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2 Chinese Soldiers Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Zelensky Says

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2 Chinese Soldiers Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two Chinese nationals have been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting alongside Russian troops in the Donetsk region. The development marks a potential turning point in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and raises serious concerns over foreign involvement.

According to Zelensky, a total of six Chinese nationals were reportedly found fighting for the Russian military, with two of them taken into custody by Ukrainian forces. The captured individuals are currently being held by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) as intelligence agencies continue to assess the situation.

President Zelensky emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating that Ukrainian authorities possess official documents, including bank cards and personal data, belonging to the captured soldiers. He added that intelligence indicates the presence of additional Chinese nationals fighting on behalf of Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories.

“Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army. This happened on the territory of Ukraine – in the Donetsk region,” Zelensky stated. “There are documents of these prisoners, bank cards, personal data. We have information that there are significantly more such Chinese citizens in the units of the occupier than two.”

Ukraine’s intelligence services, including the SBU and relevant military units, are continuing their investigation into the presence of Chinese personnel in Russian military ranks.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has since summoned the Chinese charge d’affaires to provide an official explanation following the detainment of the two Chinese nationals. No formal comment from Beijing has been issued thus far.

In a video shared by Zelensky, one of the captured individuals can be seen mimicking what appears to be the sound of a drone strike. The soldier, speaking with Ukrainian forces, imitates the sound with phrases such as, “Vroom vroom… boom boom boom boom boom… and then my commander…”

Zelensky characterized the discovery of Chinese fighters as a critical signal, stating that their involvement underscores Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions to prolong and expand the war. “Russia’s involvement, directly or indirectly, of China in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything but end the war,” Zelensky said. “He is looking for a way to continue the war. This definitely requires a reaction. A reaction from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who wants peace.”

While China remains one of Russia’s major geopolitical allies, the Chinese government has consistently denied allegations that it provides military support to Moscow in the conflict against Ukraine. If the captured individuals are verified as active-duty members of the Chinese military, it could mark a serious escalation in global involvement in the war.

However, officials caution that the presence of foreign fighters on the battlefield does not necessarily constitute direct intervention by their home countries. Foreign nationals from various states, including North Korea, have previously been found participating in the conflict.

Earlier in the year, Ukrainian forces reportedly captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian inspections revealed that the captured individuals had been given false Russian identities by the Kremlin. One of the captives carried an identification document listing him as Antonin Ayasovich Arankyn from Tuva, a republic bordering Mongolia. The ID stated he was a tailor by profession, single, and had completed secondary higher education. The second detainee had no documentation.

This deception was uncovered during postmortem inspections of North Korean combatants killed in action, as their physical features and non-Russian documentation raised suspicions among Ukrainian servicemen.

In a separate development, President Zelensky also confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian forces are operating inside Russia’s Belgorod region. The area has been under regular attack and sits near the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops previously conducted surprise incursions. “We continue to conduct active operations in the border areas on the enemy’s territory, and this is absolutely right—the war must return to where it came from,” Zelensky said, referring to Russia.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the claims during a session with the Liaison Committee. He said he would consult with intelligence agencies and Ukrainian officials before making a formal statement. “I will obviously be taking intelligence and security advice on it. We will obviously be talking to the Ukrainians about it,” Starmer stated.

As investigations continue, the potential involvement of foreign state-backed fighters in the ongoing war could further complicate diplomatic efforts and raise the stakes in the already volatile conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

US Accelerates Development of B61-13 Nuclear Bomb, 24 Times More Powerful Than Hiroshima Blast

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US Accelerates Development of B61-13 Nuclear Bomb, 24 Times More Powerful Than Hiroshima Blast

The United States has commenced early production of the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, an advanced weapon system with a destructive capacity significantly higher than any previous iteration. According to Sandia National Laboratories, the new B61-13 is being developed seven months ahead of its original schedule, following a fast-tracked plan under what officials described as “innovative program planning.”

The B61-13’s accelerated development is part of the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s 2023 initiative to modernize the US nuclear arsenal. The program has been adjusted to allow for a 25 percent faster completion rate than originally planned.

This nuclear bomb is a gravity bomb, designed to be dropped from aircraft rather than launched via missile systems. Reports indicate that its production cost is $92 million. Unlike earlier models, the B61-13 will be equipped with an advanced tail kit that enables guided delivery to a specific target, enhancing its precision.

According to specifications released by Sandia National Laboratories, the B61-13 builds on the design of the B61-7 bomb. It offers a variable yield ranging from 10 to 360 kilotons, allowing for use in diverse operational contexts while limiting unintended damage outside the strike zone.

Its maximum yield of 360 kilotons makes the B61-13 approximately 24 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. The Hiroshima bomb had a yield estimated between 12 and 18 kilotons, while the Nagasaki bomb produced between 18 and 23 kilotons.

The B61-13 will be integrated into the United States’ strategic bomber fleet. Initial deployment is planned aboard the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, with eventual transition to the upcoming B-21 Raider, the US Air Force’s next-generation long-range bomber.

The B61 nuclear bomb series, originally introduced in 1968, is one of the longest-running and most widely deployed in the US arsenal. The B61-13 continues this lineage with new features that enhance delivery precision and destructive capability.

Parallel to its military developments, the US has also resumed diplomatic conversations regarding nuclear issues. President Donald Trump, speaking in a March interview, described nuclear weapons as a significant threat while acknowledging continued investment in the field. He characterized the destructive power of nuclear arms as far beyond conventional measures.

On Monday, Trump confirmed that the United States has re-entered direct nuclear negotiations with Iran, marking the first face-to-face discussions between the two nations since 2015. The president announced that a high-level meeting is scheduled for Saturday, involving senior officials from both countries.

Sources familiar with the matter reported that the ongoing talks are centered on re-establishing a nuclear deal, with a two-month timeframe proposed for reaching a new agreement. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the opportunity also represents a test for both sides, adding that the next move belongs to the United States.

Previous invitations by the Trump administration for direct negotiations had been rejected by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, current diplomatic activity suggests a potential shift in approach. Trump noted that success in the talks would be in Iran’s best interest and added that failure to reach a deal could place Iran in a vulnerable position.

The renewed dialogue comes at a time of heightened geopolitical focus on nuclear capabilities, with the early development of the B61-13 adding to the broader landscape of international nuclear strategy.

Elon Musk Calls Trump Trade Adviser Peter Navarro a ‘Moron’ and ‘Dumber Than a Sack of Bricks’ Amid Escalating GOP Trade Rift

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Elon Musk Calls Trump Trade Adviser Peter Navarro a ‘Moron’ and ‘Dumber Than a Sack of Bricks’ Amid Escalating GOP Trade Rift

Tensions between two prominent figures in Donald Trump’s circle escalated over the weekend after Elon Musk publicly ridiculed former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, calling him a “moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks” in response to Navarro’s defense of sweeping tariffs proposed under a potential second Trump administration.

The heated remarks followed Navarro’s appearance on Fox News’ *Sunday Morning Futures*, where he responded to Musk’s earlier comments advocating for a zero-tariff trade agreement with Europe—something Musk suggested would boost global commerce and ease tensions. Navarro dismissed Musk’s suggestion, accusing the billionaire entrepreneur of oversimplifying international trade policy and prioritizing his own business interests.

“It was interesting to hear Elon Musk at the beginning talk about a zero-tariff zone with Europe. He didn’t understand that,” Navarro said in the televised interview. “The thing that’s, I think, important about Elon to understand—he sells cars.”

Navarro, who was the architect of Trump’s aggressive trade policy during his first term, including the tariff battles with China and the European Union, defended his approach and brushed off Musk’s criticism. When asked if the public disagreement pointed to a deeper rift between himself and Musk—both influential figures in Trump-aligned politics—Navarro downplayed any internal divide.

“There’s no rift here,” he said. “We don’t mind him saying whatever he wants, but just the American people need to understand that we understand what that’s all about. It’s fine.”

Still, the clash underscores growing ideological tension within the GOP, particularly as Trump’s allies debate how far a second-term administration should go in reviving protectionist trade policies. Navarro has remained one of the most unrelenting proponents of tariffs as a cornerstone of economic nationalism, while Musk represents a powerful wing of the pro-business elite wary of government interference in global markets.

A former Trump adviser, speaking to NBC News, emphasized that Navarro’s loyalty to the former president runs deep, citing his four-month stint in federal prison for contempt of Congress after defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

“He went to jail for President Trump. I’m not sure how much more you could show loyalty,” the adviser said. “Sure, Elon is his guy and they get along great, but there is just another level there with Peter.”

That same adviser suggested that if the feud between Navarro and Musk continues to escalate, Navarro is unlikely to lose favor with Trump. “If this turns out to be an all-out war, I very much doubt Peter is the one who is going to come out on the wrong end of it. I really wish it was not so public and am not sure how exactly it will play out, but I know that the president very much values what Peter did for him.”

Navarro’s return to public life following his release from prison was marked by a high-profile appearance at the Republican National Convention, where he passionately defended Trump and railed against the Biden administration’s economic policies. The moment was seen by many within the GOP as a reassertion of Navarro’s central role in the MAGA movement.

Asked about the spat between Navarro and Musk, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared unfazed, telling CNBC, “Whatever. We are the most transparent administration in history expressing our disagreements in public.”

The dispute also drew attention from Capitol Hill, where Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer seized the moment to criticize the perceived dysfunction within Trump’s inner circle. Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer said, “The chaos within the Trump administration was shown a few minutes ago when Elon Musk called Peter Navarro, the chief architect of these tariffs, a moron. That’s Musk’s word. He called him a moron.”

Schumer added, “Their plan is so crazy, so controversial, that this administration cannot get its act together—with them calling names about each other—about this tariff plan.”

As Trump weighs his economic team for a potential return to the White House in 2025, the clash between two of his most visible backers—one a former federal official turned convicted defiant, the other the world’s richest man—may prove to be a test of which vision for trade policy will dominate the next phase of Republican politics.

South Sudan Slams U.S. Visa Revocation as Unjust, Citing Mistaken Identity

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South Sudan Slams U.S. Visa Revocation as Unjust, Citing Mistaken Identity

South Sudan’s government is strongly pushing back against the United States’ decision to revoke all U.S. visas for South Sudanese nationals, calling the move unjust, discriminatory, and rooted in a case of mistaken nationality involving a Congolese citizen.

The U.S. State Department announced Saturday that visa services would be suspended for all South Sudanese following Juba’s alleged failure to cooperate with deportation proceedings particularly in refusing to accept a deportee removed from the U.S.

However, in an official statement released Monday, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disputed the claim, stating that the individual in question was not a South Sudanese national, but rather a Congolese citizen, who was returned to the U.S. with documented proof of his true nationality. These findings, the ministry said, were shared with American officials.

 “The government deeply regrets that despite this history of collaboration and partnership, South Sudan now faces a broad revocation of visas based on an isolated incident involving misrepresentation by an individual who is not a South Sudanese national,” the statement said.

South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth told the Associated Press that the U.S. decision was likely politically motivated, suggesting that Washington is “attempting to find faults with the tense situation” in South Sudan as a pretext for punitive measures.

“No sovereign nation would accept foreign deportees,” Lueth said, defending his government’s stance and emphasizing that South Sudan has consistently worked with the U.S. on migration issues.

The diplomatic row comes as South Sudan remains on fragile footing domestically. The United Nations warned in March that the country was at risk of descending into renewed civil war. Opposition leader and Vice President Riek Machar remains under house arrest on allegations of inciting violence after his loyalists allegedly seized an army camp and attacked a U.N. helicopter.

These tensions have raised fears that South Sudan’s political instability may now be influencing its international relationships, with visa restrictions compounding the nation’s isolation amid growing internal unrest.

While the U.S. did not publicly release the name of the deportee at the center of the controversy, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau noted via social media that the visa dispute stemmed from “one individual” whose repatriation was declined despite having been certified by South Sudan’s embassy in Washington.

“We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” the U.S. government said, signaling that future visa access hinges on the resolution of the deportation impasse.

At present, it remains unclear how many South Sudanese nationals hold valid U.S. visas or how many may be affected by the sudden suspension.

13 Dead, Over 90 Hospitalized After Roof Collapse at Santo Domingo Nightclub

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13 Dead, Over 90 Hospitalized After Roof Collapse at Santo Domingo Nightclub

At least 13 people have been confirmed dead and more than 90 have been hospitalized following the catastrophic roof collapse of a popular nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Jet Set Club, a well-known nightlife hotspot in the city’s National District.

According to the Dominican Republic National Police, a total of 93 ambulance transfers were made to various local hospitals as emergency responders scrambled to treat those injured in the disaster. The full extent of the injuries and the number of people trapped under the debris remains unknown, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations at the site.

The cause of the structural failure remains under investigation. The roof collapsed during a live performance by acclaimed merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was on stage at the time of the incident, according to local media reports.

Juan Manuel Méndez, the Director of the country’s Emergency Management Operations, confirmed via a video statement on Instagram that authorities are continuing their search through the rubble, holding out hope that some victims may still be alive.

“We are still working, searching for people in the rubble. We presume that many of them are still alive, that’s why the authorities here with their teams will not stop until we find the last person in that rubble,” Méndez said.

Specialized teams, including firefighters, paramedics, and structural engineers, remain on-site as heavy machinery is used to carefully remove debris while minimizing further risks to potential survivors.

Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó expressed her condolences in a statement shared Tuesday morning on X (formerly Twitter), calling the incident a “terrible tragedy” for the city.

 “Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones,” she said.

The mayor also confirmed that the National Disaster Response Committee had been activated and is coordinating relief and recovery efforts. City officials are working alongside national agencies to ensure those injured receive prompt medical care and that structural experts investigate the integrity of similar buildings in the area.

Jet Set Club has long been a staple in Santo Domingo’s nightlife scene, known for hosting live performances by some of the most iconic merengue and salsa artists in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. The collapse has shocked the entertainment community and raised questions about building safety and overcrowding in entertainment venues.

As authorities continue their investigation, safety officials have urged other nightclubs and public venues to review their structural integrity and emergency protocols.

China Vows to ‘Fight to the End’ as Global Tensions Rise Over Trump Tariffs

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China Vows to ‘Fight to the End’ as Global Tensions Rise Over Trump Tariffs

China has issued a fierce rebuke to what it describes as economic blackmail by the United States, vowing to “fight to the end” in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods. The move signals escalating tensions in a trade war that continues to unsettle global financial markets and reshape international trade alliances.

On Tuesday, stock markets showed signs of stabilizing after steep declines, but investor sentiment remained shaky. The unrest was triggered by Trump’s latest threat to hike tariffs on Chinese imports to more than 100 percent, a response to China’s earlier decision to impose equivalent tariffs on American goods.

Beijing condemned the U.S. escalation as a grave error, with China’s Commerce Ministry stating that “the U.S. side’s threat to escalate tariffs against China is a mistake on top of a mistake, once again exposing the American side’s blackmailing nature.” In a strongly worded statement, China warned, “If the U.S. insists on having its way, China will fight to the end.”

While China takes a hardline stance, other nations are exploring more measured strategies. The European Union is currently consulting member states on how to respond to Washington’s aggressive trade measures, seeking a way to defend European interests without causing additional economic strain.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke by phone with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, urging Beijing to work toward a negotiated settlement. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair global trading system and proposed the creation of a mechanism to monitor trade redirection that might result from U.S. tariffs.

There are growing concerns that China may redirect cheap exports originally intended for the U.S. to European markets, potentially undercutting local industries.

Chinese manufacturers, particularly in industries such as tableware and flooring, are warning of plummeting profits and exploring the possibility of relocating production overseas. As economic uncertainty deepens, financial institutions are adjusting their outlook. Citi recently lowered its GDP growth forecast for China in 2025 from 4.7 percent to 4.2 percent, citing heightened external risks and weakening global demand.

The European Union is preparing its own slate of counter-tariffs, targeting a 25 percent levy on a range of U.S. exports including soybeans, nuts, and sausages. The bloc is still open to negotiating a “zero-for-zero” deal, but frustration continues to mount over U.S. tariffs already imposed on European autos, metals, and potentially alcoholic beverages.

The intensifying tariff conflict has rattled markets worldwide. Stéphane Boujnah, CEO of pan-European stock exchange operator Euronext, said the U.S. is now beginning to resemble an emerging market rather than the dominant global force it once was. “There is a certain form of mourning,” he said in a radio interview. “The United States that we had known for the most part now resembles more an emerging market.”

While markets stabilized somewhat on Tuesday, volatility remains high. European indices rebounded from 14-month lows, oil prices recovered slightly after a sharp sell-off, and U.S. stock futures climbed marginally after incurring massive losses the previous week. Japan’s Nikkei index closed 6 percent higher, and Chinese blue chips rose by 1 percent after a steep drop the day before.

However, emerging markets like Indonesia faced significant pressure. Its stock market fell 9 percent after a trading break, prompting central bank intervention to stabilize conditions.

Nations across the Asia-Pacific region are seeking diplomatic solutions to mitigate the impact of Trump’s tariff agenda. Vietnam, heavily reliant on low-cost exports to the U.S., requested a 45-day delay in implementing new tariffs and pledged to increase purchases of American products.

Indonesia, whose currency fell to record lows, offered concessions on imports of electronics and steel to ease tensions with Washington. The country also announced it would send a high-level delegation to the U.S. to negotiate ahead of a 32 percent tariff slated to begin soon.

South Korea, meanwhile, is reviewing plans to boost U.S. imports as it prepares for bilateral discussions with the Trump administration.

Trump has defended the tariffs, which range from 10 to 50 percent on various imports, claiming they will restore America’s industrial base and correct decades of imbalanced trade. But critics warn that the sweeping measures are fueling global economic instability and pushing the world toward a recession.

As the trade standoff continues, nations are scrambling to protect their economies and recalibrate international relationships. Whether through defiance, diplomacy, or economic realignment, the global response to Trump’s tariff war is only just beginning.

UN Report Exposes Haiti Gang Massacre and Delayed Government Response Amid Worsening Crisis

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UN Report Exposes Haiti Gang Massacre and Delayed Government Response Amid Worsening Crisis

A newly released United Nations report has revealed the staggering toll of coordinated gang violence in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, while sharply criticizing the Haitian government for its delayed and disorganized response. According to the UN political mission in Haiti, known as BINUH, at least 262 people were killed in gang-led attacks between January 27 and March 27 in the neighborhoods of Kenscoff and Carrefour.

The report outlined how a January attack in Kenscoff unfolded, exposing deep flaws in the country’s emergency response system. It took more than five hours for Haiti’s military, national police, and a UN-backed international security mission led by Kenyan forces to respond—despite advance warnings.

BINUH suggested the delay pointed to a serious disconnect between the Haitian National Police and the central government. The mission said, “The sequence of events in Kenscoff appears to indicate that the security forces did not initially take adequate measures to prevent the first attacks, nor to ensure the rapid deployment of specialized police units, despite reports of an imminent threat posed by gangs.”

In the initial wave of violence, at least 31 civilians were killed, 27 injured, and more than 70 homes were burned to the ground before security forces finally arrived. The attackers were eventually repelled, with authorities killing at least 23 gang members.

Just hours later, a separate attack in Carrefour left at least 30 more civilians dead, adding to the growing death toll across the metro area. The report described widespread execution-style killings, with victims shot inside their homes or gunned down as they fled through nearby roads and trails.

Between late January and late March, a total of 262 people were confirmed dead, 66 injured, and over 190 homes torched. Among the victims were 147 suspected gang members and a one-month-old infant who was thrown into a fire. More than 3,000 residents were left homeless. The report also documented the rape of at least seven women and girls, including a 41-year-old breastfeeding mother.

The UN report also highlighted the gangs’ advanced planning. Weapons and ammunition were smuggled into the area inside large plastic drums, typically used for water and fuel, and transported undetected on donkeys through surrounding hills. The attackers exhibited “extreme brutality,” the UN said, intentionally creating fear by executing men, women, and children in plain view.

Analysts say the attacks reflect Haiti’s rapidly unraveling governance. Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, said the violence once again revealed the fracture between Haiti’s prime minister and police leadership, along with the police force’s failure to process and act on critical intelligence.

The Haitian National Police has not publicly responded to the report. However, the agency has faced widespread criticism for being under-resourced and ineffective against powerful, well-armed gangs.

Amid the chaos, journalists have also become targets. Two reporters have gone missing in recent days, further inflaming concerns over press freedom and democratic backsliding.

Jean Christophe Collègue, a former correspondent for Voice of America, has disappeared after his home was set on fire. Separately, a viral video showed Radio Ginen journalist Israël Roger Claudy and his brother being abducted by armed gangs. The Association of Haitian Journalists denounced the incidents, calling them direct attacks on democracy.

Port-au-Prince, once the political and cultural heart of Haiti, is now estimated to be 85 percent controlled by gangs. Jake Johnston, a senior researcher at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, said, “For the vast majority, that threshold was passed long ago. Many now believe the city has completely fallen.”

On April 2, thousands of residents took to the streets in a protest march aimed at the prime minister’s office and the transitional presidential council. The demonstrators, demanding immediate action to end gang violence, were met with gunfire and tear gas.

“What it really shows you is the level of frustration,” Johnston said. “Taking to the streets to protest in this context is obviously not a safe thing to do, but people are willing to risk their lives.”

The much-anticipated international security mission led by Kenyan police is currently operating at less than half its intended capacity. Out of the original plan for 2,500 personnel, only 40 percent have been deployed due to funding and logistical constraints.

Johnston added, “What’s clear is that sitting around and waiting for more external help in doing this is not a viable strategy.”

Trump Administration Ends Legal Status for Migrants Admitted Under Biden’s CBP One App

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Trump Administration Ends Legal Status for Migrants Admitted Under Biden’s CBP One App

Migrants who entered the United States under the Biden administration’s CBP One app have been ordered to leave the country immediately, marking a major shift in immigration policy under President Donald Trump’s leadership. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the cancellation of a humanitarian parole program that had allowed more than 900,000 people to legally remain in the U.S. since January 2023.

Previously, CBP One was used as a central pillar in the Biden administration’s strategy to expand lawful migration. Migrants scheduled appointments through the app and were typically granted two-year stays with work authorization under a provision known as humanitarian parole. That program has now been abruptly revoked.

According to DHS officials, termination notices have been sent to CBP One parolees, though the exact number of individuals affected was not disclosed. Migrants have been instructed to use the newly renamed CBP Home app to begin the voluntary self-deportation process.

The Department of Homeland Security defended the move, stating that canceling these paroles is part of a broader promise to secure the U.S. border and protect national security. One official communication reviewed by the Associated Press read, “It’s time for you to abandon the United States,” addressed to a Honduran family who had legally entered late last year. Similar notices have been widely circulated on social media.

Legal aid organizations, such as Al Otro Lado, report that many of those who received revocation letters are from Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico. Advocates warn that these individuals now face sudden displacement, with limited options for legal recourse.

CBP One, initially launched in 2023, served as a legal pathway for migrants to seek entry into the United States at designated border crossings, primarily with Mexico. By the end of that year, more than 936,500 people had entered through appointments arranged by the app. Upon taking office, President Trump ended new entries under the program, leaving thousands stranded in Mexico.

The Department of Homeland Security further criticized the Biden administration’s use of parole authority, claiming it fueled the most severe border crisis in U.S. history. Officials noted that Biden used parole more extensively than any previous president since its creation in 1952.

This rollback comes alongside the termination of another parole initiative involving over 532,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Those migrants, who had legally flown into the U.S. with financial sponsors, are now expected to lose their legal status when the program ends on April 24.

In a separate but related policy shift, the Trump administration has also moved to cancel Temporary Protected Status for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians. However, a federal court ruling has temporarily blocked that action, at least for 350,000 Venezuelan nationals who were set to lose TPS protections this week.

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is granted in 18-month intervals to nationals of countries experiencing war, political unrest, or environmental disaster, allowing them to remain legally in the United States.

Immigration advocates warn that the combined rollback of parole and TPS programs could leave hundreds of thousands of people without legal status, leading to mass displacement and increased legal uncertainty.

Deadly Floods Devastate Kinshasa, Kill 22 and Disrupt Airport Access

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Deadly Floods Devastate Kinshasa, Kill 22 and Disrupt Airport Access

At least 22 people have died following catastrophic flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, after torrential rains swept through the city on Friday. The deadly downpour left large sections of the city submerged, severely damaged key infrastructure, and cut off access to N’djili International Airport—Congo’s main aviation hub—according to government officials.

Provincial health minister Patricien Ngongo confirmed that the majority of fatalities occurred when walls collapsed under the pressure of surging floodwaters. Emergency services have been working through the weekend to rescue trapped residents and recover the dead.

In addition to the 22 confirmed deaths, 46 people were injured and hospitalized, while more than 75 families have been rendered homeless and are now being temporarily sheltered in a nearby stadium.

Flooding severely damaged the main access road to Kinshasa’s international airport, disrupting transportation and supply chains. Although the road has since been reopened to light traffic, full access for heavy vehicles and commercial use is expected to resume within 72 hours, said Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba.

This vital road also serves as a major trade link between Kinshasa and the rest of the country. Local truck drivers expressed concern over the stalled flow of goods.

“We’ve been here since nightfall, but we’re not making any progress, because we’ve been told that the road is cut in two, and we have goods that we’re going to pick up,” said Blaise Ndendo, a trucker stranded on the outskirts of the city.

The flooding is the latest in a pattern of deadly weather events in the region. In 2022, more than 100 people died in similar flooding incidents in Kinshasa, raising questions about urban resilience and disaster preparedness in the sprawling city of over 15 million people.

In the aftermath of this week’s disaster, multiple civil society leaders have called for the resignation of Kinshasa’s mayor, citing poor urban planning and governance. Local authorities, however, blamed the destruction on substandard construction, claiming the homes that collapsed were “not built with urban planning standards.”

As rescue and recovery operations continue, the humanitarian toll is growing. Displaced families face uncertain futures, and aid organizations are beginning to mobilize to assist with food, shelter, and medical care.

Flooding remains a persistent threat in Kinshasa, where poor drainage systems, unregulated urban expansion, and heavy seasonal rains regularly combine to create lethal conditions for residents—especially in low-income neighborhoods.

Massive Fire Erupts in Paris Waste Facility, Sends Towering Black Smoke Across City

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Massive Fire Erupts in Paris Waste Facility, Sends Towering Black Smoke Across City

A massive fire broke out Monday afternoon at a major waste management facility in Paris, sending enormous plumes of thick black smoke billowing over the French capital and triggering large-scale emergency response efforts.

The blaze erupted around midday at the Syctom waste sorting centre, located in the Boulevard de Douaumont area of the city’s 17th Arrondissement. The fire quickly escalated into an inferno, with eyewitness footage capturing flames engulfing the structure and giant clouds of smoke rising high into the Parisian skyline—visible from the suburbs all the way to the Eiffel Tower.

Initial reports indicate the fire may have started in the basement level of the facility. As of now, the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

More than 200 firefighters and 60 fire engines, including two aerial platforms, were deployed by the Paris Fire Department in a desperate effort to contain the blaze. Officials confirmed that all staff had been successfully evacuated, and there were no injuries reported at the time of publication.

The fire has not yet been brought under control and has already led to the closure of a nearby ring road in both directions, severely impacting traffic in the area. Authorities have urged residents to avoid the scene and allow emergency services to operate safely.

In a public alert, Paris firefighters warned: 

“A major fire is currently underway on Boulevard de Douaumont in #Paris17. Avoid the area to let emergency services do their work. Residents, stay cautious.”

Dramatic images flooded social media, with many mistaking the towering black smoke for an oncoming storm. Malika, a tourist from Toulouse standing near the southern edge of the Champ-de-Mars, told *Le Parisien*: 

The incident sparked widespread panic, drawing comparisons to the devastating Notre-Dame Cathedral fire that occurred almost exactly five years ago.

On April 15, 2019, the world watched in horror as a massive fire engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral, destroying the historic spire and much of the roof. Firefighters battled the flames for hours to save the medieval Gothic structure, ultimately preserving its bell towers and treasured relics.

The incident prompted a global wave of solidarity and financial support, with more than €1 billion raised in donations. After years of painstaking restoration, including rebuilding the wooden “forest” structure and a replica of the original spire, the cathedral officially reopened on December 7, 2024, in a nationally televised ceremony attended by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Syctom facility where Monday’s fire erupted is a state-of-the-art waste sorting centre that opened in June 2019. According to its official website, Syctom is Europe’s largest public operator in domestic waste management, processing over 2.3 million tonnes of household waste each year from more than six million residents in the Île-de-France region.

The facility is designed to handle garbage collected from over 900,000 Parisians, sorting and preparing recyclable materials for further treatment.

While Paris battled this major blaze, Brazil was grappling with its own disaster. In Santa Catarina, a flammable tanker truck carrying ethanol overturned and exploded on a highway, igniting a devastating chain-reaction fire that engulfed dozens of nearby vehicles.

Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment the tanker erupted in a massive fireball, highlighting the dangers of transporting hazardous materials. Authorities in Brazil are investigating the cause of the accident, which has sparked concern over highway safety regulations.

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