World
Man against Trump’s election kills wife, two kids before taking own life
In a tragic incident that shocked the Minnesota community, authorities have reported that a man who had posted anti-Trump and left-wing statements online fatally shot his wife, ex-partner, and two sons before taking his own life.
Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa confirmed that the shooter, identified as 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, had struggled with mental health issues over a period of time.
The bodies of five individuals were discovered Thursday afternoon in two homes located in Duluth.
Authorities initially found Nephew’s ex-partner, Erin Abramson, 47, and their son, Jacob Nephew, 15, dead from apparent gunshot wounds inside their residence.
Upon identifying Anthony Nephew as a suspect, police subsequently located his current wife, Kathryn Nephew, 45, and their 7-year-old son, Oliver Nephew, in a nearby home, both of whom had also been fatally shot.
Nephew was found in the same home, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
Before the tragic event, Nephew had used his Facebook account to share political and personal grievances, particularly against President Donald Trump.
In one post from July, he expressed distress, writing, “My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist, and a lot of the reason is religion. I am terrified of religious zealots inflicting their misguided beliefs on me and my family. I have intrusive thoughts of being burned at the stake as a witch, or crucified on a burning cross.”
Nephew’s social media activity included concerns about religious extremism and political issues.
He voiced fear that people viewed him or his family as symbols of evil: “Having people actually believe that I or my child are Satan or, the anti-Christ or whatever their favorite color of boogie man they are afraid of this week,” he posted.
In another online statement, Nephew took aim at Republicans, accusing them of complicating efforts for women in abusive relationships to leave. “Gilead here we come,” he wrote, referencing The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel that portrays a society where women are stripped of their rights.
Other political posts included a graphic with former President Barack Obama, President Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris alongside former President Trump, with “hate” labeled under Trump’s image and “hope,” “heal,” and “grow” under the Democratic politicians.
Nephew commented, “Not that anyone cares, but as an Independent voter, I would really like to see both the political parties in our country pick better candidates. We can do better than a binary choice between fascism and not fascism.”
Education
Canada now permits international students to work 24 hours
Canada has increased the permissible work hours for eligible international students during academic terms from 20 to 24 hours per week.
This adjustment aims to provide greater opportunities for students to gain work experience while maintaining their focus on academics.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, stressed the intent behind this policy change, saying, “This change will give students more flexibility to manage their time and gain practical experience.”
The decision builds on remarks Miller made in October 2022 when he emphasized the importance of work experience for international students.
At the time, he stated: “With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth.
“Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.”
Key Changes to the International Student Program
Full-Time Work During Academic Breaks
International students can now work full-time during designated academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. These periods allow students to increase their earnings without interfering with class schedules, bolstering their financial stability while continuing their education.
The updated regulations permit students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms. This increase offers greater employment opportunities while ensuring students can maintain a sustainable study schedule.
Enhanced Reporting by Institutions
Designated Educational Institutions (DLIs) are now required to submit reports twice yearly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These reports will confirm students’ enrollment status and academic progress, ensuring compliance with study permit requirements and upholding the integrity of the International Student Program.
Approval for Institution Transfers
Under the new rules, international students must obtain approval before transferring to a different DLI. This requirement ensures adherence to permit conditions and maintains academic standards across Canada’s institutions.
Special Provisions for Quebec Students
In Quebec, eligible international students can work off-campus without a separate work permit, provided they meet specific criteria. Students must be enrolled full-time in post-secondary, vocational, or professional training programs, or vocational training at the secondary level. These courses must be at least six months long and lead to a recognized degree, diploma, or certificate.
By introducing these measures, Canada aims to enhance opportunities for international students while addressing labour shortages in key sectors, ensuring a balance between work experience and academic success.
World
Trump appoints Elon Musk to lead department of government efficiency
US President-Elect Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk, chief executive officer (CEO) of Tesla and SpaceX, to lead a soon-to-be-established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk, owner of X, the microblogging platform previously known as Twitter, was an avid supporter of Trump during the electioneering leading up to the November 5 presidential election.
The former president defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris after securing more than 270 of the electoral college votes required to win the poll.
A statement on Tuesday said Musk would run DOGE alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, a politician and entrepreneur.
It said the duo “will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement’.
“I look forward to Elon and Vivek making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans,” the statement quoted the president-elect as saying.
“Importantly, we will drive out the massive waste and fraud which exists throughout our annual $6.5 Trillion Dollars of Government Spending.”
Trump will take office for a second and final term on January 25, 2025.
World
French newspapers sue X for using content without paying
Major French news organisations say they are suing X, a micro-blogging platform, for allegedly using their content without paying.
According to Reuters, the newspapers, which are Le Monde, Le Figaro and Le Parisien, announced in a statement on Tuesday.
The media platforms said they were due payment under their ancillary rights, which allow payment to news outlets by digital platforms, for the distribution of their content.
They said X, formerly known as Twitter, and owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has never agreed to open negotiations with French news publishers, unlike Alphabet Inc, Google and Meta Platforms Inc.
The publication also said the media organisations claimed that X has not complied with an order issued by the Paris Court of Justice in May to release information required to calculate the amount owed.
“The revenue from these rights, with the investment that it would enable its beneficiaries to make, is a boost to the plurality, independence and quality of the media, which are essential for freedom of expression and the right to information in our democratic society,” the newspapers said.
A spokesperson for the Paris tribunal also confirmed the case to Reuters and said a hearing has been scheduled for May 15, 2025.
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