Winter Paralympics opening ceremony clouded by boycott over Russia’s return
Controversy is overshadowing the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, which kick off Friday with an opening ceremony boycotted by several countries protesting the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags for the first time since 2014. [Continue Reading]
Japan’s manga industry faces a ‘#MeToo moment’ after Shogakukan scandal
One of Japan’s largest manga publishers is facing mounting backlash after it emerged that a writer convicted of sexually assaulting a minor had continued producing work for the company under a different name. The controversy has prompted some observers to ask whether Japan’s manga industry is experiencing a belated “#MeToo moment”, as prominent creators pull their works from the publisher’s Manga One digital platform in protest. Tokyo-based Shogakukan said on Tuesday it would set up a... [Continue Reading]
Meta Platforms Inc. executives discuss child safety challenges during legal trial in New Mexico
Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of popular social media applications including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is currently involved in a significant legal trial in New Mexico. During this trial, CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram leader Adam Mosseri addressed the challenges concerning child safety on their platforms. In depositions played earlier this week, Zuckerberg expressed that some level of criminal behavior among users is an unavoidable consequence of having a vast user base of billions. He stated, “the unfortunate reality is that some very small percent of them are going to be criminals,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to mitigating such... [Continue Reading]
Democratic Attorneys General and Governors Sue Trump to Block Proposed 15% Tariff on Imports
A coalition of 24 Democratic attorneys general and governors has initiated legal action against former President Donald Trump, aiming to block a newly proposed 15% tariff on all imports. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling that declared Trump's previous tariffs illegal, leading the White House to announce plans for the new tariff to take effect shortly. The lawsuit, spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James, asserts that Trump lacks the authority to impose these tariffs and demands the federal government refund the states for the costs incurred from prior tariffs. The legal challenge reflects growing frustration among state... [Continue Reading]
Trump says Kristi Noem out as Homeland Security chief amid immigration uproar
US President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday after months of controversy, including the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and lawmakers’ questions over a US$220 million advertising contract. The Republican president will tap Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her by the end of the month, he said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday. The appointment would require US Senate confirmation. “Kristi Noem, who... [Continue Reading]
Three Doctors Suspended in Nigeria Following Death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Son Due to Alleged Medical Negligence
Nigeria's Medical and Dental Council has provisionally suspended three doctors following the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The child passed away on 7 January due to complications arising from preparatory medical procedures at the Euracare Hospital in Lagos. The investigation found sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case of medical negligence against Euracare Hospital and Atlantis Hospital, as reported by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). In accordance with their findings, the suspended doctors will face a disciplinary tribunal, pending the outcome of the investigation. Dr Munir Bature, the publicity... [Continue Reading]
Western Australia seizes over 4,000 firearms in crackdown on gun control violations and criminal activity
In a recent operation, Western Australian authorities have reported the seizure of over 4,000 firearms in an effort to enforce stricter gun control measures. This crackdown targets individuals such as members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, domestic violence perpetrators, and those convicted of serious offences. However, controversy has emerged after allegations surfaced regarding the legal retention of a significant number of firearms by some individuals despite the state's transition to more rigorous licensing laws. The case at the centre of this controversy involves 20-year-old Jayson Joseph Michaels, who has been charged with plotting a terrorist act. Police seized seven firearms from... [Continue Reading]
Poll reveals 54% of Reform UK members support removal of non-white British citizens born abroad
A recent poll has uncovered alarming sentiments among the members of Reform UK regarding non-white British citizens. Conducted by Survation for the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, the survey indicates that more than half of the participants, precisely 54%, believe that non-white British citizens born abroad should be forcibly removed or encouraged to leave the country. This contentious finding highlights the internal dynamics and potential fractures within Nigel Farage's party as he attempts to appeal to a broader voter base while facing resistance from hardline factions. The survey, which took place between January 29 and February 16, included responses from... [Continue Reading]
UK Home Secretary announces 30-month temporary protection for asylum seekers granted refugee status in policy overhaul
In a significant overhaul of the United Kingdom's asylum framework, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that all asylum seekers granted refugee status will only receive temporary protection lasting 30 months. This announcement is set to come into effect from Monday and marks one of the most substantial changes to the UK’s asylum policies in many years. The decision, which will not require parliamentary approval, is already stirring controversy within the Labour party, particularly among its left-wing members who are advocating for more progressive immigration policies. Under the new regulations, asylum seekers will have their cases reviewed every 30 months.... [Continue Reading]
Bangkok police use lion dance performance to apprehend suspected thief during lunar New Year festivities
In a surprising undercover operation, Bangkok's metropolitan police recently staged a lion dance performance at a temple fair to apprehend a suspected thief. The operation unfolded swiftly, with officers receiving less than 24 hours of preparation for their unique disguise. Captain Lertvarit Lertvorapreecha led his team in this spirited endeavor during the lunar New Year festivities, aiming to capture a suspect known for evading law enforcement. The suspect, accused of stealing Buddhist artefacts valued at approximately £47,717, was successfully apprehended during the performance, which generated laughter and curiosity from onlookers. Captain Lertvorapreecha, reflecting on the impromptu nature of the event,... [Continue Reading]
