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Putin Says He’s Open to Talks with Trump on Ukraine, Economic Stability

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Putin Says He’s Open to Talks with Trump on Ukraine, Economic Stability

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed growing concern over distortions in Russia’s wartime economy, just as U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed calls for resolving the Ukraine conflict. Sources familiar with the situation say discussions about potential negotiations are gaining traction within the Kremlin.

Russia’s economy, bolstered by oil, gas, and mineral exports, has maintained growth over the past two years despite numerous rounds of Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, labor shortages and rising interest rates aimed at controlling inflation have strained domestic activity in recent months. Military spending, now at record levels, has further accelerated inflationary pressures.

This economic strain has contributed to a growing belief among some Russian elites that a negotiated settlement to the war may be necessary. Two sources familiar with Kremlin discussions said this perspective is influencing internal debates.

Trump, who resumed office earlier this week, has pledged to swiftly address the Ukraine conflict, which he described as Europe’s most devastating crisis since World War II. Trump has suggested implementing additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia if talks stall, warning that the Russian economy faces “big trouble.” Despite this, Kremlin officials said no formal proposals for negotiations have been received from the United States.

Oleg Vyugin, former deputy chairman of Russia’s Central Bank, told reporters that economic pressures are pushing Russia toward diplomacy. “The risks of economic distortions are rising as military and defense spending increase,” Vyugin said.

Sources familiar with internal Kremlin deliberations emphasized that Putin’s concerns about the economy are shaping discussions about the war’s future. Despite this, Putin maintains that Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine must be acknowledged and that Kyiv’s aspirations to join NATO be dropped as prerequisites for any peace settlement.

Russia’s economic growth, which outpaced the European Union and the United States in 2023 and 2024, is projected to slow to under 1.5% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation, now nearing double digits, has prompted the Central Bank to hike interest rates to 21%. These high rates have strained businesses and driven up wages amid labor shortages.

Putin has openly acknowledged the economic challenges, describing them as “problematic factors” but insisting that the country’s economy remains stable. “There are problems, but these problems affect almost all nations,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Defense spending, which accounts for 6.3% of Russia’s GDP this year, has reached post-Soviet highs, contributing to inflation and putting pressure on non-military sectors. Businesses have also faced higher tax burdens aimed at reducing fiscal deficits.

Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina has faced criticism over high interest rates but retains Putin’s trust, sources say. Nabiullina has dismissed allegations of caving to political pressure and insists the central bank’s decisions prioritize long-term stability.

Despite the economic challenges, Putin believes that Russia’s key war objectives have been met, including securing land corridors to Crimea and weakening Ukraine’s military capabilities. Kremlin insiders noted that while Putin is open to negotiations, he remains committed to achieving Russia’s strategic goals.

As Trump prepares to engage with Putin, U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and gas revenues, imposed during the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency, are expected to play a critical role in shaping the talks. The sanctions are intended to apply additional economic pressure on Moscow, with the goal of expediting diplomatic resolutions.

“President Trump is focused on ending this brutal war through diplomacy,” White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said. However, Trump’s advisers have tempered his earlier claims that the war could be resolved “in a day.”

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Drone Strikes Sparking Massive Fires at Oil Facilities

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Russia Accuses Ukraine of Drone Strikes Sparking Massive Fires at Oil Facilities

Russia blamed Ukraine for drone strikes that ignited massive fires at oil depots in western Russia on Friday, following a similar attack on one of the country’s largest refineries. These cross-border attacks come as the Russia-Ukraine war nears its third year.

Russian officials reported that four oil reservoirs, with a combined capacity of 6,000 cubic meters (1.6 million gallons), were set ablaze at a refinery in Klintsy, a city of 70,000 people located 40 miles from the Ukrainian border. Authorities said that although air defenses electronically jammed the drone, it managed to deliver its explosive payload.

Bryansk regional governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed there were no casualties, though the fire caused significant damage. Firefighters faced challenges extinguishing the blaze.

The attack marked the second on Russian oil facilities in consecutive days. Ukrainian forces also targeted the Ryazan oil refinery southeast of Moscow, Russia’s third-largest refinery controlled by Rosneft. The massive fire at the Ryazan facility was extinguished without reported injuries.

Ukraine’s military said on Friday it launched a drone strike on a Russian oil refinery and a microchip factory, targeting the refinery’s production facilities and an oil pumping station.

Russian officials claimed their forces repelled a large-scale overnight drone attack, but sources confirmed that Ukraine struck one of Russia’s oldest refineries in Ryazan. The strike damaged storage tanks, a railway loading rack, and a hydrotreater unit used for removing impurities from refined products.

Social media videos showed flames and smoke engulfing the Ryazan refinery, with people fleeing in panic. Reuters verified the footage’s location but not its timing.

Ukraine’s attacks demonstrate its capability to target Russian infrastructure deep inside the country. As the war continues, both nations are fortifying their positions ahead of potential peace talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated he plans to swiftly end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to discuss peace but said negotiations with Ukraine were complicated by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s decree banning talks with Moscow.

London Court Clears Path to Extradite U.S. Mother Accused of Killing Two Children in Colorado

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London Court Clears Path to Extradite U.S. Mother Accused of Killing Two Children in Colorado

A London judge on Friday dismissed a Colorado Springs mother’s legal challenge to block extradition to the United States, where she faces charges of murdering two of her children. 

Judge John Zani, presiding at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, ruled that Kimberlee Singler, 36, could be sent back to Colorado. The decision now rests with the British Home Secretary to formally approve her extradition. 

Singler is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the December 2023 shootings and stabbings of her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son. She also faces one count of attempted murder for allegedly slashing her 11-year-old daughter with a knife, along with three counts of child abuse and one count of assault. 

Singler’s attorney, Edward Fitzgerald, argued that extradition would violate European human rights laws, as a conviction in Colorado for first-degree murder carries a life sentence without parole. He described such a sentence as “inhumane,” offering no chance for rehabilitation or eventual release. 

Despite Fitzgerald’s arguments, Zani ruled that the existence of a clemency process in Colorado allows for the possibility of release, even for individuals serving life without parole. “I am satisfied that the defendant has failed to vault the hurdle necessary in order to succeed in the challenges raised,” Zani said in court. 

Fitzgerald announced plans to appeal the decision, maintaining that Singler would have no realistic chance of release. 

Prosecutor Joel Smith argued that Zani’s only obligation was to determine whether a mechanism for release exists, not whether it is likely. 

Smith noted that Singler’s claim of innocence was contradicted by evidence from her surviving daughter. Initially, the girl reported being attacked by an intruder but later told investigators that her mother had tried to kill her. 

Police said Singler fled Colorado shortly after the deaths of her two youngest children, 7-year-old Aden Wentz and 9-year-old Elianna Wentz, whose bodies were found in their Colorado Springs apartment on Dec. 19, 2023. Both had been shot and stabbed. 

Singler was arrested four days later in London’s Chelsea neighborhood. She allegedly told investigators that her ex-husband was responsible for the murders, either directly or by hiring a hitman. Authorities, however, said the ex-husband had an alibi supported by GPS evidence. 

Prosecutors say Singler gave her children a milk-like substance to drink before attacking them. Her daughter recounted that Singler claimed to be acting on instructions from God and expressed fear that the children’s father would take them away. 

Singler’s surviving daughter suffered knife wounds during the alleged attack but managed to escape. 

During the hearing, defense attorneys cited the rarity of clemency in Colorado, arguing that no individual serving life without parole had been released under similar circumstances. Prosecutors countered by pointing to a 2018 case in which then-Gov. John Hickenlooper commuted life sentences for five men convicted of murder. 

The defense argued that the circumstances of those cases, including the offenders’ youth at the time of their crimes, did not apply to Singler. 

The final decision on Singler’s extradition will be made by the U.K. Home Secretary. If extradited and convicted, Singler faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole in Colorado. 

Judge Bars Oath Keepers Founder Rhodes From Entering Washington Without Court’s Permission

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Judge Bars Oath Keepers Founder Rhodes From Entering Washington Without Court’s Permission

A federal judge on Friday barred Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes from entering Washington, D.C., without court approval. The decision came days after former President Donald Trump commuted Rhodes’ 18-year prison sentence for orchestrating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. 

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued the order two days after Rhodes visited the Capitol, where he met with at least one lawmaker, engaged with others, and defended his actions related to the January 6 riot. Rhodes had been released from a Maryland prison just one day earlier. 

The order extends to seven other individuals convicted of charges tied to the Capitol attack, which disrupted the certification of President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory over Trump. It prohibits them from entering the Capitol building or its surrounding grounds without prior court permission. 

Rhodes was previously convicted of seditious conspiracy, one of the most serious charges brought in connection with the Justice Department’s investigation of the Capitol riot. He was found guilty of leading a plot that culminated in his followers storming the Capitol in an effort to keep Trump, a Republican, in power. 

Rhodes did not personally enter the Capitol on Jan. 6 and has called it “stupid” for members of the Oath Keepers to have done so. 

“My guys blundered through doors,” Rhodes said during a visit to Capitol Hill earlier this week. 

Trump’s clemency order, issued Monday, marked a dramatic shift in the Justice Department’s largest prosecution effort. It freed several individuals convicted of violent actions, including assaults on police officers, and far-right extremist group leaders involved in efforts to block the peaceful transfer of power after Trump’s election loss. 

Trump defended the pardons, stating the defendants had already served “years in prison” under what he described as “inhumane” and “disgusting” conditions. 

AP

Florida Man Sentenced to Life for Sex Trafficking Women and Girls-DOJ

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Florida Man Sentenced to Life for Sex Trafficking Women and Girls-DOJ

Shannima Yuantrell Session, 47, also known as Shalamar, was sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking nearly a dozen women and girls. A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida found Session guilty of 10 counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and three counts of sex trafficking a minor. A restitution hearing is scheduled for April 17.

“Protecting victims of human trafficking and child exploitation is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Acting U.S. Attorney Michael S. Davis for the Southern District of Florida said. “We are committed to aggressively combating these exploitative crimes that victimize the most vulnerable people in our society. Human beings are not commodities to be bought and sold, but rather demand our united protection.”

The FBI Miami Field Office’s Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to Session’s conviction. “This substantial sentence reflects the egregious sexual exploitation committed by Session against numerous juveniles and women in Highlands County,” Veltri said. “It is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement agencies, including the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.”

Evidence from Session’s nine-day trial in September 2024 revealed he compelled victims to engage in commercial sex acts between July 2011 and July 2013 and from February 2016 to February 2019. Session lured victims by offering false promises of legitimate work and housing assistance. Many of the victims were struggling with substance abuse, neglect, or unstable living conditions.

Session manipulated victims’ vulnerabilities, using food and housing as leverage to control them. Testimony revealed he sometimes withheld food if victims failed to comply with his demands. Victims were often forced to have sexual encounters with Session after being exploited by multiple men in a single night.

The court heard accounts of extreme physical violence Session used to intimidate victims. He punched some in the back of the head to avoid visible injuries, dragged a victim into a shower and beat her with a metal object until she collapsed, and choked another victim until she lost consciousness. In one instance, he threatened to drown two victims by holding their heads underwater in a lake. Session also kept a firearm to further control and intimidate his victims, once pointing it at a victim in a car and threatening to kill her.

Session also exploited some victims’ substance abuse issues by supplying them with drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, to ensure compliance and force weight loss.

The FBI Miami Field Office and its Ft. Pierce Resident Agency investigated the case with assistance from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover and Trial Attorneys Leah Branch and Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.

Anyone with information about human trafficking is urged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline is available 24/7. For more resources, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.

French Divorcee Wins Human Rights Appeal That Women Can Refuse Sex in Marriage

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French Divorcee Wins Human Rights Appeal That Women Can Refuse Sex in Marriage

A French woman has won a landmark case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after being blamed for her divorce for refusing to have sex with her husband. The unanimous ruling from the ECHR concluded that French courts violated the woman’s right to privacy and family life under European human rights law, ending a legal battle that spanned nearly a decade.

The woman, identified as Ms. H.W., hailed the decision as a victory for personal autonomy and consent in marriage. “This is a step forward in ending rape culture within marriage and acknowledging the importance of consent,” she said in a statement.

Ms. H.W., who resides in Le Chesnay near Paris, married her husband, identified as J.C., in 1984. The couple had four children, including one with a disability who required constant care. The marriage began deteriorating after the birth of their first child, and by 1992, Ms. H.W. developed health problems. Over the years, she experienced physical and verbal abuse from J.C. In 2004, she stopped having sexual relations with her husband and eventually filed for divorce in 2012.

While she did not contest the divorce itself, she opposed the grounds on which it was granted—specifically, her refusal to engage in marital relations. French courts upheld the husband’s complaint, citing her actions as a violation of “marital duties.”

In 2019, an appeals court in Versailles ruled against her, a decision later upheld by the French Court of Cassation. Frustrated by the French judiciary’s stance, Ms. H.W. brought her case to the ECHR in 2021.

The ECHR ruled that marital duties cannot override the right to consent, emphasizing that governments should only intervene in personal matters under extraordinary circumstances. The court stated, “Marriage does not imply automatic consent to sexual relations. Suggesting otherwise risks normalizing marital rape as a non-criminal act.”

The ruling has sparked significant debate in France over outdated marital norms and the legal concept of “marital duty.” Women’s rights advocates applauded the judgment as a vital step toward modernizing views on marriage and addressing systemic inequality.

Lilia Mhissen, Ms. H.W.’s lawyer, described the decision as a “dismantling of archaic stereotypes” and a call for French courts to align with contemporary understandings of equality and consent.

Feminist groups supporting H.W. criticized French courts for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women’s roles in marriage. “This case reinforces the urgent need for legislative reforms to ensure consent is central to all relationships, including marriage,” said a spokesperson.

The ruling comes amidst heightened attention to issues of consent and marital abuse in France. High-profile cases, such as Dominique Pélicot’s conviction for drugging and facilitating the rape of his wife by multiple men, have further underscored the gaps in French legal protections.

French lawmakers are now being urged to revise outdated laws. A recent parliamentary report recommends redefining rape to explicitly incorporate the absence of consent as its foundation, affirming that consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time.

Ms. H.W.’s case represents a turning point in how marital relationships are perceived under the law. By emphasizing the primacy of consent, the ECHR has paved the way for broader discussions on gender equality, personal rights, and the need to combat systemic biases embedded in traditional marital norms.

Oscars 2025: Full List of Nominations Revealed

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Oscars 2025: Full List of Nominations Revealed

Hollywood Unveils 2025 Oscar Nominees, Honoring Excellence in Film

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the nominees for the 2025 Oscars, celebrating the year’s most exceptional films, performances, and creative achievements. After a brief delay due to wildfires in Los Angeles, the list is now available.

Best Picture

– Anora 

– The Brutalist 

– A Complete Unknown 

– Conclave 

– Dune: Part Two 

– Emilia Pérez 

– I’m Still Here 

– Nickel Boys 

– The Substance 

– Wicked 

Best Actor

– Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) 

– Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) 

– Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) 

– Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) 

– Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) 

Best Actress

– Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) 

– Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) 

– Mikey Madison (Anora) 

– Demi Moore (The Substance) 

– Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) 

Best Supporting Actress

– Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown) 

– Ariana Grande (Wicked) 

– Felicity Jones (The Brutalist) 

– Isabella Rossellini (Conclave) 

– Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) 

Best Supporting Actor

– Yura Borisov (Anora) 

– Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) 

– Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown) 

– Guy Pearce (The Brutalist) 

– Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice) 

Best Director

– Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez) 

– Sean Baker (Anora) 

– Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) 

– Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) 

– James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) 

Best Adapted Screenplay

– A Complete Unknown – Jay Cocks and James Mangold 

– Conclave – Peter Straughan 

– Emilia Pérez – Jacques Audiard 

– Nickel Boys – RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes 

– Sing Sing – Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar 

Best Original Screenplay

– Anora – Sean Baker 

– The Brutalist – Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold 

– A Real Pain – Jesse Eisenberg 

– September 5 – Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David 

– The Substance – Coralie Fargeat 

Best Original Song

– “Never Too Late” – Elton John (Never Too Late) 

– “El Mal” – (Emilia Pérez) 

– “Mi Camino” – (Emilia Pérez) 

– “Like A Bird” – (Sing Sing) 

– “The Journey” – (The Six Triple Eight) 

Best Original Score

– The Brutalist 

– Conclave 

– Emilia Pérez 

– Wicked 

– The Wild Robot 

Best International Feature

– I’m Still Here (Brazil) 

– The Girl with the Needle (Denmark) 

– Emilia Pérez (France) 

– The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany) 

– Flow (Latvia) 

Best Animated Feature

– Flow 

– Inside Out 2 

– Memoir of a Snail 

– Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 

– The Wild Robot 

Best Documentary Feature

– Black Box Diaries 

– No Other Land 

– Porcelain War 

– Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat 

– Sugarcane 

Additional Technical and Creative Categories

Best Costume Design, Makeup, Production Design, Sound, and Visual Effects feature nominees including Wicked, Nosferatu, and Dune: Part Two, among others.

bbc.com

Saudi Arabia to Invest $600 Billion in U.S., Crown Prince Tells Trump

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Saudi Arabia to Invest $600 Billion in U.S., Crown Prince Tells Trump

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years during a phone call with President Donald Trump. The conversation, reported Thursday by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, marked Trump’s first call with a foreign leader since his inauguration.

“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of $600 billion, and potentially beyond that,” the agency’s statement said.

The announcement follows Trump’s suggestion that he might prioritize Saudi Arabia as his first international destination in his new term, echoing his decision in 2017 to make Riyadh his inaugural foreign trip as president.

Trump’s 2017 visit broke with the tradition of U.S. presidents traveling first to the United Kingdom and underscored his administration’s close ties with the Gulf monarchy. The visit also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance, as the kingdom’s sovereign wealth funds have taken significant stakes in American businesses and industries, including sports and technology.

The proposed investment coincides with Saudi Arabia’s reliance on U.S.-made weapons and defense systems, which could form a part of the pledge. Despite a shift in U.S. energy policies reducing dependence on Saudi oil, the two nations have continued to maintain strong economic and defense ties.

The White House issued a statement Thursday confirming the leaders discussed bolstering stability in the Middle East, enhancing regional security, and combating terrorism. They also touched on Saudi Arabia’s global economic ambitions and opportunities to enhance trade and mutual prosperity between the two nations.

The crown prince has focused on diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy, which has faced budgetary challenges due to fluctuating oil prices and ongoing megaprojects such as the $500 billion NEOM city in the Red Sea’s western desert. The kingdom also plans to construct stadiums and infrastructure ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

During his remarks on Monday, Trump hinted at revisiting Saudi Arabia for another state visit, saying, “I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our products. If they wanted to buy another $450 billion or $500 billion—adjusted for inflation—I’d probably go.”

Trump’s 2017 visit to Riyadh set the stage for major geopolitical shifts, including the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar and strengthened U.S.-Saudi ties despite controversies such as the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The proposed $600 billion investment underscores the kingdom’s bid to maintain and deepen its economic and strategic partnership with the United States.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

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Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

**A federal judge in Seattle temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship, calling it unconstitutional. The order sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents.**

A U.S. District Court judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order Thursday, blocking the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at limiting automatic birthright citizenship in the United States. Judge John Coughenour described the order as “blatantly unconstitutional” during the court proceedings.

The executive order, signed by Trump on his first day in office, directed federal agencies to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The ruling came in response to a legal challenge by four Democratic-led states: Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon.

Judge Coughenour, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, expressed disbelief at the government’s argument in defense of the order. “I am having trouble understanding how this order could be deemed constitutional,” he told Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate during the hearing.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown speaks during a news conference announcing that Washington will join a federal lawsuit to challenge President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The states argued that the executive order violated the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. “This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” Coughenour said before granting the restraining order.

Under Trump’s directive, children born in the U.S. after February 19 whose parents are neither citizens nor lawful permanent residents would be denied citizenship. They would also be ineligible for Social Security numbers, government benefits, and lawful employment as they grew older. The Democratic-led states estimated that the order would deny citizenship to over 150,000 newborns annually if implemented.

“This order effectively denies babies born today the right to U.S. citizenship,” argued Washington Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola during the proceedings.

The judge’s ruling temporarily blocks enforcement nationwide for 14 days while the court considers a preliminary injunction. Meanwhile, additional lawsuits challenging the order have been filed by civil rights groups and attorneys general from 22 states, describing the directive as a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868, guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil. It was enacted to overturn the 1857 Dred Scott decision, which denied constitutional protections to enslaved individuals. The Supreme Court cemented the interpretation of the Citizenship Clause 127 years ago, ruling that children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents are entitled to citizenship.

The Trump administration defended the order as an “integral part” of addressing immigration issues and the ongoing border crisis. Justice Department attorney Shumate argued the measure was constitutional and said blocking it would be “wildly inappropriate.”

Separately, 36 Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House introduced legislation supporting restrictions on automatic citizenship to children born only to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin Elected Irish Prime Minister After Chaotic Opposition Showdown

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Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin Elected Irish Prime Minister After Chaotic Opposition Showdown

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has been elected as Ireland’s prime minister after a tense two-day battle with opposition leaders. However, the ordeal highlighted significant cracks in his coalition, raising concerns about its stability.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald emerged strengthened after Martin conceded defeat in the first major confrontation of his government’s five-year term. McDonald’s party demanded a promise from Martin that lawmakers from the coalition’s smaller third component, the Regional Independents, would not be allowed to compete for speaking time with Sinn Féin.

Martin eventually agreed to the proposal after behind-the-scenes negotiations. McDonald praised the decision, noting that it acknowledges the need for clear differentiation between government and opposition roles.

“The government has now finally acknowledged that no TD can be both in government and opposition at the same time,” McDonald said in parliament, calling it a logical U-turn.

Despite this, Martin’s coalition continues to rely on the Regional Independents, whose support is crucial to maintaining a parliamentary majority. Under current rules, these independents are classified as opposition, but many have been appointed to ministerial roles within the government.

A new parliamentary committee will revise the operating rules for the Dáil Éireann to reflect the government’s unique structure. The revised rules will address how the Regional Independents, a group that includes many rural conservatives, are allotted speaking time in the legislative chamber.

The coalition’s stability depends heavily on the support of the Regional Independents. Following November’s election, Martin’s Fianna Fáil won 48 seats, while his partner Fine Gael secured 38, just short of a majority in the 174-seat Dáil. Rather than seek a left-wing alliance, Martin turned to rural independents, whose technical groups allow them to question government ministers.

However, Sinn Féin has targeted the coalition’s dependence on the Regional Independents, particularly focusing on influential member Michael Lowry. Lowry, a former government minister expelled over corruption allegations, has remained a prominent figure in North Tipperary despite the accusations.

Sinn Féin’s deputy leader Pearse Doherty criticized Lowry’s role in government formation, launching fresh allegations against him. He questioned why Martin, who once condemned Lowry, was now relying on him to maintain coalition support.

“If Sinn Féin can undermine Martin’s coalition, McDonald could regain her position as Taoiseach-in-waiting, a status she held before the formation of this government,” Doherty said. “Our day will come.”

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