by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | immigration, international relations, politics, politics and government, politics and law
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The U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, stated that the United States has invalidated at least 300 international student visas as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to curb pro-Palestinian demonstrators on college grounds.
“Possibly over 300 by now,” he stated when addressing journalists during his trip to Guyana. “I handle this daily, each time I come across one of those crazies.”
Rubio was questioned about verifying the number of student visa revocations carried out by the administration as part of its campaign against what it views as anti-Israeli sentiment at educational institutions.
The comments come after immigration authorities detained a Turkish PhD student at Tufts University, an apprehension the secretary supported.
A clip showing student Rumeysa Ozturk being escorted by masked off-duty officers to an unregistered vehicle near Boston, Massachusetts, has circulated widely online and ignited protests.
Ms. Ozturk is a Fulbright Scholar enrolled with an F-1 student visa and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University.
Rubio was questioned on Thursday regarding why the Turkish student’s visa had been canceled.
I’ve stated this repeatedly, and I will continue to do so,” Rubio explained. “Should an individual applying for a student visa claim they intend not only to pursue education but also engage in activities such as defacing university property, intimidating fellow students, occupying buildings, and inciting disorder, their application for that visa will be denied.
At present, it remains uncertain if Ms Ozturk has faced any charges.
Rubio didn’t disclose any particular accusations against the individual, aged 30, who has taken part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Additionally, the Tufts University student jointly authored an op-ed in the campus paper earlier last year advocating for their institution to withdraw investments from firms connected to Israel and recognize what they described as “the Palestinian genocide.”
According to the trends observed nationwide, it seems that her exercise of her right to free speech contributed to her detainment,” stated Mahsa Khanbabai, who represents Ms. Ozturk, to Reuters.
This detention is part of an ongoing series of measures targeting international students in the US who have shown backing for Palestinians.
Trump administration officials have stated that they are utilizing the Immigration and Nationality Act. This legislation permits the State Department to remove non-citizens who pose a threat to the United States’ foreign policy and national security objectives.
The arrests are in line with Trump’s commitment to address what his administration has categorized as antisemitism, a classification that was included in an executive order in January.
Following this, the White House has rescinded $400 million (£308 million) in funding for Columbia University due to claims that the institution did not effectively address anti-Semitism on campus. They have also indicated they might take similar actions against other universities.
A high-profile arrest involved Mahmoud Khalil, a distinguished Palestinian activist and Columbia alumnus, who continues to be held at a detention center in Louisiana without being charged with any crime.
Ms. Ozturk was similarly transported to a detention center in Louisiana. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that Ms. Ozturk should remain in Massachusetts, yet federal documents indicate she continues to be held in Louisiana.
The government must furnish additional details regarding Ms Ozturk’s detention by this coming Friday.
The US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, stated earlier this week that Ms. Ozturk was involved in actions supporting Hamas, which she described as a foreign terrorist group known for its participation in acts targeting Americans.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic representative from Massachusetts, described the arrest as “part of a troubling trend aimed at suppressing civil liberties.”
“The Trump administration is going after students who have legal standing and forcibly removing individuals from their communities without proper procedures. This constitutes an assault on our Constitution and fundamental liberties — and we will resist,” she stated.
On Wednesday, a federal judge instructed the Trump administration to cease its attempts to deport and apprehend an additional student named Yunseo Chung from Columbia University. The 21-year-old is a lawful permanent resident who came to the United States from South Korea during his childhood.
On Thursday, Rubio stated that the U.S. provided visas for students aiming to obtain a degree rather than becoming activists intent on disrupting college campuses.
“If you deceive them, obtain the visa, and subsequently participate in such behavior upon arrival, they will cancel it,” he stated.
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U.S. immigration authorities detain Turkish student as part of ongoing crackdown
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Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian student activist who faces deportation from the US?
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Columbia University student activist files lawsuit against Trump to prevent deportation
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | crimes, criminal law, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The French prosecution has asked for a seven-year jail term and a €300,000 penalty against ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy. This request stems from claims suggesting that Gaddafi’s administration in Libya potentially provided illicit funding for Sarkozy’s 2017 bid for presidency.
The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) also called for a five-year ban on Sarkozy’s civic, civil and family rights, a measure that would bar him from holding elected office or serving in any public judicial role.
The proceedings, starting from January and anticipated to wrap up by April 10th, stand as the gravest among several legal controversies overshadowing Sarkozy’s time after his presidency.
The former French leader, Nicolas Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012 and is now 70 years old, is facing accusations including passive corruption, unlawful funding for his election campaigns, hiding the misappropriation of public money, and being part of a criminal group.
He has refuted any claims of misconduct.
The accusations date back to 2011, when a Libyan news outlet and Gaddafi himself claimed that the Libyan government had covertly channeled millions of euros into Sarkozy’s 2007 election campaign.
In 2012, the French investigative platform Mediapart released documents they claimed were from a Libyan intelligence memo. The papers indicated an alleged financial arrangement of €50 million.
Sarkozy dismissed the paper as fake news and filed a lawsuit for defamation.
Later, French judges indicated that the document seemed genuine; however, no definitive proof of a concluded deal has been shown.
The investigators similarly examined multiple journeys made by Sarkozy’s associates to Libya spanning from 2005 to 2007.
In 2016, Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine informed Mediapart that he had transported suitcases containing money from Tripoli to the French Interior Ministry during Sarkozy’s tenure.
He subsequently withdrew his comment. This about-face is currently at the center of an independent probe into potential witness intimidation.
Sarkozy along with his spouse, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, have also been initiated into the early stages of the inquiry for that particular case.
Former ministers of Sarkozy, Claude Guéant, Brice Hortefeux, and Éric Woerth, alongside eight additional accused individuals, are currently undergoing the legal process.
However, prosecutors have explicitly stated that the key person at the center of this case is the ex-president, who is charged with deliberately profiting from a “bribery agreement” with an overseas authoritarian regime during his campaign to head the French Republic.
Although Sarkozy has previously faced convictions in two separate legal cases, the Libya scandal is broadly considered to be the most politically damaging and the one expected to have the greatest impact on his lasting reputation.
In December 2024, France’s top judicial body confirmed his sentence for bribery and Influence trafficking.
sentencing him to spend one year under house arrest using an electronic monitor
.
The case originated from intercepted telephone conversations revealed during the Libya investigation.
In an independent judgment issued in February 2024, a Paris appellate court determined he was guilty of unlawful campaign funding during his unsuccessful attempt at re-election in 2012.
Sarkozy has brushed off the Libya accusations as being driven by politics and based on falsified evidence.
However, if found guilty, he would be the first ex-French president sentenced for receiving illicit international contributions to secure his election.
A decision is anticipated before the end of this year.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | local news, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
CEBU – Just one day prior to the commencement of the formal campaign period, aspirants vying for positions in the upcoming May elections in Consolacion town, Cebu, took part in a Unity Walk and signed a Peace Covenant on Thursday, March 27.
The event took place at the municipal gymnasium, with the candidates committing themselves to maintaining a peaceful, organized, sincere, and trustworthy electoral process.
At minimum, four different political groups along with various individuals running independently are competing for roles in Consolacion, such as spots for city councillors.
“We always pray for a peaceful election. This is not my first time participating in the electoral process, but I always trust everything to the Lord. Dinhi sa Consolacion, wala gyud na nahitabo nga adunay dili maayo,” said incumbent Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado, who is seeking re-election under the Lakas party. (We always pray for a peaceful election. This is not my first time participating in the electoral process, but I always trust everything to the Lord. Here in Consolacion, nothing bad has ever happened)
“Ang significance gyud ani’ng peace covenant is the unity of all the candidates. We manifest that we will exercise a fair and honest election, free of violence,” said Blessilda “Bingol” Villo, a mayoral candidate from PDP-Laban. (The true significance of this peace covenant is the unity of all the candidates. We affirm our commitment to holding a fair and honest election, free from violence.)
“Even when slandering each other, we genuinely tried not to engage in such behavior,” stated mayoral hopeful Raul Isoto from the Promdi party. (We indeed put in efforts to steer clear of any kind of defamation.)
“Sa among team Uswag, usa ra nimoamong panalipyohan—ingon pud namon kini nga dili ta pangutana sa imong mga kas bulanon,” angay niya si Mayoral Candidate Mike Mercado haingil niining Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. (“For our team Uswag, this is indeed our aspiration—to refrain from speaking negatively about one another.” “We simply aim to remain positive.”)
Prior to the ceremony, a Holy Mass took place at San Narciso Parish, after which everyone joined a Unity Walk that guided them towards the municipal gymnasium.
The event was arranged by the Consolacio Municipal Police Station in cooperation with the local Comelec office.
“Let this occasion remind us that genuine leadership cannot be judged merely by success, but rather through honor, accountability, and dedication to the democratic values we collectively strive to maintain,” stated Police Lieutenant Colonel Eunil Avergonzado, who serves as the Chief of Police for Consolacion.
At the end of the event, Comelec-Consolacio Election Officer Ferdinand Hortelano cautioned the contenders to make sure their promotional items are displayed solely in specified zones. He encouraged them to clear out any posters or banners situated in restricted spots prior to the official start of campaigning.
“Kapag kami na ang Committee on Baklas ang mag-ihand sa mga materyales dahil hindi sila nagbigay ng sapat na kadahilanhan, susoggyan namin silang i-release with a show cause order. Kung huwag silang sumunod, iaasahan na lang ng legal office ang proseso,” ani ni Hortelano.
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by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | politics, sports, tennis, tournaments, women's sports
Alex Eala aims to prolong her remarkable journey in the 2025 Miami Open as she faces off against high-ranking competitor Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Friday at 8:30 am Manila time.
As the world looks on, Eala has emerged as an unlikely wildcard at the WTA 1000 event following her upset victories over three Major winners—Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek.
READ:
Jessica Pegula gears up for a showdown against Alex Eala in the Miami Open semifinals.
Following her victory over the World No. 2 Swiatek earlier on Thursday, Eala expressed gratitude to all the Filipino supporters who remained awake late at night to catch her quarterfinals game.
“Thanks to all those who made it here today, and thank you to everyone watching from their homes,” she stated.
Here’s how Filipino fans can catch Eala as she competes in the semifinals against Pegula.
Where to catch the action on television: Miami Open semis – Alex Eala versus Jessica Pegula
The semifinal game featuring Alex Eala against Pegula will be broadcasted on both free television and cable on Friday morning.
In the Philippines, it will air on A2Z Channel, Kapamilya Channel, and ABS-CBN News Channel as well as on Premier Sports 2 which can be found on channel number 273 via Cignal.
SANGGRALOKASports will likewise offer the latest updates about the prominent Filipino tennis player across its different channels.
X (Formerly Twitter)
,
Facebook
and
website.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | entertainment, film festivals, local news, news, politics
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — On Thursday, the Sundance Film Festival declared that
its new home
will take place in Boulder, Colorado, beginning in 2027, following a 40-year stint in Park City, Utah.
This choice concludes an extensive year-long competition where multiple American cities aspired to become home to the renowned independent film festival—a platform pivotal for many filmmakers, performers, and Academy Award hopefuls. In the final round of selection, Boulder, Cincinnati in Ohio, along with a joint proposal from Salt Lake City and Park City emerged as top candidates.
Sundance’s newest retreat in Boulder also boasts a link to its creator.
Robert Redford,
Who went to school there during the 1950s?
Below are some of the responses to Sundance’s impending relocation:
In our state, we honor the arts and film industry as a major force behind our economy, generating numerous employment opportunities and playing an essential role in fostering our vibrant cultural scene. With the introduction of the renowned Sundance Film Festival, we anticipate further growth in job creation, which will greatly support local enterprises such as shops and eateries. This was stated by Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
“As I mentioned right from the start, our aim was for Sundance to remain with us. We conveyed this clearly to their management team and crafted an extremely attractive offer. In the end, the choice rests solely with them; however, I feel this would be a misstep, and eventually, they will recognize that they have forsaken more than just a location—they’re giving up part of their legacy,” stated Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
“The Sundance Film Festival serves as a driving force for innovation, artistic expression, and the unveiling of pioneering independent movies that motivate and influence the next chapter of narrative artistry. This endeavor offered us a chance to envision how we can revamp the festival without straying from our core values and objectives.” —Amanda Kelso, acting Sundance CEO, stated this.
“By making this change, we aim to maintain the festival’s commitment to embracing risks, backing inventive storytellers, encouraging autonomy, and captivating as well as educating our audience. I extend my gratitude to the Boulder community for their backing, and I’m eager to witness what the upcoming days hold for the festival in that location.” — stated Redford.
“Although we’re naturally disappointed with this outcome, the State of Utah, along with Park City and Salt Lake City, have consistently been valued collaborators of the Festival. We appreciate the enduring influence it has imparted upon our communities. Our dedication to nurturing artistry remains steadfast within Utah’s borders, as the essence of narrative will perpetually flourish here.” — a collective declaration issued by the leaders of Park City, Salt Lake City, and the Utah Film Commission.
“Although Cincinnati wasn’t chosen as the venue for the Sundance Film Festival, we take pride in showcasing our city’s vibrant contribution to the film sector,” stated Kristen Schlotman, president of Film Cincinnati.
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Hannah Schoenbaum and John Seewer from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | local news, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
In Mandaue City, Cebu, to handle traffic issues during the initial stages of local election campaigns, the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) plans to assign around 50 to 60 traffic officers per political event. Additionally, they will have mobile patrol units monitoring and regulating the traffic flow.
The two principal political groups have already scheduled their significant gatherings. Led by former Mayor Jonas Cortes, Group Mandaue is set to host its rally at Pasilong sa Paradise along Ouano Avenue in the North Reclamation Area on Friday, March 28, starting at 6 p.m.
In the meantime, One Mandaue, headed by Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon and her sibling Provincial Board Member Jonkie Ouano, plans to hold their rally on Saturday, March 29th, starting at 7 p.m., in the area next to the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
TEAM Head Hyll Retuya reassured everyone that there won’t be any road closures for these events.
In addition to the expected traffic jams, tomorrow’s local campaign event overlaps with the 80th birthday celebration of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte. His followers plan to gather at Pasilong sa Paradise early in the day. Approximately 4,000 participants are scheduled to congregate at the location between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with various connected events taking place in surrounding regions.
In order to handle the higher traffic volume, TEAM will bring in extra staff to maintain a steady traffic movement.
“Overall, we have made sure that all our preparations—such as having the right staff and mobile resources—are set up and prepared for this period,” stated Retuya.
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