President Vladimir Putin said in remarks published on Sunday that Russia had sufficient strength and resources to take the war in Ukraine to its logical conclusion, although he hoped that there would be no need to use nuclear weapons. Recall, Putin had ordered thousands of Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering Europe’s biggest ground conflict since World War Two and the largest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the depths of the Cold War. Read also: US might walk away from Russian peace effort if… Also, hundreds of thousands of soldiers have been killed and injured as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to end the bloodbath that his administration casts as a proxy war between the United States and Russia. In a film by state television about Putin’s quarter of a century as Russia’s paramount leader entitled “Russia, Kremlin, Putin, 25 years”, Putin was asked about the risk of nuclear escalation from the Ukraine war. He said “They wanted to provoke us so that we made mistakes.” while speaking beside a portrait of Tsar Alexander III, a 19th century conservative who suppressed dissent. “There has been no need to use those weapons and I hope they will not be required.” “We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.” Trump has been signalling for weeks that he is frustrated by the failure of Moscow and Kyiv to reach terms to end the war, though the Kremlin has said that the conflict is so complicated that the rapid progress Washington wants is difficult. Former U.S. President Joe Biden, Western European leaders and Ukraine cast the invasion as an imperial-style land grab and repeatedly vowed to defeat Russian forces, which control about a fifth of Ukraine. Putin portrays the war as a watershed moment in Moscow’s relations with the West, which he says humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by enlarging NATO and encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence. Trump has warned that the conflict could develop into World War Three. Former CIA Director William Burns has said there was a real risk in late 2022 that Russia could use nuclear weapons against Ukraine, an assertion dismissed by Moscow. Putin who was a former KGB lieutenant colonel who was handed the presidency on the last day of 1999 by an ailing Boris Yeltsin, is the longest serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, who ruled for 29 years until his death in 1953. Russian dissidents – most now either in jail or abroad – see Putin as a dictator who has built a brittle system of personal rule reliant on sycophancy and corruption that is leading Russia towards decline and turmoil. Supporters cast Putin, who Russian pollsters say has approval ratings of above 85%, as a saviour who pushed back against an arrogant West and put an end to the chaos which accompanied the 1991 disintegration of the Soviet Union. In the carefully choreographed state television film, which gave viewers a rare look behind the notoriously closed life of the Russian president, Putin was shown offering chocolates and a fermented Russian milk drink to Pavel Zarubin, a top Kremlin correspondent, in his private Kremlin kitchen. Putin said that he first knelt in prayer during the 2002 Nord-Ost Moscow theater crisis, when Chechen militants took over 900 people hostage. More than 130 hostages were killed. “I don’t feel like some kind of politician,” Putin said of his 25 years in power as president and prime minister. “I continue to breathe the very same air as millions of Russian citizens. It is very important. God willing that it continues as long as possible. And that it doesn’t disappear.
Ahmad bin Mubarak, the Prime Minister of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, has resigned, citing his inability to exercise constitutional authority amid escalating tensions with the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). Bin Mubarak made the announcement on Saturday via social media, posting on X that he had formally met with PLC chief Rashad al-Alimi to tender his resignation. The post included his resignation letter, in which he expressed frustration over his limited powers and the internal gridlock that hindered his ability to implement reforms. “I could not exercise my constitutional powers and take the necessary decisions to reform government institutions or implement rightful governmental changes,” the letter stated. Bin Mubarak’s departure comes less than three months after his appointment on February 5, and marks the latest chapter in Yemen’s fractured political landscape. Two ministers and a member of the PLC, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Bin Mubarak had been locked in months of fierce disputes with Alimi and other senior figures. Despite operating under a Saudi-backed leadership coalition, the internationally recognised government has struggled to exert control since Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, seized the capital Sana’a in 2014. The government was forced to relocate to the southern city of Aden, while the Houthis now control most of the country’s key population centres. Bin Mubarak, a longtime critic of the Houthis and former Yemeni ambassador to the United States, was kidnapped by the rebel group in 2015. He later held roles as Yemen’s chief of staff, UN envoy, and foreign minister before becoming prime minister. During his short tenure, he launched a campaign against government corruption, reportedly suspending the budgets of several ministries, including defence. He also introduced fiscal and administrative reforms. However, these moves are said to have deepened rifts within the government. “Bin Mubarak wanted to be more than prime minister, he wanted the powers of the presidency. That aspiration isolated him politically,” said Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemeni analyst at the US-based Basha Report Risk Advisory. “Over time, this power struggle eroded trust.” The political infighting came as Yemen remains entangled in regional turmoil. The Houthis, currently waging a missile and drone campaign targeting Israel and international shipping routes, claim their attacks are in support of Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. The United States resumed airstrikes on Houthi positions in March after the rebel group threatened renewed assaults over Israel’s Gaza aid blockade. This comes after a UN-negotiated truce in 2022 had significantly slowed hostilities in Yemen. Though Bin Mubarak maintained that he achieved “many successes in a short space of time,” observers believe his resignation may help restore some degree of unity within the deeply fractured government. “His departure should ease internal tensions and reduce the deep divisions that have plagued Yemen’s internationally recognised government, a necessary and positive step toward restoring cohesion,” Basha added.
In what is now the largest settlement of its kind in U.S. history, Los Angeles County has agreed to pay $4 billion to nearly 7,000 survivors of sexual abuse at county-run juvenile facilities and foster homes. While hailed as a significant milestone in justice for victims, many say no amount of compensation can undo the damage inflicted by a broken system that for decades protected abusers and silenced the most vulnerable. The settlement, unanimously approved by county officials this week, addresses abuse dating back as far as the 1950s, though the majority of cases occurred between the 1980s and early 2000s. At the heart of many claims is the now defunct MacLaren Children’s Center, a foster shelter once meant to provide temporary care but which became a long-term holding ground rife with abuse, neglect, and systemic failure. Survivors described harrowing experiences at MacLaren and other county facilities, including being drugged, sexually assaulted, physically beaten, and threatened into silence. A grand jury report revealed that the county had, for years, employed staff with criminal backgrounds. The MacLaren center was ultimately shuttered in 2003 following mounting legal and civil rights pressure, including a lawsuit from the ACLU. “No one has ever been arrested for what happened to us,” said Jimmy Vigil, 45, who was incarcerated at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall as a teen. He recalled being abused by a physician and brutalized by staff who orchestrated fights among minors for entertainment. “This settlement doesn’t undo what they did,” Vigil said. “They created the monsters they claimed we were.” Vigil’s words echo a broader sentiment of unresolved pain among survivors. While financial compensation will soon be disbursed, many, including Vigil, say true justice would require criminal prosecution of those responsible. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger described the $4 billion payout as a “sobering reckoning” and an “indictment of failed oversight.” She called the deal historic but said it stemmed from “a dark chapter in our history,” where those trusted to protect children instead inflicted lasting trauma. The settlement became possible after California passed a 2020 law temporarily lifting the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, offering a three-year window for survivors to file historic cases. That law unleashed a wave of lawsuits, not only against the county but also against religious organizations, nonprofits, and schools. Adam Slater, a lead counsel representing more than 3,500 victims, said the true scale of institutional abuse was only revealed once litigation began. “While no amount of money can erase the horrors they endured, this agreement acknowledges the profound harm inflicted on thousands of children,” he said. Los Angeles County CEO Fesia Davenport offered a formal apology earlier this year, stating the county was committed to “helping survivors recover and rebuild” and to implementing sweeping reforms. Those reforms include a new countywide hotline to report abuse, expedited investigations, and the immediate termination and referral of substantiated offenders to law enforcement. Despite these promises, critics warn the path to accountability is far from over. The financial toll of the settlement will ripple across county departments. Annual payments, funded by cash reserves, bonds, and departmental budget cuts, are expected to cost hundreds of millions annually through 2030, with the final payment due in 2050. The county’s $48 billion annual budget will absorb the cost, but officials admit key public services may suffer. “We are going to be paying hundreds of millions of dollars that could be invested into communities, into parks, libraries, beaches, public social services until 2050,” Davenport told The Los Angeles Times. Payouts to victims are expected to begin in January 2026.
A night of celebration turned into tragedy early Sunday when gunfire erupted at a family party in southeast Houston, leaving at least one person dead and up to 14 others injured, police said. The shooting occurred around 12:50 a.m. on the 6000 block of Cherry Hill, according to Assistant Chief Patricia Cantu of the Houston Police Department. Officers responded within minutes after receiving multiple reports of shots fired. When authorities arrived, they encountered a chaotic and sprawling scene with victims scattered around the home. Cantu described the situation as “very complicated” and noted that multiple areas were being treated as active crime scenes. Preliminary investigations revealed that the violence began when an uninvited guest was asked to leave the gathering. The individual allegedly opened fire, prompting others at the party to return fire. The Houston Fire Department confirmed that at least one person had died at the scene. Several others were rushed to local hospitals, some in critical condition and undergoing surgery. Cantu added that some of the wounded victims transported themselves for treatment. As of Sunday morning, several individuals had been detained for questioning. However, authorities could not immediately confirm whether the suspected shooter was among them. “The scene is ongoing,” Cantu said during a briefing. “It was chaotic from the get-go getting here.” Police continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward. This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Manchester Ekiti Fest was more than just a musical celebration—it was a vibrant showcase of African fashion and pride. Guests fully embraced the theme, ‘Unapologetically African,’ arriving in stunning ensembles that highlighted the richness and uniqueness of their culture and diverse styles. The recently held Ekiti Manchester Fest was far more than a conventional gathering of speeches and performances—it evolved into a stunning celebration of African identity, culture, and fashion. With the empowering theme “Unapologetically African”, the atmosphere was set from the very first step onto the red carpet. The event was held at Jubilee Hall in Dukinfield, Manchester. Scroll down to see the standout fashion moments that turned heads and warmed hearts. Attendees did not disappoint. From intricately woven Aso-Oke and ornate beadwork to sculptural mini dresses, sweeping gowns, and bold Ankara prints, the fashion on display was nothing short of spectacular. Every ensemble told a story—each one a heartfelt tribute to African artistry, craftsmanship, and creativity. The evening blurred the lines between tradition and modern elegance. Guests proudly wore their cultural roots, proving once again that African fashion is not just a style, but a statement—bold, beautiful, and deeply meaningful. From the sheer glamour to the community spirit, Ekiti Manchester Fest reinforced an undeniable truth: when Africa celebrates, it does so with unmistakable flair. This year’s edition didn’t just highlight the richness of Ekiti heritage—it affirmed that in every corner of the diaspora, African culture continues to thrive, inspire, and captivate. In a vibrant expression of heritage and pride, Oluwatosin’s portrait captures the essence of Ekiti cultural identity through traditional attire. Dressed in rich, handwoven Aso-Òkè fabric, she radiates elegance, resilience, and timeless beauty. Funto’s dress features a sleek gown made from Aso-Òkè, embellished with lace embroidery—a stunning fusion of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Her outfit is a unique interpretation of classic Ekiti dressing, combining bold royal blue hues with silver and white stripes, a colour palette traditionally associated with prestige, harmony, and grace. Yetunde’s ensemble combines a classic white blouse with a boldly wrapped wrapper and shawl, reaffirming enduring pride in indigenous tailoring and textile artistry. Adorned with coral beads—symbols of royalty and status—and holding a horsetail whisk (irukere), a revered accessory among Yoruba nobility, she embodies cultural grace and tradition. Above is Dr. Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi, a proud son of Ekiti who embodies tradition, confidence, and cultural pride. From his finely woven outfit to the bold blue stripes symbolic of nobility and heritage, every element of his attire speaks to the elegance of Yoruba identity. Seated with quiet authority, his coral beads—a mark of status and ancestral reverence—complement the intricately tailored ensemble, while his cap (fila) completes the dignified look. This portrait is more than fashion; it is a celebration of roots, a tribute to generations past, and a powerful reminder that modern identity can flourish alongside timeless tradition. Above is our lovely mother, she dressed in a dazzling combination of white lace and blue Aso-Oke, she strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modern glamour. Her ensemble is completed with a perfectly tied gele (headwrap), richly layered coral beads signifying royalty and respect, and a sparkling handbag that reflects both taste and refinement. The lace adds a delicate texture, blending seamlessly with the boldness of the striped Aso-Oke draped across her shoulder—a signature look among distinguished Yoruba women. Her outfit—a harmonious blend of intricately patterned white lace and royal blue Aso-Oke, complemented by a matching bag—is a stunning representation of Yoruba cultural elegance.Her gele, tied with regal precision, frames her smile with grace, while the coral beads around her neck and wrists symbolize tradition, status, and ancestral pride. Clutching a beautifully coordinated Aso-Oke purse, she carries not just style, but history—woven into every thread of her attire. With every element—from her posture to her accessories—she communicates strength, dignity, and an unapologetic embrace of her Yoruba and Ekiti roots. This image beautifully reflects the spirit of the Manchester Ekiti Fest, where fashion becomes a living expression of identity and celebration. Dressed in resplendent, matching Aso-Oke ensembles. The two women are radiant embodiments of Ekiti elegance, unity, and cultural pride. Their intricately tied geles crown them with regal poise, while the coral beads around their necks speak volumes of ancestral honour and feminine strength. With confident posture and luminous smiles, they don’t just wear tradition—they celebrate it, carry it, and pass it forward. Together, they reflect the enduring beauty of sisterhood and the timeless richness of Yoruba heritage, captured in one powerful moment of cultural grace. This beautifully adorned couple captures the spirit of Ekiti heritage, not only through their richly woven Aso-Oke outfits but through their visible bond—rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and enduring pride unity and love. Babatope is a distinguished gentleman who exemplifies the depth and dignity of Ekiti royalty. Wearing a regal Aso-Oke agbada patterned with bold chevrons in deep indigo and sky blue, he carries himself with the confidence of a man deeply rooted in his heritage. The traditional fila atop his head, paired with coral beads and finely embroidered inner attire, speaks not only to fashion—but to identity, history, and honour. Every detail is intentional; each thread is a symbol of resilience passed down through generations. Ope Omotayo is a vibrant Ekiti woman wearing a beautifully wrapped Aso-Oke iro and buba ensemble. Her white blouse adds a soft contrast to the bold blue stripes of her wrapper and shawl, while the intricately tied gele and coral beads crown her look with traditional finesse. These young beauties steal the spotlight in their coordinated blue Aso-Oke outfits—each look tailored with care, creativity, and cultural pride. From their neatly styled gele to their radiant smiles, they embody the next generation of Yoruba elegance. The rich patterns of their attire reflect not only family unity but also the enduring legacy of tradition passed joyfully to children Prince Admola & Mr owoyemi family attire speaks not just of fashion, but of a shared heritage and partnership rooted in dignity and cultural pride.
A recent investigation has revealed that thousands of illegal migrants and asylum seekers are working as couriers for food delivery companies across the UK, earning up to £500 a week despite having no legal right to work. Many are using the income to repay debts owed to criminal smuggling networks that facilitated their entry into Britain via dangerous Channel crossings. Despite the Labour government‘s push to reduce immigration, the gig economy—particularly takeaway and grocery delivery services such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Stuart—has become a lucrative underground market for migrants housed in Home Office-funded hotels. A System Open to Abuse The investigation, conducted by undercover Telegraph reporters, found that migrants—many of whom arrived illegally and await decisions on asylum claims—are renting or borrowing courier accounts to work in violation of immigration laws. These accounts are sold or leased for £75 to £100 per week on a growing black market that thrives in major UK cities. The Home Office revealed that in 2023, two in five couriers stopped during random checks were found to be working illegally. Many operate under substitute identities, using rented phones and accounts, and evade detection through sophisticated workarounds including shared facial recognition logins. Couriers told The Telegraph they were compelled to work illegally due to mounting debt owed to smugglers, as well as pressure from families who had invested heavily in their journey. One Afghan asylum seeker living in a Home Office hotel in London said he earns around £500 weekly delivering food. “My family lent me money to pay smugglers. I have to send it back,” he said. Like many others, he admitted to renting an app account from abroad—paying a middleman in Turkey £70 a week for access. Sales Pitches from the Shadows The Telegraph’s journalists also went undercover to speak with people smugglers based in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and northern France, who actively market the UK as the best destination for illegal migration. One smuggler in Istanbul declared, “Life in England is good… All you need is a mobile phone and a bike.” He added that once migrants arrive, they are given government-funded hotel rooms and can easily find “delivery work” while their asylum is processed. Another trafficker in Dunkirk told a reporter posing as a potential migrant: “The government will feed you, give you shelter, and you’ll still make good money delivering food. England is the best.” reported by the Telegraph . These operations were highly secretive, relying on encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp. Smugglers boasted about their networks across Europe and promised fast, safe routes to Britain—often downplaying the risks of crossing the Channel. The Hotel Courier Hubs According to the report, many hotels housing asylum seekers have been transformed into unofficial courier depots. Dozens of bicycles, including illegally modified e-bikes capable of reaching 40mph, are parked outside entrances. Inside, residents have created makeshift workshops to repair and maintain delivery bikes. Some even act as informal mechanics for other riders. Couriers say they often lack basic knowledge of UK road laws. One migrant confused a “Give Way” sign for “No Entry,” while another believed a slippery road warning meant a parking zone. Despite these misunderstandings, many continue to ride long hours, often under pressure to deliver multiple orders quickly and pay back mounting debts. One Kurdish migrant told reporters he regretted coming to the UK, saying he felt “suicidal” after months of inactivity and stress caused by legal uncertainty and financial obligation. Company and Government Response Following the Telegraph’s revelations, major food delivery platforms issued statements defending their practices and reiterating their cooperation with the Home Office. A Stuart spokesperson stated the platform performs “compliance checks” on right-to-work documentation and closes accounts involved in unauthorized activity. Deliveroo said it was introducing daily identity verification and device ID checks to strengthen its platform. A Just Eat representative highlighted the company’s “biometric spot checks” and tough criteria for self-employed couriers, including criminal background and right-to-work documentation. Uber Eats confirmed that it was deploying new detection tools and removing fraudulent accounts. Meanwhile, Dame Angela Eagle, the UK’s border security minister, said the government would soon introduce tougher legislation to combat illegal working in gig economy sectors. “Companies who try to escape scrutiny will face fines of up to £60,000 per worker, potential prison terms, and the loss of their business licenses,” she warned. “We are working closely with firms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to ensure right-to-work checks are being enforced properly.” The Cost of ‘Easy Money The story paints a stark portrait of a system under strain, where economic desperation, legal ambiguity, and loopholes in the gig economy have converged to form a shadow workforce operating just beyond the reach of regulators. For many migrants, the UK is not the land of effortless prosperity they were promised. Instead, it is a place of risk, moral compromise, and unrelenting pressure to meet obligations forged under duress. For British authorities, the situation exposes deep vulnerabilities in immigration control, labour enforcement, and digital platform accountability. As the Labour government continues its immigration overhaul, the challenge of cracking down on illegal work while maintaining compassion for vulnerable asylum seekers will be a defining test in the years ahead.
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the arrest of social media influencer Martin Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM) as a disturbing erosion of democratic values in Nigeria. The former Anambra State governor in a statement on his X page on Sunday expressed concern about the growing tension in the country, worsened by economic hardship and actions that undermine the rule of law and human rights. READ ALSO: VeryDarkMan detained by EFCC He stated that while security agencies may have acted within their legal rights, the forceful and opaque manner in which VDM was arrested resembled an abduction, sparking fear among citizens. “The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction,” he said. “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.” The 63-year-old noted that the pattern is not new, recalling that even members of the judiciary, the last line of defence for justice — have previously suffered similar indignities. According to Obi, when those who interpret the law are disrespected, it is unlikely that ordinary citizens will feel safe or protected. He also warned that such actions have economic consequences. He cited the public backlash against GTBank, which has been linked to VDM’s arrest, as a damaging blow to investor confidence and institutional credibility. “At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community,” he said. Obi questioned why the activist could not have been invited in a ‘civil, transparent, and legal manner’. He added that such an approach would have spared the nation unnecessary embarrassment. More so, Obi condemned reports surrounding the alleged ‘adoption’ of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, describing it as another troubling sign of the suppression of youth voices. READ ALSO: May Day: Atiku, Obi urge govt to prioritise workers’ welfare, job creation “Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalise,” he said. Obi called for a return to democratic norms where justice is delivered without theatrics or abuse, youth are free to express themselves, judges serve with dignity, and institutions act with integrity. “That is the Nigeria we must rebuild,” he said. The New Daily Prime reported that VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju alleged he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Britain’s counter-terrorism police have arrested eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, in a number of raids across the country, the Metropolitan Police said on Sunday. On Saturday, five men, four of whom are Iranian nationals, were detained on suspicion of terrorism offences over a plot to target specific premises, while the nationality of the fifth man remains unknown. The arrests were made in Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester. “The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter,” said Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. In a separate operation on the same day, three Iranian nationals were arrested in London as part of another counter-terrorism investigation, the Met said in a separate statement. They are now in custody, with searches ongoing at the three addresses. The Met said this investigation was unrelated to the earlier arrests of the five men. The police did not disclose details of the suspected plot, citing operational reasons. The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of Iran-backed activities in the UK, with Britain saying it has responded to more than 20 such plots since 2022 and imposing sanctions on a Swedish-based criminal network linked to Iran for targeting Israeli and Jewish interests in Europe. Read also: UK tribunal rules deportation of asylum seeker over English test fraud
As tensions rise between the nuclear-armed neighbours in the wake of a deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region, India said on Saturday that it had banned the import of goods coming from or transiting via Pakistan and barred Pakistani ships. India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification that the ban would take effect immediately. “This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy,” it said Suspected militants killed at least 26 people in last week’s attack on a mountain tourist destination in the Pahalgam area of the Kashmir valley. The Muslim-majority Himalayan region is claimed by both India and Pakistan, and has been the focus of several wars, an insurgency and diplomatic standoffs. India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, which Islamabad denies. Pakistan has said it has “credible intelligence” that India intends to launch military action. Pakistan’s retaliatory measures have included halting all border trade, closing its airspace to Indian carriers and expelling Indian diplomats. It has also warned that any attempt to prevent the flow of river water promised under a decades-old treaty would be considered an act of war. On Saturday, India said Pakistani-flagged ships would not be allowed to visit any Indian port, and Indian flagged-ships would not visit any ports in Pakistan. “This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping,” the Directorate General of Shipping said in a statement. Trade between the two nations has dwindled over the last few years. Read also: India offers cheap loans for arms, targeting Russia’s traditional customers
A Federal Appeal Court on Saturday blocked a ruling that had ordered the Trump administration to return more than 1,000 Voice of America employees back to work. The U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered the administration to take all necessary steps to restore employees and contractors to their positions at the U.S. news service and resume radio, television and online news broadcasts, and some grants. The appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, suggested Lamberth lacked jurisdiction to order the employees to return to work and to require the restoration of $15 million in grants for Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. The U.S. Agency for Global Media placed over 1,000 employees on leave and told 600 contractors they would be terminated after the agency abruptly shut down the broadcasts in March under a directive from Trump. The appeals court noted the government did not challenge the aspect of Lamberth’s ruling requiring it to restore Voice of America’s statutorily required programming levels. Numerous reports on Friday said VOA was preparing to resume broadcasts next week. USAGM did not immediately comment on Saturday. U.S. Circuit Judge Cornelia Pillard dissented from the ruling, saying it “all but guarantees that the networks will no longer exist in any meaningful form by the time this case is fully adjudicated.” She added that it would result in “silencing Voice of America for the foreseeable future and eliminating Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks’ ability to see this case through to the end.” Under Trump’s directive, Voice of America is not reporting the news for the first time in its 80-year existence. Its website has not been updated since March 15, and radio stations abroad relying on its programming have gone dark or only air music. Congress made the broadcasts mandatory and did not allow the executive branch to unilaterally terminate or defund them unilaterally, which Lamberth ruled. Recall that Trump advisor Kari Lake announced the shutdown of the news platform on March 15, placing nearly all USAGM employees on leave, saying the agency was “irretrievably broken” and biased against Trump. Also New daily prime had earlier reported that the voice of America employees sues Trump administration over shuttered news outlets. Read also: Voice of America employees sues Trump administration over shuttered news outlets.
