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USA Trump's Mass Layoff Plan at Ed Department Clears Legal Hurdle
video screenshot President Trump has gained approval from the Supreme Court to move forward with significant layoffs at the Department of Education. The decision, announced on Monday, reverses a lower court's ruling that had blocked the initiative, allowing Trump's plan, which would cut the department's workforce by half, to proceed. In a strong dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticised the ruling, calling it "indefensible." She argued that the decision threatens the Constitution’s separation of powers, as dismantling the department should require Congressional approval. Joined by other liberal justices, she warned of the grave consequences of reducing the department's capacities. Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed the decision as a victory, asserting that the layoffs would promote efficiency and focus resources on students and teachers. She stated that the administration intends to fulfil statutory duties while reducing bureaucracy. However, critics argue that the cuts might undermine the department’s ability to manage federal aid and enforce civil rights laws. A previous order from US District Judge Myong Joun had halted the layoffs, ruling in favour of a lawsuit by educators and states. This decision was upheld by an Appeals Court but overturned by the Supreme Court’s latest decision. The administration maintains that the changes are internal management decisions and not an outright dismantling of the department. Justice Sotomayor voiced concerns that the layoffs could delay or deny educational opportunities and fail to protect students from discrimination and other violations. This ruling marks yet another pivotal moment in ongoing debates about federal versus state control over education policy. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-15 -
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Crime Armed Youth Gangs Clash in Buriram: “The Law Can’t Touch Us”, They Shout
Picture courtesy of Amarin. A violent confrontation involving more than 30 armed youths erupted in the early hours of 13 July in Buriram, sparking panic among local residents after multiple gunshots and explosions were heard during the chaos. Footage of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows a group of young men brandishing large knives and shouting provocatively at a rival group. One gang member can be heard yelling, “Don’t talk to me about the law, the law can’t do anything to me!” Moments later, the mob charged at their rivals before loud bangs, believed to be gunfire and homemade explosives, rang out. The group then fled the scene on foot and on motorbikes. According to the individual who posted the video, this was not an isolated event. Violent brawls accompanied by explosions and gunshots have reportedly occurred for three consecutive nights in the same area, the vicinity of Khlong Lalom Boran 4, within Buriram Municipality. Residents say they are terrified and fear being caught in the crossfire. When reporters visited the scene, they found broken glass and scorch marks on the road, signs believed to be from homemade bombs used in the skirmish. The ongoing unrest has severely disrupted the local community. Mr. Thawatchai Phairoj, owner of the nearby “Sida Grilled Chicken” restaurant, said the clash captured in the video took place around 03:00 on 13 July. His nephew’s friend, who was staying at the shop that night, managed to record the footage. According to Mr. Thawatchai, the rival gangs, armed with knives, guns, and improvised explosives, were likely from outlying subdistricts and may have longstanding grudges. “This has been going on for three or four nights in a row,” he said. “It’s frightening. If they run into homes or shops during their fights, innocent people could be injured or worse. Authorities need to act before someone is killed.” Ms. Sida, another local resident, echoed these concerns. She said gang members have sometimes hidden in her shop during clashes, causing fear for her granddaughter who sleeps there. “The sound of gunshots and explosions keeps us awake at night. We’re constantly worried about whether the violence will spill into our homes.” She urged law enforcement to step in urgently. “We have nothing to do with their fights, but we are the ones living in fear.” Local police have been made aware of the situation and are expected to take action. Residents are calling for immediate intervention to dismantle the gangs and restore peace before the violence escalates further. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-15 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 15 July 2025
Royal Thai Task Force Commander Concludes Combat Drone Operator Training Programme Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a significant step towards modernising military capabilities, the Commander of the Ratchamanu Task Force under the Naresuan Forces presided over the closing ceremony of the fourth cohort of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Combat Drone Operator course. The event marked the successful completion of a rigorous tactical training programme aimed at enhancing national defence readiness and security along Thailand’s border areas. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366707-royal-thai-task-force-commander-concludes-combat-drone-operator-training-programme/ -
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Yes, Israel’s plan for Rafah would be a crime but international law has never protected Gaza
Believe me, no sudden burst of misinterpretation of the Gaza conflict from a pro-Hamas poster will make me uncomfortable. In my time I have elsewhere encountered far worse antisemitic attacks on Israel that anything the AN mods would allow. What does bother me is that some BMs remain mired in age-old anti-Jewish tropes, with criticism of Israel merely the latest manifestation of a 2,000-year hatred. Perhaps even more distressing are the BMs who don't realize that they are expressing antisemitic ideas or how dangerous those ideas are. The normalization of antisemitic language and opinion in Germany in the 1930s was a crucial step on the road to the Holocaust. Never again is now! -
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EU EU ready to hit US with 21-bln-euro tariff list, Italy foreign minister says
The European Union has prepared a package of retaliatory tariffs worth €21 billion ($24.5 billion) on U.S. goods, in case ongoing trade talks fail to yield an agreement, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday in an interview with Il Messaggero. Tajani's comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats on Saturday to impose a 30% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and the EU starting August 1. The threat comes after weeks of stalled negotiations with key trading partners. The EU, seeking to avoid further escalation, announced on Sunday it would extend its freeze on countermeasures until early August, leaving room for continued dialogue. Tajani warned that if negotiations fail entirely, the initial €21 billion in tariffs could be followed by a second wave. Despite the preparations, he expressed optimism. “I believe it is still possible to reach an agreement,” he said, adding, “Tariffs hurt everyone, starting with the United States. If stock markets fall, that puts the pensions and savings of Americans at risk.” He reiterated the EU’s long-term vision of “zero tariffs” and a fully open market between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Tajani also suggested the European Central Bank consider reviving a quantitative easing programme and further rate cuts to support the eurozone economy amid economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated he would work closely with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to find a solution to the mounting transatlantic trade conflict. On Monday, European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said talks with Washington were progressing toward a balanced outcome but warned that a 30% tariff would “practically eliminate” trade between the two regions. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Reuters 2025-07-14 -
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Ukraine Trump expected to announce plan to sell Patriot defence systems to Ukraine
Trump Set to Announce Sale of Patriot Missiles to Ukraine Amid Frustration with Russia U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that his administration will soon unveil a deal to sell Patriot air defense systems and other advanced weapons to Ukraine, amid mounting frustration over Russia’s continued refusal to agree to a ceasefire. Speaking to reporters on Sunday after attending the Club World Cup final, Trump confirmed that the U.S. would provide “various pieces of very sophisticated military” equipment to Ukraine, adding, “They’re going to pay us 100% for them.” He emphasized the economic aspect, calling the arrangement “business for us.” Although Trump did not specify who would finance the purchase, it is widely expected that European allies will foot the bill. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that Berlin was “ready to acquire” more Patriot systems. On Monday, a German government spokesperson confirmed that multiple European nations would jointly contribute to the purchase, and that Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was in Washington to finalize the details. Trump’s comments come as he grows increasingly dissatisfied with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has attempted to engage in ceasefire negotiations since his election victory. “Putin really surprised a lot of people,” Trump said Sunday. “He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening.” During the presidential campaign, Trump claimed he could end the war within 24 hours. But negotiations stalled as Moscow continued heavy airstrikes and maintained broad territorial demands. According to Ukrainian officials, at least six civilians were killed and 30 more injured in the past 24 hours from Russian strikes. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 136 drones and several S-300 or S-400 missiles in those attacks. Despite previously resisting any new weapons transfers to Ukraine, Trump has not ruled out selling American arms to Kyiv. His predecessor, Joe Biden, authorized over $67 billion in military aid to Ukraine following the February 2022 invasion. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, said on Sunday that a major uptick in military support was imminent. “In the coming days, you’ll see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves,” Graham said, adding that Putin had miscalculated in his dealings with Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected in Washington this week for meetings with Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and members of Congress. However, Germany clarified that NATO will not be involved in funding the weapons package. Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv on Monday for discussions with Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said Ukraine is willing to pay for military aid, potentially using proceeds from a future U.S.-backed agreement to develop rare earth resources. In an address on Sunday night, Zelenskyy said he expected a full briefing on the military situation and expressed optimism about continued U.S. backing. “We count on the United States fully understanding what can be done to compel Russia to peace,” he stated. Meanwhile, progress is being made on a sanctions bill in Congress that would authorize Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil—nations like China, India, and Brazil. The bipartisan bill, introduced in April by Senators Graham and Richard Blumenthal, had stalled amid uncertainty over White House support. But growing impatience with Putin’s actions has eased some of the initial resistance. The White House has reportedly asked for flexibility in how such sanctions would be applied or lifted. Speaking to CBS on Sunday, Graham said a key moment was approaching. “A turning point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is coming,” he said, describing the sanctions proposal as “a sledgehammer available to President Trump to go after Putin’s economy.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-07-14
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