Oman's Sultan to meet Putin in Moscow following Iran-US nuclear talks
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman is scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday, just days after the commencement of a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks mediated by Muscat.
The Trump administration on Monday announced that it had determined Maine’s educational authorities are in violation of federal law prohibiting sex discrimination, after allowing transgender girls to participate in school sports.
The decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order, issued last month, that mandates the exclusion of transgender girls and women from female-only sports—a directive aimed at restoring fairness, though critics argue it infringes on the rights of a minority of athletes.
The order directs the Department of Justice to ensure that all government agencies enforce a ban on transgender participation in female sports under Trump’s interpretation of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement saying it has given the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals' Association, and Greely High School in Cumberland a 10‑day window to resolve the alleged violation, or the matter will be referred to the Department of Justice.
Maine emerged as a focal point of the controversy after a transgender athlete from Greely High School won a state championship in girls’ pole-vaulting, sparking debate over the state’s sports policies. The issue intensified in February when President Trump clashed with Maine’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills. Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from the state over its policy on transgender participation in school sports, prompting Mills to retort, “We're going to follow the law, sir. We'll see you in court.”
The situation is further complicated by a 2021 update to Maine state law, which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. Despite this legislative action, the Trump administration’s stance reflects its broader efforts to enforce policies designed to restrict transgender participation in female sports.
As the 10‑day deadline approaches, Maine’s educational authorities now face mounting pressure to either amend their policies or risk federal intervention, a development that could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing debate over transgender rights in educational settings.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine has drawn strong criticism from Kyiv, as Ukrainian leaders question the sincerity behind Moscow’s gesture amid continued hostilities and deep mistrust.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denounced a Russian drone strike that occurred just hours after the start of a declared Easter truce, calling it proof of Vladimir Putin’s blatant disregard for both the holiday and human life.
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he plans to visit India later this year, following a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about potential collaboration in technology and innovation.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman is scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday, just days after the commencement of a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks mediated by Muscat.
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