning June 4th. This pilgrimage, a central pillar of Islam, involves rituals symbolizing faith, unity, and sacrifice. Saudi authorities are implementing safety measures due to expected record turnout and high temperatures, including cooling stations and health services. Pilgrims will utilize technology like the Hajj Smart App for assistance.