Home Blog Page 389

Federal Judge Blocks Elon Musk’s Effort to Dismantle USAID, Citing Constitutional Violations 

admin
-
0
Federal Judge Blocks Elon Musk’s Effort to Dismantle USAID, Citing Constitutional Violations 

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Elon Musk likely exceeded his executive authority in attempting to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), blocking further actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the U.S. District Court in Maryland issued a preliminary injunction, stating that DOGE’s shutdown of USAID “likely violated the United States Constitution.” The ruling prohibits DOGE from terminating additional contracts, grants, or employees and restricts its staff from sharing sensitive personal data. 

“The court finds that Defendants’ unilateral actions to shut down USAID likely violated the United States Constitution,” Chuang wrote. 

The decision is a major legal setback for Musk and could influence future court challenges against the Trump administration’s federal agency restructuring efforts. 

Norm Eisen, executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, which backed the lawsuit, called the ruling a victory for government stability. 

“They are performing surgery with a chainsaw instead of a scalpel, harming not just the people USAID serves but the majority of Americans who count on the stability of our government,” Eisen said. 

The White House condemned the ruling, calling it judicial overreach. 

“Rogue judges are subverting the will of the American people in their attempts to stop President Trump from carrying out his agenda,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said, adding that the administration plans to appeal. 

Chuang’s ruling focused on Musk’s leadership at DOGE, citing multiple instances where President Donald Trump publicly stated that Musk was in charge of the office. The judge referenced Trump’s remarks in press conferences, interviews, speeches, and his March 4 address to Congress, as well as Musk’s social media posts suggesting control over DOGE’s actions. 

“Musk has specifically expressed his desire to shut down USAID and has taken responsibility for the actions taken to do so,” Chuang wrote. 

The judge also cited internal DOGE emails terminating USAID employees and noted that Musk appeared to be performing the duties of an agency head without Senate confirmation, a potential constitutional violation. 

The attempted closure of USAID—led by DOGE officials—has been a key part of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut federal spending and reduce the workforce. USAID employees and contractors involved in the lawsuit reported losing access to critical systems and delays in reimbursements for travel and health expenses. 

Chuang’s ruling directly addressed Musk’s role in shutting down USAID headquarters, removing its website, and terminating contracts and personnel. 

The judge warned of potential harm from DOGE’s handling of sensitive personal data and ordered the agency to reinstate key systems. 

While DOGE retains access to internal USAID employee data, the ruling bars the department from sharing it outside the agency. 

This case sets a major legal precedent in the ongoing debate over executive authority, agency oversight, and constitutional governance. 

Russia Agrees to Pause Strikes on Energy Targets, Further Talks Planned

admin
-
0
Russia Agrees to Pause Strikes on Energy Targets, Further Talks Planned

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but rejected calls for a full ceasefire, following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Putin declined to support a comprehensive, month-long truce negotiated by U.S. officials and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia. He stated that a full ceasefire would only be possible if foreign military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine ceased, conditions previously dismissed by Ukraine’s European allies. 

Despite the impasse, Trump and Putin agreed to further peace talks in the Middle East. However, the outcome of the call marks a shift in Washington’s position from a week ago, when U.S. negotiators persuaded Kyiv to accept a proposal for an “immediate” 30-day ceasefire across land, air, and sea. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a willingness to consider the proposed energy infrastructure truce but sought further details. 

“I think it will be right that we will have a conversation with President Trump and we will know in detail what the Russians offered the Americans or what the Americans offered the Russians,” Zelensky said. 

Trump described the discussion with Putin as “very good and productive,” stating on Truth Social that both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire on energy and infrastructure while working toward a broader resolution. 

“We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote. 

Following last week’s talks in Jeddah, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said “the ball” was in Russia’s court after Ukraine accepted the U.S. ceasefire proposal. However, the White House statement after the Trump-Putin call did not mention that agreement, instead outlining a phased approach: an initial ceasefire on energy infrastructure, negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, and eventual discussions on a full ceasefire and lasting peace. 

The Kremlin’s statement on the call emphasized “significant issues” regarding the enforcement of any agreement with Kyiv. Russian officials reiterated that ending foreign support for Ukraine remained a “key condition” for a broader settlement. 

Trump and Putin agreed to immediate technical-level talks aimed at a long-term resolution. The Kremlin stressed that any settlement must be “complex, stable, and long-term in nature,” but did not clarify whether upcoming negotiations would primarily involve the U.S. and Russia or direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

 US Chief Justice Roberts Criticizes Trump’s Calls for Judge’s Impeachment, Says Its Inappropriate

admin
-
0
 US Chief Justice Roberts Criticizes Trump’s Calls for Judge’s Impeachment, Says Its Inappropriate

U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts pushed back on Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s call for the impeachment of a federal judge overseeing a deportation case, emphasizing that judicial decisions should be challenged through the appeals process rather than political retribution. 

“For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,” Roberts stated in a release from the Supreme Court. “The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.” 

Roberts’ comments came in response to Trump’s demand for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. Boasberg, who is based in Washington, issued an order on Saturday preventing the administration from deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members. Trump has argued that their removal is justified under an 18th-century law historically used only in wartime. 

Governor’s Aide in Nigeria Accuses Prison Officials of Aiding Criminals, Allowing Inmates to Commit Crimes and Return to Jail

admin
-
0
Governor’s Aide in Nigeria Accuses Prison Officials of Aiding Criminals, Allowing Inmates to Commit Crimes and Return to Jail

The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Security, Engr. Udoka Emmanuel Chika-dibie, has accused officials at Okere Correctional Facility in Warri South Local Government Area of aiding criminals by allowing inmates to leave prison, commit crimes, and return undetected. 

The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Security, Engr. Udoka Emmanuel Chika-dibie

In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, Chika-dibie refuted claims that criminals had been transferred to Northern prisons, clarifying that only inmates suspected of leaking information to the public were relocated. He insisted that the same criminals remained in Warri prison, posing a serious threat to public safety. 

“The same criminals remain in Warri prison. We have their names and demand an explanation as to why they are still detained there, where they can leave at will to commit robberies and return,” he stated. 

Chika-dibie warned that the situation jeopardizes the safety of police officers who arrested the criminals, as well as complainants, prosecutors, and judges involved in their cases. He urged prison officials to immediately stop aiding criminals and take decisive action to address the issue.   

SaharaReporters previously reported that at least 150 inmates were transferred from Okere Correctional Facility to various prisons in northern Nigeria following allegations that prisoners were leaving the facility to commit crimes. 

Investigations have exposed widespread fraud, blackmail, and corruption within the prison. Reports revealed that inmates had access to mobile phones, bank accounts, and private meeting spaces for illegal activities. 

One woman unknowingly became romantically involved with an inmate, Perez Ekiyor, after meeting him on Facebook in 2019. She later discovered large sums of money being deposited into a bank account she had opened for him. When she attempted to end the relationship, he retaliated by leaking their private conversations and explicit photos online. 

Another woman nearly fell victim to a similar scam in 2023 when an inmate, pretending to be a worker in Ibadan, emotionally manipulated her before attempting to extort ₦200,000. A prison officer later warned her that the man had been incarcerated since 2020 and was part of a known fraud ring. 

Further investigations linked Okere inmates to a January 3, 2025, robbery, in which criminals stole valuables and transferred N4 million from a victim’s account. When police traced the crime back to the prison, officials resisted their efforts, but a death row inmate was eventually arrested and confessed to orchestrating the scheme. 

A source confirmed that at least 150 inmates had been transferred from Okere to northern prisons. One relative of a transferred inmate revealed that their family member was moved to Kano Prison and had called to report the harsh conditions they were facing. 

“He said since they were moved, they have been scattered across different locations and have only been eating Garri because they are unfamiliar with the local food,” the source said. 

A prison official confirmed the transfers but described them as routine, stating that the Nigeria Correctional Service regularly moves inmates to address prison congestion. 

Umar Abubakar, spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service, confirmed the transfers to SaharaReporters, adding, “When we determine that a particular custodial center is overcrowded, the Controller General has the authority to transfer inmates from one facility to another, as long as they are convicts.” 

SaharaReporters

Woman in Her 20s Dies After Van Hits Three Pedestrians in Central London

admin
-
0
Woman in Her 20s Dies After Van Hits Three Pedestrians in Central London

A woman in her 20s has died after a van struck three pedestrians in central London on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at around 11:40 a.m. on The Strand, near King’s College London and Somerset House.

Two other pedestrians were injured in the crash. One of them sustained potentially life-threatening injuries, while the other suffered minor injuries. Both were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The 26-year-old driver of the van was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and driving under the influence of a controlled substance above the legal limit. He remains in custody, and inquiries are ongoing. A crime scene has been established.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the crash is not being treated as terrorism-related.

In response to the crash, The Strand was closed from Surrey Street westbound to Waterloo Bridge. However, eastbound traffic is still able to use the road. London Fire Brigade sent two fire engines and approximately 10 firefighters from Dowgate and Lambeth fire stations to assist the London Ambulance Service at the scene.

A spokesperson for King’s College London stated that they are aware of the incident and are in contact with emergency services.

Parents of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Seek Legal Declaration of Death, Despite Absence of Body

admin
-
0
Parents of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Seek Legal Declaration of Death, Despite Absence of Body

The parents of missing college student Sudiksha Konanki have requested that officials in the Dominican Republic declare her dead, even though her body has not been recovered. Konanki, 20, was last seen on March 6, and investigators have been searching the beaches of Punta Cana in hopes of finding new clues.

Konanki’s parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi, are said to have filed a formal request with the Dominican authorities to legally declare their daughter dead, according to Noticias Sin. They have expressed their support for the ongoing investigation, despite their devastating loss.

Konanki was last seen with Joshua Riibe, 22, and authorities suspect she may have drowned in the water. Riibe has been identified as a person of interest in the case but has not been named a suspect, nor has he been charged with any crime.

In connection with the investigation, Riibe has been restricted from leaving the Dominican Republic. His passport has been confiscated, and he must remain at his hotel, under police supervision. However, Riibe’s legal team has requested that the travel ban be lifted. His parents, Albert and Tina Riibe, have raised concerns over the interrogation process, stating that their son did not have access to translators or legal representation until March 12. They also said he was questioned for long periods without breaks.

Konanki and Riibe were staying at the Riu Republica resort in Punta Cana when she was reported missing three days after arriving. Surveillance footage shows Konanki walking with Riibe and several others to the beach at around 4:15 a.m. local time. The group left the beach just before 6 a.m., but Riibe and Konanki remained behind. Prior to the beach walk, surveillance captured the two vomiting near a hotel nightclub. Riibe later returned to the hotel just before 10 a.m. Konanki was reported missing by her friends at 4 p.m. that day.

Hours before her disappearance, Konanki made two Venmo payments. The first, made just before 3 p.m., included a sailboat emoji in the description. The second payment mentioned “Coco Bongo,” a popular nightclub in downtown Punta Cana. The amounts of the payments remain unknown.

Although authorities suspect Konanki may have drowned, her father has urged them to consider the possibility of a kidnapping. However, police have maintained that the case is still classified as a missing persons investigation, not a criminal case.

During his interrogation, Riibe stated that he kissed Konanki and claimed he saved her from drowning, citing his experience as a lifeguard. He described the rescue as challenging, stating, “It took me a long time to get her out. It was difficult.” Riibe also mentioned that he had vomited after swallowing water and later passed out on a beach chair. He believed that Konanki had gathered her belongings and left the beach area.

While Konanki’s body has not been found, authorities have discovered clothes and flip-flops belonging to her near the beach.

SpaceX Rescues NASA’s Stranded Astronauts, Who Are Finally Returning After Nine Months on ISS

admin
-
0
SpaceX Rescues NASA’s Stranded Astronauts, Who Are Finally Returning After Nine Months on ISS

NASA’s astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, are finally en route back to Earth after spending nearly nine months stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their long-awaited journey home began at 1:05 a.m. ET (5:05 a.m. GMT) when they undocked from the ISS in SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Accompanying them are NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

The crew’s return marks the conclusion of an extended mission that has drawn significant attention. After a 17-hour descent, the astronauts are expected to splash down off the coast of Florida at 5:57 p.m. ET (9:57 p.m. GMT), provided all goes according to plan.

“Crew nine is going home,” said Hague, the commander of the Crew Dragon mission, just after they began their journey. “It was a privilege to call space home… to live and work… in cooperation for the benefit of humanity.”

NASA streamed the entire mission, capturing key moments including the astronauts securing themselves in the spacecraft and closing the hatch two hours before undocking. Williams and Wilmore waved to the camera, acknowledging the finality of their long stay in space.

Before departure, a minor issue arose when astronaut Takuya Onishi noticed dust specks on the hatch seals, which could have compromised the spacecraft’s airtight seal. The issue was promptly addressed, and after ensuring everything was secure, the crew proceeded with their journey. The mission is expected to land under clear skies, with “pristine weather” forecasted.

Williams and Wilmore, initially slated for an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, were stranded due to multiple technical malfunctions with the Starliner. These included thruster failures and helium leaks, leading NASA to send the capsule back empty in September.

The extended mission became a political point of controversy after comments from President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who both criticized the Biden administration for not bringing the astronauts home sooner. Musk claimed that the Biden administration blocked an earlier rescue attempt to avoid giving Trump political advantage.

Williams and Wilmore are returning aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule, which docked with the ISS in September. Four new astronauts, part of Crew-10, arrived over the weekend to replace the departing crew. This included NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan’s Takuya Onishi, and Russia’s Kirill Pesko.

Normally, departing crews overlap with incoming teams for five days for a handover period, but this time NASA shortened the overlap to two days to conserve food and accommodate potential delays due to weather.

Upon returning to Earth, Williams and Wilmore will likely be stretchered off the spacecraft, as they are expected to experience significant difficulty walking after their extended stay in space. NASA plans to conduct medical evaluations immediately following the splashdown. Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist, noted that rehabilitation could take up to six weeks, focusing on walking, flexibility, and muscle strengthening.

The astronauts have been commended for their work during their extended mission, completing 4,500 orbits during their 286-day stay. While their mission duration is not a record, it is a testament to their resilience in challenging conditions.

NASA moved up the astronauts’ return by two weeks following political pressure, with President Trump calling on Musk to retrieve them. Prior to that, their return was scheduled for March 26. Musk, a prominent supporter of Trump, claimed that the Biden administration prevented his earlier offer to bring the astronauts home, which NASA has not directly confirmed but acknowledged in briefings.

The incoming crew from Crew-10 will spend the usual six months on the ISS, following a series of delays that included an aborted flight last Wednesday due to a Falcon 9 rocket issue. However, the Dragon capsule successfully docked with the ISS at 12:04 a.m. ET after a 28-hour journey.

12 Dead, Including Famous Honduran Musician, in Plane Crash off Remote Island

admin
-
0
12 Dead, Including Famous Honduran Musician, in Plane Crash off Remote Island

At least 12 people were killed when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after departing from the Honduran island of Roatan on Monday night. The aircraft, a Jetstream operated by Lanhsa airline, was en route to the mainland when it plunged into the water just 0.6 miles off the island’s coast.

The plane was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members, according to the Honduran Minister of Transport. Civil aviation officials reported that the crash was caused by an apparent mechanical failure, which led the plane to spiral into the sea. Carlos Padilla, a civil aviation official, described the incident, stating that the plane made a sharp right turn after taking off before falling into the water.

A local fisherman, who was in the vicinity, narrowly escaped the crash and told HCH television that the plane nearly hit him while he was fishing. “The plane almost fell on us,” he said.

Among the fatalities was Aurelio Martinez, a renowned Honduran musician and politician. Martinez was celebrated for his contributions to Garifuna music, an Afro-indigenous genre from the Caribbean. He was a prominent member of the Garifuna band Lita Ariran, which was one of the first Garifuna groups to appear on an internationally distributed recording. Martinez later transitioned into politics, becoming a representative in the Honduran National Congress.

Aurelio Martinez, a renowned Honduran musician and politician

Authorities confirmed the recovery of the body of at least one crew member, and dramatic footage showed rescue workers struggling to access the wreckage. As of Monday night, only one body remained to be recovered. Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas noted that the site was difficult to reach due to rocky terrain, and rescue divers faced near-zero visibility underwater.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro responded to the tragedy by activating an Emergency Operations Committee to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts. The flight manifest indicated that the passengers included a US national, a French national, and two minors. The US Department of State has been contacted for further information on the American passenger.

One of the survivors, a 40-year-old French citizen, was reportedly injured and transferred to a hospital in San Pedro Sula on the mainland.

Roatan, known for its stunning coral reefs, is the largest of the Bay Islands, attracting many tourists from around the world.

3 Feared Dead in Swiss Plane Crash from Denmark 

admin
-
0
3 Feared Dead in Swiss Plane Crash from Denmark 

Three people are believed to have died after a plane that originated from Denmark crashed in Switzerland on Monday evening, police from the eastern Swiss canton of Graubuenden said Tuesday. 

Authorities have yet to formally identify the victims but confirmed that all those on board were killed. The aircraft crashed in a populated area on the northern outskirts of La Punt Chamues-ch and was completely destroyed by fire, police said. 

The Extra EA-400 propeller plane took off from Samedan airfield at 5:20 p.m. local time. It had arrived from Denmark on March 13 and was returning to Roskilde, near Copenhagen. 

The plane went down just two minutes after takeoff, burning out upon impact on the edge of La Punt Chamues-ch. There was no immediate information on what caused the crash, police said.

Reuters

1...388389390...967Page 389 of 967