The US Justice Department has ended criminal proceedings against two co-defendants in President Donald Trump's classified documents case. The appeal concerning charges against Trump's valet and Mar-a-Lago manager was withdrawn following a ruling that deemed the special counsel's appointment unlawful.
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A federal judge stopped the Trump administration's effort to close the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, preserving its function until a final verdict is reached. The court's intervention aims to prevent irreparable harm, helping maintain consumer protections established after the 2008 financial crisis.
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's decision to initiate peace talks with Putin, dismissing concerns of betraying Ukraine. He emphasized that peace requires compromises and stated Ukraine is unlikely to regain all its land or join Nato. European leaders criticized Washington for making concessions before negotiations and insisted that Ukraine and Europe must be involved. Nato leaders stressed that any deal must be lasting and fair to Kyiv.
The Vatican has recognized 167 Sri Lankan Catholics killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings as witnesses of faith, honoring their sacrifice motivated by hatred of the faith. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith announced the inclusion in the Vatican's catalogue during a vigil commemorating the victims. The church continues to seek further investigation into the attacks, alleging a possible political conspiracy.
The UN warned that escalating violence in eastern DR Congo, fueled by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, could destabilize the region. Over 500,000 people have been displaced, with reports of mass human rights violations. UN rights chief Volker Turk stressed that global demand for DRC’s minerals contributes to the crisis. An international investigation is being considered, while the EU and UK urge an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.
Luis Har, a 72-year-old Israeli grandfather, shared his harrowing 129-day captivity under Hamas, during which he endured extreme malnutrition and constant fear of execution. Living in dire conditions in Gaza, he lost 35 pounds and now aims to draw attention to the remaining hostages.
Arnold Ruutel, a key figure in Estonia's quest for independence in 1991, has passed away at the age of 96. Ruutel, who served as Estonia's president from 2001 to 2006, played a significant role in the country's accession to the European Union and NATO. His leadership and contributions are fondly remembered.
Local officials from Russia's ruling party have caused controversy by presenting mothers of soldiers killed in Ukraine with gifts of meat grinders, an appliance widely used to describe Russia's brutal tactics on the front line. The local party later posted a video in which one of the soldiers' mothers awkwardly thanked the party for the gifts and confirmed that she had asked for a meat grinder because she needed one.
Pakistan is ranked as the third most polluted country in 2024 due to severe smog, with nearly two million people needing medical care for pollution-related health issues. The nation's PM2.5 levels are 15 times the WHO's safe limit, driven by various sources including biomass burning and industrial emissions.
US Vice President JD Vance experienced an unforgettable moment as he entered the Oval Office for the first time, led by President Donald Trump. Captured on video by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Vance expressed his awe, calling the experience incredible. Johnson highlighted Vance's rise from humble beginnings to Vice President, showcasing the possibility of achieving high office in America.
The Lebanese army announced its readiness to deploy forces in southern Lebanon, accusing Israel of delaying its withdrawal. Under the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese army is to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers as Israeli forces withdraw and Hezbollah moves north of the Litani River, but Israel cites incomplete enforcement as a reason for the delay.