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White House Plans Mass Prayer Event to Reclaim America's Christian Origins
americas
4.1 min10 days ago

White House Plans Mass Prayer Event to Reclaim America's Christian Origins

The White House is staging a nine-hour mass prayer on the National Mall as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, with top Trump administration officials and evangelical leaders slated to speak and President Trump expected to appear via video. Organizers frame it as rededicating the nation to God and its Christian foundations, but critics warn it signals a push toward Christian nationalism and raises concerns about church-state separation in a public ceremony.

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Trump claims Virginia vote rigged as court blocks redistricting map
americas1 month ago

Trump claims Virginia vote rigged as court blocks redistricting map

President Donald Trump claimed the Virginia vote approving a new congressional map was rigged as a county court blocked the redraw; voters had backed a referendum that could help Democrats flip up to four Republican-held House seats, but the measure faces ongoing legal challenges and potential invalidation by Virginia’s Supreme Court, underscoring intraparty battles over redistricting and Trump’s pattern of casting doubt on elections without evidence.

US opens tariff refund portal to reimburse billions paid by importers
americas1 month ago

US opens tariff refund portal to reimburse billions paid by importers

The US Customs and Border Protection has launched an online portal for businesses to claim refunds of tariffs that a Supreme Court ruling determined were imposed without proper authority. About 330,000 importers paid roughly $166 billion across 53 million shipments. The first phase covers tariffs that were estimated or finalized within 80 days; refunds, once approved, take 60-90 days and will be issued in phases. As of April 14, 56,497 importers had registered and were eligible for about $127 billion (including interest). Refunds go to businesses, with consumer refunds potentially coming later through delivery firms; experts urge meticulous documentation to avoid rejection.

Dozens killed in stampede at Haiti's Laferriere Citadel celebrations
americas1 month ago

Dozens killed in stampede at Haiti's Laferriere Citadel celebrations

At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at Laferriere Citadel in northern Haiti during the annual UNESCO World Heritage celebration; rain at the entrance worsened conditions and the toll could rise. The fortress, built in the early 19th century after Haiti's independence, is a major tourist site as Haiti contends with gang violence and a heavy security crackdown.

Russian fuel shipment to Cuba tests U.S. resolve on embargo
americas2 months ago

Russian fuel shipment to Cuba tests U.S. resolve on embargo

Russia confirms fuel shipments to Cuba as a Russian-flagged tanker nears the Caribbean, signaling Moscow’s willingness to pressure Havana amid an intensified oil embargo; analysts say the move is geopolitical signaling rather than purely humanitarian aid, and could supply roughly 730,000 barrels to Cuba for weeks, but would not solve the island’s longer-term crisis. The United States faces a difficult choice between enforcing the blockade—potentially escalating tensions with Russia—or allowing the shipment to proceed, a dilemma made harder by international law around seizures at sea.

Colombia air force C-130 crashes after takeoff; 48 injured, fatalities unconfirmed
americas2 months ago

Colombia air force C-130 crashes after takeoff; 48 injured, fatalities unconfirmed

A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed shortly after takeoff near Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo, with 114 passengers and 11 crew aboard. At least 48 people have been recovered with injuries; fatalities have not yet been confirmed. Emergency crews are at the site, and President Petro has expressed concern while criticizing bureaucratic delays in modernising the armed forces' equipment.