Racquel “Kelly” Smith received a life sentence for trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, alongside accomplices Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn. The trio were also given concurrent 10-year sentences for kidnapping, despite Joshlin remaining missing. Evidence revealed Smith sold Joshlin to a traditional healer for 20,000 rand, citing the child’s desirable features. Judge Nathan Erasmus cited a lack of remorse from the defendants and the severity of the crime in imposing the maximum sentence.
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U.S. President Trump proposed that Canada pay $61 billion to join the Golden Dome missile defense program or become the 51st state for free, a proposition Canadian Ambassador to the UN Bob Rae equated to a protection racket. Rae cited the UN Charter’s principle of sovereign equality, directly contradicting Trump’s annexation suggestion. This followed King Charles III’s address to the Canadian Parliament, a show of support amid the annexation threats. Prime Minister Carney firmly reiterated Canada’s status as an independent sovereign nation, rejecting Trump’s offer.
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A federal judge ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio likely violated the Constitution by ordering the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, based on his pro-Palestinian activism. While the judge declined to immediately order Khalil’s release from immigration detention, citing a need for further evidence of irreparable harm, he acknowledged Rubio’s actions likely misused a federal statute. The judge also rejected Khalil’s First Amendment retaliation claim due to insufficient evidence, though this charge is being challenged separately. The case continues with ongoing efforts to secure Khalil’s release and overturn his deportation.
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Israel has announced the approval of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking the largest expansion in decades. This includes the legalization of existing outposts built without authorization and the creation of entirely new settlements. The move, lauded by Israeli officials as a strategic measure preventing a Palestinian state, is condemned by the Palestinian Authority as a dangerous escalation and by critics as a significant step toward annexation. This expansion, exceeding any in over 30 years, drastically alters the West Bank’s landscape and further entrenches the Israeli occupation.
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A severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by an 11-week Israeli blockade, led to a desperate mob storming a UN World Food Programme warehouse, resulting in at least two deaths and injuries. The incident, captured on video, highlighted the widespread famine conditions and the failure of aid to reach the 2 million Palestinians in the besieged enclave. This event underscores the urgent need for increased food assistance and a resolution to the ongoing blockade, as the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. The escalating violence, coupled with the blockade, has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The UN has called for an immediate end to the violence and an increase in aid.
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Judge Allison Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction, preventing the Department of Homeland Security and State Department from altering Harvard’s student visa program. This action maintains the status quo following the Trump administration’s attempted revocation, which the judge deemed necessary to prevent further harm to Harvard’s international student population. While the administration claims its recent actions render the case moot, the judge expressed concerns about ongoing visa issuance problems and the university’s First Amendment claims. Both parties will work to finalize the terms of the injunction, ensuring no changes occur.
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A U.S. court ruling blocking many of President Trump’s tariffs initially spurred a significant stock rally in Asia, with markets in Tokyo and Seoul seeing gains of nearly 2%. However, this enthusiasm was tempered in the U.S., where the S&P 500 showed only modest gains, and the Dow fell slightly, due to uncertainty surrounding the White House’s appeal and the ruling’s limited scope. While the decision was viewed positively, the potential for future tariffs under different laws and ongoing legal challenges contributed to a more cautious market response. Strong performances from tech stocks, particularly Nvidia and C3ai, helped offset declines in some sectors.
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HuffPost’s commitment to fearless, fact-based journalism spans two decades. This commitment has been sustained by reader support, crucial during challenging periods. Continued reader contributions are essential to ensuring the newsroom’s strength and the ongoing pursuit of truth. The publication expresses gratitude for past support and urges readers to help secure its future. Their ongoing contributions are vital to maintaining HuffPost’s mission.
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Racquel Chantel Smith received a life sentence for the human trafficking of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, who remains missing. Smith, along with her boyfriend and another man, were also given ten-year sentences for kidnapping. The trio were found guilty earlier this month, with testimony indicating Joshlin was sold for approximately $1,000 to an unknown individual for purposes of slavery or similar practices. The judge’s verdict did not determine Joshlin’s current location or fate.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump’s Taco Tantrum: Wall Street’s New Nickname Triggers Presidential Outrage
HuffPost’s commitment to fearless, fact-based journalism spans two decades. This commitment has been sustained by reader support, crucial during challenging periods. Continued reader contributions are essential to ensuring the newsroom’s strength and the ongoing pursuit of truth. The publication expresses gratitude for past support and urges readers to help secure its future. Their ongoing contributions are vital to maintaining HuffPost’s mission.
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