Dozens of women in Argentina have accused Opus Dei of coercing them into domestic servitude from childhood, alleging exploitation and trafficking between 1972 and 2015. These women, recruited from impoverished backgrounds, were promised education and opportunities but instead endured 12-hour workdays without pay, extreme control over their lives, and limited access to education or outside contact. A two-year Argentinian investigation has led to federal prosecutors accusing senior Opus Dei leaders of overseeing this alleged abuse, a claim Opus Dei vehemently denies. The case is now before a judge to determine whether it will proceed to trial.
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Egypt proposed a 45-day ceasefire contingent upon Hamas disarmament and the phased release of Israeli hostages. Hamas rejected this proposal, deeming their disarmament non-negotiable and demanding an immediate Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The Egyptian plan also linked continued humanitarian aid to the return of all Israeli hostages within the 45-day period. Hamas’s counter-demand centers on ending the war before considering any disarmament. The impasse highlights irreconcilable positions regarding disarmament and the conditions for a lasting truce.
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The Trump administration and Salvadoran President Bukele are both feigning powerlessness regarding the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongly deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison. Despite a Supreme Court ruling stating the administration must facilitate Abrego Garcia’s release, both leaders claim inability to act, leaving his family separated and highlighting a potential constitutional crisis. This defiance extends to other cases, such as that of Merwil Gutiérrez, a Venezuelan immigrant deported without cause, further illustrating the disregard for legal processes and human rights. The situation exposes a troubling power dynamic where neither government takes responsibility for the individuals unjustly imprisoned.
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President Trump speculated that China’s increased economic engagement with Vietnam is a strategy to undermine the United States, citing potential losses in trade deals under the Biden administration. He expressed no ill will towards either China or Vietnam, framing their cooperation as a calculated effort to disadvantage the US. Conversely, the Chinese embassy spokesperson emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and unity, asserting that such partnerships benefit all involved nations. This contrasts sharply with Trump’s accusation, highlighting differing perspectives on the Sino-Vietnamese economic relationship.
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The US Department of Education froze $2.3 billion in federal funds to Harvard University due to the university’s refusal to comply with White House demands. These demands, aimed at combating antisemitism and alleged civil rights violations, include dismantling diversity programs, implementing “merit-based” admissions, and cooperating with immigration authorities. Harvard’s president stated that the demands represent unwarranted government overreach into academic affairs and are a political ploy, prompting a lawsuit challenging the legality of the funding cuts. The dispute highlights a conflict between federal oversight and academic freedom at prestigious universities.
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Recent polls indicate a significant shift in public opinion, with a majority of Americans now blaming Donald Trump, rather than Joe Biden, for the current economic climate. This is a marked change from previous polling data and is attributed, in part, to Trump’s recent tariff announcements which initially caused stock market declines. Economists warn these tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices, while others argue they will benefit American workers. The economy remains a key issue for voters heading into future elections, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on this growing dissatisfaction.
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High Representative Kallas announced that EU member states have already pledged two-thirds of the €5 billion needed to provide Ukraine with 2 million artillery shells, a key part of her initiative to bolster military aid. While significant progress has been made, further contributions are needed to reach the full target. The ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians necessitate increased pressure on Russia to end the war, Kallas emphasized. This commitment builds upon existing efforts, such as the Czech initiative and Norwegian funding, to ensure a continuous supply of munitions to Ukraine.
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Near UnitedHealthcare’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a man was arrested after threatening violence and contacting the FBI. Authorities reported the man, who had prior interactions with local police, was peacefully taken into custody following an hour-long negotiation. The incident, involving a significant law enforcement response, is unrelated to the December killing of CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. The suspect in Thompson’s murder, Luigi Mangione, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges.
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In a White House meeting, President Trump urged El Salvador’s President Bukele to construct five additional prisons to accommodate American criminals. Trump’s proposal disregarded the Supreme Court’s order to return a wrongfully deported American citizen, focusing instead on deporting US criminals to El Salvador. He specifically mentioned “homegrown criminals” and expressed interest in expanding El Salvador’s existing mega-prison, CECOT, as a potential housing solution. This plan, however, hinges on legal feasibility, as Trump acknowledged needing to comply with existing laws.
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John Q. Hosedrinker