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Russia Claims Recapture of Final Ukrainian-Held Village in Kursk Region

Russia soldiers in Kursk

by Temitope Oladeji 8/4/2025 Russia’s military announced on Tuesday that its forces have regained control of Guyevo, one of the last remaining villages in the Kursk region previously held by Ukrainian troops. The village, located near the Ukrainian border and just south of the town of Sudha, which was recaptured by Russian forces last month, had remained a strategic foothold since Ukraine’s cross-border incursion last year in August. The Ukrainian offensive marked the most extensive ground operation inside Russian territory since World War II, briefly shifting momentum in the region. However, a sustained Russian counteroffensive has steadily reversed those gains in recent months, restoring Russia’s control over strategic areas. In a statement, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the liberation of Guyevo, framing it as part of a broader push to clear Ukrainian forces from the border zone. The Russian government has, in recent weeks, commended its military for repelling incursions and reestablishing control over contested areas. Despite these gains, heavy fighting reportedly continues in Russian border villages adjacent to Ukraine. The announcement follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation on Monday that Ukrainian troops are also active in Russia’s Belgorod region. A separate hotspot that has seen repeated cross-border strikes since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Kremlin has reportedly declined to comment on Zelenskyy’s remarks. In response to Ukraine’s incursions, President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian forces operating in the Kursk region to surrender, while warning that those captured on Russian soil will be treated as terrorists and face criminal prosecution.

Ohio School Staffer Charged with Felony Conspiracy in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot Involving Student

Stephanie Demetrius

by Temitope Oladeji 5/4/2025 A 44-year-old staff member at an Ohio high school has been charged with felony conspiracy after allegedly attempting to pay a juvenile student $2,000 to murder her husband, according to a criminal complaint filed by authorities. Stephanie Demetrius, employed at the Academy for Urban Scholars in Columbus, allegedly approached a juvenile student on March 26 and solicited the teen to carry out the murder-for-hire plot, court documents reveal. According to an affidavit, Demetrius offered the student a $250 “down payment,” which provided specific details about her husband’s whereabouts, including that he worked from home and the times he would be alone in the house. In a recorded phone conversation obtained by police, Demetrius reportedly dismissed concerns about neighbors hearing gunfire, telling the student, “They don’t care about her neighbors.” The plan was unraveled by the student’s mother, who discovered messages exchanged between Demetrius and the teen. She promptly alerted law enforcement and brought the student to the authorities. Police confirmed that the juvenile, who remains unidentified, will not be facing any charges in connection with the case. Demetrius was arrested without incident on Wednesday and arraigned in Franklin County Municipal Court the following day. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 11. The Academy for Urban Scholars has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the incident.

Russian Missile Strike on Zelenskyy’s Hometown Kills 18, Including Nine Children

Scene of missile attack in Kryvyi Rih

by Temitope Oladeji 5/4/2025 At least a total of 18 people have been killed in one of Russia’s deadliest missile attacks this year, after a residential area in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih was struck on Friday, according to local officials, among them are nine children. The city is the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The strike, which reportedly involved a ballistic missile, hit civilian infrastructure, igniting fires and causing widespread destruction. Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram that residential blocks were severely damaged and rescue efforts were ongoing. Emergency services confirmed that not more than 50 people were injured, and more than 30, including a three-month-old infant, were hospitalized. Graphic, unverified videos circulating on social media showed victims lying on the pavement, some near a playground, with plumes of grey smoke billowing over the city. Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said the missile used in the attack was ballistic, which is very difficult to intercept due to its speed and trajectory. “Not a single military facility, just civilian infrastructure,” Lubinets emphasized. In contrast, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it had targeted a gathering of Ukrainian military personnel and foreign instructors. It alleged the attack killed up to 85 servicemen and foreign officers and destroyed around 20 vehicles, a claim Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the assault and urged the international community to increase pressure on Moscow. Zelensky said, “The whole world sees it. Each missile, every attack drone proves that Russia seeks only war”. The missile strike on Kryvyi Rih followed an earlier drone assault on the northeastern city of Kharkiv, where at least four civilians were killed and 35 others injured. The fourth attack on Kharkiv this week, the overnight strike, damaged several residential buildings and caused fires. President Zelenskyy also reported that Russian drones had hit a thermal power plant in the southern city of Kherson, in what he described as a breach of the U.S.-mediated moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure. Later on Friday, Kryvyi Rih was subjected to a second wave of drone attacks, described by local officials as “massive,” with fires breaking out at four separate sites across the city. The escalation in violence comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire between the two warring nations. Last week, Washington announced a tentative agreement with both Moscow and Kyiv to halt strikes on each other’s energy facilities. However, both Ukraine and Russia have since accused one another of violating the deal. Ukraine has reportedly accepted a U.S. proposal for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Russia, according to American officials, declined to support the same terms in separate diplomatic discussions.

China Strikes Back with Tariffs and Export Controls in Escalating Trade War with US

President Xi Jinping of China

by Temitope Oladeji 4/4/2025 China has unveiled a series of retaliatory measures against the United States in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, intensifying an already escalating trade war. Among these countermeasures are additional tariffs of 34 percent on all US goods and stringent curbs on the export of key rare earth minerals. President Trump announced on Wednesday that China would face a new 34 percent tariff on its exports, adding to the 20 percent levy imposed earlier in the year. This brings the total new tariffs to 54 percent, significantly increasing trade tensions between the two global economic giants. China’s Ministry of Finance confirmed on Friday that its additional tariffs would take effect from April 10. This follows earlier retaliatory measures, including a 15-percent tariff on US coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in response to Washington’s 10-percent duties on Chinese goods. In addition to tariffs, China has implemented stringent export controls on critical minerals and businesses, limiting the scope of trade with the United States. “The purpose of the Chinese government’s implementation of export controls on relevant items by law is to better safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation,” the Ministry of Commerce stated. In response to China’s latest actions, Trump took to social media with a fiery post in all capital letters, declaring: “CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED – THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” Despite President Trump’s remarks, Beijing has proceeded with its countermeasures and has formally filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the new US tariffs. The complaint argues that the measures violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and requests consultations with Washington. China’s latest export restrictions specifically target rare earth elements essential to high-tech industries, including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium which will take effect on April 4, restricting the United States’ access to these critical materials. Furthermore, Beijing has expanded its crackdown on all American businesses in China. It added 16 United States entities to its export control list, barring them from receiving dual-use items with both civilian and military applications. In a further blow, 11 additional United States companies were placed on China’s “unreliable entities” list, subjecting them to punitive actions. Among the targeted firms are Skydio Inc. and BRINC Drones, both penalized for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory. According to the Chinese Commerce Ministry, these companies have “seriously undermined” China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests. As a result, they will be banned from new investments, imports, and export activities within China. With both nations locked in a cycle of tariffs and countermeasures, the trade war between the United States and China shows no signs of easing. Beijing’s new actions signal its readiness to challenge Washington’s aggressive policies, while Trump’s administration remains firm against what it perceives as unfair trade practices. As diplomatic and economic hostilities continue between the two world powers, global markets brace for further disruptions. Industries dependent on rare earth materials and cross-border trade are caught in the crossfire.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court Removes President Yoon Suk-yeol Over Martial Law Declaration

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea

by Temitope Oladeji 4/4/2024 South Korea’s Constitutional Court has unanimously ruled to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office following his controversial declaration of martial law last year. Announcing the verdict on Friday morning, acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae systematically dismissed Yoon’s justifications for imposing martial law. Justice Moon stated that the president had overstepped his constitutional authority by deploying military forces onto the streets of the capital in December. “The defendant mobilized military and police forces to dismantle the authority of constitutional institutions and infringed upon the fundamental rights of the people. In doing so, he abandoned his constitutional duty to uphold the constitution and gravely betrayed the trust of the Korean people,” Moon declared. The judge further emphasized that such actions were unlawful and unconstitutional, adding that the negative consequences of Yoon’s conduct warranted his removal. “The benefit of restoring constitutional order through removal from office outweighs the national costs associated with the dismissal of a sitting president,” he stated. President Yoon had justified his declaration of martial law by claiming that anti-state and North Korean forces had infiltrated the government. However, testimony from senior military and police officials contradicted his claims. According to them, Yoon had ordered security forces to detain opposition politicians and prevent the National Assembly from voting to overturn his military rule order. The National Assembly had voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, but his formal removal required the approval of the Constitutional Court, which has now upheld the impeachment. Following the ruling, Yoon accepted the court’s decision, addressing the nation in a statement: “Dear citizens, it has been a great honor to work for the Republic of Korea. I am deeply grateful to all of you who have supported and cheered for me, despite my many shortcomings,” he said. The government now has 60 days to hold a new presidential election. Until then, acting President Han Duck-soo will continue leading the country. President Yoon also faces potential criminal investigations, including charges of abuse of power. While in office, Yoon was shielded from prosecution except for treason. With his removal, the door has been opened for further legal scrutiny. In addition to legal consequences, Yoon has been stripped of all presidential privileges, including official aides, security detail, and a pension amounting to 95% of a president’s salary. He is also required to vacate the presidential residence and will not be granted a burial at the national cemetery. The court’s ruling was met with mixed reactions. While critics of Yoon cheered the decision, his supporters, mostly older demonstrators, voiced subdued discontent, with murmurs of “rigged election” and “corruption” among them. South Korea, though now a stable democracy, has a history of military-backed dictatorships from 1948 to 1987. The nation’s transition to democracy was marked by mass protests that led to the end of 17 years of martial law. Decades later, memories of authoritarian rule still linger among many South Koreans, reinforcing the importance of constitutional order and democratic governance.

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.

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