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President Donald Trump Welcomes American Teacher Marc Fogel After Release from Russian Prison

Marc Fogel

by Admin Feb 12, 2025 United States President Donald Trump has welcomed home American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who was released from a Russian prison as part of a negotiated exchange. President Trump praised the deal, claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin received “not much” in return. Fogel, a 63-year-old former diplomat, arrived at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., late Tuesday before heading to the White House. His release was facilitated through negotiations, according to U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, though Russian officials have yet to comment on the exchange. Standing beside Fogel at the White House, Trump remarked, “To me, he looks damned good.” He described the release as a “show of good faith” from Russia, suggesting it could be a significant step toward ending the war in Ukraine. “We were treated very nicely by Russia,” Trump told reporters. “I hope this is the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war and stop millions of people from being killed.” Since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly three years ago, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have died in the conflict. President Trump also hinted at another detainee’s release, stating, “Somebody else is being released tomorrow,” without providing further details. Expressing his relief, Fogel said, “I feel like the luckiest man on Earth right now. I’m a middle-class schoolteacher who’s now in a dream world.” His sister, Anne Fogel, revealed that he had been transferred last Wednesday from a penal colony in Rybinsk, Russia. While the family had been aware of ongoing negotiations, she described the process as “very tenuous.” Following Fogel’s arrival on U.S. soil, the White House posted on X, “PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!” alongside a photo of him. Fogel was arrested in 2021 at a Russian airport for possession of a small amount of medical marijuana, which had been legally prescribed in the United States. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug charges by the Russian court. His legal team credited PresidTrump for securing his release, criticizing what they called the Biden administration’s “bureaucratic inaction.” In a statement, his lawyers said, “President Trump secured Marc’s release in just a few weeks, wasting no time in taking decisive action to bring him home.”

Over 100 Fishermen Rescued from Drifting Ice Floe in Russia’s Far East

A ship on Sakhalin Island

by Admin Feb 12, 2025 More than 100 fishermen were rescued after becoming stranded on a floating sheet of ice that broke away from the island of Sakhalin and drifted into the Sea of Okhotsk, Russian authorities announced on Wednesday. According to emergency services, over hundrend fishermen were left stranded when a 10-meter (32-foot) crack formed in the ice, separating them from the shore. The rescue operation, which took place amid strong winds, involved a Mi-8 helicopter and a Khivus hovercraft, a specialized vehicle capable of traveling across both ice and water. Videos shared by responders showed fishermen being escorted to safety. However, not all those stranded were eager to leave. Emergency services reported that some “extreme sports enthusiasts” initially refused evacuation, insisting on staying until they could collect their catch. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the region. In February 2023, more than 80 fishermen were rescued when an ice floe broke away near the village of Starodub Skoye. A more dramatic event took place in 2020, when over 500 ice fishermen had to be rescued from drifting ice near Mordvinov Bay on Sakhalin, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.

FBI Uncovers Thousands of New Records Related to JFK Assassination

President John F Kennedy

by Admin Feb 12, 2025 The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the discovery of thousands of previously unrecognized records connected to the assassination of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The findings resulted from searches conducted in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. In a statement released on Tuesday, the FBI confirmed that it had identified approximately 2,400 “newly inventoried and digitized records that were previously unrecognized as related to the JFK assassination case file.” “The FBI has made the appropriate notifications regarding the newly discovered documents and is working to transfer them to the National Archives and Records Administration for inclusion in the ongoing declassification process,” the bureau stated. The revelation follows President Trump’s directive last month to declassify and release all remaining files related to Kennedy’s assassination, as well as outstanding records concerning the assassinations of his younger brother, Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. “This is a big one. A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades,” President Trump said at the time. “And everything will be revealed.” JFK’s assassination in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, has long been the subject of intense speculation and conspiracy theories. Public skepticism remains high, with a 2023 Gallup poll revealing that 65 percent of Americans doubt the Warren Commission’s conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the killing. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for health secretary and the son of Robert F. Kennedy has also expressed doubts about the official account. In a 2023 interview, he claimed there was “overwhelming” and “very convincing” evidence suggesting CIA involvement in his uncle’s assassination. During his first term, President Trump had initially pledged to release all remaining classified records on the JFK assassination. However, he ultimately approved the release of only about 2,800 documents after yielding to requests from the CIA and FBI to delay the disclosure of thousands of additional files pending further review. Under former President Joe Biden’s administration, approximately 17,000 more documents were made public, reducing the number of withheld records to fewer than 4,700. According to the National Archives, authorities have now released over 99 percent of the nearly 320,000 documents reviewed under the JFK Records Act, a 1992 law mandating the disclosure of assassination-related records.

Eagles Crush Chiefs’ Historic Three-Peat Dream with Dominant Super Bowl Victory

Philadelphia Eagles Captain Nick Foles lift the Super Bowl cup

by Admin Feb 10, 2025 The Philadelphia Eagles decisively ended the Kansas City Chiefs’ pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title with a commanding 40-22 triumph in New Orleans. Philadelphia’s defense delivered a masterclass on Sunday, neutralizing Chiefs’ star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and stifling their usually potent offense. On the other side of the ball, Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts led a relentless attack, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another, sealing a resounding redemption for Philadelphia after their heartbreaking loss to Kansas City in Super Bowl 57. Running back Saquon Barkley added another milestone to the Eagles’ celebratory night, rushing for 31 first-half yards to set a new all-time NFL record for most rushing yards in a combined regular season and playoffs. The emphatic victory secured the Eagles’ second Super Bowl championship, with their previous triumph coming in 2018. Philadelphia dominated the game from the outset, putting on a near-flawless performance in front of a high-profile crowd that included U.S. President Donald Trump and global pop icon Taylor Swift. Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, though he departed at halftime. The Eagles made an early statement by striking first in the opening quarter with their signature goal-line play, the “Brotherly Shove,” as Hurts powered into the end zone with the support of his formidable offensive line. Philadelphia’s defensive dominance continued in the second quarter when rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean intercepted a poorly executed Mahomes pass and returned it for a touchdown. Hurts then connected with wide receiver A.J. Brown on a 12-yard touchdown pass, sending the Eagles into halftime with a commanding 24-0 lead. Philadelphia delivered a complete performance from start to finish, crushing Kansas City’s hopes of making history and firmly etching their name into the record books.

Netherlands Seeks Extradition of Convicted Drug Smuggler from Sierra Leone

Jos Leijdekkers

by Admin Feb 7, 2025 The Netherlands has formally requested the extradition of convicted cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers from Sierra Leone, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel announced on Thursday. The minister expressed hope that Sierra Leonean authorities would support the effort to combat international organized crime. Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, is believed to have taken refuge in Sierra Leone, where he reportedly enjoys high-level protection. However, Sierra Leonean officials have stated that they are investigating these claims and have pledged to cooperate if a formal extradition request is received, despite the absence of an extradition treaty between the two nations. “I hope for swift action from the authorities of Sierra Leone and to find them on our side in this fight against international organized crime,” van Weel wrote in a post on X. Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information confirmed that the country’s police are prepared to collaborate with the Dutch government, Interpol, and other international law enforcement agencies regarding the case. Meanwhile, Leijdekkers’ former lawyer in the Netherlands, Guy Weski, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the extradition request. Adding to the complexity of the case, Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, stated on Tuesday that the individual described by media outlets, including Reuters, as Leijdekkers is known locally as “Umar Sheriff.” Sellu said authorities had conducted multiple raids to apprehend Sheriff but had yet to locate him. He did not clarify whether Leijdekkers and Sheriff are indeed the same person. The case has drawn international attention, raising questions about fugitive networks and the challenges of law enforcement cooperation across borders.

Trump Freezes Aid to South Africa Over Land Expropriation Law, Diplomatic Rift Deepens

President Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa

by Admin Feb 8, 2025 The United States President Donald Trump has halted aid to South Africa, citing concerns over a contentious land expropriation law that he claims disregards citizens’ rights and unfairly targets ethnic minority landowners. In an executive order signed on Friday, President Trump condemned the legislation, calling it a “shocking disregard” for property rights. He asserted that the law, recently signed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, enables the government to seize land from Afrikaner landowners without compensation, a move he described as part of a broader pattern of “hateful rhetoric” and policies dismantling equal opportunity. President Trump further accused the South African government of adopting “aggressive positions” against the United States and its allies, citing Pretoria’s decision to bring genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its strengthening of ties with Iran. “The United States cannot support the government of South Africa’s commission of rights violations in its country or its undermining of United States foreign policy, which poses national security threats to our Nation, our allies, our African partners, and our interests,” Trump stated in the order. As part of his administration’s response, Trump also pledged to facilitate the resettlement of Afrikaners terming it as “escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination.” The dispute over land reform has sparked a public clash between President Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Since Sunday, Trump has repeatedly accused the South African government of “confiscating land” and discriminating against specific groups. The rift deepened further on Wednesday when U.S. Secretary of State Marc Rubio announced he would not attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing the land law and other “very bad things” happening in South Africa. In response, Ramaphosa has defended the legislation, insisting it is a “constitutionally mandated legal process” aimed at ensuring fair and equitable land distribution. He dismissed claims that the law is a tool for mass confiscation, emphasizing its role in addressing historical land inequalities stemming from apartheid. During a parliamentary address on Thursday, Ramaphosa appeared to push back against Trump’s remarks, declaring that South Africa would not yield to external pressure. “We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied,” he said, calling for national unity in the face of what he described as a rising tide of “narrow interests” and “the decline of common cause.” With tensions escalating, the freeze on U.S. aid marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to South Africa, raising questions about the future of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration’s Efforts to Furlough USAID Employees

US AID

by Admin Feb 8, 2025 A U.S. federal judge on Friday issued a temporary order allowing approximately 2,700 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to return to work, halting parts of the President Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the agency. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, partially granted an emergency request from the country’s largest government workers’ union and a foreign service workers’ association, both of which had sued to block the administration’s efforts to close the agency. Judge Nichols’ ruling is effective until February 14, prevents the administration from placing about 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave starting Saturday and reinstates roughly 500 workers who had already been furloughed. Additionally, the order bars the administration from relocating USAID humanitarian workers stationed outside the United States. The judge determined that the unions had made a “strong showing of irreparable harm” if the court did not intervene. A hearing scheduled for Wednesday will determine whether a longer-term injunction is warranted. While Nichols’ ruling provides temporary relief for USAID employees, he declined other requests from the unions, including reopening agency buildings and restoring funding for USAID grants and contracts. The case marks a significant legal challenge to the President Trump administration’s efforts to restructure the agency, with broader implications for United States foreign aid operations and federal workforce policies.

Baltic States Disconnect from Russian Power Grid, Synchronize with European Union Network

Russia Power Grid

by Admin Feb 8, 2025 In a significant move to strengthen their energy independence and European integration, the Baltic states Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania disconnected from Russia’s power grid on Saturday. The region’s electricity operators confirmed the shift, which marks a historic milestone in their decades-long plan to sever ties with Moscow’s energy infrastructure. Following the disconnection from the IPS/UPS joint network, the three nations will synchronize with the European Union’s electricity grid at 1200 GMT on Sunday, pending final technical assessments. In the interim, they will operate independently. “We have finally achieved the goal we have pursued for so long. We are now in control of our energy future,” Lithuanian Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas announced at a press conference. The Baltic states, which regained independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s and joined the EU and NATO in 2004, have sought for years to cut their reliance on Russian infrastructure. While discussions about decoupling from the Russian grid have been ongoing for decades, Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 accelerated the process. Until now, the power grid was the last major infrastructure link between the three nations and Russia. Even after ceasing electricity imports from Moscow following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania continued to depend on the Russian grid to regulate frequencies and ensure network stability. “By ending the Baltic states’ energy dependence on Russia, we are denying the aggressor the ability to use energy as a weapon against us,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated. Amid fears of potential sabotage attempts, an army truck was deployed to the Rezekne power substation near the Latvia-Russia border, and armed officers patrolled the vicinity and surrounding areas. The heightened security underscores the region’s concerns over possible Russian interference during the transition. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to speak at a ceremony on Sunday to commemorate the synchronization with the EU grid. Despite the high-stakes transition, Latvian Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis assured that the process was proceeding seamlessly. “The system is stable, the process is happening smoothly, and no one is noticing any disruptions,” he told Reuters following the decoupling. The successful switch marks a new chapter for the Baltic states, further solidifying their integration into the European energy market and reducing vulnerabilities to Russian influence.

Bangladesh Urges India to Restrain Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Making False Statements

former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

by Admin Feb 7, 2025 According to a statement from the foreign ministry, the Bangladesh government has formally requested India to prevent ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making what it described as “false and fabricated” statements while residing in the country. The former prime minister fled to India in August following a wave of violent protests that claimed over 1,000 lives. In a virtual address on Wednesday, she urged her supporters to resist the interim government, accusing it of unlawfully seizing power. Her remarks triggered further unrest in Bangladesh, where thousands of demonstrators attempted to disrupt her speech. In the chaos, protestors set fire to the residence of Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father and Bangladesh’s founding leader. The violence escalated in the aftermath of her address. In response, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry delivered a formal protest note to India’s acting high commissioner in Dhaka, expressing “deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservations” over Hasina’s statements. In a statement shared on Facebook, the ministry urged India to take “immediate and appropriate measures, in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding,” to stop her from making “such false, fabricated, and incendiary statements.” While India has not officially commented on Bangladesh’s protest, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attack on Mujibur Rahman’s residence, calling it an “act of vandalism.” “All those who value the freedom struggle that shaped Bangladesh’s identity recognize the significance of this residence in the country’s national consciousness,” Jaiswal stated. Mujibur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971, was assassinated along with most of his family inside the same house in 1975. Hasina later converted the building into a museum honoring her father’s legacy. Amid rising tensions, the interim government’s chief adviser, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, appealed for calm. On Friday, he urged citizens to uphold law and order and to refrain from attacking properties linked to Hasina’s family or her Awami League party. “Any attacks on their properties give them an excuse to attract international attention and propagate their fabricated narratives,” Yunus further warned. “A deterioration in law and order will send the wrong message to the world.”

Nationwide Protests Erupt Against President Trump’s Administrative Policies

Protesters in New York City

by Admin Feb 5, 2025 Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States on Wednesday in a coordinated protest against the early policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. Large crowds gathered outside a federal courthouse in Philadelphia, as well as at state capitols in Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Protesters carried signs condemning Trump, billionaire businessman Elon Musk who has been appointed to lead Trump’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency and Project 2025, a controversial right-wing blueprint for reshaping American governance and society. According to one of the protest banners in Philadelphia, “Democracy is not a spectator sport! Do something.” The protests stemmed from an online movement that gained traction under the hashtags #BuildTheResistance and #50501, which symbolize 50 protests in all 50 states on the same day. Organizers leveraged websites and social media to rally support, circulating messages such as “Reject fascism” and “Defend our democracy.” In Lansing, Michigan, approximately 500 demonstrators braved freezing temperatures to voice opposition to a range of issues, including Trump’s policies on Gaza, rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights, and efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. As demonstrations spread, the movement signals mounting grassroots resistance to the administration’s agenda.

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