On Thursday, the K.P. Sharma Oli government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, due to their failure to register in Nepal by the imposed deadline. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology instructed the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to make the unregistered sites inactive after repeated requests and a final seven-day ultimatum. Critics, such as the Center for Media Research, condemn the ban as detrimental to Nepal’s democratic image, arguing that the government’s stringent oversight conditions likely deterred platform registration. This action follows a Supreme Court ruling mandating platform registration, with the government facing prior criticism for attempts to control online activity and previous bans on platforms like TikTok.
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The Trump administration is escalating its offensive against drug trafficking in the southern Caribbean, warning that traffickers will face consequences, as evidenced by the destruction of a boat allegedly carrying drugs. This action, viewed as a move against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has raised questions about the U.S.’s ultimate goal in the region, and whether that goal is regime change. The U.S. aims to exert pressure on Maduro, hoping to incite internal conflict and potentially force his removal, possibly utilizing increased military presence and the targeting of cartels as a means to this end. The administration has already deployed additional military assets and designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, granting them the legal authority to take further action, as stated by key figures in the White House.
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MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough criticized Republicans for minimizing Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, accusing them of attempting to protect a prominent pedophile. This comes amid pressure on the GOP to release the Epstein files, which former President Donald Trump has dismissed as a “Democratic hoax,” despite his past close relationship with Epstein. Survivors and lawmakers are demanding action and a document dump, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who previously amplified conspiracy theories about child sex trafficking but are now downplaying Epstein’s crimes. Scarborough referenced the “Pizzagate” conspiracy and how Trump has shifted his narrative to deflect blame.
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Conrad Cable, a “dirt row farmer” from Union Parish, has announced his candidacy to challenge Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson in Louisiana’s 4th District in the 2026 election. Cable, a Democrat, emphasizes his working-class background and aims to represent those struggling financially. He plans to compete in the Democratic primary in April, while Johnson will run in the Republican primary. Cable’s campaign centers on issues like safety net programs, the insurance crisis, and rural internet access, vowing to prioritize the needs of the community over corporate interests.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s testimony before the Senate Finance Committee quickly devolved into a series of heated exchanges and personal attacks, with Kennedy frequently clashing with both Democrats and Republicans. Accusations of undermining science and spreading misinformation were leveled at the Health and Human Services Secretary, who responded by rejecting data and dismissing decorum. Kennedy’s combative behavior, including repeated interruptions and accusations of lying, drew sharp rebukes from several senators. The hearing highlighted deep divisions over vaccine policy and Kennedy’s leadership.
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Pressure is mounting for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, fueled by survivor testimony and a discharge petition in the House. Former President Trump is facing scrutiny, with survivors condemning his dismissal of the files as a “hoax”. The White House is reportedly attempting to dissuade Republicans from supporting the petition, indicating concern over the potential release. Representative Jim McGovern believes the petition may pass, citing Republican fear of Trump as a significant factor.
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The Trump administration plans to end established security assistance programs for Europe, encompassing initiatives aimed at bolstering the eastern flank’s defenses against Russia. This decision reflects a broader effort to redefine the United States’ role within NATO. Sources indicate that these cuts will impact long-standing programs. This strategic shift signals a potential change in the U.S.’s commitment to European security.
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In a concerning display of aggression, two armed Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets conducted a flyover of the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Jason Dunham in international waters. This act, described by the Pentagon as a “show of force,” was perceived as an attempt to impede U.S. counter-narcotics operations. The U.S. has deployed warships to the region amid heightened tensions related to allegations of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s involvement with drug cartels. Following the incident, the U.S. government issued a strong warning, indicating that any interference with U.S. operations would not be tolerated.
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Neil Hopper, a vascular surgeon, received a prison sentence of two years and eight months for insurance fraud and possessing extreme pornography. He had his legs amputated in 2019 after self-inflicting injuries, which he falsely attributed to sepsis in insurance claims totaling over £466,000. The court heard that Hopper had a “sexual interest in amputation” and had purchased videos depicting body mutilations. Despite expressing remorse, the judge noted the exceptionally high level of harm in the pornography, which contributed to his sentencing alongside his fraudulent activities.
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Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced his resignation Thursday, citing the ongoing federal funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration as a significant challenge. This departure follows a pattern of resignations among university leaders facing criticism and disputes with the federal government, which froze $790 million in funding, demanding changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and responding to protests. The university said it had fully cooperated with investigations, and Schill stated he would work with the Board of Trustees to restore the funding for critical research. While the university has updated policies to curb antisemitism, and his resignation comes amid legal battles and other university leadership changes, an interim president has not yet been named.
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John Q. Hosedrinker