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Hollywood Icon Val Kilmer Dies at 65

Val Kilmer

by Temitope Oladeji 2/4/2025 Val Kilmer, the acclaimed Hollywood actor known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. His death was announced to the United States media by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, that he died of pneumonia on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The Hollywood star had previously battled throat cancer, which was diagnosed in 2014, and underwent a tracheotomy that affected his voice and slowed his acting career. Val Edward Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles. He grew up in a Christian Scientist household and remained devoted to the Christian faith throughout his life. At just 17, he became the youngest student at the time to be accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, where he honed his craft in drama. Kilmer’s early career saw him rise to fame with comedic roles in Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985). However, his major breakout moment came in 1986 when he portrayed Iceman, the rival to Tom Cruise’s Maverick, in Top Gun, one of the defining films of the decade. His career continued to flourish in the late 1980s and 1990s. He starred in fantasy adventure Willow and crime thriller Kill Me Again, both alongside British actress Joanne Whalley, whom he married in 1988. The union was blessed with two children before divorcing in 1996. Kilmer delivered a memorable performance as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s 1991 film The Doors, embodying the legendary rock star with remarkable accuracy. He went further and cemented his status in the Hollywood Hall of Fame with roles in Tombstone (1993), where he played gunfighter Doc Holliday, and Heat (1995), starring alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. In 1995, Kilmer stepped into the shoes of the Caped Crusader, taking over the role of Batman from Michael Keaton in Batman Forever. The film was a commercial success, but Kilmer declined to return for the sequel. He went on to star in The Saint (1997) and provided the voice of both God and Moses in The Prince of Egypt (1998). However, his career faced challenges following The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), a troubled production that became one of Hollywood’s most infamous flops. Director John Frankenheimer famously stated that he would never work with Kilmer again, as the actor had gained a reputation for being difficult on set. Despite his health struggles, Kilmer made a triumphant return to the screen in 2022, reprising his iconic role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, reuniting with Tom Cruise. His appearance in the film was widely celebrated by fans and critics alike. Following the tragic news of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the Hollywood industry. Director Michael Mann, who worked with Kilmer on Heat, reflected on his talent: “While working with Val on Heat, I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news.” Actor Josh Gad wrote: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.” Josh Brolin shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of himself with Kilmer, saying: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those.” James Woods also honored his legacy, praising his performance in Tombstone: “His rendition of Doc Holliday in Tombstone was what every actor dreams of achieving. So many wonderful performances. Sad to lose him so soon.” Actor Will Kemp, who co-starred with Kilmer in Mindhunters (2004), wrote: “So many great memories of working with him. He was fun, unpredictable, generous, and overall very kind to me when I was new to the job.” Kilmer leaves behind a legacy of iconic roles, unforgettable performances, and an enduring impact on Hollywood.

Israeli Air Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza Amid Intensified Military Offensive

Gaza Strip

by Temitope Oladeji 2/4/2025 Israeli air strikes have killed dozens of Palestinians in Gaza, as Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced plans to expand military operations and establish “security zones” within the enclave. The intensified offensive has led to mass casualties among Palestinian civilians, while health officials reported heavy civilian losses. At least 19 Palestinians, including nine children, were killed in an Israeli strike on a United Nations clinic sheltering displaced families in Jabalia, according to medical staff at the nearby Indonesian hospital inthe southern Gaza Strip on Monday. The Israeli military stated that the attack targeted “Hamas terrorists” using the location for military operations against Israel. Elsewhere in Gaza, overnight air raids resulted in at least 20 more deaths, according to local hospitals. In Khan Younis, the Civil Defence recovered the bodies of 12 people, including women and children, from a destroyed home. Rida al-Jabbour, a resident, described the scene as devastating: “From the moment the strike occurred, we have been unable to sit or sleep,” she said. The strike in Jabalia targeted two rooms in a UN clinic run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which was being used as a shelter for displaced civilians.

Trump Administration Defends Deportation of Alleged Venezuelan Gang Members Despite Court Order

Arrested MS 13 Gang Members

by Admin 17/3/2025 The President Trump administration announced on Sunday morning that it had deported nearly 300 individuals accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador, invoking the rarely used Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The deportations occurred despite a federal judge’s temporary order blocking the effort on Saturday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the action during an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, stating that President Donald Trump exercised his authority to ensure the individuals were “behind bars where they belong, rather than roaming freely in American communities.” Vice President JD Vance reinforced the administration’s position in a post on X, claiming that President Trump had deported “violent criminals and rapists.” However, the process by which the government determined the individuals’ gang affiliations remains unclear. It is also unknown whether any of the deportees had immigration or court hearings before their removal. The Alien Enemies Act grants the president broad powers to expel foreign nationals from hostile nations during wartime, without requiring due process. President Trump has argued that the United States is facing an “invasion” through the southern border, justifying the use of this authority. On Saturday, a federal judge ordered the suspension of all deportation flights carrying individuals covered under President Trump’s proclamation. The ruling required flights already en route to return to the United States but did not apply to migrants who had already landed in foreign countries before the order took effect. The administration maintained that the deportations did not violate the court’s directive. In a legal filing Sunday, President Trump’s government argued that “some gang members subject to removal under the Proclamation had already been removed from U.S. territory” before the judge issued the order. However, it remains unclear whether any deportees had reached El Salvador before the court’s decision or whether the administration continued removals in defiance of the ruling. Leavitt dismissed allegations of noncompliance, stating that the White House acted lawfully. “The written order and the Administration’s actions do not conflict,” she said, adding that federal courts generally lack jurisdiction over presidential decisions regarding foreign affairs and national security, including removals under the Alien Enemies Act. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that the government faulted a court order.

Trump Declares Biden’s Pardons “Void” Over Autopen Use, But Legal Experts Disagree

left to right President Donald Trump, to the right former President Joe Biden

by Admin 17/3/2025 President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that the pardons issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, for members of the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack are invalid. President Trump argued that using an autopen, an authorized device for signing official documents renders the pardons “VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT.” Taking on his Truth Social platform, President Trump alleged that former President Biden neither personally signed the pardons nor was aware of them, suggesting that committee members could now be “subject to investigation at the highest level.” Despite President Trump’s assertions, constitutional and legal experts widely reject the claim that former President Biden’s pardons can be overturned. The U.S. Constitution grants the president broad, unilateral power to issue pardons, with no provision allowing a subsequent president to revoke them based on the signature method. The use of an autopen for presidential actions has long been established as legally binding. A 2005 legal opinion from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel commissioned under President George W. Bush confirmed that a president need not physically sign a document for it to take effect. Both former President Joe Biden and former boss President Barack Obama have used autopen devices to sign legislation and executive orders. President Trump’s argument appears to have been influenced by the Oversight Project, an offshoot of the conventional Heritage Foundation, which recently questioned whether Biden had the “mental capacity” to authorize an autopen signature. However, there is no legal basis to suggest that a president must be physically present when signing a pardon for it to be valid. The White House and Biden’s representatives have not yet responded to the claims. It remains unclear whether Trump intends to pursue legal action to challenge the pardons or whether his administration would attempt to investigate the committee members. In January, during his last days in office, President Biden issued preemptive pardons to several figures involved in investigating President Trump’s role in the Capitol attack. Those pardoned included: • Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), formerly a House member • Former Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), Elaine Luria (D-Va.), and Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) • Current Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) • Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley • Dr. Anthony Fauci, former White House Chief Medical Advisor Biden justified the pardons as a measure to prevent retaliatory legal action against officials who investigated Trump. The former president, however, has repeatedly accused these individuals of committing unspecified “major crimes,” reiterating his stance in a text message to NBC News following the pardons. While criticizing Biden’s use of clemency, Trump also granted extensive pardons during his presidency. In his final months in office, he issued clemency to approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Among them were 14 members of far-right extremist groups, including the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who were convicted of seditious conspiracy. President Biden, in contrast, focused on criminal justice reform, commuting nearly 2,500 sentences, many for nonviolent drug offenses, before leaving office. President Trump’s latest claims highlight ongoing political tensions surrounding the January 6 investigation and his efforts to discredit those involved. However, without a constitutional or legal basis to revoke Biden’s pardons, Trump’s declarations may remain largely symbolic. Adam Kinzinger, one of the pardoned lawmakers, appeared unfazed by Trump’s threats. In a post on X, he responded with a GIF of Anchorman character Ron Burgundy saying, “Bring it on, b.”

San Francisco Judge orders President Trump to rehire probationary federal employees

United States President Donald Trump

by Admin 15/03/2025 A federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to rehire the probationary federal employees it dismissed shortly after assuming office, a decision that challenges the administration’s sweeping efforts to reduce the workforce. District Judge William Alsup ruled that the mass terminations, which were directed by the Office of Personnel Management under acting director Charles Ezell, violated legal authority. His temporary restraining order requires the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, and Treasury to immediately reinstate those fired around February 13 and 14. Each agency must also submit a list of the affected employees and explain their compliance with the ruling within seven days. In response, the White House quickly appealed the decision with the Ninth Circuit Court, arguing that the order improperly interfered with the executive branch’s constitutional power to hire and fire. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the ruling as “absurd and unconstitutional,” asserting that the administration would fight back against what it sees as an overreach. The ruling comes amid a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and advocacy groups, which argues that the mass dismissals not only cripple government operations but also undermine public confidence in federal institutions. “It is a sad day when our government fires good employees under pretenses of poor performance,” Judge Alsup stated, pointing to instances where workers with recent favorable evaluations were terminated. While government lawyers maintain that each agency independently determined that the probationary workers were unfit for continued service, Judge Alsup expressed doubt, noting that acting OPM director Ezell failed to testify or provide his written testimony a key element in the case. He indicated that these shortcomings were part of a broader attempt to circumvent established laws and regulations governing workforce reductions. The judge encouraged the administration to appeal the ruling as the legal battle over the downsizing of the federal workforce continues.

Armenia and Azerbaijan Reaches Peace Agreement

Armenia and Azerbaijan flags

by Admin 14/03/2025 Armenia and Azerbaijan announced on Thursday that they have reached an agreement to sign a peace treaty aimed at ending decades of conflict between the two nations. In a major concession, Armenia has agreed to relinquish its territorial claim over the predominantly Armenian-populated Karabakh region. A move that could pave the way for lasting normalization between these longtime adversaries. The proposed treaty, which both countries described as a compromise after years of stalled negotiations, comes amid intense regional rivalry where global powers like Russia, the European Union, the United States, and Turkey, in which each major player seeks to extend their influence. The two countries have had a long history of conflict, having fought wars over Karabakh at the end of the Soviet era and again in 2020. Most recently, Azerbaijan launched a swift 24-hour offensive in September 2023 to seize full control of the region. Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, confirmed that the talks had concluded and noted that Armenia accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals on the two previously disputed sections of the draft treaty. In a follow-up statement, Armenia’s foreign ministry confirmed that negotiations were complete and declared that the peace agreement is now ready for signing. Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister, hailed the development as an “important event” and indicated that discussions over the time and venue for the signing would begin shortly. The peace agreement between the two countries was welcomed by International leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the announcement, stating on social media that no significant obstacles now remain for the treaty’s signing, which he believes could usher in lasting peace in the South Caucasus. However, Armenia expressed displeasure over Azerbaijan’s decision to issue a unilateral statement rather than a joint declaration. Pashinyan’s acknowledgment of Baku’s sovereignty over Karabakh after more than three decades of separatist control marks a crucial step toward improved relations. Notably, Armenia returned four border villages to Azerbaijan last year, following the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Karabakh after its capture by Azerbaijani forces. Despite the overall progress, two major issues remain unresolved. One pertains to the non-deployment of third-party military forces along the shared border, while the other involves plans for the mutual withdrawal of legal cases from international judicial bodies. This dispute has seen both countries engaged in legal battles at forums such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Additionally, Azerbaijan has indicated that its next demand from Armenia is to amend its constitution to remove any reference that asserts territorial claims over Karabakh. A change that would necessitate a public referendum. The tentative agreement represents a significant step forward, though its full implementation will depend on overcoming these outstanding issues and ensuring that all parties remain committed to a peaceful future.

Oklahoma House Passes Bill Mandating Chemical Castration for Certain Child Sex Offenders

Oklahoma Legislature

by Admin 14/03/2025 The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved a bill requiring all child sex offenders to undergo chemical castration before becoming eligible for parole. The legislation passed on Monday requires that offenders who refuse the procedure must serve their full sentence without the possibility of early release. House Bill 2422, introduced by Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee), applies to felons over the age of 21 convicted of sex crimes involving physical contact with minors under 13. The law would only be applied to offenders required to register as sex offenders, and those who are based on mental health evaluations are deemed likely to re-offend if released on parole. The bill now moves to the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Todd Gollihare (R-Kellyville). According to a fiscal impact report, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections has received between seven and 299 inmates annually over the past five years who were sentenced for a second or subsequent sex offense. The average sentence for these offenders is 21 years, with most serving at least 85%, approximately 18 years before parole consideration. If legislated, the financial impact of the bill would be felt in approximately 18 years, as more offenders remain incarcerated instead of being released on parole. The current cost per inmate per year is estimated at $7,759.90. The legislation was introduced in response to a tragic 2023 incident in Henryetta, where a convicted sex offender, Jesse McFadden, murdered his wife and six others, including several children, before taking his own life. “He murdered his wife, her children, and several of their friends before he could be tried for additional sex crime charges,” Fetgatter stated. He further said, “I have promised the families of these victims that as long as I’m in this building, I will fight for stricter laws against such offenders to better protect our kids. While this bill doesn’t solve every issue related to sexual predators, it is a step in the right direction.” The victims of the Henryetta tragedy included 14-year-old Ivy Webster, 15-year-old Brittany Brewer, 17-year-old Rylee Allen, 15-year-old Michael Mayo, and 13-year-old Tiffany Guess. McFadden, 39, had previously served 16 years for first-degree rape and was a registered sex offender. At the time of the killings, he was facing new charges for allegedly soliciting sexual conduct with a minor while in prison. McFadden was scheduled to appear in court on May 1, 2023, but failed to show up. A bench warrant was issued, leading authorities to his property, where they discovered the victims’ bodies. Investigators concluded that McFadden shot himself after killing the six others. If the bill is passed by the Senate and signed into law, House Bill 2422 would make Oklahoma one of the few states to impose chemical castration as a condition for parole eligibility.

Pakistan Army Rescue Team Freed Jaffar Train Hostages From BLA Militants

Pakistan security forces helping freed hostages

by Admin 12/03/2025 Passengers who were freed by the Pakistan special forces from the Jaffar Express, seized by armed militants of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, have recounted the harrowing events that unfolded during the attack. One of the passengers, Ishaq Noor, described the ordeal as “doomsday scenes,” stating, “We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next.” Noor was among the over 400 passengers traveling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched the assault, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including the train driver. Military sources reported that 155 passengers were rescued, while 27 militants were killed. However, these figures have not been independently verified. Rescue operations are ongoing, with security forces deploying hundreds of troops, helicopters, and special forces personnel to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The BLA issued warnings of “severe consequences” if rescue attempts continued. Approximately 100 of the passengers were members of the security forces, according to Pakistani officials. The exact number of hostages still held is unclear, but more than a dozen of those freed have been hospitalized for treatment. Prodesq gathered that some militants may have left the train, taking an unknown number of passengers into the surrounding mountainous area. At Quetta railway station on Wednesday, dozens of empty coffins were observed being loaded, intended for potential casualties. Muhammad Ashraf, a passenger traveling to Lahore, recounted the fear among passengers, describing the scene as “a scene of doomsday.” Ashraf and a group managed to disembark and walked for over four hours to the next railway station, assisting weaker passengers along the way. Noor, who was traveling with his wife and two children, recalled the intensity of the initial explosion, which caused one of his children to fall from their seat. Amidst the gunfire, he and his wife shielded their children, fearing for their lives. Another passenger, Mushtaq Muhammad, described the panic among passengers and noted that the attackers communicated in Balochi and overheard their leader instructing the attackers to monitor security personnel closely. The militants began releasing some Balochistan residents, as well as women, children, and elderly passengers, on Tuesday evening. Noor was released after informing the attackers that he was from Turbat city in Balochistan and was traveling with his family. Relatives of the train’s driver, Amjad Yasin, are anxiously awaiting news after learning of his injury. Yasin, a train driver for 24 years, had previously survived an explosive attack on another train about eight years ago. His brother, Amir, expressed the family’s distress, noting that they had been under severe stress in recent weeks due to an atmosphere of fear. The BLA has continuously waged a decades-long insurgency seeking independence for Balochistan and has launched numerous deadly attacks, often targeting police stations, railway lines, and highways. The group accuses the Pakistani government of exploiting Balochistan’s resources without benefiting the local population.

Putin Visits Kursk in Military Attire, Calls for Complete Liberation of Region

President Vladimir Putin addresses Russia military chiefs in Kursk

by Admin 12/03/2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region in full military fatigues, inspecting operations inside a control center. Addressing Russia’s top military commanders, Putin emphasized the need for a swift and decisive victory. “Indeed, in the shortest possible time, we must finally defeat the enemy entrenched in the Kursk region and still conducting defensive actions here,” Putin stated. General Valery Gerasimov, the head of Russia’s General Staff, informed Putin that Ukrainian troops in the region were now encircled and were being “systematically destroyed.” In response, Putin urged Russian forces to press forward and fully secure the region from Ukrainian control as soon as possible. Meanwhile, United States officials are set to arrive in Russia to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the diplomatic push, starting on Wednesday, “We urge the Russians to sign on to this plan. This is the closest we have been to peace in this war.” President Putin’s visit has sparked concern in Ukraine, where analysts in Kyiv view it as an attempt to strengthen Russia’s negotiating position ahead of talks with Washington. For its part, the Kremlin acknowledged receipt of a United States proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and stated it was reviewing the details before issuing a formal response. However, President Putin’s presence in Kursk signals Moscow’s firm stance on retaining control over the region, effectively dismissing any possibility of Ukraine leveraging Kursk as a bargaining chip in future peace negotiations.

Volkswagen to lay off 1,600 Carriad software workers Unit

Volkswagen Cariad

by Admin 11/03/2025 Volkswagen plans to lay off 1,600 employees at its Cariad software unit by the end of the year, impacting nearly 30% of Cariad’s 5,900-strong workforce. These layoffs will primarily occur through redundancy programs. An emailed statement released by the automobile company confirmed the implementation of a “transformation plan” for Cariad, agreed upon in 2023. A company spokesperson noted that last year, efforts were made to enhance the organization’s efficiency as an internal software solutions developer, leading to the current changes in employee numbers. This development follows earlier reports demonstrating Volkswagen’s intention to cut 2,000 jobs at Cariad as part of a restructuring plan, which has also led to delays in the launch of new software architectures. Software version 1.2, intended for models like the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan, has been delayed by 16 to 18 weeks. Cariad was established to unify software and technology platforms across Volkswagen Group brands and has faced challenges, including budget overruns and missed deadlines for model and software launches. In response, Volkswagen appointed Peter Bosch, formerly Bentley’s production chief, to lead the unit earlier this year to realign its objectives. The structural adjustment aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency within Cariad, aligning with Volkswagen’s broader strategy to enhance its software development capabilities.

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