That day, the man waited on the side of the road for the woman to catch a taxi to work. When he saw her arrive, he used scissors to stab her 18 times in succession.
Recently, the brutal and unjust murder of a woman in Thailand has outraged the public. It is worth noting that the perpetrator mistook the victim for her sister, who looked very similar to her.
Information published in The Thaiger said that the attack occurred at around 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, on a road in Ayutthaya province, central Thailand. Police from Phak Hai police station were informed of the incident and when they arrived, they found the 39-year-old woman, Waraporn, seriously injured.
The victim suffered at least 18 stab wounds to her neck and body, with blood pooling on the ground beneath a large tree. Rescue workers rushed Waraporn to hospital but she later died from her injuries. Meanwhile, her 40-year-old sister, Jureeporn, informed police that the killer was her ex-husband, Boonma. Police contacted Boonma's mother, who revealed the route he took to flee the scene.
Police later tracked him down on a rural road in Bang Ban district, Ayutthaya province. Boonma explained that he had been married to Jureeporn before being arrested and detained three years ago. He was released about four months ago and continued to contact Jureeporn in the hope of reuniting with her.
However, Jureeporn rejected his advances, saying that she had a new boyfriend. Boonma often saw pictures of Jureeporn with her new boyfriend on social media. This brought out his jealousy and despair. He then planned to kill his ex-wife, believing that Jureeporn always left home early for work every morning.
He knew that Jureeporn would be waiting for the company welfare vehicle at the scene of the attack, so he waited there for her. Boonma admitted that he stabbed the victim with scissors but did not remember how many times. He truly believed that he had killed Jureeporn because the two sisters looked so much alike but was later told by his mother that the victim was actually his ex-wife's sister.
Boonma faces the maximum sentence under Section 289(4) of the Thai Penal Code for premeditated murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death.
Meet the world's oldest female barber: She is 108 but the slender, white-haired Japanese woman has no plans to retire anytime soon.
108-year-old Japanese woman named world's oldest barber
Shitsui Hakoishi, 108, poses for a photo with a Guinness World Records certificate recognizing her as the world's oldest female barber, at her shop in Nakagawa in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, March 5, 2025. Photo by AP
Meet the world's oldest female barber: She is 108 but the slender, white-haired Japanese woman has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Shitsui Hakoishi says the formal recognition by the Guinness World Records this week brought her much joy — other than her satisfied customers, that is.
She was presented with an official certificate from the international franchise on Wednesday. Guinness World Records has a separate category for male barbers but the man who was certified at age 107 in 2018, Anthony Mancinelli of the United States, has died in the meantime, leaving Hakoishi as the only holder of the record.
Her career has spanned nine decades and she says she owes it all to her customers.
"I could come this far only because of my customers," Hakoishi told a televised news conference Wednesday at a gymnasium in her hometown of Nakagawa in the Tochigi prefecture, northeast of Tokyo. "I'm overwhelmed and filled with joy."
Born on Nov. 10, 1916, to a family of farmers in Nakagawa, Hakoishi decided to become a barber at age 14 and moved to Tokyo, where she honed her craft first as an apprentice.
She got her barber's license at 20 and opened a salon together with her husband. They had two children before he was killed in the Japan-China war that broke out in 1937.
Hakoishi lost her salon in the deadly March 10, 1945, U.S. firebombing of Tokyo. Before that, she and her children were evacuated elsewhere in the Tochigi prefecture, according to the Guinness website.
It took her eight more years before she opened a salon again, calling it Rihatsu Hakoishi, in her hometown of Nakagawa. Rihatsu is Japanese for barber.
She says she isn't ready to put away her scissors.
"I am turning 109 this year, so I will keep going until I reach 110," she said and smiled confidently.
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Hanoi is planning to demolish the 6-floor "Shark Maw" mall center to renovate the public space around the Hoan Kiem Lake in the city's central area.
The mall center at No. 7 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, also known as "Shark Mall" given its shape, was built from 1991 to 1993, facing towards the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square.
To its left is the Hoan Kiem Lake, to its right is Cau Go Street, and behind it are restaurants and coffee shops.
The building spans 300 m2 with six floors, four of them being restaurants and cafes. The Hanoi Transport and Services company, a state firm under the Hanoi People's Committee, is running the location.
Even during weekdays, crowds would gather at the building to enjoy food and beverages, especially at lunches. People often park their vehicles outside the building as there is no basement for parking.
All the floors are either opened or equipped with glass panels, making it possible for people inside to gaze outward.
Bich Hanh, from Hoan Kiem District, said she feels sad to hear that the building would be dismantled. She often brings her friends who visit Hanoi to the place.
"But maybe the demolition would create a better space," she said.
People would come to the building for taking photos and sightseeing. It is often crowded during special occasions, such as music festivals and fireworks shows.
Nguyen Hong Dung, chairman of the Hang Bac Ward People's Committee, said the demolition of the "Shark Maw" would help expand the space at the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square.
Besides the "Shark Maw", Hanoi has also requested units to consider making adjustments to certain buildings and houses in the area.
A suspected thief gulped down two pairs of diamond earrings during his arrest on the side of a Florida Panhandle highway last week, detectives say, leaving them with the unenviable task of waiting to “collect” the Tiffany & Co. jewelry worth nearly $770,000.
In the squad car, a state trooper heard the suspect say, "I should have thrown them out the window," and at the Washington County jail he asked staff, "Am I going to be charged with what is in my stomach?" according to the arrest report.
The 32-year-old man from Texas is accused of two felonies for forcibly stealing the earrings from an upscale Orlando shopping center last Wednesday.
An X-ray of his torso shows what the Orlando Police Department believed to be the diamond earrings — a white mass shining brightly against the gray backdrop of his digestive tract.
"These foreign objects are suspected to be the Tiffany & Co earrings taken in the robbery but will need to be collected ... after they are passed," the department's arrest report said.
This image provided by the Orlando Police Department shows an x-ray of what are believed to be two diamond earrings that were stolen from a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in central Florida and were swallowed by the suspect.
This image provided by the Orlando Police Department shows an x-ray of what are believed to be two diamond earrings that were stolen from a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in central Florida and were swallowed by the suspect.
Orlando police spokeswoman Kaylee Bishop said Wednesday she was checking with the lead detective on whether the earrings had been recovered yet. The earrings’ status also wasn’t known to a deputy who answered the phone but wouldn’t give his name in the rural Panhandle county where the suspect was arrested near Chipley, Florida.
Handwriting on an order of commitment document filed Monday said "outside medical," suggesting he was at a medical facility.
During the theft, the man allegedly told Tiffany sales associates he was interested in purchasing diamond earrings and a diamond ring on behalf of an Orlando Magic basketball player. Sales associates escorted the man to a VIP room where he could view the jewelry. A short time later, he jumped out of his chair, grabbed the jewelry and tried to force his way out of the door.
One of the sales associates was injured trying to block him but managed to knock the diamond ring, valued at $587,000, out of his hands.
Detectives obtained the license plate of the suspect’s car through shopping mall security footage and believe he was driving back to Texas. State troopers tracked the car from tag readers on the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 10 until he was pulled over for driving without rear lights in Washington County, almost 340 miles (550 kilometers) away, the Orlando police report said.
The suspect was charged with first-degree felony grand theft and robbery with a mask, a third-degree felony. Court records showed no attorney for him, and he was listed as being in police custody in Orange County Florida, which is home to Orlando, as of Wednesday morning.
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Bangkok Airways announced on Wednesday that it will suspend flights between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son for more than a month due to poor visibility caused by air pollution.
The airline stated that flights to the northwestern province would be halted as smog is expected to make landing conditions unsafe. Mae Hong Son airport authorities previously announced on Facebook that flights would be suspended from March 15 to April 20.
This marks the second consecutive year that Bangkok Airways has faced disruptions due to extreme smog levels in the region. Northern Thailand, especially Mae Hong Son, experiences severe air pollution between December and April as farmers burn crop stubble to prepare for the next planting season.
In response to worsening air quality, the Thai government banned crop burning in early 2025, imposing fines and legal action on violators. However, the effectiveness of the ban remains uncertain.
According to IQ Air, the air quality index in Mae Hong Son is currently 7.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended safety levels, highlighting the severity of the pollution crisis.
The number of foreign residents in South Korea reached a historic milestone in 2024, exceeding 5% of the total population, with the majority coming from China and Vietnam.
According to data released by the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice, the number of foreign nationals residing in the country—both short- and long-term—surpassed 2.65 million by the end of 2024. This accounted for 5.17% of South Korea’s total population, marking a significant rise from the previous record of 4.89% in 2023.
Over the past decade, South Korea has seen a steady increase in its foreign resident population, growing from 1.9 million in 2015 to 2.52 million in 2019. Although the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily caused a decline, the numbers rebounded in 2022 and have continued to rise since. The 2024 figure represents an increase of 126,127 compared to the previous peak recorded in 2019.
Foreign Resident Demographics
Among the total foreign residents, 2.04 million (77%) were long-term residents who had officially registered their stay, while 608,766 were short-term visitors. The Ministry of Justice defines short-term residents as those staying for 90 days or less without registering, while long-term residents are those who register to stay for at least 91 days.
In terms of nationality, the largest group of foreign residents came from:
China: 958,959 individuals
Vietnam: 305,936
Thailand: 188,770
United States: 170,251
Uzbekistan: 94,893
A significant portion of the foreign population is composed of young adults, with those in their 20s and 30s making up nearly half of all foreign residents. Meanwhile, 15.9% are in their 40s, 12.9% are aged 60 and above, and 12.6% fall within the 50s age group.
Rise in International Students
South Korea has also seen a steady increase in the number of international students over the past five years. The total number of foreign students grew from 153,361 in 2020 to 263,775 by the end of 2024, representing a 16.5% increase from the 226,507 students recorded in 2023.
Of these students:
178,519 were enrolled in degree programs
85,256 were in the country for short-term studies, including Korean language programs
Decline in Undocumented Residents
While the overall foreign population in South Korea has grown, the number of undocumented residents has decreased. By the end of 2024, there were 397,522 undocumented foreign residents, reflecting a 6.2% year-on-year decline.
The increase in foreign residents, particularly young workers and students, highlights South Korea’s growing appeal as a destination for work and education, as well as its evolving role as a multicultural society.
Eating yogurt in the evening can provide multiple health benefits, particularly for digestion and nutrient absorption, as the digestive system slows down during this time. Dr. Dao Tran Tien, a specialist in the Digestive Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, highlights that a standard 100-gram serving of yogurt contains approximately 61 kcal, 3.5 grams of protein, 4.7 grams of carbohydrates, and 3.3 grams of fat. This fermented dairy product is packed with essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin B12, riboflavin (B2), phosphorus, magnesium, and probiotics.
Health Benefits of Eating Yogurt at Night
1. Enhancing Calcium Absorption
Yogurt is rich in calcium and vitamin D, making it an excellent food choice for strengthening bones. Dr. Tien explains that consuming yogurt in the evening allows the body to maximize calcium absorption, promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
2. Supporting Gut Health and Microbiome Balance
A well-balanced gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion and overall health. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, along with probiotics that stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This helps regulate digestion, minimize intestinal inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption. A balanced gut microbiome can also prevent digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and colitis.
3. Alleviating Indigestion and Bloating
For individuals who are lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products often leads to bloating, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. However, since yogurt undergoes a fermentation process that partially breaks down lactose, it becomes easier to digest. Probiotics in yogurt further aid digestion by reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining and easing bloating, particularly when consumed at night.
4. Preventing Constipation
The body’s digestive activity naturally slows down in the evening, which can contribute to bloating and constipation, especially in individuals with a low fiber intake. Probiotics in yogurt promote intestinal motility and stimulate bowel movements, helping to prevent constipation. Dr. Tien notes that people who regularly consume yogurt at night experience fewer digestive issues compared to those who don’t.
Best Practices for Eating Yogurt in the Evening
Dr. Tien advises consuming yogurt after a meal rather than on an empty stomach, as the latter can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers. For optimal nutritional benefits, yogurt can be paired with fruits, oats, seeds, or nuts to enhance metabolism and gut health.
Additionally, it’s best to opt for unsweetened or low-sugar yogurt, as high sugar content can contribute to obesity and negatively impact the gut microbiome. Dr. Tien also cautions against eating yogurt immediately after dinner, as it may cause bloating and discomfort, disrupting sleep. The ideal time to enjoy yogurt is about one to two hours after dinner, allowing the stomach to digest most of the food beforehand.
By incorporating yogurt into an evening routine in a mindful way, individuals can optimize their digestive health and overall well-being.
Japanese authorities have arrested three teenagers for allegedly exploiting AI technology to commit cyber fraud, using ChatGPT to create fake mobile phone contracts and illegally access carrier networks. The suspects, aged 14, 15, and 16, reportedly developed an AI-powered program to forge contracts and hack into the Rakuten Mobile network, according to local media sources including the Yomiuri Shimbun.
The two high school students and one middle schooler are accused of purchasing stolen personal data—such as credit card details, IDs, and passwords—on the dark web. They then used this data, along with their AI-generated tools, to set up fraudulent accounts, enabling unauthorized access to the mobile carrier’s network.
A police spokesperson confirmed to AFP that two of the teens were taken into custody on Tuesday on charges of violating Japan's Unauthorized Access Prohibition Act and committing computer fraud.
Reports suggest that the trio successfully sold at least 2,500 fraudulent contracts, generating approximately JPY 7.5 million (around USD 50,000) in cryptocurrency. Investigators also revealed that the teens had acquired more than 3.3 billion sets of ID credentials and passwords through an anonymous seller on Telegram, an encrypted messaging platform known for its use in cybercrime circles.
Rakuten Mobile’s parent company, Rakuten, issued a public advisory urging customers to remain vigilant against unfamiliar contracts. In a statement, the company acknowledged the fraudulent activity, confirming that illicitly obtained IDs and passwords had been used to create unauthorized accounts.
Rakuten assured customers that it had fully cooperated with police investigations, suspended the fraudulent contracts, and reset affected passwords to prevent further unauthorized access. The company also emphasized that no internal data leaks had been detected within its systems.
This case highlights growing concerns over AI-assisted cybercrime, as authorities and companies struggle to keep pace with criminals using advanced technology to orchestrate sophisticated fraud schemes.
In a recent post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed details about his executive order on digital assets issued in January, stating that it would establish a national reserve of various cryptocurrencies. The reserve is set to include bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), XRP, solana (SOL), and cardano (ADA)—the first time specific assets have been publicly named as part of the plan.
More than an hour after his initial post, Trump followed up, emphasizing that bitcoin and ether would be the "heart of the Reserve," underscoring their central role in the initiative.
Following Trump's announcement, the cryptocurrency market experienced a surge in value. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, jumped over 11% to $94,164 on Sunday afternoon, while ether rose about 13% to $2,516. The overall crypto market added over $300 billion in value, reflecting a roughly 10% increase, according to data from CoinGecko.
XRP, one of the digital assets mentioned, is the token associated with Ripple Labs. The company has been actively involved in U.S. politics, backing a super PAC aimed at influencing congressional elections in favor of cryptocurrency-friendly policies, as reported by Reuters.
Market experts view this move as a significant shift in the U.S. government's approach to cryptocurrency. Federico Brokate, head of U.S. business at 21Shares, a digital assets investment management firm, described it as a turning point. He noted that the policy could accelerate institutional adoption of crypto, provide greater regulatory clarity, and reinforce U.S. leadership in the digital asset sector.
However, some analysts expressed surprise at the inclusion of cryptocurrencies beyond bitcoin. James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares, pointed out that unlike bitcoin, many of these assets function more like technology investments. He suggested that the decision signals a broader pro-crypto stance by the Trump administration, potentially prioritizing American-led crypto innovations over traditional financial considerations.
Trump's support for the crypto industry has been evident throughout his 2024 election campaign, earning him backing from major players in the sector. Since returning to the White House, he has taken swift action to support crypto-friendly policies, including hosting the first-ever White House Crypto Summit scheduled for Friday. Additionally, his family has entered the crypto space by launching their own digital tokens.
This approach marks a stark contrast to the regulatory environment under former President Joe Biden, whose administration cracked down on the crypto industry to combat fraud and money laundering. Under Biden, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) aggressively pursued lawsuits against crypto firms. However, Trump's SEC has since withdrawn several investigations and dismissed a lawsuit against Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange.
Despite Trump's favorable policies, the crypto market has faced downward pressure in recent weeks. Many digital currencies have erased nearly all of the gains made after Trump's election victory initially fueled excitement among investors. Analysts believe that for the market to regain momentum, key drivers such as interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve or a clear regulatory framework from the Trump administration will be necessary.
A recent Reuters report highlighted that Geoff Kendrick, an analyst at Standard Chartered, has projected that bitcoin could reach $500,000 before the end of Trump's term, far surpassing its previous all-time high of $109,071. Meanwhile, regulatory filings in the U.S. indicate that institutional interest in crypto remains strong, with hedge funds leading as dominant buyers, followed by banks and sovereign wealth funds.
Quarterly reports also showed that asset managers significantly increased their holdings in U.S.-based spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) during the fourth quarter of 2024.
Legal experts remain divided on whether congressional approval will be required to establish the national crypto reserve. Some argue that the U.S. Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), traditionally used for managing foreign currency reserves, could be leveraged for the initiative without requiring legislative approval.
Trump's team had also been exploring the possibility of building the reserve using cryptocurrencies seized in law enforcement actions, a strategy that could provide an initial supply of digital assets for the stockpile.
As the administration moves forward with its ambitious crypto strategy, all eyes are on how regulatory policies will unfold and whether the digital asset reserve will materialize as envisioned.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his administration would implement a 25% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada starting Tuesday, a move that has fueled concerns of a looming trade war within North America. The decision sent shockwaves through financial markets, leading to sharp declines in U.S. stocks while also causing a drop in the value of the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar.
Speaking at the White House, Trump defended the tariffs as a necessary measure to encourage automakers and other manufacturers to shift production to the United States. He stated that if companies were to establish their plants domestically, they would not be subject to the tariffs. Trump also indicated that there was no longer room for negotiations aimed at avoiding the trade barriers, particularly in relation to Mexico’s efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
In addition to the tariffs on Mexico and Canada, Trump announced that reciprocal duties would take effect on April 2 against countries that impose tariffs on American products. He also reiterated his intention to raise tariffs on all Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, arguing that Beijing has failed to take meaningful steps to curb the illicit drug trade, particularly shipments of fentanyl to the U.S.
Economists and business leaders have warned that these tariffs, which apply to over $900 billion in annual imports from Canada and Mexico, could disrupt the deeply interconnected North American economy. The policy is expected to have significant consequences for various industries, particularly the automotive sector, which relies heavily on cross-border supply chains.
The Trump administration confirmed that the tariffs would officially take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday. Under the new policy, Mexico and Canada will both face a 25% tariff on their exports to the U.S., while Canadian energy exports will be subject to a 10% duty.
Officials in Mexico have yet to issue a response to the decision. However, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly made it clear that Ottawa was prepared to retaliate. Expressing frustration over what she described as the “unpredictability and chaos” coming from the White House, she assured reporters that Canada would take necessary measures to address the situation.
The stock market reacted negatively to the tariff announcement, with major indices experiencing significant losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged by 649.67 points (1.48%), while the S&P 500 fell 104.78 points (1.76%) and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 497.09 points (2.64%). Shares of automakers also suffered, with General Motors—known for its truck production in Mexico—declining by 4%, while Ford saw a 1.7% drop.
Trade and economic analysts have warned that the tariffs could lead to price increases for consumers in a matter of days. Gustavo Flores-Macias, a public policy professor at Cornell University, noted that these costs would likely be passed down to consumers, further straining household budgets. As businesses and governments brace for the economic fallout, the impact of Trump's latest trade policy decision remains uncertain.
Donald Trump’s recent decision to halt U.S. military aid to Ukraine has intensified tensions between Washington and Kyiv, highlighting a growing rift in their wartime alliance. The move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into peace negotiations with Russia, as the U.S. president has made ending the war a top priority.
Trump's frustration with Zelensky became evident after a tense and unproductive Oval Office meeting, which further strained relations. Following the encounter, Trump criticized Zelensky’s recent remarks suggesting that the end of Russia’s invasion was still a distant prospect. This statement appeared to anger Trump, who believes that Ukraine is unwilling to pursue a peace settlement as long as it has U.S. and European support. Trump has also signaled skepticism about continued military assistance, stating that aid should contribute to a resolution rather than prolong the conflict.
The fallout from the meeting has placed Zelensky under mounting pressure, not only from Trump himself but also from key figures within his administration and political allies. Some prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Lindsey Graham, have suggested that if Zelensky is unwilling to adapt to Trump’s expectations, Ukraine may need a new leader who is more open to negotiations. Graham went as far as implying that Zelensky should either resign or significantly alter his stance to remain in good standing with the U.S.
Another major consequence of the diplomatic breakdown was the abrupt cancellation of a crucial minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States. The deal, which was originally set to be signed during Zelensky’s visit to Washington, would have provided the U.S. with access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. In turn, Ukraine would have used the agreement to help offset the substantial financial and military aid it has received from the U.S. since the start of the war. However, after the disastrous Oval Office meeting, White House officials called off the signing and asked Zelensky’s delegation to leave, dealing a further blow to U.S.-Ukraine relations.
As the situation continues to unfold, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely observing the widening cracks in Western unity with great interest. Experts suggest that Putin sees little incentive to negotiate at this stage, as the growing divisions between the U.S. and Europe over Ukraine could work to Russia’s advantage. With Trump’s administration now reviewing its support for Kyiv and key European leaders scrambling to reassess their defense strategies, Ukraine faces increased uncertainty about its future military backing.
Japan is battling its largest wildfire in over 30 years, with thousands evacuated as the blaze continues to spread. Around 2,000 people fled their homes in northern Japan’s Ofunato, while more than 1,200 took shelter elsewhere.
Officials say the fire, which began four days ago, has already burned over 1,800 hectares. Military helicopters have been deployed to combat the flames, but thick smoke continues to rise.
At least one person has died, over 80 buildings have been damaged, and nearly 1,700 firefighters from across the country are working to contain the disaster.
Wildfires in Japan have declined since their peak in the 1970s, but they still occur frequently, particularly from February to April when dry conditions and strong winds increase the risk. In 2023 alone, Japan recorded around 1,300 wildfires.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his desire to mend ties with Donald Trump and work under his leadership to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. This came after Trump’s unexpected decision to freeze U.S. military aid to Kyiv, straining relations between the two countries.
Zelensky acknowledged that his recent meeting with Trump in Washington had not gone as planned and called for a “truce” in the sea and sky as a first step toward ending the war with Russia. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to sign a key minerals deal with the U.S.
Trump’s move to halt aid raised fears in Kyiv and across Europe that the U.S. was shifting its stance in favor of Russia. The Kremlin welcomed the decision, suggesting it could push Ukraine toward peace talks. Meanwhile, European leaders scrambled to reinforce their support for Ukraine, with the EU proposing an $840 billion defense plan and Germany considering fast-tracking a three-billion-euro aid package.
Ordinary Ukrainians reacted with shock, with some calling Trump’s decision a betrayal. Poland and France noted that U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine had already been disrupted.
Despite the setback, Zelensky signaled Ukraine’s readiness to grant the U.S. priority access to its natural resources. Meanwhile, Britain and France explored the possibility of a one-month ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, potentially backed by troops on the ground. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance dismissed the idea, leading to a backlash from European officials.
South Korea’s Air Force reported that a KF-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped eight bombs outside the designated training area during an exercise, causing civilian injuries. The incident happened in Pocheon, near the North Korean border.
The military expressed regret over the accident, which resulted in property damage and displaced residents. Four people were seriously injured, while three suffered minor injuries. A church and two houses were also damaged.
The Air Force launched an investigation and promised compensation. The mishap occurred during a joint live-fire exercise with the Army, and South Korea was also conducting drills with the U.S. at the time.
Local residents described a massive explosion that shook buildings and shattered windows. A senior center about a kilometer away also felt the blast, causing panic among the elderly.
The incident comes ahead of the annual South Korea-U.S. "Freedom Shield" military exercises. The two Koreas remain in a technical state of war, with the U.S. maintaining a strong military presence in South Korea.
This is not the first such accident; in 2022, a South Korean ballistic missile misfired and crashed on a military golf course without causing injuries.
For decades, Mexico’s industrial border regions flourished thanks to trade with the neighboring U.S. However, newly imposed tariffs are now threatening thousands of factories and jobs.
Mexico has long attracted companies due to lower labor costs, tax incentives, and the North American free trade pact. But former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexican goods have cast uncertainty over the trade deal, which was renegotiated during his first term.
These tariffs will impact manufacturers across industries, from medical supplies to semiconductors, said Jose Luis Contreras, head of the Mesa de Otay Industrial Association in Tijuana. Many products, like auto parts, cross the border multiple times during production, making the tariffs especially disruptive.
Tijuana, home to around 400 factories, sees about a million cargo crossings per year. Contreras suggested that Mexico should rethink its trade strategy, potentially strengthening domestic production under the USMCA agreement and exploring new markets while offering tax incentives. He emphasized the urgency, as 80,000 factory jobs near Tijuana alone are at risk.
The tariffs have also slowed Mexico’s efforts to attract U.S. companies relocating from Asia, a process known as "nearshoring." In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum has warned that Mexico may look for other trading partners if necessary and has vowed to impose retaliatory tariffs. Sheinbaum has also advocated for replacing Chinese imports with locally made goods to address U.S. concerns about China using Mexico as a gateway into the American market.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that Mexico had even suggested mirroring Washington’s tariffs on China. Meanwhile, Mexican business leaders in Nuevo Leon blamed China for the trade tensions, arguing that North America should strengthen regional cooperation instead of imposing trade barriers.
With over 80% of Mexico’s exports going to the U.S., analysts warn the tariffs could push the country into recession. Sheinbaum accused Trump of violating the USMCA, noting that Mexico’s role in U.S. trade growth was a result of longstanding cooperation. Contreras, however, believes Mexico’s skilled workforce will remain a key advantage, even if competitiveness takes a hit.
The North-South railway through the northern coastal province of Ha Tinh has come to a halt following a collision between freight train HH62 and a truck crossing the tracks, reported the local media.
Kieu Dinh Ai, chief of Hoa Duyet Station, said that the accident occurred at 7:50 a.m. this morning, March 1, on the railway passing through Duc Lien Commune, Vu Quang District, Ha Tinh Province.
A truck was crossing a level crossing in Duc Lien Commune when its engine malfunctioned at the intersection with the railway in Lien Hoa Village.
The driver opened the door and left the cabin. At that moment, northbound freight train SH62 approached and rammed into the truck.
The collision resulted in the freight train driver being injured; the locomotive and three freight cars were derailed.
The accident completely paralyzed the North-South railway through Duc Lien Commune. Due to the significant displacement of the railway tracks, it will take considerable time to restore the line.
Reportedly, the crossing is an unauthorized path opened by local residents without official approval. Authorities are currently working to address the aftermath of the accident.
Twin sisters Le Quynh Anh and Le Quynh Huong from Ho Chi Minh City have been awarded scholarships totaling $680,000 to study computer science at the University of Richmond in the U.S.
Each sister received a $340,000 offer from the school, which is ranked 22nd among U.S. liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
They learned of their admissions and scholarship offers on Feb. 22. Huong woke first to check her emails, then immediately shared the news with Anh.
"I was congratulated by the school as well, same as Huong. We were so happy and broke the news to our parents," Anh said.
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According to the University of Richmond, the twins' applications were selected from a pool of around 13,000, with only 100 students advancing to the final interview round. If they accept the offers, they will begin studying at Richmond in the fall.
The 19-year-old twins' father is a computer science engineer, which motivated them to explore programming from an early age. In eighth grade, they began developing games using the Scratch programming language, creating one where a cat moved back and forth across the screen. They later learned additional programming languages, including Python and C++, and participated in hackathons and robotics competitions. Notably, they won a silver medal at the 2023 World Robot Olympiad in Panama.
While in high school in HCMC, both girls set their sights on studying computer science in the U.S. They scored above 1,550 on the SAT and 8.5 on the IELTS, and they also prepared for Advanced Placement (AP) exams to strengthen their scholarship applications.
Last year, the sisters applied to around 10 U.S. universities, including several Ivy League institutions, but were only shortlisted for some of their choices. Determined, they reapplied to 20 schools this admission cycle, submitting a research project and an internship certificate. Their study, guided by a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine professor, focused on using AI to categorize medicinal ingredients.
Tran Anh Khoa, a researcher at Peking University who has worked with the sisters, described them as passionate about technology with clear goals from the outset. Huong is interested in exploring computer science applications in linguistics, while Anh plans to focus on medical technology.
Chinese Law Enforcement and Intelligence Services Leveraged China’s Reckless and Indiscriminate Hacker-for-Hire Ecosystem, Including the "APT 27" Group, to Suppress Free Speech and Dissent Globally and to Steal Data from Numerous Organizations Worldwide
The Justice Department, FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Departments of State and the Treasury announced today their coordinated efforts to disrupt and deter the malicious cyber activities of 12 Chinese nationals, including two officers of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Ministry of Public Security (MPS), employees of an ostensibly private PRC company, Anxun Information Technology Co. Ltd. (安洵信息技术有限公司) also known as "i-Soon", and members of Advanced Persistent Threat 27 (APT27).
These malicious cyber actors, acting as freelancers or as employees of i-Soon, conducted computer intrusions at the direction of the PRC’s MPS and Ministry of State Security (MSS) and on their own initiative. The MPS and MSS paid handsomely for stolen data. Victims include U.S.-based critics and dissidents of the PRC, a large religious organization in the United States, the foreign ministries of multiple governments in Asia, and U.S. federal and state government agencies, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) in late 2024.
"The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue those who threaten our cybersecurity by stealing from our government and our people", said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. "Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide, as well as the enabling companies and individual hackers that they have unleashed. We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security"
"The FBI is committed to protecting Americans from foreign cyber-attacks", said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division. "Today’s announcements reveal that the Chinese Ministry of Public Security has been paying hackers-for-hire to inflict digital harm on Americans who criticize the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). To those victims who bravely came forward with evidence of intrusions, we thank you for standing tall and defending our democracy. And to those who choose to aid the CCP in its unlawful cyber activities, these charges should demonstrate that we will use all available tools to identify you, indict you, and expose your malicious activity for all the world to see".
According to court documents, the MPS and MSS employed an extensive network of private companies and contractors in China to hack and steal information in a manner that obscured the PRC government’s involvement. In some cases, the MPS and MSS paid private hackers in China to exploit specific victims.
In many other cases, the hackers targeted victims speculatively. Operating from their safe haven and motivated by profit, this network of private companies and contractors in China cast a wide net to identify vulnerable computers, exploit those computers, and then identify information that it could sell directly or indirectly to the PRC government.
The result of this largely indiscriminate approach was more worldwide computer intrusion victims, more systems worldwide left vulnerable to future exploitation by third parties, and more stolen information, often of no interest to the PRC government and, therefore, sold to other third-parties. Additional information regarding the indictments and the PRC’s hacker-for-hire ecosystem is available in Public Service Announcements published by the FBI today.
U.S. v. Wu Haibo et al., Southern District of New York
Today, a federal court in Manhattan unsealed an indictment charging eight i-Soon employees and two MPS officers for their involvement, from at least in or around 2016 through in or around 2023, in the numerous and widespread hacking of email accounts, cell phones, servers, and websites. The Department also announced today the court-authorized seizure of the primary internet domain used by i-Soon to advertise its business.
"State-sponsored hacking is an acute threat to our community and national security", said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York. "For years, these 10 defendants — two of whom we allege are PRC officials — used sophisticated hacking techniques to target religious organizations, journalists, and government agencies, all to gather sensitive information for the use of the PRC. These charges will help stop these state-sponsored hackers and protect our national security. The career prosecutors of this office and our law enforcement partners will continue to uncover alleged state-sponsored hacking schemes, disrupt them, and bring those responsible to justice".
The defendants remain at large and wanted by the FBI. Concurrent with today’s announcement, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The reward is offered for the following individuals who are alleged to have worked in various capacities to direct or carry out i-Soon’s malicious cyber activity:
- Wu Haibo (吴海波), Chief Executive Officer
- Chen Cheng (陈诚), Chief Operating Officer
- Wang Zhe (王哲), Sales Director
- Liang Guodong (梁国栋), Technical Staff
- Ma Li (马丽), Technical Staff
- Wang Yan (王堰), Technical Staff
- Xu Liang (徐梁), Technical Staff
- Zhou Weiwei (周伟伟), Technical Staff
- Wang Liyu (王立宇), MPS Officer
- Sheng Jing (盛晶), MPS Officer
i-Soon and its employees, to include the defendants, generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue as a key player in the PRC’s hacker-for-hire ecosystem. In some instances, i-Soon conducted computer intrusions at the request of the MSS or MPS, including cyber-enabled transnational repression at the direction of the MPS officer defendants. In other instances, i-Soon conducted computer intrusions on its own initiative and then sold, or attempted to sell, the stolen data to at least 43 different bureaus of the MSS or MPS in at least 31 separate provinces and municipalities in China. i-Soon charged the MSS and MPS between approximately $10,000 and $75,000 for each email inbox it successfully exploited. i-Soon also trained MPS employees how to hack independently of i-Soon and offered a variety of hacking methods for sale to its customers.
The defendants’ U.S.-located targets included a large religious organization that previously sent missionaries to China and was openly critical of the PRC government and an organization focused on promoting human rights and religious freedom in China. In addition, the defendants targeted multiple news organizations in the United States, including those that have opposed the CCP or delivered uncensored news to audiences in Asia, including China and the New York State Assembly, one of whose representatives had communicated with members of a religious organization banned in China.
The defendants’ foreign-located targets included a religious leader and his office, and a Hong Kong newspaper that i-Soon considered as being opposed to the PRC government. The defendants also targeted the foreign ministries of Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan B. Finkel, Steven J. Kochevar, and Kevin Mead for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia Jr. of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case.
U.S. v. Yin Kecheng and U.S. v. Zhou Shuai et al., District of Columbia
Today, a federal court unsealed two indictments charging APT27 actors Yin Kecheng (尹可成) and Zhou Shuai (周帅) also known as "Coldface" for their involvement in the multi-year, for-profit computer intrusion campaigns dating back, in the case of Yin, to 2013. The Department also announced today court-authorized seizures of internet domains and computer server accounts used by Yin and Zhou to facilitate their hacking activity.
The defendants remain at large. View the FBI’s Wanted posters for Shuai and Kecheng here.
Concurrent with today’s announcement, the Department of States State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is announcing two reward offers under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) of up to $2 million each for information leading to the arrests and convictions, in any country, of malicious cyber actors Yin Kecheng and Zhou Shuai, both Chinese nationals residing in China.
"These indictments and actions show this office’s long-standing commitment to vigorously investigate and hold accountable Chinese hackers and data brokers who endanger U.S. national security and other victims across the globe", said Interim U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. "The defendants in these cases have been hacking for the Chinese government for years, and these indictments lay out the strong evidence showing their criminal wrongdoing. We again demand that the Chinese government to put a stop to these brazen cyber criminals who are targeting victims across the globe and then monetizing the data they have stolen by selling it across China".
The APT27 group to which Yin and Zhou belong is also known to private sector security researchers as "Threat Group 3390", "Bronze Union", "Emissary Panda", "Lucky Mouse","“Iron Tiger", "UTA0178", "UNC 5221", and "Silk Typhoon". As alleged in court documents, between August 2013 and December 2024, Yin, Zhou, and their co-conspirators exploited vulnerabilities in victim networks, conducted reconnaissance once inside those networks, and installed malware, such as PlugX malware, that provided persistent access.
The defendants and their co-conspirators then identified and stole data from the compromised networks by exfiltrating it to servers under their control. Next, they brokered stolen data for sale and provided it to various customers, only some of whom had connections to the PRC government and military. For example, Zhou sold data stolen by Yin through i-Soon, whose primary customers, as noted above, were PRC government agencies, including the MSS and the MPS.
The defendants’ motivations were financial and, because they were profit-driven, they targeted broadly, rendering victim systems vulnerable well beyond their pilfering of data and other information that they could sell. Between them, Yin and Zhou sought to profit from the hacking of numerous U.S.-based technology companies, think tanks, law firms, defense contractors, local governments, health care systems, and universities, leaving behind them a wake of millions of dollars in damages.
The documents related to the seizure warrants, also unsealed today, further allege that Yin and Zhou continued to engage in hacking activity, including Yin’s involvement in the recently announced hack of Treasury between approximately September and December 2024. Virtual private servers used to conduct the Treasury intrusion belonged to, and were controlled by, an account that Yin and his co-conspirators established. Yin and his co-conspirators used that same account and other linked accounts they controlled to lease servers used for additional malicious cyber activity. The seizure warrant unsealed today allowed the FBI to seize the virtual private servers and other infrastructure used by the defendants to perpetrate these crimes.
On Jan. 17, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against Yin for his role in hacking that agency between September and December 2024. Concurrent with today’s indictments, OFAC also announced sanctions on Zhou and Shanghai Heiying Information Technology Company Ltd., a company operated by Zhou for purposes of his hacking activity.
Private sector partners are also taking voluntary actions to raise awareness and strengthen defenses against the PRC’s malicious cyber activity. Today, Microsoft published research that highlights its unique, updated insights into Silk Typhoon tactics, techniques, and procedures specifically its targeting of the IT supply chain.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack F. Korba and Tejpal S. Chawla for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Tanner Kroeger of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case.
***
The above disruptive actions targeting PRC malicious cyber activities were the result of investigations conducted by FBI New York and Washington Field Offices, FBI Cyber Division, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of New York and District of Columbia and the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case.
The Department acknowledges the value of public-private partnerships in combating advanced cyber threats and recognizes Microsoft, Volexity, PwC, and Mandiant for their valuable assistance in these investigations.
The details in the above-described indictments and warrants are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Consuming eggs daily can enhance your skin and hair, improve your vision, and bolster the health of your bones, heart, and brain.
Eggs are considered one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, packed with essential nutrients that can develop a single cell into a chick, according to Healthline.
Specifically, a large boiled egg offers 78 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat, along with 8% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin A, 6% for folate, 14% for pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), 23% for vitamin B12, 20% for riboflavin (vitamin B2), 7% for phosphorus, and 28% for selenium.
Eggs also provide good amounts of vitamins D and E, vitamin B6, calcium, and zinc, nearly covering every nutrient your body needs.
Eating Well reported that the American Heart Association recommends one to two eggs per day as a high-quality protein source.
The following are the scientifically backed health benefits of daily egg consumption:
Increased satiety and energy
Eggs are nutritional powerhouses, particularly the yolks, which are abundant in vitamins B12 and D, and choline. These nutrients help transform food into usable energy, and the mix of protein and healthy fats in eggs keeps you fuller for longer.
Enhanced hair and skin health
Loaded with several B vitamins, eggs are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair, as outlined in a 2020 review in Current Nutrition Reports. They are also rich in essential amino acids that enhance skin tone and strengthen hair and nails.
Improved cognitive function
Eggs are rich in choline, which supports the development of cell membranes and vital neurotransmitters. Sufficient choline intake is essential for memory, mood, muscle control, and overall nervous system function, making eggs a brain-boosting food.
Better vision
Egg yolks contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids vital for eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, according to 2022 research published in Nutrients.
Stronger bones
Eggs promote calcium absorption due to their vitamin D content, crucial for maintaining proper calcium and phosphorus levels, which supports healthy bone growth and remodeling.
Potential heart health improvements
Although eggs contain cholesterol, dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. Studies show that consuming up to two eggs daily may benefit heart health, especially when included in a diet balanced with lean and plant-based proteins.
Eggs also contain heart-healthy nutrients like potassium and folate.
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