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Forced to Leave: The Uncertain Future of 3 Million Afghans in Pakistan Pakistan is moving forward with plans to expel 3 million Afghan refugees from the country, marking the latest phase of a controversial crackdown on undocumented foreigners. The deadline for voluntary departures from the capital, Islamabad, and neighboring Rawalpindi expired on Monday, leaving many Afghans in limbo. The mass deportations are part of a broader campaign that began in October 2023, targeting those living in Pakistan illegally. Human rights groups, the United Nations, and the Taliban government have criticized the initiative, warning of the consequences for vulnerable Afghan refugees. Many of them had fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, fearing persecution due to their work with the U.S. government, international aid agencies, and media organizations. Arrests and forced removals were scheduled to start on Tuesday but have been delayed until April 10 due to Eid al-Fitr celebrations, according to government documents obtained by the Associated Press. Over the past 18 months, around 845,000 Afghans have left Pakistan, but officials estimate that approximately 3 million still remain. Among them, 1.3 million hold Proof of Registration cards, granting them temporary legal status until June 30, while another 800,000 have Afghan Citizen Cards. However, an additional 1 million Afghans are living in the country without any documentation. Authorities have vowed to ensure that once deported, Afghans will not be allowed to return. Those with Afghan Citizen Cards were ordered to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31 or face forced removal. Even Afghans awaiting resettlement in third countries, including the United States, were given the same deadline. The government has promised to coordinate with foreign embassies to facilitate the resettlement process, but if that fails, they too will be deported. For many Afghans, this crackdown has created painful dilemmas. Omaid Khan, a 30-year-old Afghan Citizen Cardholder, must leave Pakistan under the new rules, while his wife, who holds a Proof of Registration card, can stay until June 30. Their two children, however, have no legal documentation from either country. “I am from Paktia province, but I have never been there and I am not sure about my future,” Khan said. Nazir Ahmed, a 21-year-old born in Quetta, faces a similar predicament. His only connection to Afghanistan is through his late father, yet he is being forced to leave behind the only home he has ever known. “How can we go there?” he asked. “Few people know us. All our relatives live in Quetta. What will we do if we go there? We appeal to the Pakistani government to give us some time so we can go and find out, at least get some employment.” The uncertainty surrounding children born in Pakistan to Afghan parents, as well as families where one parent is Pakistani and the other Afghan, has raised further concerns. Officials have indicated that social welfare staff will be available to assist with such cases, though the specifics remain unclear. The Taliban government has protested Pakistan’s actions, calling the deportation policy arbitrary and urging a more coordinated approach. “We have shared our problems with them, stating that unilaterally expelling refugees is neither in their interest nor ours,” said Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s Refugee Ministry. “It is not in their interest because expelling them in this way raises hatred against Pakistan. For us, it is natural that managing so many Afghans coming back is a challenge. We have requested they should be deported through a mechanism and mutual understanding so they can return with dignity.” To manage the mass deportations, Pakistan has set up two transit stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province—one in the Nasir Bagh area of Peshawar and another in Landi Kotal, near the Torkham border crossing. However, with thousands of families facing uncertainty about their legal status and future, the situation remains volatile. The crisis has been further complicated by changes in U.S. refugee policy. Many Afghans approved for resettlement in the U.S. through special programs are now stuck after President Donald Trump paused refugee admissions in January. This has left around 20,000 Afghans in a state of limbo, with no clear path forward. As Pakistan moves ahead with its deportation plans, the fate of millions of Afghans remains uncertain. Many are being forced to leave behind communities and lives they have built over decades, returning to a country they barely know or fear to return to at all. Based on a report by NBC News 2025-04-02

Russia has dismissed the White House’s latest proposals for peace in Ukraine, stating that it cannot accept the plan while President Volodymyr Zelensky remains in power. This stance puts Moscow on a direct collision course with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil imports unless President Vladimir Putin agrees to negotiate an end to the war. These measures, if implemented, could significantly impact Russia’s ability to finance its military efforts. “We have not heard from Trump a signal to Kyiv to end the war,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. “All that exists today is an attempt to find some kind of scheme that would first allow us to achieve a ceasefire, as imagined by the Americans, and then move on to some other models and schemes. [But] as far as we can see, there is no place in them today for our main demand; namely to resolve the problems related to the root causes of this conflict.” Speaking in an interview published on Tuesday by International Affairs, a publication linked to the Russian foreign ministry, Ryabkov emphasized that while Moscow takes the U.S. proposals seriously, they are not acceptable in their current form. The phrase “root causes” has been consistently used by the Kremlin as a reference to the Ukrainian government’s pro-Western stance. Although Ryabkov’s statements do not mark a significant shift in Russia’s rhetoric, their timing—immediately following Trump’s threats to impose economic penalties—adds weight to the ongoing geopolitical tensions. Putin has already rejected Trump’s earlier proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, and Russia’s latest remarks could further provoke the U.S. president. The White House acknowledged on Tuesday that Trump was growing increasingly frustrated with both Putin and Zelensky over the continued conflict. Trump also accused Ukraine of trying to “back out” of a minerals deal with Washington, warning that Zelensky could face “big, big problems” if he did so. Trump expressed additional anger toward Putin after the Russian leader suggested that Ukraine be placed under temporary United Nations governance until elections could be held. “New leadership means you’re not gonna have a deal for a long time,” Trump stated, referring to Ukraine’s decision to postpone elections following Russia’s 2022 invasion in accordance with its constitution. In response to Moscow’s defiance, Trump has threatened to retaliate by imposing tariffs of up to 50 percent on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil. This move would primarily impact China and India, the two largest buyers of Russian crude since the start of the full-scale invasion. Reports indicate that Indian state-owned companies Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum are already exploring alternatives to Russian oil due to the looming risk of U.S. sanctions. Trump’s threats caused oil prices to rise by approximately two percent, pushing them to a five-week high and temporarily boosting Russia’s revenues. Despite Trump’s warnings, China has not indicated any shift in its stance on the war. During a visit to Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing’s close ties with Russia, stating that the two nations are “friends forever, never enemies.” While Wang did not address Trump’s threats, he acknowledged that China welcomed Washington’s efforts to bring about peace, expressing Beijing’s willingness to play a “constructive role” in negotiations. However, China has not condemned Russia’s invasion, maintaining that NATO’s expansion provoked the conflict. “The step towards peace, although not that big, is constructive — it’s worth building on it,” Wang said before his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “With peace, it is no pain, no gain. You need to work hard to achieve it.” While Trump and Putin have held two official discussions on the war, progress toward a resolution remains elusive. U.S. and Russian negotiators have also met twice in Saudi Arabia, but tangible results have yet to emerge. A ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea, which was announced following a recent conversation between Trump and Putin, has yet to take effect. Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk confirmed that no formal agreement had been established, stating: “In order to adhere to the terms of any agreement, it must first be formalized. Considering that a formal document … does not yet exist, it is difficult to talk about compliance with any agreements.” Meanwhile, the Kremlin has presented its own set of demands, including the lifting of sanctions on Russian companies and one of the country’s largest banks, as a prerequisite for any ceasefire. Until these conditions are met, Moscow remains unwilling to engage in meaningful peace negotiations. Based on a report by The Times 2025-04-02

The US Justice Department will pursue the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, who stands accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that if Mangione is convicted on capital murder charges, she will instruct interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew Podolsky, to seek the ultimate punishment. Mangione is facing both state and federal charges for allegedly shooting Thompson in December. He has pleaded not guilty to the state charges, and while he has been charged in a federal criminal complaint, an indictment on those charges has yet to be issued. Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione’s attorney, expressed strong opposition to the Justice Department’s stance. "Their decision to execute Luigi is political and goes against the recommendation of the local federal prosecutors, the law, and historical precedent," Agnifilo said in a statement. She further condemned the move, calling it a shift from "the dysfunctional to the barbaric." Criticizing the federal government’s approach, she stated, "While claiming to protect against murder, the federal government moves to commit the premeditated, state-sponsored murder of Luigi. By doing this, they are defending the broken, immoral, and murderous healthcare industry that continues to terrorize the American people." A spokesperson for the US Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the matter. The Justice Department’s decision aligns with the Trump administration’s broader policy on the death penalty. Upon taking office in January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order instructing the attorney general to "pursue the death penalty for all crimes of a severity demanding its use." Mangione faces several federal charges, including murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges, and a firearms offense. In February, his legal team expanded to include Avraham Moskowitz, a seasoned attorney who has represented over 50 defendants in death penalty-eligible cases in New York. Mangione is currently held in federal custody in Brooklyn, though state proceedings in New York are set to move forward first. He was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on 11 counts, including first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, weapons offenses, and forgery. If convicted on the state charges, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors allege that the first-degree murder charge stems from Mangione killing Thompson "in furtherance of an act of terrorism," defined by law as intending to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or government entity. One of the second-degree murder charges similarly classifies the act as a "crime of terrorism." The 26-year-old also faces charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested after a weeklong manhunt in December. Authorities apprehended him at a McDonald’s, recovering an untraceable "ghost gun" and a notebook containing detailed plans they claim demonstrate a premeditated homicide involving the stalking of his victim. Mangione has garnered significant public attention and support, with backers raising over $700,000 to fund his legal defense. During his first term, Trump’s administration resumed federal executions after a nearly two-decade hiatus, overseeing the execution of 13 inmates in the final months before he left office. Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump signaled an intent to continue federal executions if re-elected. President Joe Biden, however, intervened by commuting the death sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, reducing them to life in prison. Only three individuals, convicted of high-profile mass shootings or terrorism-related acts, remained eligible for execution. Upon taking office in early February, Bondi reinforced Trump’s stance, criticizing Biden’s commutations as actions that "severely undermined the rule of law" and "betrayed our sacred duty and broke our promise to achieve justice." She declared, "This shameful era ends today," announcing the lifting of a federal execution moratorium imposed during the Biden administration. "Going forward, the Department of Justice will once again act as the law demands – including by seeking death sentences in appropriate cases and swiftly implementing those sentences in accordance with the law." Based on a report by CNN 2025-04-02

Off topic troll post has been removed @yankees992012

Judicial Uproar Over Sentencing Council’s Controversial Guidelines Judges have voiced strong opposition to new sentencing guidelines that they have branded as “cack-handed,” arguing that the rules could lead to a two-tier justice system by recommending more lenient sentences for certain offenders based on their backgrounds. In response to the growing backlash, ministers are set to fast-track emergency legislation aimed at blocking the new guidelines and are even considering restricting the powers of the Sentencing Council. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that a new law will be introduced next week to override the controversial guidelines, which critics say could undermine the principle of equality before the law. The changes, due to take effect on Tuesday, instruct judges to consider an offender’s background when determining sentencing. Specifically, judges will be advised to request pre-sentencing reports for offenders who are women, pregnant, under 25, or from ethnic, cultural, or faith minorities. The Sentencing Council has defended the guidelines as a way to address sentencing disparities between ethnic groups. A government study in 2017 revealed that, on average, violent Black offenders received nearly twice the length of prison sentences as violent white offenders. However, the move has sparked fierce opposition from both government officials and the judiciary. Mahmood previously sent a letter to the Sentencing Council urging it to abandon or delay the implementation of the new rules, but the request was dismissed. Lord Justice William Davis, chairman of the council, insisted that judges “must do all that they can to avoid a difference in outcome based on ethnicity.” In response, the government is rushing an emergency bill through Parliament to prevent the guidelines from taking effect, although it is unlikely to pass before the rules are enforced. “We are moving as fast as possible to kill this,” a senior government source said. The controversy has infuriated Downing Street and could lead to broader legislative reforms that significantly curtail the Sentencing Council’s authority. Some Labour MPs have even called for the council’s complete abolition. “All options are on the table,” the senior government source added. Judges themselves appear divided over the issue. While some recognize the need to address sentencing disparities, others believe the new approach is misguided. One judicial source suggested that the Sentencing Council had “completely lost the plot,” warning that the probation service was already overwhelmed and struggled to provide even the most basic pre-sentencing reports. “Never mind many more if this guidance ever gets going,” the source added. Another source emphasized the importance of maintaining equality before the law rather than attempting to tailor sentences for different groups. “Judges aren’t daft and look at any offender in the round, taking into account many, many factors before the final sentence is arrived at,” they said. The frustration among legal professionals is palpable, with some judges and magistrates reportedly “thoroughly pissed off at the way things are going.” While acknowledging the long-standing concerns over harsher sentences for ethnic minorities, one legal insider described the Sentencing Council’s approach as “totally cack-handed.” “Their policy statement was extremely tactless and gives the public a misleading impression,” they added. However, some believe that the guidelines will have minimal real-world impact, as judges often disregard pre-sentencing reports, which they view as little more than advocacy pieces for the defendant. “Many judges think the pre-sentencing reports are a waste of time,” another source stated. An analysis by the Conservative Party estimates that implementing the new guidelines could cost taxpayers £17.5 million annually due to the additional pre-sentencing reports required. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, accused the government of undermining the justice system, arguing that “the principle of equality before the law is being torn to shreds.” He added, “The taxpayer will be made to foot the bill for tens of millions of pounds for a justice system that is biased against white people and Christians.” Based on a report by The Times 2025-04-01

Iran has issued a warning that it will target British forces stationed on the Chagos Islands should the United States launch an attack on the country. The threat follows comments from former US President Donald Trump, who has reiterated his willingness to take military action if Iran refuses to reach a nuclear agreement with Washington. A senior Iranian military official told The Telegraph that Tehran would not differentiate between British and American forces should hostilities arise. “There will be no distinction in targeting British or American forces if Iran is attacked from any base in the region or within the range of Iranian missiles,” he declared on Saturday. He added, “When the time comes, it won’t matter whether you’re an American, British, or Turkish soldier – you will be targeted if your base is used by Americans.” Iranian state media reported that Tehran is prepared to retaliate with ballistic missiles and suicide drones, specifically mentioning the British-American naval base on Diego Garcia. The base, considered strategically significant, is home to a bomber force capable of striking Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. Iranian reports suggested that the facility would be a key target should tensions escalate. “Iran possesses adequate weapons for such an attack from its mainland, such as newer versions of the Khorramshahr missile that have an intermediate range, and the Shahed-136B kamikaze drone with a range of 4,000km [2,485 miles],” Iranian media stated. The report emphasized that Diego Garcia was within Tehran’s sights because it hosts B-2 Spirit bombers, which are designed for long-range stealth attacks. “The B-2 Spirit, a bomber with long range, payload, and advanced stealth features, is often cited as an ideal platform for delivering heavy bombs to Iranian underground facilities. In such a scenario, the bomber would certainly take off from NSF Diego Garcia, making the 3,800km-away base a target for an Iranian retaliatory operation.” Satellite imagery indicated that at least three B-2 bombers had arrived at the outpost earlier in the week. The British government responded to these threats with strong condemnation. A spokesperson stated, “We condemn these threats in the strongest terms. The UK Government continues to work with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation. The base on Diego Garcia is vital to UK and US security and plays a crucial role in maintaining regional and international security.” Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago, remains British sovereign territory despite ongoing discussions about transferring control to Mauritius. The UK has maintained a military presence there since the 1970s alongside US forces. The island is currently home to around 4,000 US and British personnel, including servicemen and civilian contractors. The British detachment consists of approximately 40 personnel providing police and customs services, while a small group of Royal Marines is tasked with security operations. The debate over Diego Garcia’s status has intensified as part of the UK’s proposed agreement with Mauritius. Reports suggest that under the deal, the UK would lease back the base for military use at an annual cost of £90 million. Since returning to office, Donald Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions by cutting off its oil revenues. At the same time, he has indicated a willingness to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. On Friday, he warned Iran that dire consequences would follow if Tehran refused to engage in talks. “I sent them a letter just recently, and I said: you have to make a decision, one way or the other, and we either have to talk and talk it out or very bad things are going to happen to Iran. I don’t want that to happen. My big preference – and I don’t say this through strength or weakness – my big preference is, we work it out with Iran. But if we don’t work it out, bad, bad things are going to happen to Iran.” However, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains opposed to direct negotiations with Washington. “No problem will be solved by negotiating with America,” he stated. A political science professor in Tehran suggested that Iran’s leadership views military conflict as a desperate last resort. “They [the regime] would do anything to survive in the event of an attack – the regime would be like a wounded wild animal, striking at everything in sight.” He further noted, “They are convinced they wouldn’t survive and know that neither Russia nor China would come to their help. The memory of Assad’s fate still lives here. The regime has only one option: to engage and negotiate with Trump. They don’t have good memories of him and know that when he makes a promise, he follows through.” Trump recently sent a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei urging Iran to negotiate and cautioning that military action would have devastating consequences. Iran acknowledged the letter and has responded through diplomatic channels, neither rejecting talks outright nor committing to direct negotiations. Senior Iranian official Kamal Kharazi confirmed that while Tehran remains open to indirect talks, it will not engage under pressure from Washington. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi explained that Iran had conveyed its position via Oman, outlining its stance on Trump’s proposals and broader Middle Eastern affairs. “Iran will not engage in direct negotiations under US pressure but remains open to indirect discussions, as in the past,” he stated. The situation remains volatile as both sides weigh their next moves. With the Diego Garcia base now explicitly named as a potential target, tensions between Iran, the UK, and the US continue to escalate, increasing the risk of a broader conflict in the region. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-04-01

People smugglers are making “hundreds of millions” of pounds from illegal Channel crossings, using a secretive underground banking system to move money undetected. The National Crime Agency (NCA) is now targeting the informal Hawala banking network, which is being exploited by criminal gangs because it allows the transfer of funds without any physical cash crossing borders. Hawala, a centuries-old financial system originating in South Asia, enables migrants to travel across Europe without carrying money. Instead, payments are arranged between operators, or hawaladars, in different countries. This has made it an ideal method for people smugglers to facilitate illegal migration while avoiding detection. The NCA has visited more than 40 hawaladars in the UK to warn them that they are endangering lives and could face prosecution under money laundering laws, which carry a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. According to the NCA, the use of the Hawala system to transfer money for Channel crossings has surged, with “hundreds of millions” of pounds now moving through these networks each year. A record 6,632 migrants have reached the UK so far this year, up from 4,600 at the same point in 2024. This surge has prompted a renewed crackdown on the illicit financing of smuggling operations, which will be a key focus at an international summit in London this week. Ministers, officials, and law enforcement agencies from more than 40 countries will convene to discuss ways to combat organised immigration crime. Delegates from China, Turkey, and key source countries in Asia and Africa will attend, reflecting the global nature of the smuggling networks. China is a major supplier of the engines used in the small boats crossing the Channel, while Turkey is home to back-street factories producing the dinghies used in these journeys. The NCA is working alongside HM Revenue and Customs to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting people smuggling. Under the Hawala system, a migrant arranges payment with a hawaladar in their home country for an illegal Channel crossing. The money is only released by another hawaladar in the UK upon their arrival. One of the most significant investigations led to the conviction of Asghar Gheshalghian, an Iranian hawaladar who operated a carpet business in Wood Green, north London, as a front for his money transfers. Gheshalghian, 48, was a trusted middleman, collecting payments from migrants or their families and releasing funds to smuggling gangs upon successful arrival in the UK. He also took a commission on each transaction. Phone evidence linked him to at least eight Iranian migrants who reached the UK by boat or lorry and later claimed asylum. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. Another key figure, Hewa Rahimpur, an Iranian based in east London, was convicted in Belgium and sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role as a Hawala banker for people-trafficking gangs. He helped smuggle 10,000 migrants across the English Channel, earning up to £260,000 per trip. In a further attempt to combat smuggling networks, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has launched a task force inspired by Italy’s crackdown on mafia finances. UK and Italian law enforcement agencies, along with forensic accountants and financial crime experts, are working together to freeze criminal bank accounts, conduct joint operations, and prosecute people-smuggling gangs. This initiative is being combined with European efforts to disrupt the smuggling supply chain, which includes the transport of Chinese-made engines to Germany before they are moved to northern France for use in Channel crossings. The NCA estimates that these crackdowns have significantly increased the cost of smuggling boats. A dinghy that once cost smugglers only a few thousand pounds is now priced at £14,000. In response, smugglers have turned to larger but lower-quality boats, which are now carrying an average of more than 50 migrants per vessel. This has led to greater risks and an increase in migrant deaths at sea. Last year was the deadliest on record for Channel crossings, with at least 69 reported fatalities. Martin Hewitt, the Government’s border security commander, is expected to tell the summit that only greater collaboration between European and international governments can bring an end to the deadly trade. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-04-01

A Mount Sinai doctor has been dismissed from her teaching position after a series of controversial online statements supporting Hamas and denying atrocities committed on October 7, 2023. Dr. Lila Abassi, who served as an assistant professor of medicine at the prestigious Upper East Side hospital, was removed following an internal investigation into her disturbing social media posts. The probe was initiated after Abassi, 46, allegedly made inflammatory statements such as “Long Live Hamas & Hezbollah,” accused Israel of “slaughtering babies,” and dismissed reports of rape during the attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and thousands more injured. In one of her online posts, she demanded, “Please show me actual rape video,” while using the pseudonym “Kluver Bucy,” a reference to a neurological disorder affecting behavior and memory. She further claimed that Israel had “massacr[ed] more people on 10/7 than [were] killed by Hamas.” Her termination came after mounting pressure from City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Brooklyn Republican who called for stronger action when it was initially revealed that Abassi had merely deleted her social media accounts. Vernikov, who is Jewish, emphasized that removing the posts did not erase the concerns regarding Abassi’s beliefs or ensure the safety of Jewish patients under her care. “Our most basic expectation of doctors is that they will perform their duties in an unbiased manner—especially a doctor serving a city as ethnically and religiously diverse as ours,” Vernikov told The Post. The revelations about Abassi’s social media activity sparked outrage within the medical community, particularly among physician groups on social platforms. One Mount Sinai doctor noted, “She’s known as one of the more outspoken and egregiously antisemitic physicians in the community.” Abassi’s history of provocative statements dates back years. In a 2016 post in the “Doctors for Afghanistan” Facebook group, she boasted about her ability to speak without restraint at her job at the American Council on Science and Health, writing, “Because I don’t have a filter either.” The fallout from her comments extended beyond her individual career, raising broader concerns about trust in medical professionals. The watchdog group Physicians Against Antisemitism, which initially exposed her posts, warned that such rhetoric erodes confidence in healthcare providers. “No longer will any Jewish patient feel confident that they will receive safe care from that individual, and by extension, at the facility that employs them,” the group stated. Mount Sinai confirmed that, following their investigation, Abassi was officially dismissed from her role. Based on a report by NYP 2025-04-01

Parents Struggle to Afford Private School Fees for Special Needs Children Amid VAT Increase Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being pushed to the brink as they fight to keep their children in private schools, where they receive the tailored support they need. With the introduction of a 20% VAT on private school fees by the Labour government, families across the country have been forced into extreme financial measures to cover the rising costs. Leanne Gunns, a self-employed accountant from Norwich, is working nearly 19-hour days to afford her son Charlie’s education. “As you can imagine, I am absolutely exhausted,” said Gunns, 37, who starts work at 5 a.m. and finishes just before midnight. On top of this, she juggles driving Charlie to his medical appointments across the country. Charlie, 12, attends Beeston Hall, a private school near Cromer, Norfolk. He has transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that affects his spinal cord, requiring him to use a wheelchair and causing additional sensory problems such as hearing loss. Despite his challenges, his Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) includes a caveat that requires the family to pay for all his educational costs, including VAT. Parents of SEND children have been disproportionately impacted by the new tax policy. A study by the Education Not Taxation campaign found that one in five families has already remortgaged their home to keep up with school fees, while one in eight has sold their home and moved. The campaign is now taking legal action against the government, arguing that the policy discriminates against children with special needs. The government estimates that removing private schools’ tax exemptions will generate £1.5 billion annually to improve state education. However, many families feel that their children are being left behind in the process. While children with EHCPs are technically exempt from the additional VAT, obtaining such a plan can be a long and challenging process. Even when granted, it does not always guarantee funding for private education, which often provides smaller class sizes and specialized support that public schools may lack. Gunns is currently taking Norfolk County Council to a tribunal to challenge the decision, but with an 18-month wait, she has no choice but to keep working relentlessly. In January, Charlie’s school fees increased by 14% to £9,200, and they may rise again in the next academic year. “All I can do is work as hard as I can in the hope that I can grow my business fast enough to keep up with the fees,” she said. “Voters see this policy as a way of taxing the rich, but that’s not what’s going on. It’s ordinary people like us who get caught in the firing line.” Sarah Uzeabega, a school receptionist from Worcestershire, is in a similar situation. Her son, Luca, has an EHCP that specifically recommends a calm environment and one-on-one teaching, yet it does not cover the additional VAT on his private school fees. To afford the extra £1,200 per year, her husband, who runs a pub, has taken a second job working night shifts at Tesco. The family has also cut back drastically on expenses, even going without heating for much of the winter to reduce their energy bills. However, their cost-saving efforts backfired when a frozen pipe burst over Christmas, leading to expensive repairs. Uzeabega, 40, described how they have become “militant” about switching off lights and now spend more time at her parents’ home because it is warmer. “I feel like we are being penalised for wanting the best for our children, who have been failed by the education sector,” she said. “It’s not the wealthy who will be affected by [VAT on private school fees], it’s aspirational families like ours.” With the financial strain mounting and tribunals taking years to resolve, many parents are left wondering how long they can continue to afford the education their children desperately need. Based on a report by The Times 2025-04-01 Related Topics: Human rights Legal Challenge Could Force Labour to Rethink Private School VAT Plan Private Schools Struggle as Labour’s VAT Policy Triggers Closures Looming Crisis: Private Schools Face Closures Amid VAT Hike Top Oxfordshire Prep School to Close Amid Controversial VAT Policy on Private Education England’s Special Educational Needs Crisis: A System in Desperate Need of Reform Legal Challenge Against Private School VAT Policy Deems It Discriminatory

A BBC investigation has exposed the deceitful practices of recruitment agents who exploit foreign nationals seeking employment in the UK care sector. Through secret filming, the investigation reveals the methods used by these agents to defraud unsuspecting job seekers, manipulate the system, and continue profiting undetected. One of the key figures identified is Dr. Kelvin Alaneme, a Nigerian doctor with a background in NHS psychiatry. The Home Office has acknowledged vulnerabilities in the system, but the BBC World Service investigation highlights just how easily these rogue agents operate. The exposé reveals illegal activities such as selling jobs in UK care companies, orchestrating fake payroll schemes to cover up non-existent jobs, and shifting from the care sector to industries like construction, which also face workforce shortages. Since the expansion of the UK’s Health and Care Work visa in 2022 to include care workers, reports of immigration scams have surged. To secure this visa, applicants must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer—a requirement that has been heavily exploited by unscrupulous agents. Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, a charity supporting migrant workers, describes the scale of exploitation as a "national crisis." She notes that the sponsorship system inherently puts excessive power in the hands of employers, fostering a predatory middleman market. Two BBC undercover journalists approached agents operating within the UK. One met Dr. Alaneme, who runs CareerEdu, an agency based in Harlow, Essex. His business claims to offer global opportunities for young Africans, boasting nearly 10,000 satisfied clients. Believing the BBC journalist had connections in the UK care industry, Dr. Alaneme attempted to recruit her, promising significant earnings. "Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire," he declared. He explained that he would pay £2,000 per care home vacancy she secured and offer an additional £500 commission. These vacancies, in turn, would be sold to job seekers in Nigeria, despite it being illegal to charge candidates for jobs. "They [the candidates] are not supposed to be paying because it's free. It should be free," he admitted in hushed tones. "They are paying because they know it's most likely the only way." One victim, Praise, from southeastern Nigeria, paid over £10,000 for a job in the UK, only to discover upon arrival that the position did not exist. He had been promised employment with a company called Efficiency for Care, based in Clacton-on-Sea. "If I had known there was no job, I would have not come here," he said. "At least back home in Nigeria, if you go broke, I can find my sister or my parents and go and eat free food. It's not the same here. You will go hungry." Efficiency for Care’s Home Office records indicate that while it employed an average of 16 staff in 2022 and 152 in 2023, it issued 1,234 CoS to foreign workers between March 2022 and May 2023. Its sponsorship licence was revoked in July 2023, preventing further overseas recruitment. The company denied colluding with Dr. Alaneme, maintaining it followed lawful recruitment practices and is challenging the Home Office decision in court. In another secretly filmed meeting, Dr. Alaneme revealed a more advanced scam, where job seekers could purchase CoS without an actual job, allowing them to choose where they lived in the UK. However, this is a serious breach of visa rules, as failing to work in the assigned role could lead to deportation. He also outlined a fake payroll scheme designed to create a money trail to deceive authorities. "That [a money trail] is what the government needs to see," he explained. Dr. Alaneme denied allegations that CareerEdu engaged in illegal recruitment, claiming funds collected were for candidates’ transport, accommodation, and training. He stated he had assisted Praise in securing alternative employment free of charge. The BBC also investigated another UK-based agent, Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh, following complaints from multiple victims who collectively lost tens of thousands of pounds for fake care jobs. Some of the CoS documents provided by Mr. Agyemang-Prempeh turned out to be counterfeits of genuine certificates. He had since expanded into the construction sector, securing a sponsorship licence to recruit foreign workers. Posing as a Ugandan businessman, a BBC journalist inquired whether he could bring in Ugandan workers. Mr. Agyemang-Prempeh confirmed it was possible—for a price of £42,000 for three people. He admitted shifting to construction due to tightening regulations in the care sector, noting that other agents were now eyeing IT jobs. Between July 2022 and December 2024, the government revoked over 470 care sector sponsorship licences. These revoked sponsors were responsible for recruiting over 39,000 medical and care workers since 2020. Mr. Agyemang-Prempeh requested a downpayment for the CoS, which the BBC did not make. His sponsorship licence has since been revoked. When confronted, he claimed he had been deceived by other agents and was unaware he was dealing with fake documents. The Home Office, responding to the investigation, announced "robust new action against shameless employers who abuse the visa system" and vowed to ban businesses that violate UK employment laws from sponsoring overseas workers. Previous BBC investigations have uncovered similar scams targeting workers from Kerala, India, and international students in the UK. In November 2024, the government initiated a crackdown on "rogue" employers hiring from abroad. From April 9, care providers in England will be required to prioritize hiring international care workers already in the UK before recruiting overseas. The findings of this investigation further highlight the urgent need for reforms to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable migrants. Based on a report by BBC 2025-04-01 Full BBC Investigation

NASA's Curiosity rover has made what scientists are calling the most exciting organic detection yet on Mars, uncovering the largest organic molecules ever found on the red planet. This discovery sheds new light on Mars’ past and the complex chemical processes that may have taken place there—processes similar to those that played a role in the origin of life on Earth. The rover’s onboard laboratory, the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument, analyzed a pulverized 3.7-billion-year-old rock sample and identified long-chain organic molecules, including decane, undecane, and dodecane. These molecules are potentially fragments of fatty acids, which on Earth are essential for building cell membranes. However, while such molecules are a crucial component of life, they can also form through non-biological processes, such as interactions between water and minerals in hydrothermal vents. The discovery does not confirm past life on Mars, but it adds to a growing collection of organic compounds found by robotic explorers in recent years. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, give astrobiologists hope that biosignatures—potential indicators of past life—could still be preserved on Mars despite the planet’s exposure to harsh solar radiation over millions of years. “Ancient life, if it happened on Mars, it would have released some complex and fragile molecules,” said Dr. Caroline Freissinet, lead study author and research scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. “And because now we know that Mars can preserve these complex and fragile molecules, it means that we could detect ancient life on Mars.” This latest finding further fuels the push to bring Martian samples back to Earth, where they could be analyzed using more advanced laboratory techniques to determine, once and for all, whether Mars once harbored life. Curiosity has been on this journey for over a decade, having landed in Gale Crater on August 6, 2012. Since then, it has traveled over 21 miles (34 kilometers), climbing Mount Sharp, a region containing layers of rock that hold a record of Mars’ geological history and its transition from a wet world to the dry planet we see today. One of the most significant samples collected by Curiosity was drilled in May 2013 from an area called Yellowknife Bay, an ancient lake bed. This Cumberland sample has since been analyzed multiple times using the SAM instrument, revealing evidence that the site once contained liquid water for millions of years. The environment was rich in clay minerals, which helped preserve organic molecules in the fine grains of sedimentary rock. Freissinet was part of a research team in 2015 that first detected organic molecules in the Cumberland sample. The team also identified sulfur, which can preserve organic material, as well as nitrates—critical for supporting life on Earth—and methane with a type of carbon associated with biological processes. “There is evidence that liquid water existed in Gale Crater for millions of years and probably much longer, which means there was enough time for life-forming chemistry to happen in these crater-lake environments on Mars,” said study coauthor Daniel Glavin of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The rover has kept a portion of the Cumberland sample in a "doggy bag" to allow scientists to reanalyze it with new techniques. Researchers developed and tested methods on Earth before instructing the rover to conduct new experiments on Mars, leading to the latest breakthrough. Before Curiosity’s mission, many scientists doubted that organic molecules could survive Mars’ harsh conditions. However, as Dr. Glavin noted, this latest detection confirms that ancient Martian sediments could hold a treasure trove of organic material, providing insights into prebiotic chemistry, potential biosignatures, and the possibility of ancient life. Dr. Ben K.D. Pearce, an assistant professor at Purdue University and leader of the Laboratory for Origins and Astrobiology Research, called this “arguably the most exciting organic detection to date on Mars.” While Pearce was not involved in the study, he noted that some scientists believe fatty acids like decanoic acid and dodecanoic acid played a role in forming the first simple cell membranes on Earth. As the search for life beyond Earth continues, Curiosity’s discoveries provide critical clues. With future missions focused on bringing Martian samples back to Earth, scientists are closer than ever to answering one of humanity’s biggest questions: Did life ever exist on Mars? Based on a report by CNN 2025-04-01

Please discuss the topic which is: Rising Defiance: Armed Gaza Clans Call for Uprising Against Hamas

Trump’s Patience with Putin Wearing Thin as Ceasefire Talks Stall Donald Trump is running out of patience with Vladimir Putin, according to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who spent the weekend golfing with the former U.S. president in Florida. In an exclusive conversation with Sky News, Stubb revealed that Trump is increasingly frustrated with Russia’s reluctance to commit to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Finland President Alexander Stubb: "[President Trump] is probably the only person in the world who can mediate peace between Ukraine and Russia. Why? Because Putin respects and in many ways fears Donald Trump." "There was a combination of impatience and a tad of frustration," Stubb noted, clarifying that it had nothing to do with Trump’s golf swing. "We were talking a lot about the ceasefire and the frustrations he had that Russia was not committing to it." Stubb's comments add to growing reports that Trump’s stance on Putin is shifting. While he has previously been accused of pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rather than holding Putin accountable, the Finnish president suggested that the Kremlin’s recent actions are pushing Trump toward distrust. "If there was a pendulum of trust and distrust, certainly Russian activity in the past few weeks has proven that we're moving more towards the distrust side of things," Stubb said. The key sticking point appears to be Putin’s refusal to agree to a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Stubb believes this resistance could result in drastic economic consequences for Russia. He is advocating for significant sanctions if Moscow does not comply, suggesting that a firm deadline be set for Easter. "The US is considering sanctions on Russian oil," Stubb said. "Oil, oil prices, serious caps on oil." He is not alone in calling for tougher action. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who also joined the golf match, has proposed what he describes as "bone-breaking sanctions" should Russia continue to reject a ceasefire. Sanctions, however, have not historically deterred Russia from military aggression. They failed to prevent the initial invasion of Ukraine and have not reversed it since. Yet Stubb remains convinced that Moscow’s economic situation is nearing a breaking point. "You never underestimate the capacity of Russians to live through discomfort. I mean, that’s what the Soviet Union was really about," Stubb said. "But at the same time, there has to be a wall at some stage. And I think that wall is approaching." The question remains whether Trump, despite his growing impatience, is prepared to take decisive action against Russia. Stubb believes the answer lies in the coming weeks. "I think we need a colossal amount of sanctions on 20 April if the Russians don't abide by the ceasefire," he said. But how confident is Stubb that Trump will follow through? "Fairly confident," he admitted. "More confident than hopeful." Based on a report by Sky News 2025-04-01

“Incredible.” That was the single word Marine Le Pen whispered under her breath as she stormed out of a Paris courtroom this morning. Her departure came before she could even hear the full details of her sentencing, which included a five-year ban from running for office after being found guilty of embezzling EU funds. This ruling all but guarantees she will be unable to contest the 2027 French presidential election. Even before the judge had finished delivering the sentence, Le Pen knew that her political future was in ruins. The ruling was immediate and left no room for reprieve, despite her plans to appeal. The court also imposed a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, but this will remain on hold pending the appeal. However, the political consequences were swift and decisive. The shock of the verdict was exacerbated by the widespread belief that such a harsh ruling was unlikely. Across the political spectrum, there had been a general consensus that the court would not go so far as to bar her from office. Even her political adversaries—from far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon to centrist Prime Minister François Bayrou and right-wing Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin—had expressed doubt that this ultimate penalty would be applied. But they were all mistaken. The judge made it clear: the law is the law. Ironically, the very politicians now protesting the decision had themselves recently toughened the penalties for the misuse of public funds. The judge effectively reminded them that they were now facing the consequences of their own legal reforms. Perhaps Le Pen was naive in not foreseeing this outcome. Her National Rally (RN) party seemed unprepared for such a scenario. In the wake of the ruling, party leaders convened in an emergency session to determine their next steps. The dilemma was clear: should they continue as if there were still a chance for Le Pen to run in 2027? Technically, there is still a slim possibility. Her appeal could be expedited, with a ruling potentially arriving by early 2026. A favorable verdict could reduce or eliminate her period of ineligibility, making her candidacy viable once more. But realistically, the chances of such an outcome appear low. Alternatively, the party could shift to Plan B—positioning its young president, Jordan Bardella, as the de facto candidate for 2027. This might be the more pragmatic approach, but making the transition too quickly could be seen as unseemly. Moreover, Bardella, though popular, does not enjoy universal support within the party. By the evening, Marine Le Pen had made her choice. Appearing on television, she struck a defiant tone, refusing to retreat from political life. She denounced the ruling as a “political” decision and a “violation of the state of law.” Calling for a swift appeal trial, she insisted that her name must be cleared in time for the next election. “There are millions of French people who believe in me. For 30 years, I have been fighting against injustice. It is what I shall continue to do right to the end,” she declared. Her words were resolute, but the future remains uncertain. One pressing question is how the court’s decision will impact the RN’s voter base. In the short term, the party may see a surge in support. The ruling fits neatly into the RN’s long-standing narrative that the populist right is persecuted by the establishment. Many of Le Pen’s supporters are unlikely to hold her alleged misuse of EU funds against her, especially given that similar financial maneuvers have been employed by other political parties in the past. Her punishment—being banned from the presidency—may even serve as a rallying cry, reinforcing her image as a defiant outsider standing up to the political elite. In the longer term, however, the effects of her disqualification could be more damaging. Marine Le Pen is a crucial asset to the RN. Her tough-talking, battle-hardened persona, softened by her sentimental side and well-known love of cats, has endeared her to supporters who feel they know her personally. Jordan Bardella, though charismatic, is only 29 years old. It remains to be seen whether he can command the same level of loyalty and recognition. If Le Pen is ultimately unable to run, the RN risks losing much of its appeal. Meanwhile, other right-wing politicians outside the RN, such as Laurent Wauquiez and Bruno Retailleau, may see an opportunity to gain ground in a post-Le Pen landscape. The ruling could open the door for them to consolidate support from voters who might otherwise have backed the RN. Another unknown factor is how Le Pen will respond within the National Assembly. As the leader of the largest opposition bloc, with 125 seats, she has so far maintained a relatively cooperative stance towards Prime Minister François Bayrou, who governs without a majority. This cordiality may now come to an abrupt end. At RN headquarters, the question will likely be: why continue to play nice? With Le Pen sidelined from the presidential race, there may be little incentive to refrain from more aggressive opposition tactics, potentially leading to increased political instability. The consequences of today’s verdict will ripple through French politics for months, if not years, to come. Marine Le Pen has vowed to fight on, but the path ahead is murky, and the future of the National Rally remains uncertain. Based on a report by BBC 2025-04-01

@WDSmart enough of the off topic diversion attempts: Gaza: Hamas releases statement labelling the demonstrators “collaborators” and “traitors”

Jeremy Corbyn, alongside other political figures advocating for "progressive politics," has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to introduce a wealth tax following her recent spring statement. The statement, which outlined a series of cuts, has sparked criticism, with warnings that child poverty is set to rise under a Labour government for the first time in history. In response, Corbyn and others have urged Labour to adopt an "alternative path" to prevent the growth of Reform UK. A joint statement signed by Corbyn and other cross-party MPs calls for a wealth tax on individuals with assets exceeding £10 million, arguing that such a measure would help fund essential services. "So we can rebuild our schools and hospitals," the letter states, directly addressing the chancellor’s decision to prioritize defence spending while implementing departmental cuts. "This isn't about scarcity, it's about priorities," the statement continues. "This is set to be the first Labour government in history under which child poverty increases." The signatories, which include suspended Labour MPs Sarah Zultana and Apsana Begum, as well as Green MPs and independent politicians, criticize Labour's stance, claiming that the party’s failure to address these economic disparities is creating an opportunity for Reform UK to gain ground. "Labour's failure has paved the way for Reform. We need an alternative path," the statement reads. The letter further condemns Labour for echoing Reform UK's rhetoric on immigration and minority groups, arguing that such an approach only reinforces scapegoating and worsens societal divisions. "Parroting the rhetoric of Reform UK on migrants, minorities and Muslims just endorses their scapegoating and makes society worse for us all." The statement comes just before Reform UK's local election campaign launch, with the party gaining momentum in recent polls. Many of the signatories warn that unless Labour takes a stronger progressive stance, Reform UK could continue to attract disillusioned voters. The letter outlines a clear "alternative path," advocating for higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals and multinational corporations, the introduction of rent controls, nationalization of water and energy, and greater investment in social welfare instead of military spending. Despite these calls for change, Rachel Reeves has previously dismissed such proposals. However, following her spring statement, pressure is mounting on her to reconsider. With Reform UK making electoral gains and Labour facing criticism from within its own ranks, the debate over economic priorities and social justice within the party is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-03-31

The U.S. Naval Academy has announced the end of its affirmative action policies in admissions and has begun reviewing books in its library as part of the broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal government. These actions align with directives from the Trump administration, which has sought to remove what it describes as “radical indoctrination” from government institutions, including military academies. According to a federal court filing submitted on Friday, the Naval Academy has officially stopped considering race, ethnicity, and sex in its admissions process. The change, which was implemented in February, follows federal directives prohibiting the use of such criteria. The academy had previously defended affirmative action as essential to maintaining diversity and national security, but the new policy reversal marks a departure from that stance. The revised admissions guidance, issued internally on February 14, was reaffirmed this week by Vice Admiral Yvette M. David, the superintendent of the Naval Academy, during her testimony before a subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “At no time are race, sex or ethnicity considered in the qualification of a candidate,” she stated. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Naval Academy to identify and remove books related to DEI themes from its Nimitz Library. This directive came after the Pentagon discovered that military service academies had not applied President Trump’s January 29 executive order—intended to eliminate “radical indoctrination” in K-12 classrooms—to their own institutions. A defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Mr. Hegseth’s office clarified that the order does, in fact, apply to service academies and that compliance is expected. “The U.S. Naval Academy is fully committed to executing and implementing all directives outlined in executive orders issued by the president and is currently reviewing the Nimitz Library collection to ensure compliance,” said Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, a Navy spokesman. “The Navy is carrying out these actions with utmost professionalism, efficiency, and in alignment with national security objectives.” The Nimitz Library, which houses approximately 590,000 print books and thousands of other resources, has already identified 900 titles that may be removed under the defense secretary’s order. According to another defense official, some of these books include *The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.*, *Einstein on Race and Racism*, and a biography of Jackie Robinson. Mr. Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Naval Academy on Tuesday to address the Brigade of Midshipmen, though it remains unclear whether he expects the book removals to be completed before his arrival. Meanwhile, defense officials have not confirmed whether similar orders have been issued to other military academies, including West Point, the Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy, or to military graduate institutions such as the Naval War College and the Army’s Command and General Staff College. Based on a report by NYT 2025-03-31

Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has admitted that he was "overwhelmed" by the number of child abuse allegations that came across his desk and acknowledged that he "got it wrong" in handling them. His resignation in November followed an independent review that found he had failed to properly act on reports regarding John Smyth, a serial abuser closely associated with the Church of England. Speaking to the BBC, Dr. Welby reflected on the sheer scale of the abuse crisis within the Church and the challenges he faced in dealing with it. "Every day, more cases were coming across the desk that had been in the past, hadn't been dealt with adequately, and this was just, it was another case - and yes, I knew Smyth but it was an absolutely overwhelming few weeks," he said. "It was overwhelming, one was trying to prioritise - but I think it's easy to sound defensive over this. The reality is I got it wrong. As archbishop, there are no excuses." The independent review concluded that Smyth, who was the most prolific serial abuser linked to the Church, might have been brought to justice had Welby formally reported him to the police in 2013. Smyth's abuse was extensive, with as many as 130 victims in the UK and Africa suffering from his traumatic physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual attacks at church-affiliated summer camps. Allegations against Smyth first surfaced in 1982, yet the Makin review found that his abuse was covered up within the Church of England for years. Smyth was able to move to Africa, where he continued abusing victims, while only a small number of church officers were aware of the allegations and failed to act decisively to prevent further harm. The review stated that by 2013, "the Church of England knew, at the highest level, about the abuse that took place" after a victim came forward, but the institution failed to respond appropriately. Smyth died in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2018 at the age of 75 while still under investigation by Hampshire Police. Initially, Dr. Welby resisted calls to resign, but in his statement last November, he accepted "personal and institutional" responsibility for his failure to handle the abuse allegations effectively. His admission underscores the deep failings within the Church in addressing historic abuse and its impact on victims. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-03-31

A couple in Borehamwood were arrested in front of their young daughter and detained for hours after questioning the recruitment process for a new head teacher at their child’s primary school. Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine were taken into custody by Hertfordshire Police after the school objected to their emails and criticisms shared in a parents’ WhatsApp group. Allen, a producer at Times Radio, had raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the appointment of a new head teacher at Cowley Hill Primary School. However, instead of receiving answers, he and his partner were confronted by six uniformed officers. The couple was arrested, fingerprinted, searched, and held in cells for eight hours under suspicion of harassment, malicious communications, and causing a nuisance on school property. Following a five-week investigation, police determined that no further action would be taken. The couple had already been banned from school grounds for questioning the appointment process and making what were described as “disparaging” comments on WhatsApp. As a result, they were not allowed to attend parents’ evening or their daughter Sascha’s Christmas performance. This exclusion was especially concerning given that Sascha, nine, has epilepsy, is neurodivergent, and is registered disabled. The arrest meant Allen and Levine were unable to discuss their child’s medical needs with teachers. Allen described the ordeal as a “massive overreach” by the police and accused the school of using law enforcement to “silence awkward parents.” He said, “It was absolutely nightmarish. I couldn’t believe this was happening, that a public authority could use the police to close down a legitimate inquiry. We’d never used abusive or threatening language, even in private, and always followed due process. Yet we have never even been told what these communications were that were supposedly criminal, which is completely Kafkaesque.” Levine, 46, was at home with their three-year-old daughter Francesca when six officers arrived at their house on January 29. “I saw six police officers standing there. There were two cars and a police van. My first thought was that Sascha was dead. I could not think of any other reason why six police officers would be at my door. My heart was thumping, thinking something terrible had happened. So when I was placed under arrest, in a weird way I was briefly relieved. And then I started to think, ‘What on earth? What the hell is going on?’ Francesca was cowering in the corner, she was terrified.” Allen, 50, was in a Zoom meeting when police officers walked into view on his screen. “I was just in complete disbelief,” he said. “It was just unfathomable to me that things had escalated to this degree.” As police searched the house, Levine called her 80-year-old mother to come and look after the children. She asked officers not to handcuff her in front of her toddler. “There was a female officer—she agreed not to use cuffs but said she’d be staying right beside me in case. Then I’m chucked in a cell all day long.” The couple spent 11 hours at Stevenage Police Station before being released close to midnight. They were left trying to understand how a dispute over a school hiring process had escalated into a full-blown criminal investigation. In May 2024, Allen had written to the school governors asking why, six months after the head teacher announced his retirement, an open recruitment process had not been launched. Having previously served as a school governor himself, he expected a meeting to discuss the matter, but his questions were dismissed. A month later, the chair of governors, Jackie Spriggs, sent a letter to parents warning that “inflammatory and defamatory” comments on social media would not be tolerated and that action would be taken against anyone causing “disharmony.” It remains unclear if the warning was directed specifically at Allen and Levine. The controversy deepened when police reportedly warned Michelle Vince, a Hertfordshire county councillor, that she could become a suspect if she continued to support the parents. Vince argued that the case raised serious concerns about police interference in democratic rights, saying, “This is about taking away the ability of elected representatives to help their constituents.” Oliver Dowden, Conservative MP for Hertsmere, expressed alarm over the police response. “I have constituents getting in contact with me saying that their house has been burgled and the police have not turned up, or they have watched shoplifters come in and take things off the shelf, and police will not come. Now it appears Hertfordshire police were able to send six officers for parents’ comments on a WhatsApp group and emails to the school. This is seriously undermining confidence in police and I intend to raise this with the chief constable and in Parliament. This is about policing priorities. The police will lose the confidence of the public if they are not policing the priorities of the public.” Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-31

Mass protests against Hamas in Gaza have entered their forth day, as demonstrators continue to voice their frustrations with the militant group. In response, Hamas has issued a statement branding the protesters as “collaborators” and “traitors,” dismissing the demonstrations as being orchestrated by “outside actors.” Despite these claims, footage and reports from inside Gaza suggest a growing movement against Hamas rule. “The people want to bring down Hamas!” Right now, Gaza is witnessing the largest protest against Hamas since October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts in the region have also been affected by the ongoing violence. On Thursday, World Central Kitchen reported that one of its volunteers was killed in an Israeli strike near a community kitchen where meals were being distributed. Karim, a local resident, explained that the collapse of a ceasefire has heightened fears among Gazans, many of whom associate Hamas’s continued presence with ongoing suffering. “The end of the ceasefire has led Palestinians in Gaza to have a persistent fear that Hamas’s presence means continued suffering,” Karim said. Videos from the previous week showed Hamas militants attempting to disperse demonstrators by firing weapons into the air. Reports from inside Gaza indicate that Hamas has detained protest leaders and journalists covering the demonstrations. According to two sources, Hamas has threatened police officers with salary cuts if they refuse to break up the protests, while offering $300—an amount greater than the average monthly salary in Gaza—to those willing to use force against demonstrators. On Friday night, videos surfaced showing militants beating protesters, though these reports have not been independently verified. Dr. Yaniv Voller, a senior lecturer in Middle East politics at the University of Kent, warned that the situation could spiral into further violence, depending on how Hamas responds. “The potential for the situation to deteriorate into violence exists and it depends on how Hamas responds. But if they start opening fire on demonstrators, this would cause them to lose any support they have among those who perceive them as freedom fighters,” Voller said. He added that Hamas has attempted to blame external actors such as the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, and Israel for orchestrating the protests. However, as the number of demonstrators grows, it will become increasingly difficult for Hamas to push this narrative. “It is very clear that these protests are genuine, they have erupted now due to the realisation that Hamas is getting weaker,” he said. Exclusive video footage from Gaza, obtained by the New York-based Center for Peace Communications, shows protesters demanding an end to Hamas rule. One source, identified only as “Khaled” for safety reasons, described the scale of the protests as immense, though his claim that hundreds of thousands have participated could not be independently verified. “The situation in Gaza is unbearable, we don’t have our basic needs met,” Khaled said. “This is why we want Hamas to get out of Gaza and for Israeli hostages to return to their homes. We, Gazan civilians, as well as the 59 Israelis, are all hostages of Hamas.” Some demonstrators have also targeted Hamas leaders living abroad, including Osama Hamdan, a political bureau member in Lebanon who previously described the October 7 attack on Israel as a “historic success.” Khaled argued that Hamas officials living in luxury abroad would rethink their stance if they had to endure life as a civilian in Gaza. He further alleged that Hamas had fired rockets at Israel from locations near protest sites in an attempt to provoke an Israeli military response. The key demands of the protesters include an end to the war, the removal of Hamas from Gaza, and the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, according to Khaled. He envisions a postwar Gaza governed democratically by local leadership, working towards peace alongside neighboring Arab states, the Palestinian Authority, and Israel. “The Palestinian Authority is also corrupt. The best option is for young, educated Gazans to take responsibility to achieve peace and work with our neighbours,” he said. Voller noted that any postwar plan for Gaza would likely require negotiations with local clan leaders, as they possess the necessary infrastructure, weapons, and smuggling connections with Egypt. “They are the only actors who can fill the vacuum as a provider of services. But they’re also disruptors because they have weapons, and they have interests,” he explained. Karim added that the stance of these clans varies, with some following Hamas’s directives while others openly oppose them. “There is a strong possibility that the clan federations will join the protests and decide to confront Hamas on the ground, not just through statements,” he said. As demonstrations continue, the outcome remains uncertain, but the growing resistance within Gaza highlights deep dissatisfaction with Hamas’s rule and an increasing demand for change. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-31 Related Topics: Rising Defiance: Armed Gaza Clans Call for Uprising Against Hamas Gaza Residents Stage Rare Protests Against Hamas, Demand End to War

Disney, long at the center of debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is now facing a federal investigation as part of the White House’s efforts to dismantle such initiatives across the public and private sectors. Since taking office in January, President Trump has moved aggressively to eliminate DEI programs, issuing a series of executive orders targeting policies he has labeled as divisive. In a recent address to Congress, he reinforced this stance, declaring that the United States “will be woke no longer.” Now, Disney has become the latest focus of this campaign. Bob Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), announced that he had instructed the agency’s enforcement bureau to launch an investigation into Disney and ABC, the broadcast network under its ownership. In a letter to Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger, Carr raised concerns about potential violations of FCC equal employment opportunity regulations, accusing the company of engaging in “invidious forms of DEI discrimination.” Carr criticized Disney’s past diversity efforts, stating that the company had gone “all in on invidious forms of DEI discrimination a few years ago and apparently did so in a manner that infected many aspects of your company’s decisions.” He specifically pointed to policies at ABC, which had previously mandated that at least half of recurring characters in new television series be from “underrepresented groups.” “As I have made clear, promoting invidious forms of discrimination cannot be squared with any reasonable interpretation of federal law,” Carr wrote, adding that Disney would be contacted for further details as the investigation moves forward. A Disney spokesperson responded cautiously, stating: “We are reviewing the Federal Communications Commission’s letter, and we look forward to engaging with the commission to answer its questions.” The investigation is likely to send shockwaves through Hollywood, where DEI initiatives have been widely embraced in recent years. Some critics argue that Trump’s administration is using federal authority to target companies perceived as politically opposed to his agenda. This latest action follows a similar move in February, when Carr directed the FCC to investigate Comcast and NBCUniversal over their DEI practices. In response to shifting political and corporate landscapes, Disney has already begun scaling back its diversity efforts. This mirrors a broader trend among major corporations since Trump’s return to power. The company has been at the center of numerous cultural clashes, including controversy over its 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, in which a Black actress was cast in the lead role. More recently, Disney’s Snow White remake struggled at the box office and faced backlash over its diversity-focused casting choices. As federal scrutiny intensifies, Disney’s position as a cultural and political battleground continues, with the outcome of the investigation likely to shape the broader debate over DEI policies in corporate America. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-31

The chair of Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry, has accused the Duke of Sussex of toxic behavior, claiming his association has harmed the organization. Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who took over as chair in mid-2023, alleged that the prince's brand had negatively impacted the charity’s ability to attract donors and staff. In an interview with the Financial Times, Dr. Chandauka revealed she first felt tension with Prince Harry a year ago. She later told Sky News that his handling of his resignation amounted to "harassment and bullying at scale." According to her, the breakdown in relations stemmed from a series of incidents, including a request from the Duke’s team for her to defend his wife, Meghan, from negative media coverage. "I said no, we're not setting a precedent by which we become an extension of the Sussex PR machine," she stated. Following this, Prince Harry allegedly worked with the trustees to push Dr. Chandauka out. "Ever since that point, they’ve tried their best to move her out, using the trustees in order to undermine her, demean her, and try and force her hand," the source claimed. Dr. Chandauka, who has led the charity’s efforts to support individuals in southern Africa living with HIV and AIDS, has insisted that Sentebale will continue despite the Duke’s departure. Meanwhile, BBC News has reached out to Sentebale for further comment. Based on a report by BBC | X 2025-03-31 Related Topic: Prince Harry’s Surprise Exit from his Charity Sentebale Amid Governance Dispute

Gavin Newsom Criticizes Democrats, Calls Party "Toxic" and "Judgmental" California Governor Gavin Newsom took aim at his own party, arguing that Democrats have become too toxic and dismissive of opposing views. Appearing on Real Time with Bill Maher, Newsom expressed frustration with the party’s unwillingness to engage with ideological opponents, suggesting that this attitude is hurting Democrats in elections. “This idea that we can’t even have a conversation with the other side … or the notion we just have to continue to talk to ourselves or win the same damn echo chamber, these guys are crushing us,” he said, referring to Republicans’ recent electoral success. He went on to state bluntly, “The Democratic brand is toxic right now. We talk down to people. We talk past people.” Newsom defended his decision to invite controversial conservative figures such as former White House adviser Steve Bannon and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk onto his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom. Some Democrats have criticized him for “platforming” right-wing voices, but the governor insisted that his goal is to foster discussion, not division. “With this podcast and having the opportunity to dialogue with people I disagree with, it’s an opportunity to try to find common ground and not take cheap shots,” he explained. “I’m not looking to put a spoke in the wheel of their or … a crowbar in the spokes of their wheel to trip them up.” His remarks come at a time when the Democratic Party is struggling with historically low favorability ratings. A recent NBC News poll showed that only 27 percent of respondents had a positive view of the party, while a CNN survey found that 54 percent of Americans held a negative opinion. These numbers represent a stark shift from before Donald Trump took office in 2017 when only 48 percent of respondents viewed Democrats unfavorably. Newsom suggested that the party’s embrace of cancel culture and personal attacks has contributed to its declining popularity. “Democrats, we tend to be a little more judgmental than we should be,” he told Maher. “This notion of cancel culture… You’ve been living it, you’ve been on the receiving end of it for years and years and years. That’s real.” “Democrats need to own up to that,” he added. “They’ve got to mature.” Newsom, who is widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, is not the only Democrat to express concerns about the party’s direction. Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Bernie Sanders of Vermont have also offered criticism and advice on how Democrats should move forward. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-03-31

U.S. Pressures European Companies to Abandon Diversity Initiatives In a move that extends domestic policy abroad, the Trump administration has directed certain European companies to discontinue their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This directive stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which bans DEI initiatives within federal agencies and among government contractors. U.S. embassies in Paris and other European Union capitals have sent letters to companies holding U.S. government contracts, urging compliance with the executive order. These letters include a questionnaire titled "Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law," requiring companies to attest that their DEI programs do not violate U.S. anti-discrimination laws. The French Ministry of Foreign Trade has criticized this action, labeling it as unacceptable interference in domestic policies. The ministry emphasized that France and Europe will defend their companies, consumers, and values against such extraterritorial demands. Legal experts question the enforceability of this U.S. directive on foreign soil. Some European companies and their advisors are reportedly hesitant to respond, citing doubts about the legal basis for such demands. This development has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Europe, adding to existing disputes over trade policies and responses to global security issues. The Trump administration's recent imposition of additional tariffs on European goods has further strained relations, prompting the EU to consider reciprocal measures. In France, DEI programs have historically faced challenges due to legal restrictions on collecting racial and ethnic data. French law prohibits employers from considering individuals' origins in hiring or promotion decisions, reflecting the country's commitment to secularism and equality. Companies in sectors such as aviation, defense, consulting, and infrastructure are among those potentially affected by the U.S. directive. The Financial Times reports that while some firms have received the compliance letter, others are still assessing their position. This move underscores the Trump administration's broader campaign against DEI initiatives, which it argues perpetuate discrimination. Critics contend that dismantling these programs undermines efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusive workplaces. The situation remains fluid, with European companies weighing their legal obligations against their commitments to diversity and inclusion. The outcome of this transatlantic policy clash could have significant implications for international business operations and the future of corporate DEI efforts. Based on a report by Financial Times 2025-03-31

Donald Trump has voiced his anger and frustration following remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the credibility of Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking in a phone interview with NBC News, the former U.S. president admitted he was "very angry" and "pissed off" over Putin’s comments, which suggested a transitional government be established in Ukraine— a move that could potentially see Zelenskyy pushed out of power. Trump emphasized that such rhetoric was unhelpful, telling NBC's Kirsten Welker, "If I feel we're in the midst of a negotiation, you could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when Putin said yesterday that - you know, when Putin started getting into Zelenskyy's credibility, because that's not going in the right direction." His remarks stand out as a rare instance of criticism directed at Putin, a leader Trump has often spoken about in favorable terms. Throughout his discussions on the war in Ukraine, Trump has generally refrained from publicly challenging the Russian president. However, last month, he did not hold back in his criticism of Zelenskyy, referring to the Ukrainian leader as a "dictator" and making unfounded claims that Zelenskyy had "poor approval" ratings in Ukraine. Trump also indicated that if Russia failed to reach an agreement to end the conflict and he believed Moscow was at fault, he would impose significant economic penalties. "That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can't do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25 to 50-point tariff on all oil," he stated. He further mentioned that he intends to speak with Putin again in the coming days, signaling continued engagement on the issue. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-03-31