Oscar-winning US actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead inside their home in New Mexico, media outlets reported on Thursday.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the couple were found dead on Wednesday afternoon, adding that there was no immediate indication of foul play, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Variety and Sky News.
Canada’s American-born manager Jesse Marsch is “ashamed” of US President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about making Canada the 51st state.
Tensions have been rising between the neighbouring countries over recent weeks following Trump’s 51st state remarks as well as proposed severe trade tariffs between the nations.
The former Leeds United boss took charge of Canada in May 2024 and could face the US in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League next month.
“If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state,” said Marsch, who was born in Wisconsin and played twice for the US national team during a long MLS career.
“As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”
Canada and the US recently met across two fixtures in the 4 Nations ice hockey competition, with the former winning the final.
Their first game descended into chaos with three fights breaking out between players in the first nine seconds, while the US national anthem was loudly booed.
American supporters also jeered the Canadian national anthem, which was sung with different lyrics in protest about Trump’s statements.
After Canada won in overtime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X: “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”
Marsch has won six of his 13 games in charge of Canada, who are seeking their first piece of silverware since 2000 in the Nations League.
Canada meet Mexico in the semi-finals on 21 March and the winner will face either the US or Panama in the final two days later, with all the games being played at SoFi Stadium in California.
“Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deep-rooted in decency and it’s a place that values high ethics and respect, unlike the polarised, disrespectful and often now hateful climate that is in the US,” Marsch added.
“When I look forward to a month from now I know this will fuel our team, the mentality and will that we have to play for our country, the desire to go after this tournament in every way and to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is.”
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre and Panama coach Thomas Christensen were at the same media event as Marsch in California while America were represented by USA Soccer vice-president Oguchi Onyewu, who refused to be drawn into any political comments.
US President Donald Trump unveiled plans Tuesday to sell new “gold card” residency permits for a price of $5 million each — and said Russian oligarchs may be eligible.
Trump said sales of the new visa, a high-price version of the traditional green card, would bring in job creators and could be used to reduce the US national deficit.
“We’re going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The Republican president, who has made the deportation of millions of undocumented migrants a priority of his second term, said the new card would be a route to highly prized US citizenship.
“A lot of people are going to want to be in this country, and they’ll be able to work and provide jobs and build companies,” Trump said. “It’ll be people with money.”
Sales of the cards would start in about two weeks, Trump added.
“We’ll be able to sell maybe a million of these cards. We have it all worked out from a legal standpoint,” Trump added.
The billionaire former real estate tycoon said that all applicants for the new gold cards would be carefully vetted.
But asked if wealthy Russians would also be able to apply, Trump said it was a possibility.
“Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people. It’s possible,” Trump said. “They’re not as wealthy as they used to be. I think they can. I think they can afford $5 million.”
A number of Russian oligarchs have been hit by western sanctions since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
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Trump has caused shock in European capitals by suddenly opening negotiations with Russia to end the war, amid fears that he could be willing to sell Ukraine short.
The US president told reporters that lifting sanctions on Russia was possible “at some point” but was not currently on the table.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, standing at Trump’s side in the Oval Office, said of the gold cards that “we can use that money to reduce our deficit.”
Trump, who has branded a series of hotels and casinos in a long business career, even suggested the new cards could also be named after him.
“Somebody said, ‘Can we call it the Trump gold card?’ I said, ‘If it helps, use the name Trump,’” he said.
If you are tired of sky-high rent in a high-cost city, you’re not alone as many countries abroad offer a viable option for you to relocate and enjoy quality life at an affordable cost.
Whether for remote work, a sabbatical, or adventure, some destinations offer a lower cost of living, stunning scenery, and rich culture.
Here are 5 affordable countries where you can stretch your budget without sacrificing quality of life, based on the Global Retirement Index.
1. Colombia
If you crave vibrant city life without the hefty price tag, Colombia is a fantastic choice. Major cities like Medellín and Cartagena offer two-bedroom rentals ranging from $500 to $2,000 per month, depending on the location and amenities. The country’s rich coffee culture, diverse cuisine, and lively history make everyday life an adventure.
On weekends, you can explore Colombia’s varied landscapes—from rainforests and mountains to tropical islands. Plus, securing a digital nomad visa is relatively straightforward, allowing remote workers to stay for up to two years.
2. Portugal
Portugal has become a magnet for expats, thanks to its affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries. In Lisbon, you can find a furnished one-bedroom apartment for under $1,000 per month. That means more budget flexibility for indulging in cozy cafés, exploring historic cobblestone streets, and enjoying beach getaways.
Digital nomads can apply for a visa to stay in Portugal for up to two years, while visitors can enjoy up to 90 days visa-free.
3. Costa Rica
For those who prioritize sustainability and natural beauty, Costa Rica is an excellent choice. A two-bedroom apartment rents for around $800, and the cost of fresh, organic food is surprisingly low. Whether you prefer lush rainforests or serene beaches, there are plenty of expat-friendly towns to choose from.
Costa Rica offers a 180-day tourist visa, making it ideal for a six-month trial run to see if the country’s laid-back, eco-conscious lifestyle suits you.
4. Mexico
From the bustling energy of Mexico City to the artistic charm of Oaxaca and the stunning coastal towns, Mexico offers an affordable and diverse living experience. You can rent a studio near the beach for as little as $600 per month or opt for a more walkable, historic location like San Miguel de Allende, where rents start around $900.
Mexico’s temporary work visa allows stays from six months to four years, giving you ample time to explore different regions before committing to a long-term move.
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5. Panama
Panama stands out for its convenience—U.S. dollars are the official currency, making financial transactions easy for American expats. Rent is relatively affordable, with houses in the mountains averaging $800 per month and two-bedroom apartments in Panama City ranging from $600 to $1,000.
As one of the world’s few carbon-neutral countries, Panama is an excellent choice for those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle. The digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for up to nine months, offering plenty of time to soak up the tropical climate and rich culture.
Republican billionaire businessman Vivek Ramaswamy kickstarted his campaign for governor of Ohio on Monday, one month after quitting US President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Ramaswamy had co-led the DOGE with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and Trump’s biggest donor, in its mission to gut federal staffing and spending.
“President Trump is reviving our conviction in America, we require a leader here at home, who will revive our conviction in Ohio,” Ramaswamy said in a speech on Monday.
A former 2024 presidential primary candidate, Ramaswamy went on to endorse Trump, who returned the favor by appointing him to the DOGE.
His departure from the commission was announced soon after Trump’s inauguration in late January. There were already reports then that he intended to run for governor of the state.
Trump endorsed his bid on Monday evening.
“I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He’s Young, Strong, and Smart!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!” he added.
Ramaswamy ignited controversy among conservatives in late December when he defended visas for highly skilled foreign workers, who are widely employed in Silicon Valley.
He had suggested that companies prefer foreign workers because they lack an “American culture,” which he said venerates mediocrity.
“A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers,” he had posted, warning that, without a change in attitude, “we’ll have our asses handed to us by China.”
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The election for Ohio governor will take place on November 3, 2026.
Transgender activists often shunned by society say they have found rare acceptance at India’s Hindu Kumbh Mela festival by giving blessings to pilgrims attending the world’s largest religious gathering.
Among the many millions who have attended the six-week-long Hindu celebration of prayer and bathing held every 12 years is a unique “akhada” — or religious order — a camp of transgender individuals.
Surveying crowds from her lion throne, Vaishnavi Jagadamba Nand Giri showers blessings on pilgrims standing in long queues to her colourful tent.
“It is very difficult to survive as a transgender person in society, since most people cannot understand how we feel,” Giri said, one of around 100 members of the group at the festival.
“As visibility increases for us, the acceptance will also increase.”
South Asia has a long history of people designated as male at birth but who identify as female — known as kinnar or hijra.
In India’s last census in 2011, more than 487,000 people were members of the third gender.
India recognised a third gender in 2014, but members still face severe discrimination.
– ‘Very auspicious’ –
The festival in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj, which ends Wednesday, is a sea of humanity.
Enthusiastic officials say that more than 560 million Hindu devotees have attended — numbers impossible to verify independently.
That includes naked naga sadhus, wandering monks who walked for weeks from the remote mountains and forests where they are usually devoted to meditation.
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It also includes the transgender Kinnar Akhada.
Traditionally, Hinduism had only 13 religious akhada groups which only included men.
The transgender Kinnar Akhada changed that when they were accepted as the 14th member in 2019.
Hindus believe that those who immerse themselves in the river waters at the Kumbh Mela cleanse themselves of sin, breaking free from the cycle of rebirth and ultimately attaining salvation.
After bathing, pilgrims come to the camps of religious orders seeking blessings.
“A blessing from a kinnar is considered very auspicious,” said 38-year-old pilgrim Mangesh Sahu, queueing for a bead from the group.
“I will tie the bead around my daughter’s neck to keep her protected from the evil eye — the kinnar prayers are powerful,” he said.
But challenges to full acceptance still remain.
“They seek blessings from a transgender person, but they will shun an individual like me in their family,” Giri said.
With a monthly salary of $15, a teacher in Venezuela earns nowhere near enough to cover their basic food necessities, never mind rent or medicine.
Many in the crisis-stricken South American country are forced to work multiple jobs, or pool their money with family.
Thousands have emigrated in pursuit of greater financial stability.
“For the past two years, the situation has been horrible; you can’t even buy shoes,” 70-year-old Maria Cerezo, who has been a teacher in the public sector for 39 years, told AFP at a thrift shop in the capital Caracas.
She had just selected a blue nylon dress with white polka dots — and a price tag of $2. She hid the garment behind other clothes for sale.
“I’ll get it tomorrow, God willing, because I don’t have the money today,” Cerezo explained.
She remembers a time when a teacher would buy “clothes, shoes, electrical appliances” with their yearly bonus.
Nowadays, “it’s not possible.”
A basket of food essentials for a family of four in Venezuela costs about $500 a month, 33 times the salary of a teacher — a profession that has historically been underpaid, but never as little as now.
Cerezo’s family budget is augmented by the salaries of her daughter — also a teacher — and her husband, a lawyer.
– Role models –
An 80-percent drop in GDP over a decade of increasingly repressive rule by President Nicolas Maduro since 2013 has pushed more than eight million Venezuelans — a quarter of the population — to seek a better life elsewhere.
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A public sector teacher’s salary is not even among the lowest.
The minimum salary in Venezuela today is $2 a month, which the government supplements with subsidies.
In the private sector, the average monthly income is about $200.
Most public schools today operate only two or three days a week so that teachers can work additional jobs.
Some give private lessons, others drive taxis or sell crafts.
Venezuela’s education system has a deficit of 200,000 teachers, according to the government, and enrolment of student teachers is down nearly 90 percent.
For those who remain in the profession, there is the El Ropero Solidario thrift store in Caracas, run by teacher Kethy Mendoza and supported by the Venezuelan Federation of Teachers.
Much of the merchandise comes from educators, who receive half of the sale price of an item of clothing — which they can also opt to donate — while the other half keeps the shop running.
“We are role models for the children,” Mendoza, 64, explained of the endeavor, which also aims to help teachers in need of medicines, food and emergency hospital care.
“If we go to school poorly dressed because the economic crisis doesn’t allow us to buy a change of clothes or decent shoes, how can we expect of the pupils to come dressed properly, presentable?”
Maduro, who claimed victory in July 2024 elections that the opposition and much of the international community says he stole, insists low salaries are a consequence of international sanctions.
Experts point to economic mismanagement and corruption in the oil-rich former petro state as other factors.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that he will urge US President Donald Trump to avoid making allies “suffer” by imposing new tariffs on their goods.
Since taking office last month, Trump has announced new tariffs across a range of sectors, sparking protests from allies Canada, Mexico, the EU and others.
“I will explain to him that between allies, you don’t make each other suffer with tariffs,” Macron said during a visit to the French Agriculture Show ahead of a meeting Monday in Washington with Trump who has threatened to impose tariffs on a number of EU products.
“I will talk to him about this because we need to calm things down,” Macron said. “Agriculture is one of France’s great export businesses.”
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has strongly opposed the United States’ plan to conduct airstrikes against terrorist targets across Africa, warning that foreign military interventions have historically escalated conflicts rather than resolved them.
This opposition follows a statement by Gen. James Hecker, Commander of U.S. Air Forces, Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), who announced during a digital press conference at the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium (AACS) in Lusaka, Zambia, that the U.S. military would continue targeting terrorist groups like ISIS in Africa.
According to Gen. Hecker, such airstrikes are necessary to eliminate high-value terrorist threats that endanger both African nations and the United States.
However, PeacePro strongly disagrees, arguing that Africa’s security challenges must be solved by Africans, not foreign powers.
Reacting to the announcement, PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat,in a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin,at the weekend rejected any form of foreign military intervention on African soil.
The organization, known for championing the demilitarization of Africa, maintains that foreign airstrikes have a history of causing civilian casualties, destabilization, and increased terrorist recruitment rather than eliminating threats.
“While we acknowledge the security challenges facing Africa, we firmly oppose the militarization of our continent by foreign powers. The U.S. military’s interventions in Libya, Somalia, the Sahel, and other regions have shown that airstrikes and external military actions often escalate conflicts, lead to civilian casualties, and create long-term instability.
“Africa’s security challenges must be addressed through African-led solutions, not foreign bombings,” Hamzat stated.
PeacePro’s according to the statement position is backed by historical evidence.
“Past U.S. and Western military operations in Africa have often led to more violence and instability rather than peace.”it stressed
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Hamzat, also noted in the statement that the NATO-led intervention, backed by the U.S., led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi but plunged Libya into chaos, civil war, and a breeding ground for terrorist groups like ISIS.
“Despite years of U.S. military involvement, including drone strikes, Al-Shabaab remains one of the deadliest terrorist groups in Africa, frequently launching attacks in Somalia and neighboring Kenya” Hamzat said, adding that the presence of French and U.S. forces in the Sahel did little to curb terrorist expansion. Instead, it contributed to anti-Western sentiments and led to military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Rather than relying on external military interventions, PeacePro is advocating for a stronger role for African institutions like the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS in developing sustainable security strategies. The organization believes that defeating terrorism in Africa requires strengthening local intelligence networks and improving counterterrorism cooperation between African nations, Addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, poor governance, and radicalization and Enhancing regional security initiatives, such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has successfully weakened Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.
Hamzat also warned African governments against allowing their territories to be used as staging grounds for foreign military operations under the guise of counterterrorism.
“The presence of foreign military forces on African soil undermines our sovereignty and prevents us from taking full control of our security challenges. If African nations continue to allow external forces to dictate their security policies, we risk becoming permanent battlegrounds for global power struggles,” he emphasized.
As part of its Africa Demilitarization Campaign, PeacePro is urging the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to reject foreign military intervention and develop indigenous security strategies.
The Nigerian government and other African leaders should prioritize diplomatic, intelligence-driven, and economic approaches over militarized solutions. Hamzat said.
He also urged the United States to shift its Africa policy toward economic partnerships, conflict prevention, and intelligence-sharing, instead of launching military operations.
Iran executed at least 975 people last year in a “horrifying escalation” of its use of capital punishment, two human rights groups said on Thursday.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and French group Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) said the figure was the highest since IHR began recording executions in Iran in 2008.
The figure “reveals a horrifying escalation in the use of the death penalty by the Islamic republic in 2024,” they said in a joint report, accusing Iran of using the death penalty as a “central tool of political oppression”.
“These executions are part of the Islamic republic’s war against its own people to maintain its grip on power,” IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said.
“Five people were executed on average every single day in the last three months of the year as the threat of war between Iran and Israel escalated.”
Last year’s figure represented a 17 percent increase on the 834 executions recorded in 2023, the report said.
Of the 975 people executed, four people were hanged in public and 31 were women, also the highest figure for the past 17 years.
– Executions over protests –
Human rights groups, who say that Iran is the world’s most prolific executioner after China, accuse the authorities of using the death penalty to sow fear among the public, particularly after nationwide protests broke out in 2022.
Capital punishment remains a key pillar of the sharia-based judicial system established after the 1979 revolution ousted the Western-backed shah.
Crimes punishable by death include murder, rape and drugs offences but also more vaguely worded charges like “corruption on earth” and “rebellion” which activists say are used against dissidents.
In recent years, executions have been carried out by hanging, mostly in prison yards but occasionally in public, though other methods remain on the statute books.
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Two of last year’s executions were in connection with the nationwide protests that erupted in September 2022 after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian-Kurdish woman arrested for an alleged breach of Iran’s mandatory dress code.
Mohammad Ghobadlu, 23, was executed in January 2024 on charges of killing a police officer with a car during a protest in October 2022. Human rights groups have charged that his trial was deeply flawed, with judges ignoring evidence presented by the defence that he suffered from bipolar disorder.
Gholamreza Rasaei, 34, was executed in secret in August on charges of killing a Revolutionary Guard during a 2022 protest. Activists said his confession had been obtained by torture.
The rights groups said there was evidence Iran might have carried out more executions last year that they were unable to confirm for their report.
They said there were reports of an additional 39 executions in 2024 that they had been unable to corroborate through second sources.
Already this year, Iran has carried out at least 121 executions, according to IHR’s count.