Two men behind a fake milk powder production ring allegedly paid US$150,000 as bribe after being exposed.

The Ministry of Public Security announced Monday that its Criminal Investigation Agency had initiated legal proceedings against Vu Manh Cuong and Hoang Manh Ha, the CEO and deputy CEO of Hacofood Group and Rance Pharma, for "bribery", Pham Gia Khai, former CEO of Vietnam Pharmaceutical JSC, for "brokering bribery" and Nguyen Van Quan for fraud and property embezzlement.

According to preliminary investigation, after their goods were temporarily seized by the environmental police in December last year, Ha and Cuong decided to bribe their way out.

Their goal was to get away with a fine rather than face criminal charges.


Cuong gave Ha $150,000, and he handed it over to Khai.

Khai gave the money to Quan to "settle" the matter, ensuring they do not face criminal charges for producing and selling fake goods.

Quan had falsely claimed to have connections with government authorities and individuals in power, suggesting he could reduce the severity of the legal consequences and prevent criminal prosecution.

Khai took him at his word and handed over the money, but Quan kept it for his personal use.

On April 10 the Criminal Investigation Agency charged Ha and Cuong along with four accomplices with the production and sale of fake food products and violating accounting regulations, resulting in serious consequences.

The fake milk powder production ring started operation in August 2021 when Ha and Cuong noticed the increasing demand for milk powder.

The falsely claimed their product included bird's nest extract, cordyceps, macca powder, and walnut powder.

The milk powder was distributed nationwide, primarily targeting people with diabetes, kidney disease, premature infants, and pregnant women.

The accused instructed their employees to replace the ingredients and add flavoring agents and additives.

The investigators determined that the quality of some substances in the milk powder was less than 70% of stated levels, sufficient to prove the product fake.

The suspects exploited a regulation that allows businesses to self-declare the quality, content, nutritional composition, and effects of their products.

By the time of their arrest on April 11, the ring was suspected of producing 573 types of fake milk powders, generating nearly VND500 billion (US$19.23 million) in revenues.

The police also discovered that Rance Pharma and Hacofood had underreported their actual revenues in their records to evade tax worth more than VND28 billion.

The Criminal Investigation Agency believes there is enough evidence to prove 12 varieties of milk powders are counterfeit products. The investigation into the remaining 72 is ongoing.

The 12 include COLOS IQ FOR MUM, COLOS IQ DIABETES, ARIFA A+ ProGold, KENMIL PREMIUM PEDIA GOAT, and Kodo A+ Starter Colostrum 1.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

Ten suspects went on trial in Paris on Monday over the 2016 robbery of the U.S. celebrity Kim Kardashian, which saw some US$10 million worth of jewellery stolen from the reality TV star and influencer.


U.S. celebrity Kim Kardashian. Photo from Kardashian's Instagram

Kardashian, 44, was traumatized and left Paris hours after the robbery on the night of Oct. 2-3, 2016. She was not in court for the start of the trial but is due to testify on May 13 in a highly anticipated appearance.

Those on trial are mainly men in their 60s and 70s with previous criminal records and underworld nicknames like "Old Omar" and "Blue Eyes" that recall the old-school French gangsters of 1960s and 1970s films noirs.

The lawyer for one of the victims is eager to dispel the image of "kind old men" on trial.

"We need to end this myth of friendly, Robin Hood-style pensioners," said Henri de Beauregard, who represents the night receptionist forced to accompany the robbers.

The nine men and one woman on trial, while charged in connection with the robbery, are not currently in custody.

Kardashian, then 35, was threatened with a gun to the head and tied up with her mouth taped up. The theft was the biggest against a private individual in France in the past 20 years.

The trial will also go into how the perpetrators received the information as to where Kardashian was staying during Paris Fashion Week, and picked the very moment when her bodyguard was absent, accompanying her sister Kourtney to a night club.

It is thought Kardashian's frequent posts about her wealth, personal life and whereabouts may have facilitated the perpetrators' actions.

Haul never recovered

The star was staying at an exclusive hotel in central Paris favored by celebrities when two armed and masked men stormed into her room at around 3:00 a.m. after arriving at the establishment by bicycle.

They shouted that they wanted the diamond engagement ring from her now ex-husband, the U.S. rapper Kayne West.

Kardashian had been showing it off on her social media channels -- it alone was valued at $4 million (3.5 million euros).

They made off with the ring among $10 million worth of jewels.

The only item recovered was a diamond necklace dropped in the street while the thieves escaped.

It all lasted just 10 minutes, with Kardashian's bodyguard arriving to rescue his client after he was alerted.

The suspects were arrested three months after the robbery, through DNA evidence.

But the gold seized was apparently melted down and investigators, who took hundreds of thousands of euros from the suspects when they were arrested, believe that much of the stolen haul was sold in Belgium.

'Easy' heist

Twelve suspects were charged, with 10 going on trial on Monday. One died in March this year and another is to be tried separately for health reasons.

"It wasn't a major armed robbery" but an "easy" heist, said the main suspect, Aomar Ait Khedache, 68, known as "Old Omar". His DNA from the scene helped investigators find him and the co-defendants.

He admitted tying up Kardashian, but disputes investigators' claims that he was the mastermind behind the robbery.

He says he was approached by an unnamed "sponsor" who suggested the scheme on behalf of an "informant" very close to the star, who then gave them the green light.

According to his lawyer, Khedache now has severe hearing and speaking problems and can only express himself in writing.

Presiding judge David De Pas began the hearing by swearing in the stenographers who will transcribe the trial for his benefit.

Another key suspect is Didier Dubreucq, 69, known as "Blue Eyes", accused of being the second person who stormed into Kardashian's room. He denies the charges.

Yunice Abbas, 71, meanwhile stayed in the lobby while the two other men went up to her room, it is alleged.

He controversially sought to capitalize on the crime by writing a book titled: "I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian".

Others on trial are accused of being facilitators and informants, including Gary Madar, the brother of Kardashian's long-serving Paris driver.

He is accused of supplying information about her movements, which he denies.

As the first day of the trial came to a close, most defendants denied the charges, with Aomar Ait Khedadche writing "NO" on a piece of paper.

Yunice Abbas, however, admitted he "took part".

"But kidnapping and false imprisonment are not in my vocabulary. I don't do that," he said.

The trial is due to last until May 23.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

Vietnam busts Chinese group scamming Japanese shoppers on fake e-commerce sites


Xing Yannank, the suspected mastermind of a Chinese scam group in Ho Chi Minh City, is arrested by the police. Photo courtesy of the police

A group of Chinese nationals operating out of Vietnam have been arrested for running an online scam that defrauded Japanese victims of nearly US$500,000 through fake e-commerce platforms and cryptocurrency schemes.

Police of Ho Chi Minh City on April 29 detained Xing Yannank, 35, along with 30 other Chinese and Vietnamese suspects, for allegedly using telecommunications networks and electronic devices to commit large-scale fraud.

A coordinated raid on six locations across the city uncovered hundreds of phones, laptops, and tablets, along with a bag of methamphetamine.

According to investigators, the suspects had entered Vietnam via various border crossings over a three-month period and settled in upscale neighborhoods in the city. They operated out of a three-story house in the Khang Dien residential area, disguised as a convenience store called Viet Hoa.

Inside, officers discovered a full-scale cybercrime operation. Using social media platforms, the group allegedly targeted Japanese users, luring them into investing or purchasing from fake e-commerce sites. Victims were instructed to transfer payments in cryptocurrency or Japanese yen to designated accounts, only for the scammers to cut off contact once funds were received.

Police say the syndicate also promoted fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes, with all illicit proceeds managed by ringleader Xing. Members of the group reportedly earned up to VND50 million ($1,922) per month, plus performance bonuses.

In just two months, the operation is believed to have defrauded Japanese victims of over USDT486,000 ($486,138), with Xing personally receiving more than USDT38,000.

An investigation is ongoing.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

A federal judge has criticized the Trump administration for likely deporting a 2-year-old U.S. citizen without following due legal procedures. The child, identified in court as “V.M.L.,” was deported alongside her mother, despite constitutional protections for U.S. citizens.

Judge Terry A. Doughty stated that deporting, detaining, or even recommending deportation of a U.S. citizen is both illegal and unconstitutional. He expressed concern that the young girl may have been removed from the country unlawfully and has scheduled a court hearing for May 19 to investigate further.

The incident occurred when V.M.L.’s mother, Jenny Carolina Lopez Villela, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a scheduled appointment in New Orleans on April 22. Villela was with her two daughters, including V.M.L. and an older sibling, at the time of her arrest.

Trish Mack, acting on behalf of the child’s father, filed court documents alleging that he could hear his daughter and her mother crying during a phone call after their detention. He reportedly reminded Villela that V.M.L. is a U.S. citizen and, therefore, could not be legally deported.

Despite this, government lawyers argued that Villela, who has legal custody of the child, expressed her desire for V.M.L. to accompany her to Honduras. The prosecution added that the father, who claims custody rights, failed to appear before ICE when asked.

In their defense, officials claimed that V.M.L. was not harmed by being taken to Honduras because she remains a U.S. citizen and is not barred from returning to the United States. They insisted it was in her best interest to stay with her mother, who holds lawful custody.

Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor the Department of Justice provided immediate comments on the case.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the case—and another similar one—a troubling misuse of government power. The organization emphasized that ICE has internal policies requiring coordination for the care of minor children, even if their caregivers are undocumented.

This controversy comes as former President Donald Trump has made headlines with controversial remarks suggesting that some violent U.S. citizen criminals should be deported to prisons in El Salvador—an idea legal experts and civil rights advocates have strongly condemned as unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court has also recently intervened in another case, ordering the Trump administration to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported to El Salvador in violation of a protective court order issued prior to his removal.

Both green and black grapes are excellent sources of essential nutrients and antioxidants, but each type provides unique health benefits. While they share some similarities, their differences in nutritional composition and taste can make one more suitable for certain health goals than the other.

Black grapes are particularly rich in powerful antioxidants such as resveratrol, which is primarily found in the skin of the grapes. Resveratrol is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is believed to support heart and brain health, and some studies have even suggested that it may slow down the aging process. Additionally, black grapes contain other beneficial nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and natural sugars like fructose. These compounds collectively help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.

According to WebMD and other health sources, black grapes also contain a compound called pterostilbene. This antioxidant, in combination with resveratrol, has shown promising results in laboratory studies for combating obesity. These findings highlight black grapes as a potentially valuable fruit for maintaining metabolic health and supporting long-term wellness.

On the other hand, green grapes come with their own set of health advantages. They are packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, fiber, and flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Green grapes also provide natural sugars such as glucose and fructose, making them a quick source of energy.

Health experts point out that green grapes may aid in managing body weight and controlling blood pressure. Their flavonoid content has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, and they are often recommended for people looking to maintain a healthy diet or regulate their blood pressure more effectively.

When choosing between green and black grapes, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and health priorities. Those looking for a sweeter fruit with potent antioxidant benefits may lean towards black grapes. Meanwhile, individuals aiming to manage their weight or support cardiovascular health might prefer the tart and energizing qualities of green grapes.

Regardless of which variety you choose, incorporating grapes into your diet can be a flavorful and nutritious way to boost your overall well-being. Both types offer a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Fires continued to rage on Sunday following a devastating explosion that struck Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaee, on Saturday. The blast claimed at least 18 lives and injured around 800 people, according to Iranian state media. The port, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of global oil supply flows—was rocked by what authorities believe was a fire-induced explosion at a hazardous materials storage depot.

Iranian officials said multiple containers exploded in the wharf area, with state-run TV identifying the likely source as sodium perchlorate, a chemical used in missile fuel. The shockwave damaged many port buildings and was felt up to 50 kilometers away. Live footage on Sunday showed dense black smoke still billowing from the site as helicopters worked to douse the flames.

Emergency services transferred hundreds of the injured to hospitals, and calls for blood donations were issued. Three Chinese nationals were among those lightly injured. In response to the scale of the disaster and widespread air pollution, all schools and offices in the nearby city of Bandar Abbas were closed.

President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered a full investigation, while Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni confirmed the deployment of emergency teams from Tehran and other cities. Images from the scene showed blood-stained vehicles, wrecked infrastructure, and charred cargo.

International reactions included condolences from Saudi Arabia and an expression of solidarity from the UAE. Iran’s oil distribution company assured the public that the explosion did not impact its operations.

The disaster coincided with sensitive diplomatic talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program. It also follows a string of deadly industrial incidents in the country, including a fatal coal mine explosion last year.

Canadian authorities have charged a 30-year-old Vancouver man, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, with eight counts of second-degree murder after he drove an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino community festival, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more. The tragic incident unfolded Saturday evening in Vancouver's Sunset neighborhood, where the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party was taking place. The death toll may still rise, as several of the injured remain in critical condition.

Lo, who has a known history of mental health issues, was arrested at the scene after bystanders chased him down and detained him until police arrived. Investigators have so far found no evidence of terrorism or a specific motive, and more charges are expected as the investigation progresses.

“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” said Vancouver Interim Police Chief Steve Rai. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and British Columbia Premier David Eby both expressed grief and solidarity with the victims’ families and the broader Filipino community. “We are in incredible pain,” said Mable Elmore, a Filipino-Canadian lawmaker who attended the event.

The attack came just after a concert featuring Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap, and witnesses described scenes of chaos and horror, with bodies strewn across the road and food trucks. The SUV—a black Audi—left a trail of destruction before being stopped.

This mass casualty event is among the deadliest in Canada in recent years and has prompted questions about festival security, as the event lacked a police presence or vehicle barriers. Authorities are continuing their investigation while providing support to victims and their families.

On Monday, authorities in Daegu, South Korea, ordered the evacuation of over 1,200 residents after fierce winds fueled a fast-moving wildfire, forcing the temporary closure of a major highway. The fire broke out around 2 p.m. local time (0500 GMT) and rapidly spread across approximately 50 hectares (123.6 acres) within two hours, driven by dry weather and persistent gusts, according to a statement from the Korea Forest Service.

Although no injuries or fatalities have been reported, the situation prompted serious concern due to the fire’s proximity to residential areas and key infrastructure. The Gyeongbu Expressway, one of the country’s busiest highways, had to be shut down as a precautionary measure.

To combat the blaze, 26 helicopters and over 200 firefighting personnel were dispatched. Firefighters are racing to contain the flames and protect nearby communities from potential destruction.

This incident follows on the heels of South Korea’s most devastating wildfire earlier this year in March, which claimed nearly 30 lives and destroyed culturally significant sites, including centuries-old temples.

A massive and unprecedented power outage crippled much of Spain and Portugal on Monday, plunging the Iberian Peninsula into chaos by cutting off electricity, internet access, and mobile networks for millions. The blackout disrupted transportation, stranded tens of thousands, and left authorities scrambling to determine the cause.

At exactly 12:33 p.m., Spain’s national power grid abruptly lost 15 gigawatts of electricity—about 60% of the country’s total demand—in just five seconds, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. “We have never experienced a total systems collapse like this,” he stated in a national address.

Eduardo Prieto, head of operations at Spain’s national grid operator Red Eléctrica, described the event as “exceptional and extraordinary.” By 11 p.m., power had been restored to roughly half of the country, and Sánchez assured citizens that full electricity would return by the end of Tuesday.

The outage paralyzed Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona, and other major cities. Train services came to a sudden halt, forcing emergency responders to evacuate more than 35,000 passengers from over 100 stalled trains across Spain. As late as Monday night, passengers on 11 trains were still awaiting evacuation.

Public transport collapsed, with subways shut down and buses either delayed or overcrowded. In Madrid, hundreds of people tried hitchhiking to the airport, holding handmade signs to flag down passing drivers. “I’ve been here almost three hours, just trying to get to the airport,” said Jessica Fernández, visibly distressed. “This is terrifying.”

Cellular networks were severely impacted, leaving most people unable to call or message others. Even ATMs and gas stations ceased to function. Emergency services and hospitals ran on backup generators. Citizens began using battery-powered radios to follow the news.

The widespread disruption raised fears of sabotage or a cyberattack, but both Portuguese and EU officials said there was no evidence of foul play. Portugal’s National Cybersecurity Center ruled out hacking, while EU energy commissioner Teresa Ribera called the incident “one of the most serious power failures in Europe in recent memory.”

Although the cause remains unknown, Spain is pulling electricity from neighboring Morocco and France to stabilize the grid. The government also ramped up output from hydroelectric and thermal power plants. Sánchez said the military would deploy generators and aid to the most affected areas.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro held an emergency cabinet meeting and maintained regular contact with Sánchez, expressing hope that full power would be restored by the end of the day. Portuguese officials indicated that the outage may have originated from outside their borders.

While mainland Spain and Portugal were affected, the blackout did not extend to the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, or Spain’s North African territories, Ceuta and Melilla.

Nine people have been sentenced to death in Vietnam for their involvement in a major transnational drug trafficking operation that smuggled over 91 kilograms of narcotics from Cambodia into the country. The Ho Chi Minh City People's Court handed down the verdicts on Saturday, with Tran Hoang Tin, 39, named as the ringleader of the highly organized network.

Tin, along with La Gia Cuong, 55, and seven other individuals, received the death penalty for drug trafficking, while Cuong also faced charges of illegal drug storage.

According to court findings, Tin managed the group’s cross-border operations, maintaining contact with suppliers and collaborators in both Vietnam and Cambodia. In October 2022, he bought 10 drug packages hidden in six air purifiers from Pham Thi Kim Phung in Cambodia, intending to resell them to a buyer named Cao Thien Phuoc. However, when Phuoc rejected the shipment due to poor quality, Tin switched suppliers and began sourcing drugs from Cuong, continuing to use household items like air purifiers and motorbikes to smuggle the substances.

The investigation later found that Tin also obtained narcotics from Nguyen Van Can to distribute throughout Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Thuan Province. Can was arrested on April 9, 2023, with more than 21 kilograms of drugs hidden in various vehicles. Additional searches of properties linked to the group uncovered another 30 kilograms of narcotics.

Authorities reported that between December 2022 and April 2023, the network trafficked over 91 kilograms of illegal drugs. Tin alone reportedly earned illicit profits of around VND1.3 billion (approximately US$49,958) during that period.

Some devoted mourners began gathering as early as the previous night, enduring long hours just to secure a spot for the historic funeral ceremony. By the time proceedings officially started at 10:00 a.m. local time (0900 GMT), authorities estimated that approximately 150,000 people had packed into St. Peter’s Square and the adjoining streets.

A wave of cheers and applause swept through the crowd as the pope’s simple coffin, made according to his wishes, was carried solemnly from St. Peter’s Basilica into the vast, sunlit square.
Before the public ceremony began, over 50 heads of state had quietly filed into the Basilica to offer their private respects to the beloved Argentine pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Notable attendees included Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Britain's Prince William, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Ukrainian sources, Zelensky even had a side meeting with Donald Trump, underscoring the significance of the global gathering that accompanied the pope’s farewell.

Pope Francis, who served as the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 transformative years, was widely regarded for his efforts to guide the ancient institution toward greater openness and inclusivity. His death triggered heartfelt tributes and mourning across the world, cutting across religious and national lines.

"He wasn't merely a religious leader; he embodied humanity itself," said Andrea Ugalde, a 39-year-old Catholic who flew in all the way from Los Angeles to pay her final respects to the pope she dearly admired.

Given the magnitude of the event, Italian and Vatican security forces orchestrated an enormous protective operation. Snipers were positioned on surrounding rooftops, fighter jets stood ready, and security personnel blanketed the area.
Despite the heavy security presence and the size of the crowd, the atmosphere remained largely reverent and subdued as people watched the solemn proceedings unfold on several large screens scattered around the square.

Among the many who endured the overnight wait was Gabriela Lazo, a 41-year-old woman from Peru, who explained, "We spent the whole night in the car with our children just to be here. We feel such sorrow because having a pope from South America made us feel so deeply connected."

The funeral marked the beginning of a formal nine-day mourning period within the Vatican. After this period of remembrance concludes, the College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect the new pope, tasked with leading the world’s estimated 1.4 billion Catholics into a new chapter.

A Global Diplomatic Event

While Pope Francis inspired love and admiration across much of the globe, his papacy also stirred controversy. His outspoken criticisms of issues like the mistreatment of migrants and the environmental destruction caused by human negligence sometimes drew the ire of political leaders and conservative factions within the Church.

Nevertheless, his magnetic personal warmth and commitment to the marginalized earned him respect that transcended political divisions.

Despite their rocky past—particularly over Trump’s immigration policies, which had drawn sharp criticism from Francis—the former U.S. president made the journey to Rome, accompanied by his wife Melania. Trump praised Francis as "a good man" who "loved the world."

Trump's presence at the funeral also had broader implications. It was his first official trip abroad since starting his second term, and he found himself surrounded by world leaders eager to discuss pressing matters like the ongoing trade wars he had initiated.

Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, was also present, standing alongside an array of international dignitaries such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Lebanon’s Army Chief Joseph Aoun.

However, not all countries were equally represented. Israel, unhappy with Francis's outspoken criticism of its military operations in Gaza, limited its delegation to the ambassador to the Holy See. Meanwhile, China—still lacking formal diplomatic ties with the Vatican—opted not to send any representative at all.

The Humble Ending of a Humble Pontiff

Pope Francis’s final days were marked by declining health, ultimately succumbing to a stroke and heart failure less than a month after he had been discharged from the hospital, where he had spent weeks battling pneumonia.

Throughout his papacy, Francis placed a special emphasis on connecting with ordinary people. He was often seen in crowds taking selfies, blessing children, and offering spontaneous embraces. His preference was always for the "peripheries" — the places and people overlooked by traditional centers of Catholic power.

Even in his final public act, just one day before his passing, he remained faithful to this mission. He delivered a heartfelt Easter blessing that once again emphasized care for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the countless migrants displaced around the world.

From the very beginning of his papacy, Francis had made it clear he wanted to lead a simpler Church. He chose the name "Francis" after Saint Francis of Assisi, who had famously championed the poor and rejected material wealth.
In keeping with this ethos, Francis eschewed the grand papal apartments in favor of a modest guesthouse and consistently dressed in plain, simple robes.

For his burial, Francis specifically requested to be interred not within the Vatican’s grand tombs but instead in Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s most beloved churches, outside the Vatican walls—a first for a pope in more than a century. His coffin would be a simple wooden one, resting in a plain marble tomb.

The funeral was an appropriately grand yet respectful affair, attended by 224 cardinals, 750 bishops and priests, and hundreds of political leaders and dignitaries.

Catholic communities around the world tuned in to live broadcasts of the funeral, with especially large gatherings seen in Buenos Aires, the city where Jorge Mario Bergoglio first rose to prominence before becoming Pope Francis.

"He showed us another way to live our faith," said Lara Amado, 25, reflecting the transformative effect the late pope had on millions around the world.

Following the funeral mass, Francis’s coffin would be transported via Rome’s historic Fori Imperiali, passing by ancient ruins and the iconic Colosseum, on its way to Santa Maria Maggiore. There, as a final tribute to his lifelong mission of humility, a group of "the poor and needy" would be present to greet the arrival of his hearse.

A Revolutionary Legacy

Francis's impact on the Catholic Church was profound. His followers believe he fundamentally altered how the Church is perceived, particularly after decades of damage caused by widespread clerical sexual abuse scandals.

He courageously opened new doors by permitting divorced Catholics to receive communion, allowing the baptism of transgender believers, blessing same-sex couples, and, famously, stating that he would not judge gay individuals seeking God — a stance that stunned and encouraged many.

Yet, despite his progressive leanings, he remained steadfast on traditional Catholic teachings regarding abortion, refusing to compromise the Church’s historic position.

One of his earliest symbolic acts as pope was traveling to Lampedusa, a small Italian island that had become a grim symbol of the Mediterranean migrant crisis.
Later, he made another poignant visit to the Greek island of Lesbos, personally flying 12 refugees back to Rome as a demonstration of solidarity.

Fittingly, among the thousands in attendance at his funeral were several of the very refugees whose lives he had touched.

Carrot juice is a nutrient-packed drink offering many health benefits, from boosting vision to supporting heart and liver health.
According to Healthline, carrot juice—made from whole carrots—is rich in potassium, vitamin C, and provitamin A, making it a great addition to a balanced diet when consumed moderately.

A cup (236 ml) delivers:

Over 250% of daily vitamin A needs

Significant vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium

Powerful antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin that protect cells.

Eight science-backed benefits of carrot juice:

Supports Eye Health: Beta carotene turns into vitamin A, protecting vision and reducing risks of blindness and age-related eye issues.

Boosts Immunity: High in vitamins A, C, and B6, strengthening immune function.

May Have Anticancer Properties: Compounds may inhibit certain cancer cells (based on early lab and animal studies).

Supports Blood Sugar Control: Low glycemic index and helps regulate blood sugar (especially fermented and purple carrot juices).

Promotes Healthy Skin: Vitamin C aids collagen production; beta carotene protects against UV damage.

Benefits Heart Health: Potassium helps lower blood pressure; antioxidants reduce heart disease risks.

Supports Liver Function: Carotenoids may protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Improves Digestion: Fiber and water content help prevent constipation and keep digestion smooth.

⚡ Note: Drink in moderation. Overconsumption can cause carotenemia (harmless yellow-orange skin tint).
Carrot juice should complement, not replace, a diet full of whole fruits and vegetables.

President Donald Trump has ordered sharper scrutiny of America's colleges and the accreditors that oversee them, part of his escalating campaign to end what he calls "wokeness" and diversity efforts in education.
In a series of executive actions signed Wednesday, Trump targeted universities that he views as liberal adversaries to his political agenda. One order called for harder enforcement of a federal law requiring colleges to disclose their financial ties with foreign sources, while another called for a shakeup of the accrediting bodies that decide whether colleges can accept federal financial aid awarded to students.

Trump also ordered the Education Department to root out efforts to ensure equity in discipline in the nation's K-12 schools. Previous guidance from Democratic administrations directed schools not to disproportionately punish underrepresented minorities such as Black and Native American students. The administration says equity efforts amount to racial discrimination.

Foreign money is at issue in clash with Harvard

Colleges' financial ties with foreign sources have long been a concern among Republicans, especially ties with China and other countries with adversarial relationships with the U.S. It became a priority during Trump's first term and reemerged last week as the White House grasped for leverage in its escalating battle with Harvard University.

The White House said it needed to take action because Harvard and other colleges have routinely violated a federal disclosure law, which has been unevenly enforced since it was passed in the 1980s. Known as Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, the law requires colleges to disclose foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more.

Last week, the Education Department demanded records from Harvard over foreign financial ties spanning the past decade, accusing the school of filing "incomplete and inaccurate disclosures." Trump's administration is sparring with Harvard over the university's refusal to accept a list of demands over its handling of pro-Palestinian protests as well as its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

In the executive order, Trump calls on the Education Department and the attorney general to step up enforcement of the law and take action against colleges that violate it, including a cutoff of federal money.

The Trump administration intends to "end the secrecy surrounding foreign funds in American educational institutions" and protect against "foreign exploitation," the order said.

It was applauded by Republicans, including Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. He accused China of exploiting academic ties to steal research and "indoctrinate students."

Accreditors ordered to drop DEI

Another order aims at accrediting bodies that set standards colleges must meet to accept federal financial aid from students. Trump campaigned on a promise to overhaul the industry, saying it was "dominated by Marxist Maniacs and lunatics."

Often overlooked as an obscure branch of college oversight, accreditors play an important role in shaping colleges in many aspects, with standards that apply all the way from colleges' governing boards to classroom curriculum.

Trump's executive order is the opening salvo in what could be a lengthy battle to overhaul the accrediting industry. Chief among his priorities is to strip accreditors of DEI requirements imposed on colleges. Some accreditors have already dropped or stopped enforcing such standards amid Trump's DEI crackdown.

Trump's order calls on the government to suspend or terminate accreditors that discriminate in the name of DEI. Instead, it calls on accreditors to focus more squarely on the student outcomes of colleges and programs they oversee.

The president wants to make it easier for new accreditors to compete with the 19 that are now authorized to work on behalf of the federal government. As it stands, new accreditors looking to be recognized by the government must undergo an arduous process that traditionally takes years. Trump's order said it should be "transparent, efficient, and not unduly burdensome."

"Instead of pushing schools to adopt a divisive DEI ideology, accreditors should be focused on helping schools improve graduation rates and graduates' performance in the labor market," Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.

De-emphasizing equity in school discipline

Trump also invoked opposition to equity efforts in his order on school discipline. The edict signed Wednesday seeks a return to "common sense school discipline," allowing decisions to be based solely on students' behavior and actions, McMahon said.

Another executive order instructs government agencies and departments to no longer rely on "disparate impact theories." Under the disparate impact standard, policies and practices that disproportionately impact minorities and other protected groups could be challenged regardless of their intent.

In many schools around the country, Black students have been more likely to receive punishments that remove them from the classroom, including suspensions, expulsions and being transferred to alternative schools. A decade ago, those differences became the target of a reform movement spurred by the same reckoning that gave rise to Black Lives Matter. The movement elevated the concept of the "school-to-prison pipeline" — the notion that being kicked out of school, or dropping out, increases the chance of arrest and imprisonment years later.

Federal guidelines to address racial disparities in school discipline first came from President Barack Obama's administration in 2014. Federal officials urged schools not to suspend, expel or refer students to law enforcement except as a last resort, and encouraged restorative justice practices that did not push students out of the classroom. Those rules were rolled back by Trump's first administration, but civil rights regulations at federal and state levels still mandate the collection of data on discipline.

On Wednesday, Trump directed McMahon to issue new school discipline guidance within 60 days. The order also calls for a review of nonprofit organizations that have promoted discipline policies rooted in equity and ensure they don't receive federal money.

Another order creates a federal task force focused on giving America's students training on artificial intelligence as early as kindergarten. It would work to develop new online learning resources.

Trump is also establishing a White House initiative to empower Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Among other efforts, it would seek to promote private-sector partnerships with HBCUs and schools' workforce preparation in industries like technology and finance.

When 25-year-old biology student Yao had her PhD enrollment deferred due to funding cuts at a U.S. university, she became one of many Chinese students rethinking the American dream.
Visa revocations and university funding cuts by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump have become a source of anxiety for international students. Those from China face additional challenges due to Washington's trade war with Beijing and the increasing vilification of Chinese citizens, students and industry insiders said.

"I used to think politics was far away from me, but this year I really felt the impact of politics on international students," Chicago-based Yao said, declining to give the name of her prospective university.

China had accounted for the biggest international student body in the U.S. for 15 years, until it was overtaken by India last year. The economic impact of Chinese students on the American economy was $14.3 billion in 2023, according to Open Doors data.

But within the United States, the community has been portrayed as a national security threat - likened to spies sent across by the Chinese Communist Party - and threatened with proposed legislation that could bar them from universities.

Reuters spoke to 15 Chinese students, eight of whom were in the U.S., who said the compounded issues have spiked safety concerns and intensified financial constraints, forcing them to rethink their American dream.

Since Trump returned to the White House, more than 4,700 students have been deleted from a U.S. immigration database, making them vulnerable to deportation.

Chinese students have accounted for 14% of 327 visa revocation reports collected so far by the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Branded spies

Last month, the U.S. House's select committee on China sent letters to six universities requesting information on enrollment policies for Chinese students in advanced STEM programs, and questioning their involvement in federally funded research.

Committee chairman John Moolenaar wrote America's student visa system had become "a Trojan horse for Beijing" that provided unrestricted access to top research institutions and posed a national security threat.

China's foreign ministry urged the U.S. to "stop brandishing national security as a false pretext" for discriminatory and restrictive measures targeting its students.

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have also proposed the "Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act" that would halt student visas for Chinese nationals.

New York-based non-profit Committee of 100, a grouping of prominent Chinese Americans, has said the bill betrays American values and weakens the U.S.'s leadership in science, technology and innovation.

Duke University Professor Chen Yiran said the idea that Chinese students rush home to help Beijing compete with the U.S. was a fallacy.

"Most of them still want to stay in the U.S.," Chen said. "They're from middle-class families, they pay the millions (in yuan) for these few years, they want to get the investment back."

Universities outside the U.S. have since reported increased interest.

Looking elsewhere

Italy's Bocconi University has received many queries from students, its Greater China country manager Summer Wu said.

"Many students said because of (the political situation), they're looking more at other countries, because they don't know what will happen if they go to the U.S.," she said.

Institutions in the U.S. and United Kingdom were also facing competition from Chinese universities that have shot up in global rankings in recent years.

"The growing reputation of China's domestic universities as well as an increase in funding for research and development is making Chinese institutions more attractive," said Pippa Ebel who authored a report on Chinese students for British education think tank HEPI.

The U.S. remains China's most-searched destination on Keystone Education Group's websites, but interest dropped 5% since Trump's additional tariffs announcement, with searches for doctoral programs declining 12%.

Trump's 145% tariffs on Beijing will impact $400 billion worth of goods sold by Chinese producers in the U.S. market annually and compound slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy.

"China may be more sensitive to shifts in economic conditions and international policies ... affecting household budgets and the overall affordability of pursuing a U.S. education," Keystone's insights director Mark Bennett said.

In Hong Kong, visa arrangements that allow graduates to stay and seek employment have made the city a popular destination, the Chinese University of Hong Kong said.

Li is one such student. After three years in New York, she decided not to embark on the arduous U.S. Green Card application process and chose to move to Hong Kong for graduate school and work.

"When I realized that there could be other possibilities in my life, I was not so frustrated with what I have now," Li said.

A man who posed as a wealthy shopper to steal luxury jewelry and fashion items valued at nearly VND3 billion (approximately US$38,420) from two high-end stores in downtown Ho Chi Minh City has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Court on Thursday found Phan Van Chien, 33, guilty of theft after a string of calculated shoplifting incidents earlier this year. The court noted that while Chien had a history of theft, he received a reduced sentence because he confessed honestly, returned all the stolen goods, and came from a family with historical contributions to the Vietnamese revolution.

In court, Chien admitted to his crimes and explained his motivations. He said he had grown up in a wealthy household and was accustomed to an extravagant lifestyle, regularly indulging in high-end shopping. However, after his family encountered financial hardship in early 2024, he resorted to theft to maintain that lifestyle and sell items for quick cash.

The first theft occurred on January 21, 2024, when Chien walked into the Tiffany & Co. store on Dong Khoi Street in District 1. Dressed elegantly to match the store’s clientele, he was invited into a VIP room, where staff presented him with several pieces of fine jewelry. Pretending to be a serious buyer, Chien distracted the staff with questions and, at the right moment, quietly slipped three diamond-studded bracelets worth VND2.6 billion into his bag. He then excused himself, claiming he needed to take a phone call, and quickly exited the store.

Just days later, Chien returned to the same shopping center, this time targeting the Hermès store. Using a similar tactic, he asked to view luxury wallets and purses and continued requesting more items to keep the staff busy. While they were distracted, he discreetly placed three wallets, collectively valued at VND450 million, into his bag. Again, he used the excuse of needing to take a phone call to make a quick getaway.

The thefts were eventually reported to the police in District 1, who reviewed surveillance footage from both incidents. Investigators identified Chien as the suspect and arrested him shortly afterward. The stolen goods were recovered at the time of his arrest.

Despite the premeditated nature of his crimes, Chien’s cooperation with authorities and the return of all stolen items factored into the court's decision to reduce his sentence to 10 years.

Green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and health benefits—but only if you drink it the right way! Here are 8 common mistakes to avoid:

1. Drinking it right after meals
🚫 Can interfere with protein digestion.
✅ Wait at least an hour after eating.

2. Drinking it on an empty stomach
🚫 May cause acid buildup and indigestion.
✅ Sip it between meals or after a light snack.

3. Adding honey to boiling tea
🚫 Heat can destroy honey’s nutrients.
✅ Let your tea cool slightly before adding it.

4. Taking medicine with green tea
🚫 Might reduce medication absorption and increase acidity.
✅ Use plain water for pills.

5. Overconsuming
🚫 Too much caffeine and tannins can cause headaches or reduce iron absorption.
✅ Stick to 2–3 cups a day.

6. Using two tea bags at once
🚫 Can upset your stomach and spike caffeine levels.
✅ One bag is plenty!

7. Choosing artificially flavored varieties
🚫 Some have additives that cancel out health perks.
✅ Pick high-quality, naturally flavored or plain green tea.

8. Drinking it too fast
🚫 You miss out on its calming effects.
✅ Sip slowly and mindfully.

China is set to launch the Shenzhou-20 space mission on Thursday at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The mission will be led by Chen Dong, a 46-year-old veteran astronaut and former fighter pilot, who became the first Chinese astronaut to spend over 200 days in orbit during a 2022 mission. Joining him will be Chen Zhongrui, a former air force pilot in his early 40s, and Wang Jie, a 35-year-old former space technology engineer — both making their first trip to space.

The three-man crew will take over from the current Tiangong station residents, who are scheduled to return to Earth on April 29 after completing handover procedures.

The Tiangong space station, which hosts rotating crews of three astronauts every six months, stands as the centerpiece of China’s growing space ambitions. China, the third country to independently send humans into orbit, has already achieved robotic landings on the Moon and Mars.

Under President Xi Jinping, the nation is pushing forward with its space program and plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030, including the construction of a lunar base.

A global array of dignitaries and leaders will descend upon Rome on Saturday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke. The funeral will be held in St. Peter’s Square at 10 a.m., with public viewing of his body set to begin Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica.

As the first Latin American pope, Francis was admired worldwide for his humility and advocacy for the poor, though his outspoken critiques of capitalism and climate inaction stirred controversy.

U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania, will attend, as will Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and UN Secretary General António Guterres. India and Italy have declared national mourning, with Italy observing five days.

European leaders confirmed to attend include EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will also be present, while Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will not attend.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska will be among the mourners, with Zelensky expressing a wish to meet Trump during the ceremony.

Royal and state delegations from Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Hungary, Monaco, the Baltic states, and several Eastern European countries are also expected to participate in what will be one of the most significant global gatherings of leaders in recent memory.

Elon Musk announced he will scale back his role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal agency he has helmed since its creation by executive order on President Trump’s first day in office. Musk will now commit just one or two days per week to DOGE in order to focus on Tesla, raising questions about the future direction of the controversial agency.

As a special government employee, Musk's role was already set to expire at the end of May. Still, his influence has been central to DOGE’s mission: shrinking the federal workforce, slashing the deficit, and cutting public services through mass layoffs and contract cancellations. His efforts, while aligned with Trump’s cost-cutting agenda, have drawn sharp backlash from federal staff and Cabinet officials who view DOGE as overstepping traditional agency authority.

Tensions within the administration have flared. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently clashed with Musk over his push for cuts that could affect foreign aid and aviation safety. Cabinet members have reportedly lobbied for more control over spending decisions, a shift likely to accelerate now that Musk is stepping back.

Going forward, Cabinet secretaries will have greater autonomy over budget cuts without requiring Musk’s sign-off. This shift also raises uncertainty for the group of young engineers Musk installed across federal agencies, whose roles and influence may now be reassessed.

White House spokesperson Harrison Fields denied any major change, insisting DOGE is "on cruise control" and continuing to execute the President’s agenda smoothly. Experts like law professor Nick Bednar echoed that the agency's momentum will persist, saying “there’s a train that’s left the station.”

Musk has played an outsized role in the agency's early months, installing loyalists across the government and instituting controversial practices like mandatory weekly productivity reports. But he now claims the groundwork is “mostly done.”

As DOGE prepares for leadership changes, one possible successor is Amy Gleason, currently listed in court filings as acting administrator. The ambiguity around Musk’s exact role—downplayed in official filings but emphasized by Trump—underscores the uncertainty ahead.

Despite Musk’s reduced presence, watchdogs like Tom Schatz suggest DOGE may actually become more effective without its most polarizing figure at the forefront.

“Elon Musk is a lightning rod,” Schatz said. “With him stepping back, there may be less noise—and more action.”

South Korea’s political landscape was shaken again on Thursday as prosecutors indicted former President Moon Jae-in on corruption charges connected to his son-in-law’s employment at a domestic airline.

According to a statement from the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office, Moon is accused of receiving 217 million won (approximately US$150,000) in illicit benefits related to helping secure a high-ranking position for his son-in-law at the budget airline Thai Eastar Jet.

The indictment alleges that the former president’s son-in-law was appointed as managing director at the airline despite having no prior experience or qualifications in the aviation industry. Prosecutors argue that the job offer was extended in an attempt by the airline—controlled by a former lawmaker from Moon’s Democratic Party—to curry favor with the then-president.

Officials said financial compensation paid to Moon's son-in-law between 2018 and 2020 was not legitimate salary but constituted bribes to Moon. The son-in-law has since divorced Moon’s daughter.

The development comes at a politically turbulent time in South Korea, with nationwide elections scheduled for June 3. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who succeeded Moon, was recently removed from office following a brief and controversial martial law declaration in December. He now faces a potential life sentence or even the death penalty for insurrection charges, though South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.

If convicted, Moon would become the latest in a string of South Korean presidents embroiled in legal trouble. His predecessors Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye were both convicted of corruption and served prison terms. Moon’s mentor and former President Roh Moo-hyun died by suicide in 2009 while under investigation for similar allegations involving his family.

Moon’s Democratic Party strongly denounced the indictment, calling it a politically motivated attack intended to disgrace a former leader. Party spokeswoman Park Kyung-mee accused prosecutors of abusing their authority and questioned the logic behind the charges.

“So the salary paid to the son-in-law was a bribe to the president? Is this the best logic they could come up with after dragging the case out for four long years?” Park said.

The case now adds to the deepening political tension and legal drama engulfing South Korea as it heads toward a highly contentious election.