Tuesday, May 12, 2026


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Trump slapped with $9,000 fine for violating gag order in New York hush money trial

In the ongoing hush money trial involving Former U.S. President Donald Trump, Justice Juan Merchan imposed a fine of $9,000 on Tuesday for Trump’s online posts that breached a gag order in the case. This penalty follows a request from prosecutors seeking a $10,000 fine for ten posts that not only insulted potential witnesses but also cast doubt on the jury’s impartiality.

The trial in New York resumed with testimony from a banker well-versed with accounts linked to Trump’s alleged efforts to influence the 2016 election by concealing a sex scandal. While Merchan deliberates on whether further fines are warranted for other statements, he has ordered Trump to remove the offending posts from his Truth Social account and campaign website.

Trump’s violation of the gag order, intended to prevent him from disparaging witnesses and others involved in the case, could potentially land him in jail. The charges against the Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election stem from allegations of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence regarding an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump. Trump maintains his innocence, denying any sexual relations with Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford.

This landmark criminal trial, marking the first prosecution of a former U.S. president, commenced on April 22. Outside the courthouse, a group of roughly two dozen Trump supporters rallied, chanting his name and displaying banners advocating for his candidacy in the upcoming election. Banker Garry Farro, a witness in the trial, provided testimony regarding financial records linked to Trump’s former attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen, who prosecutors allege facilitated the payment to Daniels.

Despite his legal obligations, Trump has expressed interest in prioritizing campaign activities for his anticipated rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden on November 5. Among the several legal challenges faced by Trump, this trial stands out as potentially the only one to reach a verdict before the election

DepEd: School year 2024-2025 tatapusin sa Marso

Sa isang sulat na ipinadala sa Tanggapan ng Pangulo, inirerekomenda ng Department of Education (DepEd) na tapusin na sa Marso 2025 ang School Year 2024-2025. Layunin nito ang agarang pagbabalik sa dating June-March school calendar, na batid na hinihiling ng marami.

Ayon kay DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas, “In response to the recent clamor for a more immediate reversion to the April-May school break, the department has already submitted a letter to the Office of the President presenting other option,  including a more aggressive alternative of ending SY 2024-2025 in March 2025,”

Sa isang pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Basic Education na pinangunahan ni Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, ipinaliwanag ni Bringas na bagaman agresibo ang hakbang na ito, mayroon itong posibleng epekto sa mga estudyante at guro. “Definitely the aggressive approach that would end this coming school year by March 2025 would have several implications… We are looking at 165 days full in person if we do it aggressively,”

Dagdag pa niya, “It will have an implication on the school break for teachers because we all know that teachers to a proportional vacation pay (PVP) that is 2 months after each school year, and the PVP is computed based on the number of school days in a given school year, so there has to be a compromise there.”

Nauna dito, sinabi ng DepEd na dapat unti-untiin ang pagbabalik sa dating akademikong kalendaryo upang hindi maapektuhan ang pahinga ng mga mag-aaral at guro. Ngunit, sa kabila ng itinakdang dalawang-taong timeline ng DepEd para dahan-dahang lumipat sa June-March calendar, ang mga panawagang madaliin ang pagbabalik ay nagtulak sa kanila na mag-alok ng mas maikling alternatibong timeline para sa SY 2024-2025.

Nilinaw rin ni Bringas na hindi kasama sa panukalang ito ang mga pribadong paaralan sa bansa.

Sa kasalukuyan, nananatiling nakabinbin ang desisyon ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo hinggil sa rekomendasyon ng DepEd. Subalit, ang hakbang na ito ay nagpapakita ng patuloy na pagtitiyak ng pamahalaan sa edukasyon at pagpapatibay ng kakayahan ng bansa na mag-alok ng dekalidad na edukasyon sa kabila ng mga hamon.

Residents of northern Israel prepare for potential all-out war with Hezbollah

HAIFA, Israel. Residents along Israels’ northern border brace themselves for the possibility of all-out war with Hezbollah, Iran’s prominent regional proxy. Eli Harel, a former Israeli soldier who fought in Lebanon in 2006, reflects on the challenging conditions Israeli forces may face, emphasizing the omnipresent danger posed by Hezbollah’s tactics.

Living in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, Harel, like many others, finds himself within range of Hezbollah’s arsenal. Recent cross-border strikes between Israel and Hezbollah have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, prompting Haifa’s mayor to advise residents to stockpile essentials.

Hezbollah, bolstered by a formidable arsenal since 2006, mirrors Hamas with its network of tunnels and collaboration with Syrian forces. The group’s attacks on northern Israel, intended to divert Israeli focus from Gaza, have forced thousands to evacuate, sparking calls within Israel for decisive military action against Hezbollah.

Eyal Hulata, a former Israeli national security adviser, advocates for a strategic response to enable the return of displaced civilians, challenging Hezbollah to de-escalate hostilities or face full-scale war. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, remains steadfast, asserting that displaced Israelis will not return home.

As tensions mount, the Israeli military intensifies preparations for a potential conflict, focusing on logistics and mobilization. However, the prospect of war spells catastrophic consequences for both countries, with past conflicts resulting in substantial casualties and destruction.

Assaf Orion, a retired Israeli brigadier general, warns of the devastating impact of a war with Hezbollah, surpassing the scale of previous conflicts. Haifa, previously targeted in 2006, braces for potential attacks, with memories of past tragedies casting a shadow over the city’s residents.

Despite the anxiety permeating Haifa, many displaced Israelis view another war as the sole path to reclaiming their homes. Assaf Hessed, a resident considering relocation, underscores the urgency for decisive action before September, highlighting the pressing need for a resolution to the escalating tensions.

Negosyante patay sa brutal na akyat-bahay sa Cavite

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DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite. Patay ang isang kilalang negosyante matapos nakawan at tadtarin ng saksak ng tatlong hinihinalang miyembro ng “akyat-bahay gang” sa loob mismo ng kanyang bahay sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

Ang biktima, na kinilala sa alyas na Wil at residente ng Chester Place Subdivision sa Brgy. Burol-Main, ay natagpuang patay sa kanyang tahanan kasama ang kanyang asawa na si alyas Annie.

Naganap ang krimen bandang 2:40 ng madaling araw sa loob mismo ng bahay ng biktima.

Lumalabas sa imbestigasyon na habang sakay ang biktima ng kaniyang Toyota Hilux Conquest 2020 na papasok na ng kanyang bahay at magpa-park na sa kanilang parking area nang biglang sumulpot ang tatlong suspek saka siya mabilis na sinunggaban at pilit na sumakay sa sasakyan nito.

Sa loob ng bahay, binitbit ng mga suspek ang biktima at ang kanyang misis. Hinalughog nila ang bahay at nilimas ang nasa P1.8 milyong cash, mga mamahaling alahas, at iba pang mahahalagang gamit. Pagkatapos ay pinagsaksak nila ang negosyante bago tumakas gamit ang sasakyan ng biktima.

Matapos ang insidente, agad humingi ng tulong ang nakagapos na misis at dinala sa ospital ang biktima. Ngunit dahil sa dami ng saksak sa kanyang katawan, idineklarang dead-on-arrival ang negosyante.

Sa ngayon, patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon ng Dasmariñas Police upang matukoy at madakip ang mga salarin sa brutal na akyat-bahay na ito.

Netanyahu firm on Rafah invasion with or without a deal as cease-fire talks with Hamas continue

TEL AVIV, Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a resolute statement on Tuesday, asserting Israel’s intent to launch a military incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, even as cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue.

Netanyahu’s declaration comes amidst a crucial juncture in discussions aimed at securing a truce between the warring parties. The proposed agreement seeks to secure the release of hostages, provide relief to the beleaguered civilian population, and forestall a potential Israeli offensive into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians seek refuge from the relentless violence.

In a statement from his office, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s unwavering commitment to its objectives, stating, “The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question. We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate Hamas’ battalions there — with or without a deal, to achieve total victory.”

Netanyahu’s stance reflects the delicate balance he faces within his governing coalition, where hard-line factions demand decisive action against Hamas. Meeting with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu reiterated his stance, assuring that Israel would not relent in its pursuit of military objectives.

However, Netanyahu’s posture contrasts with the sentiments of many within the international community, including Israel’s staunch ally, the United States, who have cautioned against actions that endanger civilian lives.

The ongoing negotiations, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aim to secure a temporary cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides. Yet, significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding the duration of the pause and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The war, which erupted following a deadly raid into southern Israel, has exacted a devastating toll on both sides, with thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. Despite mounting pressure for a resolution, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges as Netanyahu navigates political pressures and the exigencies of the conflict.

As the cease-fire talks intensify, the specter of further violence looms over Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for a durable and comprehensive agreement to end the protracted suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.

AstraZeneca admits rare side effect of Covid vaccine in court documents

AstraZeneca has admitted in court documents for the first time that its Covid vaccine can cause a rare side effect, potentially opening the door for substantial legal repercussions.

The pharmaceutical giant, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, faces a class-action lawsuit alleging that its vaccine led to fatalities and severe injuries in numerous cases. Lawyers argue that the vaccine triggered a devastating side effect in a small number of individuals, leading to irreversible harm.

The lawsuit’s genesis can be traced back to Jamie Scott, a father of two, who suffered permanent brain injury after developing a blood clot and a brain bleed following his vaccination in April 2021. AstraZeneca, while contesting the claims, has conceded in a legal filing submitted to the High Court in February that its Covid vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS” – Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

TTS is characterized by blood clots and a low blood platelet count, and it has been the focal point of legal battles as victims and grieving families seek damages amounting to an estimated £100 million. AstraZeneca’s admission, a year after the first case was filed, could potentially lead to compensation payouts if the company accepts liability for serious illnesses and deaths linked to its vaccine.

However, the road to this admission has been fraught with legal complexities and disputes. Initially, AstraZeneca refuted any connection between the vaccine and TTS, but the tide appears to have turned with their acknowledgment in court documents. This admission may signal a shift in their legal strategy and could expedite resolution for affected families.

Kate Scott, Jamie Scott’s wife, expressed cautious optimism about AstraZeneca’s admission, emphasizing the need for accountability, fair compensation, and a swift resolution. She underscored the importance of truth and justice for families impacted by the vaccine’s side effects.

In response to these developments, AstraZeneca reiterated its commitment to patient safety, emphasizing the vaccine’s overall safety profile based on clinical trials and real-world data. The company highlighted that regulatory authorities have stringent standards to ensure the safe use of vaccines, including theirs.

Despite AstraZeneca’s assertions, legal battles continue as victims and their representatives press for accountability and compensation. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely have far-reaching implications for vaccine safety regulations and public trust in immunization programs.

As the legal saga unfolds, the spotlight remains on AstraZeneca’s vaccine and its potential side effects, underscoring the complexities and challenges inherent in the pursuit of medical innovation amidst unforeseen risks.

Jamie Scott was left with a permanent brain injury after having a haemorrhage the day after the Covid vaccine – Andrew Fox

Quebec family received wrong body after father’s death in Cuba

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LAVAL, Quebec. A family in Quebec is grappling with a harrowing ordeal after discovering that the remains of their father, who passed away while vacationing in Cuba, were not returned to Canada as expected. Instead, they received the body of another man, leaving them desperate for answers and closure.

Faraj Allah Jarjour, a 68-year-old man from Quebec, tragically passed away on March 22 while swimming in the ocean near Varadero, Cuba, during a family vacation. His daughter, Miriam Jarjour, recounted the heart-wrenching moment when her father suffered a sudden heart attack and died, leaving the family in shock and grief.

Despite the family’s efforts to repatriate her father’s body, their anguish only deepened when they received the wrong body in a casket last week. The body they received belonged to a Russian man significantly younger than Faraj Allah Jarjour, with distinct physical features that did not match their father’s.

Miriam Jarjour, in her desperate quest for answers, has reached out to Canadian consular authorities and various government officials, including her Member of Parliament and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. However, the family remains in limbo, awaiting clarity and closure amidst their profound grief.

Expressing her devastation, Miriam Jarjour described her father as a vibrant and beloved family man, known for his infectious smile and active lifestyle. The ordeal has taken a toll on the entire family, with financial burdens adding to their emotional distress.

Despite assurances from Global Affairs Canada that consular officials are working to resolve the issue, Miriam Jarjour feels frustrated by the lack of concrete answers and is pleading for personal intervention to pressure Cuban authorities.

Amidst the anguish and uncertainty, the Jarjour family’s plea remains simple yet poignant: to find their beloved father and lay him to rest with the dignity and respect he deserves.

2 ahas nasagip sa Tayabas matapos ang thermal emergence

TAYABAS CITY. Naitala ang paglitaw ng dalawang ahas sa iba’t ibang lugar sa lungsod na ito dahil sa matinding init ng panahon o thermal emergence, subalit agad namang nasagip at nai-turnover sa Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) kamakalawa.

Una sa listahan ang isang Reticulated Python o Malayopython reticulatus na nadiskubre ni Homer Jaspeo, isang residente ng Sitio 3, Brgy. Baguio, nang ito ay makita sa kanilang tahanan noong Abril 26.

Dahil sa kahabaan nito, dinala ang bloated na ahas sa City Veterinary Office upang masusing obserbahan at mabigyan ng angkop na lunas bago ito ibalik sa kanyang likas na tirahan.

Noong Abril 28, isang makamandag na Philippine Cobra o Naja Philippineensis naman ang na-report ng isang concerned citizen matapos itong makita sa Sitio Sampaga, Brgy. Malaoa.

Sa gitna ng pangyayaring ito, patuloy ang paalala ng ahensya hinggil sa Republic Act No. 9147 o Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 na nagbabawal sa pangangaso, pangongolekta, at pagmamay-ari ng mga uri ng wildlife o “buhay-ilang.”

Hinihikayat din ng CENRO ang publiko na ipagbigay-alam sa kanila ang anumang uri ng pang-aabuso o iligal na gawain na maaaring makasira sa kalikasan at likas na yaman ng bansa.

Ayon pa sa opisyal ng Tayabas CENRO, ang mainit na panahon ang dahilan kung bakit lumalabas at naghahanap ng malamig na lugar ang mga ahas, na katulad din ng mga tao.

Sweltering heat wave grips Southeast Asia, Philippine students told to stay home

Record-high temperatures have prompted school closures and health advisories across the region as a relentless heat wave grips Southeast Asia.

In response to soaring temperatures, millions of students in all public schools across the Philippines were instructed to stay home on Monday. This decision followed the cancellation of in-person classes for two days as authorities grappled with the severe weather conditions. The Department of Education emphasized the importance of avoiding outdoor activities and staying hydrated, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the young and elderly.

According to Chan Yutha, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, this year marks the highest temperatures recorded in 170 years in the country. Forecasters predict temperatures in most parts of Cambodia to soar up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) this week.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s meteorological department reported record-high temperatures in several townships across central regions. Chauk township in Magway recorded the country’s highest temperature at 48.2 degrees Celsius (118.8 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking a longstanding record set in 1968.

The Philippines, among the hardest-hit nations in Southeast Asia, faces the threat of water shortages, power outages, and agricultural damage due to the scorching weather. In response, the Department of Education mandated home-based and online learning for over 47,000 public schools to mitigate health risks posed by extreme temperatures.

The situation in Thailand is equally dire, with temperatures surpassing 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) in northern regions and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Bangkok and metropolitan areas. The Department of Disease Control reported at least 30 heatstroke-related deaths this year, signaling a worrying trend.

While heat-related fatalities have been reported in Bangladesh, the situation appears less severe in Cambodia, where officials indicated minimal to no heat-related deaths. However, health authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing heat wave.

As Southeast Asia battles the sweltering conditions, concerns mount over the rising number of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days, governments and communities are urged to prioritize public health and safety in the face of this unprecedented weather phenomenon.

Kuya, suspek sa pagkamatay ng Grade 7 student

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Nilinaw nila ng Philippine National Police kahapon na kapatid ng Grade 7 na biktima ang pangunahing suspek sa kanyang pagkamatay sa Barangay Cansojong, Talisay, Cebu, at pinabulaanan ang unang ulat na may armadong lalaki na pumasok.

Ayon kay PCol. Jean Fajardo, hepe ng PNP-Public Information Office, ang baril na naging sanhi ng trahedya ay nahulog mula sa bulsa ng kuya ng biktima habang ito ay nakahiga. “Ang totoo po aksidente po itong namatay dahil ‘yung isang kapatid po niya ay nalaglag po ang baril mula bulsa at tumamang aksidente ang bala sa kapatid nya na during that time ay nakahiga po,” ani Fajardo.

Dagdag pa ni Fajardo, sasampahan ng mga kaso ng obstruction of justice at reckless imprudence resulting in homicide ang kapatid ng biktima na si Jacqueline Reponte. Kasama rin sa mga kasong obstruction of justice ang hipag at ama ng biktima dahil sa kanilang pagtatangkang pagtakpan ang krimen.

Natuklasan na itinago ng ama ng biktima ang baril na walang lisensiya pagkatapos ng pangyayari. Nakuha na rin ito ng mga pulis at isinasailalim sa ballistics examination.

“Mali po ‘yung unang lumabas na pinalabas nila na may pumasok doon at sinira pa nila ang pinto para masuportahan ang sinasabi nila na may pumasok na ibang tao doon at binaril ‘yung bata ay sinira pa nila ang pinto para palabasin na pagnanakaw ang motibo but the truth and in fact ‘yung kapatid po ang aksidenteng nakapatay,”  dagdag pa ni Fajardo.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon, nakakuha ng kopya ng CCTV ang mga pulis kung saan maririnig ang usapan ng mga sangkot sa krimen at ang pagtatakip sa mga ito. Lumilitaw din na sangkot ang suspek sa kasong may kaugnayan sa ilegal na droga.