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UK Expands Visa-Waiver Scheme to U.S., Canada, Australia

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UK Expands Visa-Waiver Scheme to U.S., Canada, Australia

The United Kingdom has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program to include travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia, as part of efforts to enhance border security.

The ETA system, which took effect Wednesday, allows eligible visitors to enter the UK with pre-travel authorization, according to AFP. The program, first introduced in 2023 with Qatar, costs £10 and permits stays of up to six months within a two-year period.

In 2023, the scheme expanded to cover citizens from five Gulf countries. It now includes visitors from 50 additional nations, such as Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Caribbean territories. Applications for these new countries opened last November, with travelers able to apply through an app.

By April, the UK government plans to extend the program to European Union countries and other territories. From March 5, travelers from these regions will also be eligible to apply for ETAs.

British and Irish citizens, as well as residents and passport holders from British overseas territories, remain exempt from the program. The system also does not alter visa requirements for countries like China and South Africa, which already require visas for UK entry.

London’s Heathrow Airport has criticized the scheme, claiming it has reduced transit passenger numbers, making the UK “less competitive” and impacting economic growth.

The UK’s ETA system draws parallels with the European Union’s upcoming ETIAS program, set to launch later this year. The EU’s version will apply to visa-exempt nationals visiting 30 countries, including the UK, and will cost €7 for three years.

The United States, Canada, and Australia account for around six million annual visitors to the UK, making this expansion a significant development for tourism and travel.

Romance Scam: Two Nigerians in the U.S. Face 40-Year Prison Sentence

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Romance Scam: Two Nigerians in the U.S. Face 40-Year Prison Sentence

Two Nigerian nationals, Olutayo Sunday Ogunlaja, 39, and Abel Adeyi Daramola, 37, face up to 20 years each in a United States federal prison after being convicted of orchestrating a $560,000 romance scam. 

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that the men were found guilty following a four-day trial and less than three hours of jury deliberation. A statement from U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, confirmed the conviction on Monday. 

According to the prosecution, the defendants initiated their fraudulent scheme in January 2016, using the fabricated identity “Glenn Brown” on the dating website eHarmony.com. They established a romantic relationship with a victim in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and, with accomplices, manipulated the victim into transferring significant amounts of money. 

Prosecutors said the victim was deceived into believing their financial assistance was necessary for “Glenn Brown” to complete a fictitious construction project in Malaysia and return safely to the U.S. 

The victim sent approximately $560,000 to accounts in the U.S., Canada, and Malaysia between January 2016 and April 2017. On September 27, 2016, $28,000 was wired to a Woodforest Bank account under the name “Daramola Cars.” Daramola then transferred $18,000 to a seafood importer in Denmark and issued a $14,000 check. 

Text messages and WhatsApp chats recovered from Daramola’s phone revealed his role in supplying bank accounts for fraudulent schemes. Ogunlaja’s involvement included using his Bank of America account to receive fraudulent funds, with instructions from “Glenn Brown” to accept $20,000 in cash deposits in March 2016. Ogunlaja later withdrew and transferred the funds to Daramola. 

This conviction follows a similar case where two Nigerians, Anthony Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, were sentenced to a combined 30 years in prison for defrauding U.S. citizens of $3.5 million through false inheritance claims. 

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office continue to pursue justice for victims of international fraud schemes, emphasizing the severity of such crimes. 

Joe Rogan Suggests Mexico Should Join U.S. Alongside Canada

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Joe Rogan Suggests Mexico Should Join U.S. Alongside Canada

Podcaster Joe Rogan made headlines Tuesday by suggesting that the United States should seek to absorb Mexico, alongside Canada, as part of an expanded union. Rogan, who shares his views with millions through his popular podcast, shared a screenshot of a post from President-elect Donald Trump, where Trump proposed making Canada the 51st U.S. state. On his Instagram page, Rogan added, “let Mexico in too,” fueling discussions on potential U.S. expansion.

Rogan’s comments come as the political conversation about U.S. territorial expansion gains momentum, particularly with Trump’s second presidential term approaching.

While it is unclear if Rogan was serious or joking, his influential platform, especially among Republican and young male listeners, adds weight to the idea, which has been a topic of interest for some in conservative circles.

Trump’s initial proposal, posted Monday, suggested that Canada would benefit from joining the U.S., citing potential economic advantages such as reduced tariffs and taxes, along with increased security from global threats.

Trump emphasized that many Canadians favored the idea, especially following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement.

“Together, what a great nation it would be!!!” Trump wrote, adding that such a merger would benefit both countries. The idea of U.S. expansion has also been discussed by Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., in recent weeks. Trump has previously expressed interest in purchasing Greenland and regaining control of the Panama Canal.

At a Mar-a-Lago press conference Tuesday, Trump also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” further emphasizing his views on U.S. expansion.

Rogan’s endorsement of the idea, paired with his mention of Mexico joining the U.S., follows the recent focus on immigration issues, with the incoming administration preparing to address the U.S.-Mexico border crisis.

While this remark gained attention, many Canadians responded to Rogan’s post with pride in their country’s independence, rejecting the notion of joining the U.S. despite their criticisms of Trudeau’s government.

Experts, including Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, have suggested that an economic union between Canada and the U.S. could be a more realistic approach, offering mutual benefits and greater security amid growing global tensions.

However, the likelihood of Mexico or Canada officially becoming U.S. states remains slim, as many lawmakers and academics have dismissed such ideas over the years.

Despite Trump’s previous interest in purchasing Greenland and regaining control of the Panama Canal, these expansionist proposals have largely been met with resistance and skepticism, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Source: newsweek.com

Thousands Flee Pacific Palisades Wildfire as J Lo’s Premiere is Canceled, Biden Alters Plans

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Thousands Flee Pacific Palisades Wildfire as J Lo’s Premiere is Canceled, Biden Alters Plans

A wildfire has swept through the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, triggering widespread evacuations and significant disruptions. The fire, which began around 10:30 a.m., quickly spread, burning over 300 acres in a matter of hours.

Firefighters described the blaze as the “worst possible scenario,” exacerbated by high winds and low humidity, which are contributing to extreme wildfire conditions.

As the fire moved rapidly westward, threatening luxury homes in the area, residents were urged to evacuate immediately. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services issued a “don’t wait, evacuate” order for the Pacific Palisades, an affluent neighborhood home to numerous A-list celebrities. Over 26,000 people are under evacuation orders, with more than 13,000 buildings at risk.

The fire forced the cancellation of the Hollywood premiere of Unstoppable, starring Jennifer Lopez, as emergency officials focused on the safety of residents. The Los Angeles Fire Department advised people in the area to pack all pets and loved ones and leave the region without delay.

Multiple areas, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, were closed to accommodate evacuations. Thick black smoke blanketed the region, complicating the evacuation efforts as miles of traffic clogged the streets.

President Joe Biden, who was scheduled to deliver remarks in the nearby Coachella Valley, canceled his plans due to the fire’s severity. Biden had been set to announce the creation of two national monuments protecting more than 848,000 acres of land from drilling and energy development.

The fire, fueled by Santa Ana winds, has spread to neighboring Santa Monica and continues to threaten nearby communities. Over 100 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is being described as a “blowtorch” by officials.

Actor James Woods shared a video showing flames approaching his home, while other footage showed homes engulfed in flames on Shadow Mountain Drive. The Pacific Palisades is known for its celebrity residents, including Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Brooke Shields.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department is urging all those in the region to prepare for potential evacuation and follow official instructions. The fire continues to burn as emergency responders work to control the devastating blaze.

Son-in-Law of Venezuelan Opposition Leader Gonzalez Kidnapped, He Says

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Son-in-Law of Venezuelan Opposition Leader Gonzalez Kidnapped, He Says

The son-in-law of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez was abducted by masked men early Tuesday and remains missing, Gonzalez said in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. 

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez

The opposition political party Primero Justicia, while not affiliated with Gonzalez, condemned the incident and accused officials of President Nicolas Maduro’s administration of orchestrating the kidnapping. The party did not provide evidence to support the claim. 

Venezuela’s Ministry of Information has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. 

Reuters

Venezuela Arrests Two U.S. Citizens Among Group of ‘Mercenaries,’ Maduro Claims

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Venezuela Arrests Two U.S. Citizens Among Group of ‘Mercenaries,’ Maduro Claims

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced Tuesday the arrest of two U.S. citizens, whom he described as “high-level mercenaries,” among a group of seven alleged foreign operatives. The arrests come just days before Maduro’s controversial inauguration for a third term following a disputed election in July. 

“Today, we captured seven foreign mercenaries, including two important mercenaries from the United States,” Maduro said during remarks at the Miraflores presidential palace. He did not provide additional evidence or details regarding the detainees. 

The group also reportedly includes two Colombians and three individuals whom Maduro claimed were veterans of the conflict in Ukraine. Their exact locations of capture and other details remain undisclosed. 

The U.S. State Department and Colombia’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Human rights groups in Venezuela have raised concerns about a recurring pattern of arrests, including detentions of foreign nationals. These developments follow the late-2023 release of dozens of prisoners, including 10 Americans, as part of a negotiated exchange between Caracas and Washington. In the same period, the U.S. released Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close Maduro ally. 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Maduro claimed that Venezuelan authorities have detained 125 “foreign mercenaries” from 25 countries in recent years, accusing them of engaging in terrorism against the Venezuelan population. 

The arrests coincide with opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez’s efforts to rally international support. Gonzalez, who has been recognized as the winner of the July election by the U.S. and several regional governments, is touring the region to solidify backing. 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated support for Gonzalez on Monday, calling him the “true winner” of the election. 

While Venezuela’s government-controlled electoral authority and Supreme Court declared Maduro the victor, they have yet to release detailed election data. Meanwhile, the opposition has shared thousands of voting receipts, allegedly accounting for over 80% of the vote and indicating a significant Gonzalez victory. 

Trudeau Rejects Trump’s Suggestion of Canada Becoming a U.S. State

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Trudeau Rejects Trump’s Suggestion of Canada Becoming a U.S. State

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday firmly rejected a suggestion by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state through economic coercion. 

“There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,” Trudeau said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.” 

Trump, speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, was asked whether he might consider using military force to acquire Canada. 

“No, economic force,” Trump replied. “Because Canada and the United States, that would really be something.” 

Trump, who has frequently criticized Canada’s trade surplus with the United States, called the border between the two countries an “artificially drawn line.” He also reiterated his intention to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, a significant move considering Canada sends 75% of its goods and services exports to the U.S. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly responded to Trump’s comments, stating, “President-elect Trump’s remarks show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country. We will never back down in the face of threats.” 

The dispute comes at a politically sensitive time for Canada. Trudeau announced Monday that he plans to step down in the coming months, bowing to pressure from his Liberal Party amid declining approval ratings. The next federal election, scheduled for October 2025, is widely expected to see a resounding victory for the opposition Conservatives. 

“Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country,” Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said in a post on X. 

Trump Refuses to Rule Out Force to Acquire Panama Canal, Greenland

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Trump Refuses to Rule Out Force to Acquire Panama Canal, Greenland

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday declined to rule out using military or economic force to acquire the Panama Canal and Greenland, underscoring a bold expansionist agenda that has sparked global backlash just weeks before his Jan. 20 inauguration. 

During a press conference at his Florida resort, Trump dismissed concerns about possible coercion, saying both territories are critical for U.S. economic security. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security,” Trump said. 

Trump has previously floated an offer to purchase Greenland, a self-governing part of Denmark, and has criticized the U.S. handover of the Panama Canal to Panama in 1999. His rhetoric has fueled concerns among allies over his unorthodox approach to foreign policy. 

Denmark and Panama quickly pushed back on Trump’s comments. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed Greenland’s status as not for sale, adding, “I don’t think it’s a good way forward to fight each other with financial means when we are close allies and partners.” 

Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha called Trump’s remarks unacceptable, stating, “The only hands that control the canal are Panamanian, and that’s how it will continue to be.” 

Trump also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and criticized American spending on Canadian goods and military aid. He described the U.S.-Canada border as an “artificially drawn line” and suggested Canada could become a U.S. state, provoking a strong response from Canadian officials. 

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Trump’s remarks displayed a “complete lack of understanding” about Canada’s sovereignty. “We will never back down in the face of threats,” Joly wrote on social media. 

Trump also proposed that NATO members increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP, up from the current 2% target. “They can all afford it, but they should be at 5%, not 2%,” he said, criticizing allies for what he views as insufficient contributions to the alliance. 

On the Middle East, Trump warned Hamas militants holding hostages abducted from Israel during the Oct. 7 attack to release them before his inauguration, threatening severe consequences. “It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone,” he said. 

The press conference, held in the ornate living room of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, echoed the defiance and grievances that defined his presidential campaign. Trump criticized ongoing legal proceedings against him, including an upcoming sentencing for falsifying business records in New York and a separate investigation into his handling of classified documents. 

As Trump outlined his vision, critics compared his foreign policy approach to “19th-century imperialism.” Ambassador Daniel Fried, a retired U.S. diplomat, said any attempt to seize Greenland would “destroy NATO” and undermine the United States’ standing on the global stage. 

Despite the backlash, Trump doubled down on his rhetoric, emphasizing his belief that U.S. power must be expanded. His controversial proposals, including the renaming of geographic features like the Gulf of Mexico, have raised alarm among allies and drawn sharp rebukes from foreign governments. 

Trump Proposes Renaming Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’

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President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” calling it a name with a “beautiful ring to it.” 

The proposal marks Trump’s latest bid to reshape geopolitical boundaries, following past remarks about Canada as the “51st State,” Denmark ceding Greenland, and Panama returning the Panama Canal. 

Since launching his first presidential campaign in 2016, Trump has frequently clashed with Mexico over border security, tariffs, and trade policies. During his tenure, his administration constructed or refurbished approximately 450 miles of wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. 

The Gulf of Mexico, often called the United States’ “Third Coast,” stretches across five southeastern states. Mexicans refer to the body of water as “El Golfo de México.” 

Renaming international bodies of water isn’t straightforward. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which oversees the uniform naming of global seas, oceans, and waterways, requires broad consensus for changes. 

While countries may use different names in domestic contexts, a unilateral change by the U.S. would not necessarily impact global usage. A similar precedent exists with the U.S. renaming Mount McKinley to Denali in 2015, which applied solely within national borders. 

The Gulf of Mexico’s name has been documented for over four centuries, likely deriving from the Native American city of “Mexico.” Attempts to rename portions of the Gulf have arisen before. In 2012, a Mississippi legislator proposed renaming state waters as the “Gulf of America” but later called the suggestion a joke. 

In 2010, comedian Stephen Colbert quipped that the Gulf should be renamed after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, saying, “We broke it, we bought it.” 

Trump’s announcement follows a history of global disputes over place names. For instance, South Korea contests Japan’s naming of the Sea of Japan, while Iran defends the “Persian Gulf” against alternative labels like the “Arabian Gulf.” 

While Trump’s proposal may reignite debate over the Gulf of Mexico’s name, significant international consensus would be required for formal adoption on a global scale.

Bangladesh Revokes Sheikh Hasina’s Passport Amid Allegations of Protest Crackdown

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Bangladesh Revokes Sheikh Hasina’s Passport Amid Allegations of Protest Crackdown

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, revoked the passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 96 others on Tuesday. The decision comes amid ongoing criminal proceedings linked to the violent crackdown on student protests in July and August 2024. 

Among the 97 individuals whose passports were revoked, 22 face charges of involvement in enforced disappearances, while 75 are accused of participating in killings during the protests. The move follows arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against Sheikh Hasina and 11 other officials on charges of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during her tenure. 

The tribunal has set a deadline of February 12, 2024, for Hasina and the other accused to be arrested and presented before the court. Key accused figures include Major General (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, Hasina’s former defense advisor; ex-Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed; and Ziaul Ahsan, former Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center. 

The crackdown on protests, which began over a controversial quota system in government jobs, resulted in widespread violence. Over 230 people were killed following the fall of the Hasina government, raising the death toll to more than 600 since the protests erupted in mid-July 2024. 

Hasina, the leader of the Awami League, left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, and has since sought refuge in India. The revocation of her passport is expected to complicate her stay in India and limit her ability to travel internationally. 

The interim government has intensified its investigations into alleged human rights violations under Hasina’s administration, aiming to hold those responsible accountable for the unrest and violence.

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