U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order removing federal limits on water pressure in showerheads, claiming the move will improve Americans’ daily routines. According to the White House, this decision aims to "make America's showers great again" by removing regulations that Trump has long criticized.

During the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump explained his frustrations, saying that modern showerheads don’t provide enough water flow. "In my case, I like a good shower to take care of my beautiful hair," he said. "I have to stand under the shower for 15 minutes till it gets wet. It comes out drip, drip, drip. It's ridiculous."

The executive order instructs the Department of Energy to eliminate current federal rules limiting showerhead flow to 2.5 gallons per minute, which Trump described as part of "radical green" policies. The White House criticized previous administrations, calling the regulations part of the "Obama-Biden war on showers" and saying they had turned a basic household appliance into a “bureaucratic nightmare.”

Trump has frequently voiced grievances about water efficiency standards affecting bathroom fixtures like toilets, dishwashers, and showerheads. He once stated, “My hair has to be perfect,” and complained that even high-end products are ineffective due to poor water pressure. At a rally in Detroit in 2024, he joked that shampoo lingers in his hair because of slow water flow, calling the experience "a horrible thing."

However, not everyone supports this deregulation. The Appliance Standards Awareness Project argues that water-saving standards benefit both consumers and the environment. The organization notes that modern showerheads still offer quality performance and help households save on water and energy bills. A 2024 report emphasized that tests consistently show today’s models can provide a satisfying shower experience while conserving resources.

The Dominican Republic is mourning a devastating loss after the roof of the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo caved in, killing 221 people. The incident occurred during a live performance by merengue legend Rubby Pérez, who was among those killed. Other notable victims included former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as well as several public figures and artists.

Thousands of grieving fans, friends, and family members gathered at the National Theater to pay their respects to Rubby Pérez. His closed coffin was placed at the front while a recording of him singing the national anthem played. The somber mood intensified as mourners broke into tears, with some clutching their chests in sorrow. President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje also attended the memorial. After the service, the crowd released white balloons and sang his classic hit “Volveré” in tribute. Pérez’s daughter, Zulinka, expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, saying she never imagined how cherished he was.

The collapse took place early Tuesday, just as Pérez performed onstage. Witnesses reported dust falling moments before the concrete roof gave way. Emergency crews rescued 189 people, and more than 200 were injured, with some still in critical condition. Officials confirmed the search for bodies has ended, and recovery equipment has been withdrawn. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collapse but have promised a thorough investigation. The nightclub's owners say they are fully cooperating.

The aftermath has overwhelmed hospitals and forensic centers. Families desperate for information about their loved ones have described chaotic conditions and long waits, especially at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology. Many complained about the smell and lack of clear communication. As of Thursday, 146 bodies had been identified, but many relatives were still anxiously waiting for updates. Wendy Sosa, who lost her cousin, described the scene as unbearable and heartbreaking.

The tragedy has deeply affected the Dominican baseball community. Octavio Dotel, remembered for his successful MLB career, was buried in Santo Domingo, with a large crowd attending his wake. David Ortiz, a fellow Hall of Famer, paid tribute, saying Dotel was universally loved. Pedro Martínez, another legend, said the pain was indescribable, sharing that he personally knew more than 50 victims. “Life is but a breath,” he said, reflecting the somber mood of the nation.

In the town of Haina, Rubby Pérez’s birthplace, the sense of loss was immense. The local government organized a communal wake for over 20 hometown victims, setting up rows of coffins under a banner honoring their memory. Among the mourners was Juancho Guillén, who had recently lost his wife and now faced the deaths of three more family members. He said their family was emotionally shattered, describing the loss as unbearable.

Defying societal expectations, a young man in Vietnam proves love knows no boundaries as he marries a woman with a disability in a heartfelt ceremony.



Overcoming his family's concerns and social prejudice, a young man from Thanh Hoa insisted on marrying the woman he loves - despite her being in a wheelchair.

“Now that I’m like this, maybe we shouldn’t…”

Ten days have passed, yet Bui Thi Hai Yen (from Ha Tinh) still holds on to the emotional moment when she wore her pristine white wedding gown.

For a woman unable to stand on her own legs like Yen, a lifelong commitment once felt like an impossible dream. But when she met Vi Van Duy (from Thanh Hoa) - a healthy, kind-hearted man - she came to believe that there’s a perfect match for everyone in this world.

Yen was born with weaker-than-normal legs. To stand upright, she must lean on something sturdy for support.

Although she became aware of her physical limitations early on, Yen always tried to maintain a positive mindset: “At least I was born this way - it made it easier to adapt.” Thanks to the love and support of her family and friends, her youth passed in relative peace.

“But I still had moments of self-doubt. Not being able to walk… it hurts,” she admitted.

In 2023, while working in Hanoi, Yen met Vi Van Duy - the man who would become her life partner.

They first encountered each other during a social livestream. Even through the screen, their connection was instant. Yen found Duy handsome and sweet; Duy thought Yen was quick-witted and full of life.

Through messages and video calls, their bond deepened. They even confessed their feelings before meeting in person. At that point, Duy still had no idea that Yen couldn’t walk.

“I only knew her face from my phone screen. Then, four months later, a friend told me that Yen couldn’t walk like most people. I acted normal, but when Yen found out I knew, she wanted to break up,” Duy recalled.

“I told him, ‘Now that I’m like this, maybe we shouldn’t be together.’ No one wants to love or marry someone in a wheelchair. I initiated the breakup so he wouldn’t feel awkward,” Yen shared.

But Duy wouldn’t agree. To him, it didn’t matter whether she walked on her own or used a wheelchair. What mattered was her personality and the connection they shared.

At the time, Duy was working in Hai Duong. He immediately caught a bus to Hanoi to meet Yen. She waited for him at the station early in the morning. Though it was their first meeting in person, it felt as though they had known each other forever.

Not long after, Duy asked Yen to move to Hai Duong and live with him. For love, she agreed - leaving Hanoi behind to work remotely and enjoy home-cooked meals and the warm care of the man who truly loved her.

A wedding filled with emotion

When Duy’s parents learned he was dating a girl in a wheelchair, they were worried. They didn’t harshly forbid the relationship but gently urged him to reconsider, believing that marrying someone with a disability would be “choosing a difficult path.”

Duy remained firm: “I’ll marry the one I love.” He paid no attention to outside gossip. For him, no one else could decide his happiness or pain - his life was his to determine.

Only when he was sure there were no more barriers did Duy introduce Yen to his family. She was welcomed warmly and with open arms.

But the challenge came when they visited Yen’s family. Her mother couldn’t believe anyone would love her daughter wholeheartedly. She told Duy, “I could accept you as a godson, but not as a son-in-law. Yen is like this - how could you two get married?”

During his stay in Ha Tinh, Duy simply treated Yen with the same kindness and care as always. That natural affection moved her parents, who eventually gave the couple their blessing.

On March 19, the couple officially tied the knot. Yen wore a beautiful white gown, seated in her wheelchair, waiting to be taken home by her groom.

Duy led a 20-person wedding procession from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh to fetch his bride. As they entered the wedding hall, with the bride in a wheelchair and the groom by her side, the entire room was moved. Many guests were brought to tears by their happiness.

“At last, I get to bring her home. I’m so happy,” Duy said.

Yen was deeply touched by her mother’s words: “Now that you’re together, take care of each other and nurture your happiness.”

To Duy, who is now her husband - and the father of their unborn child - Yen had this to say: “Thank you for coming into my life, staying by my side, and loving me.”

VietBF@ Sưu tập

A Ho Chi Minh City court Thursday sentenced two men to death for abetting a German man traffic 30 kilograms of drugs into the city by concealing them in coffee machines shipped by post.


Nguyen Tien Quang, 26, and Vo Phi Son, 31, of Gia Lai Province in Vietnam's Central Highlands were found guilty of "illegal transportation of narcotic substances."

The two were part of a drug trafficking network that smuggled large quantities of drugs hidden inside coffee machines, the court said.

The man believed to be the ringleader, known only as "Cot," remains unidentified in Germany, and authorities have yet to gather sufficient evidence to prosecute him.

Investigators found that Son and Quang had been hired by him to deliver drugs to clients in HCMC.

In November 2022, acting on his instructions, the pair took delivery of 10,000 ecstasy pills weighing over seven kilograms hidden in postal packages and delivered them to a customer in Vietnam.

For this, Son was paid VND100 million (US$3,900) and Quang got VND50 million.

But the two were under police surveillance.

On Dec. 15, 2022, as Quang received three packages from a mail carrier in Go Vap District, a task force comprising officers from several agencies caught him red-handed.

On inspection, they found each coffee machine containing a plastic bag with 30,000 yellow ecstasy tablets weighing over 22.5 kg.

A search of Quang's house uncovered a further quantity of ecstasy, which he had bought online from a man named "Tikitiki" to resell.

After learning of Quang's arrest, Son fled to his hometown. While evading capture, and burdened by debt, he worked for a man named Hai based in Cambodia to transport drugs ranging in quantities from 50 grams to 1 kilogram.

Son was eventually apprehended in July 2024.

VietBF@ Sưu tập

Six people including a senior Siemens executive and his family were killed when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in New York.


The crash on Thursday killed all those onboard the aircraft: the pilot and the family of Agustin Escobar, the CEO of a unit under global tech firm Siemens.

Two of the victims were initially taken to a hospital, but later succumbed to their injuries.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives," Siemens told AFP on Friday.

All six victims -- including three children -- have been recovered from the water, Mayor Eric Adams told a briefing earlier, after calling it a "heartbreaking and tragic crash."

The chopper's landing skids were seen protruding from the river beside a tunnel vent as several boats clustered around the impact site.

Police from both New York and New Jersey, which is on the opposite side of the river from Manhattan, responded to the scene along with fire department vessels.

The NBC4 channel reported that its own helicopter was unable to take off because of weather conditions, with the weather in New York on Thursday gusty under thick cloud cover.

A witness told AFP it appeared like the helicopter's rotor blade "shattered in the sky."

"And after it shattered, then we saw the helicopter just spiral... And then it just crashed into the water just like that," said fashion designer Belle Angel.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement it was a Bell 206 helicopter.

"The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate," it added.

President Donald Trump took to social media to call the crash "terrible."

"The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims," he wrote on Truth Social.

'Heartbreaking'

The river is a busy shipping channel and the scene of a dramatic 2009 incident when a U.S. Airways jet safely landed in the water. All 155 people on board escaped alive in an event dubbed "Miracle on the Hudson."

The river is as deep as 200 feet (60 meters) at points, and an AFP correspondent saw what appeared to be floatation devices deployed on the helicopter's skids.

The average temperature of the river is 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) at this time of year, according to the US Geological Survey.

"Three adults and three children were on board a Bell 206 helicopter that had left from the downtown Skyport at just about 3 pm," Adams said, adding that the tourists were a family from Spain.

Police and fire service (FDNY) divers raced to pull survivors from the wreckage, he said.

"NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site, and FDNY Divers recovered an additional two. Immediate lifesaving measures were undertaken on the vessels at the scene, as well as the adjoining pier," police commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

"Four victims were pronounced dead on scene, and two more were removed to local area hospitals, where, sadly, both succumbed to their injuries."

The chopper took off around 3 p.m., flying south before heading up the Manhattan shoreline to the George Washington Bridge, turning back towards the downtown Manhattan heliport, losing control and hitting the water near a Hoboken pier, Tisch said.

The police commissioner said the aircraft was operated by New York Helicopter, which did not respond to a request for comment but lists the Bell 206 among its fleet.

There have been around 30 helicopter crashes in New York since 1980, Brooklyn Borough President Mark Levine told reporters, calling for tighter restrictions on helicopter traffic in the city.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

Vietnam may soon allow dual citizenship and ease citizenship rules for foreigners under proposed changes to its nationality law, according to a new draft by the Ministry of Justice.



The proposed amendment to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality introduces special circumstances where individuals could hold Vietnamese citizenship along with another nationality.

Such exceptions would be determined by the Vietnamese government. Currently, Vietnam allows only single nationality, mandating citizens to relinquish foreign citizenship upon obtaining Vietnamese nationality, except in certain cases.

Additionally, certain groups could bypass existing requirements such as language proficiency, minimum residency duration and financial independence to acquire Vietnamese citizenship.

Eligible groups include individuals whose parents or grandparents are Vietnamese citizens and foreigners who have made notable contributions to Vietnam's development and security.

Minors with at least one Vietnamese parent would no longer need "full capacity for civil acts" to apply for citizenship.

The amendment also seeks to simplify the process for former Vietnamese citizens wishing to reclaim their nationality. It removes current restrictive conditions, which limit nationality restoration primarily to individuals who have familial ties to Vietnam, investors, or those who have significantly contributed to the country's progress or security. It also targets individuals who previously relinquished Vietnamese nationality but were unable to obtain foreign citizenship.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the move aligns with international trends where many countries now allow multiple nationalities, encouraging former citizens to reconnect with Vietnam.

As of March, Vietnam has reinstated citizenship for 311 individuals and granted Vietnamese nationality to 7,014 applicants. Notably, 60 people retained their original foreign nationalities upon becoming Vietnamese citizens.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

Vietnamese favorites like bun cha and bo nhung giam earn global praise in Taste Atlas rankings.

Vietnamese cuisine continues to shine on the international stage as several iconic dishes, including bun cha, bo nhung giam, and bo kho, have been listed among Asia's top meat dishes by the renowned culinary guide Taste Atlas.

Bo nhung giam earned an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars, ranking 8th on the list. The dish was highly praised by Taste Atlas for its flavor and cooking style.

“This is a type of hotpot featuring a tangy broth made from vinegar, sweetened with coconut water, and infused with lemongrass, onions, and other aromatic spices. Once the broth is boiling, diners dip thin slices of beef and various vegetables into the pot. Shrimp, squid, and other seafood are also often added,” Taste Atlas wrote.

Experts and readers of Taste Atlas also highlighted the importance of quality rice paper and fermented anchovy dipping sauce (mam nem) as essential components that elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

Three other Vietnamese beef dishes also made the list: bo luc lac at position 32, bo kho (beef stew) at 59, and bo la lot (beef wrapped in betel leaves) at 76.


Bun cha has become increasingly popular among international visitors to Hanoi. Photo: Obuncha

Two standout pork-based dishes from Vietnam were also featured: thit kho tau (caramelized pork and eggs) at number 79, and bun cha at 93.

Described by Taste Atlas as a "symphony of flavors," bun cha blends the refreshing coolness of vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs with the rich aroma of charcoal-grilled pork.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas is recognized for mapping and curating traditional dishes from around the world.

According to its founder Matija Babić, the site’s rankings and awards are based on expert opinions and reviews from culinary critics to ensure credibility.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

US stocks rocketed higher on Wednesday as President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, yet at the same time upped increasingly ballooning levies on China.

The benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC) roared up over 8.5% at last check, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) rallied a whopping 11%, aiming for its biggest gain since 2008. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) was up over 7%, or over 2,700 points.

"I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately," Trump posted on Truth Social just before the market lifted off. Trump also said in the post that the US would be raising its tariffs on China to 125%.

- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/...133616912.html

President Donald Trump said he is applying a 90-day pause on new tariffs as his trade war shakes the world economy. At the same time, he announced he was raising tariff rates on China to 125%, ratcheting up his tit-for-tat with Beijing.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has confirmed that there are no signs of life beneath the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak, which collapsed following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28.

“When we were trying to rescue survivors, it was like a sprint. Now, the operation must continue steadily, like a marathon,” Chadchart said, according to The Nation.

The rescue efforts have now entered their 10th day, transitioning from emergency search-and-rescue to debris removal. The debris field has been divided into four zones — A, B, C, and D — to improve coordination of the ongoing search and recovery operations.

Heavy machinery is now being used to lift large concrete slabs, with equipment entering both through the main entrance and via the State Railway land next to the site. This has allowed responders to access the top layers of rubble and begin gradually clearing the remains of the collapsed structure.

Thai authorities earlier reported that the death toll from the earthquake had risen to 24. Of these, 17 people were confirmed dead in the collapse of the high-rise building in Bangkok, which was still under construction at the time of the disaster. 77 individuals remain missing.

Let me know if you’d like a condensed version for social media or a timeline breakdown.

A Panamanian cargo ship collided with a Vietnamese fishing boat off the coast of Hai Phong, a northern port city in Vietnam, on Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of four fishermen.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. when the Hosei Crown, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel, was sailing from Chua Ve port in Hai Phong to the Philippines. The ship struck a Vietnamese fishing boat carrying 12 crew members.

Upon receiving a distress report, the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center Region I quickly responded by directing the Hosei Crown to deploy life rafts and initiate search efforts. In addition, the SAR 411 rescue ship was dispatched to assist in the rescue operation.

By 9:10 a.m., search teams had successfully located eight survivors and recovered the bodies of the four deceased crew members.

Preliminary reports indicate that foggy weather conditions and wind speeds between 12 and 28 km/h may have contributed to the collision.

The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, along with other relevant agencies, is currently investigating the cause of the accident.

Let me know if you'd like a timeline, news-style headline, or a social media post version of this.

The Trump administration has frozen over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University amid investigations into alleged civil rights violations, according to a U.S. official.

The funding freeze affects grants and contracts primarily from the Departments of Health, Education, Agriculture, and Defense. This move is part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on universities, particularly in response to pro-Palestinian campus protests, diversity and inclusion programs, and transgender policies.

Last month, the administration warned 60 universities, including Cornell and Northwestern, that they could face enforcement actions if investigations determined they failed to curb what the administration defined as antisemitism on campus.

Cornell University confirmed it received "stop work" orders from the Department of Defense concerning research on defense, health, and cybersecurity, although it had not received formal notification of the total funding freeze. It is currently seeking more information.

Northwestern University also said it had not been officially informed of the freeze, but it acknowledged the media reports and emphasized that federal funding is vital for its innovative research, including projects like the world’s smallest pacemaker and Alzheimer’s research.

This action is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to exert pressure on academic institutions. For instance:

Harvard University is under review for $9 billion in grants and contracts.

Columbia University had $400 million in funding canceled but has begun negotiating with the government after making requested changes.

Princeton University reported dozens of frozen research grants.

The University of Pennsylvania lost $175 million over its transgender sports policies.

The administration has also begun detaining and deporting some foreign students involved in protests and revoking student visas.

Critics, including human rights advocates, have raised free speech and academic freedom concerns, warning that this crackdown may be politically motivated and that it conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Some Jewish groups participating in the protests have also argued that their actions are not antisemitic, but rather expressions of solidarity with Palestinians.

Meanwhile, concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias have also been raised, though the Trump administration has not announced any measures in response to those issues.

Drinks like green tea, lemonade, and coffee are natural remedies that may help cleanse the liver and promote fat reduction within just two weeks of consistent consumption.

According to The Times of India, fatty liver disease has become an increasingly common health concern, largely due to poor dietary habits and unhealthy lifestyles. If not addressed early, fatty liver can lead to serious health complications, including liver scarring and failure.

Incorporating certain liver-friendly drinks into your daily routine may help reduce fat accumulation in the liver and support overall liver health. Here are nine drinks that may naturally reduce liver fat:

1. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which are known to enhance liver function and reduce fat buildup. Drinking two to three cups of green tea daily can also help boost metabolism, aiding in fat reduction.

2. Lemonade
Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which supports the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps detoxify the liver. Starting your morning with a glass of warm lemonade can kickstart your liver’s cleansing process.

3. Beetroot Juice
Beetroot contains betaine, a compound that helps stimulate liver function and promotes toxin elimination. Drinking beetroot juice two to three times per week may help reduce liver fat and improve overall liver health.

4. Black Coffee
Studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption can reduce liver inflammation and fat accumulation due to its high antioxidant content, particularly chlorogenic acid.

A 2016 research review published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that black coffee not only helps prevent fat buildup in the liver but also lowers the risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease. The most benefits are seen in people who drink at least three cups daily.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water creates a drink that supports liver detoxification, aids digestion, helps with weight loss, and regulates blood sugar. Drinking it once a day may help reduce fat in the liver.

6. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Drinking turmeric tea regularly can help lower liver fat and improve function. You can mix turmeric with warm water or milk for added health benefits.

7. Carrot Juice
Carrot juice is full of beta-carotene and antioxidants, which support liver detoxification. Drinking a glass of fresh carrot juice a few times a week can protect the liver and reduce fat accumulation.

8. Cranberry Juice
Unsweetened cranberry juice is another antioxidant-rich beverage that supports liver health. Drinking a glass daily may improve liver function and lower the amount of fat stored in the liver.

9. Mint Tea
Mint tea helps with digestion and enhances liver function. The antioxidants found in mint help detoxify the liver and support fat metabolism. Enjoying a cup of mint tea each day can refresh and benefit your liver.

By including these drinks in your daily diet and pairing them with healthy lifestyle habits, you can support your liver's detoxification processes and help reduce liver fat naturally over time.

Dr. Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai, from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, explains that the body requires all five essential nutrient groups to maintain good health:

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for daily activities. Both the brain and muscles rely on glucose derived from carbohydrates to function effectively.

Proteins are essential for tissue regeneration and repair, and they also play a crucial role in supporting the immune system. They are especially important for cancer patients, who require enhanced resistance.

Fats provide stored energy and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.

Vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system, support metabolism, and help the body fight off harmful pathogens.

Fiber promotes digestive health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including colon cancer.

However, Dr. Mai warns that excessive and improper consumption of red meat and processed meats can increase the risk of cancer. Eating too much red meat—like beef, pork, and lamb—and processed meats such as sausages and ham may raise the risk of colorectal cancer. This is due to the harmful compounds produced during digestion.

In addition, many processed foods contain preservatives, additives, and high levels of salt, all of which may contribute to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr. Mai emphasizes that completely eliminating entire food groups, such as rice (a source of carbohydrates) or meat (a source of protein), does not help prevent cancer. In fact, such imbalances can lead to negative health effects like nutritional deficiency, energy loss, weakened immunity, reduced cell regeneration, muscle loss, physical weakness, and higher risk of metabolic disorders.

She also highlights that a low intake of fruits and vegetables can cause a deficiency in antioxidants—such as vitamins C, E, and carotenoids—which diminishes the body’s ability to fight off free radicals, one of the contributing factors to cancer.

Because of that, Dr. Mai recommends adopting a balanced and healthy diet instead of cutting out food groups. She suggests increasing the consumption of vegetables and fresh fruits, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while limiting red meat and processed foods.

Healthy protein sources such as fish, beans, nuts, and seeds are good alternatives to red and processed meats. She also advises choosing healthier cooking methods, like steaming, boiling, or quick stir-frying, over grilling or deep-frying.

In terms of grains, it's better to opt for whole grains—like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread—instead of refined grains, as these provide fiber and more sustainable energy.

Finally, Dr. Mai advises controlling the intake of sugar and salt to reduce the risk of inflammation and chronic diseases. By maintaining a balanced, healthy diet and lifestyle, you can support your overall well-being and significantly lower your risk of cancer.

Consistently consuming 100 grams of protein daily can support muscle growth and repair, boost metabolism, and preserve muscle mass while losing fat, according to health news platform Eat This, Not That.
Trista Best, a registered dietitian based in the U.S., explains the benefits of incorporating 100 grams of protein into your daily diet. Here’s a closer look at how this amount of protein can positively impact your body:

Supports muscle growth and repair

When you consume 100 grams of protein daily, your body receives the essential amino acids—protein’s building blocks—that are necessary for muscle protein synthesis (MPS). MPS is the process your body uses to repair and build muscle tissue, particularly after exercise.

"Protein intake plays a crucial role in muscle growth, metabolism, and fat loss," says Best. "It provides the essential amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis, helping repair and build muscle tissue, especially after physical activity."

Boosts Metabolism

According to Healthline, your body burns calories when digesting and utilizing the nutrients in food—a process known as the thermic effect of food (TEF). This effect varies depending on the type of food you eat.

Certain foods require more energy to digest, which increases the TEF and the number of calories you burn overall. Among all macronutrients—carbo hydrates, fats, and protein—protein has the highest TEF.

"Protein plays a key role in metabolism," explains Best. "The body burns more calories digesting protein than fats and carbohydrates."

This means that eating more protein can help increase overall calorie expenditure, which in turn supports fat loss. The body simply works harder to break down protein compared to other nutrients.

Preserves Muscle Mass While Losing Fat

When you're losing weight, especially through a calorie deficit, your body may break down muscle tissue for energy. However, consuming enough protein can help prevent this.

Protein provides the amino acids needed to preserve lean muscle mass. Maintaining muscle is important because it helps keep your metabolism high, even when you're consuming fewer calories.

In addition to preserving muscle, protein helps control appetite. It promotes a feeling of fullness, which can make it easier to stick to a weight loss plan and avoid unnecessary snacking.

This appetite regulation is particularly useful during a calorie deficit, as it helps reduce hunger cravings, making dieting more sustainable.

A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine also suggests that a high-protein diet may help prevent weight regain after losing weight. This highlights the long-term benefits of maintaining a high-protein intake.

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NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks dove Tuesday following another stunning reversal, with Wall Street veering from a huge gain at the opening of trading to more losses at the close, because investors still have no idea what to make of President Donald Trump’s trade war, which is scheduled to kick into a higher gear after midnight.

By STAN CHOE
Updated 6:53 PM EDT, April 8, 2025

After blasting to an early gain of 4.1%, which would have marked its best day in years, the S&P 500 quickly lost all of it. It then careened to a loss of 3% before paring its drop to 1.6%. That left the index, which sits at the heart of many investors’ 401(k) accounts, nearly 19% below its record set in February.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 320 points, or 0.8%, after erasing an earlier surge of 1,460 points, while the Nasdaq composite dropped 2.1%.

The shocking swings followed rallies for stocks globally earlier in the day, with indexes up 6% in Tokyo, 2.5% in Paris and 1.6% in Shanghai. But even after those jumps, analysts had been warning to expect more swings up and down for financial markets not just in the days ahead but also the hours.

The big question remains centered on how long Trump will keep his stiff tariffs on other countries, which would raise prices for U.S. shoppers and slow the economy. If they last a long time, economists and investors expect them to cause a recession. But if Trump lowers them through negotiations relatively quickly, the worst-case scenario can be avoided.

Hope still remains on Wall Street that negotiations may be possible, which helped drive the morning’s rally. Trump said Tuesday that a conversation with South Korea’s acting president helped them reach the “confines and probability of a great DEAL for both countries.”

“Their top TEAM is on a plane heading to the U.S., and things are looking good,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “We are likewise dealing with many other countries, all of whom want to make a deal with the United States.”

Japanese stocks led global markets higher after the country’s prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, appointed his trade negotiator for talks with the United States. It was based on an agreement between Ishiba and Trump, Japanese officials said.

But investors should still remain cautious, said Sameer Samana, a senior global market strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute. He pointed to how “the key countries continue to escalate, rather than de-escalate.”

China said it will “fight to the end” and warned of countermeasures after Trump threatened on Monday to raise his tariffs even further on the world’s second-largest economy.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt then said Tuesday that Trump’s threats of even higher tariffs on China will become reality after midnight, when imports from China will be taxed at a stunning 104% rate.

That would coincide with Trump’s latest set of broad tariffs, which are scheduled to kick in at 12:01 a.m. And Trump has made clear that he does not intend to have any exemptions or exclusions in the tariffs, according to the country’s top trade negotiator, Jamieson Greer.

The U.S. trade representative also said in testimony before a Senate committee that roughly 50 countries have already been in contact, and he’s told them: “If you have a better idea to achieve reciprocity and to get our trade deficit down, we want to talk with you, we want to negotiate with you.”

Trump’s trade war is an attack on the globalization that’s shaped the world’s economy and helped bring down prices for products on store shelves but also caused manufacturing jobs to leave for other countries. Trump has said he wants to narrow trade deficits, which measure how much more the United States imports from other countries than it sends to them as exports.

On Wall Street, companies with vast supply chains around the world helped lead the losses. Ralph Lauren sank 5.6%, for example. It sourced about 15% of its products from China last fiscal year.

Best Buy doesn’t import many products directly from China, but the electronics industry in general has a supply chain that heavily depends on the country. Best Buy estimates vendor imports from China make up about 55% of the products it purchases, and the retailer’s stock fell 8.3%

On the winning side of Wall Street were health insurers, which rose after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a stronger-than-expected increase in Medicare Advantage payments for next year. Humana jumped 10.7%, and United Health climbed 5.4%.

All told, the S&P 500 lost 79.48 points to 4,982.77. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 320.01 to 37,645.59, and the Nasdaq composite sank 335.35 to 15,267.91.

In the bond market, longer-term Treasury yields rose for a second straight day to recover more of their sharp losses from prior months. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.27% from 4.15% late Monday and from just 4.01% late Friday.

Violent storms have battered the central-eastern United States, leaving at least 16 people dead, officials confirmed. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings of “severe” flash flooding in the coming days, as the storms continue to pose serious threats to life and property.

A powerful line of storms, stretching from Arkansas to Ohio, has swept through the region in recent days. These storms have damaged homes, flooded roads, knocked out power, and triggered dozens of tornadoes.

The worst impact was felt in Tennessee, where 10 people have died in the western part of the state. Authorities there are still assessing the full extent of the damage.

In Kentucky, two people were killed due to flooding. One of the victims was a child who was swept away by floodwaters, according to Governor Andy Beshear. He described the flooding as record-breaking in some communities and urged residents to stay off the roads.

“Flooding has reached record levels in many communities,” Beshear wrote on social media.
“Avoid travel, and never drive through water.”

Other states also reported storm-related fatalities. Missouri recorded two deaths, while Indiana reported one. In Little Rock, Arkansas, a five-year-old child was found dead in a home affected by the storm.

Images and videos circulating on social media showed the storm’s devastating effects. Entire neighborhoods were left in ruins, with homes destroyed, trees uprooted, power lines downed, and vehicles overturned.

The NWS has issued a serious warning, stating:

“Severe, widespread flash flooding is expected.”
“Lives and property are in great danger.”

As of early Sunday, more than 100,000 customers were without power across Arkansas and Tennessee, according to PowerOutage.us, a website that tracks outages across the U.S.

Looking ahead, the weather remains dangerous. The NWS said that tornadoes and severe thunderstorms could form again on Sunday, particularly in parts of the Tennessee Valley and the Lower Mississippi Valley.

Scientists continue to emphasize the link between extreme weather and climate change. Rising global temperatures are making storms more frequent and intense, disrupting weather patterns and increasing the risks of natural disasters.

The United States experienced record-high temperatures last year, along with a significant rise in tornadoes and hurricanes—a trend that experts say is likely to continue if global warming goes unchecked.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index fell by 13.2 percent — its biggest drop since the 1997 Asian financial crisis — as a wider selloff rippled across Asian markets, spurred by China’s retaliatory levies.

At a securities brokerage in Hong Kong’s finance district, where more than a dozen elderly investors stared at red-flashing numbers on computer screens, the mood was grim.

A woman in her nineties, surnamed Tam, said she “hated” Trump.

“He cost me HK$200,000 ($25,700),” she said.
“He’s nonsensical. He says one thing and changes his mind a few minutes later... How can someone in such a lofty position act like that?”

None of the Hang Seng Index’s 83 constituent stocks escaped losses on Monday.

Among the biggest losers were Lenovo Group, which plunged 23 percent, and Alibaba Group, down 18 percent.

“(Trump) won’t let it go, he’s making a mess,” said another retiree, surnamed Lee.
“Everyone around me is losing money.”

The Chinese finance hub resumed trading on Monday after a three-day break, which worsened the drawdown, according to Stanley Chik, head of research at Bright Smart Securities.

“For Hong Kong equities, it is rare to see across-the-board losses to this extent,” Chik told AFP, though he noted they were on par with how U.S. markets had reacted.

Hong Kong’s stock market had outperformed the United States since Trump took office, but Monday’s rout wiped out the Hang Seng Index’s gains from the first quarter of the year.

Investors in the city had taken a wait-and-see approach for weeks as Trump finalized his trade policies, Chik said, adding that while the mood was grim, it was not yet one of “despair.”

Hong Kong leads the world in retail investor participation, with a 2023 survey showing that 48 percent of respondents held or traded stocks in the preceding year.

A 35-year-old man surnamed Tsang said his long-term investments lost around $12,900 on Monday — but he would not consider selling yet.

“I didn’t expect it to get so bad,” said Tsang, a commercial bank employee in Hong Kong.
“China A-shares may be more resilient. In this sort of fight (between China and the United States), it’s hard to say who will suffer more.”

Ray Chan, a 30-year-old lawyer, was among the few left unscathed on Monday — having sold all his Hong Kong and U.S. shareholdings two weeks earlier, netting seven-figure gains.

“We’re clearly entering a bear market, but I’m prepared,” Chan told AFP.
“When (Trump) said there would be tariffs on April 2, I could guess where things were headed.”

He said it would take “at least a year” before he considers returning to the market.

Feeling unsafe in the building damaged by the biggest tremors to hit the capital in generations, the 23-year-old Thai decided to stay away for two days until experts gave the high-rise the all-clear.

The sales coordinator is now one of many Bangkok residents wondering if they should seek safer housing in a city where hundreds of residential buildings were damaged by the 7.7-magnitude quake that struck neighbouring Myanmar on March 28.

The owners of Phatsakon's condominium assured him that engineers had checked every part of the building and concluded it was habitable. But he is still spooked about the cracks.

"I feel a little bit scared. And also my mum told me to move out from here," he said.

Over 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) away from the epicentre, the Thai capital — its skyline dotted with hundreds of towers and glinting high-rises — virtually never experiences such tremors.

Bangkok-based real estate consultant Owen Zhu, 40, told AFP that the impact on his sector had been "significant."

"People seem to have realised that living in high-rise buildings might carry greater risks when it comes to earthquake resistance compared to two-story or low-rise structures," the Chinese property expert said.

The earthquake prompted a flurry of enquiries from residents looking to relocate in the past week, he says, due to widespread "fear and anxiety" of living far above ground.

'Gap in perception'

Yigit Buyukergun from Turkey was at home in Bangkok with his wife when the quake struck. After it subsided, they emerged from under a table to inspect the damage on their 22nd-floor flat.

"Everywhere is cracked, especially in the corridor. You can see all the roof is really bad condition," the 25-year-old said.

Despite Buyukergun's safety concerns, the owners of the block seemed unfazed.

They say it is "100 percent safe, but I don't believe it," he said.

A large number of studio apartments in Bangkok's sprawling residential projects are rented out on annual leases requiring a two-month deposit. Most condos do not permit short-term rentals for security reasons, and only hotels may lease for under 30 days.

Zhu says tenants and property owners often disagree over the habitability of quake-damaged apartments, with disputes becoming more common.

There is "a gap in perception and judgment between the two parties," he told AFP.

"The landlord sees the unit as safe, while the tenant feels it's unsafe and insists on moving out and getting their deposit back."

Raising the bar

Earthquake safety standards for buildings in Thailand were "not particularly strict" before the disaster and not something property-seeking clients specifically asked about, Zhu said.

Heightening anxiety since the quake was the shocking total collapse of a 30-storey construction in Bangkok that trapped dozens of workers, most of whom remain unaccounted for over a week later.

City authorities are now investigating whether substandard building materials had been used in its construction.

Zhu says more of his clients are now opting for low-rises.

For house hunters still considering high-rises, they often require that the property sustained "minimal or no damage during the recent earthquake, or at least was not severely affected."

He believes property prices will grow in the long-term as demand for safer buildings drives the adoption of costly seismic resistance measures, adding that "the bar for Thailand's real estate sector has been raised."

But for Buyukergun, talk of improving building regulations is not enough to calm his fears about the uncontrollable factors of geology.

While the prevalence of earthquakes in his home country of Turkey made him feel uneasy, he had not expected to feel the same way about Thailand.

"Thailand is safe," he recalled thinking before. "That's why I couldn't believe (the) earthquake (happened)."

A volcano in the central Philippines erupted early on Tuesday morning, sending a plume of ash 4,000 meters into the sky and prompting calls for local school cancellations.

Kanlaon Volcano, one of 24 active volcanoes in the Southeast Asian nation, had already erupted in December, leading to the evacuation of surrounding villages. The area around the volcano on the island of Negros was still under evacuation orders when the latest eruption occurred.

"An explosive eruption is currently occurring at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano that began at 5:51 a.m. today," the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement.

The volcano "is producing a voluminous bent plume approximately 4,000 meters tall that is drifting south-west," the statement added.

The eruption lasted nearly an hour and was reported to have stopped at 6:47 a.m. (2247 GMT on April 7), according to the institute.

Videos posted on social media showed a wide, billowing plume of smoke slowly stretching into the sky, a dramatic reminder of the volcano’s power.

"We were prepared for the eruption. The families within the 4 to 6 kilometers were already evacuated during the previous eruption last December," said John De Asis, a rescue official in Negros Occidental province's La Castellana municipality, in an interview with AFP.

"Right now we are just monitoring which villages will be affected by the ashfall," he added, noting that they were recommending the cancelation of classes and work in the municipality.

Channel Nicor, 22, said she was waiting for a bus to take her to school when the eruption struck.

"The sound seemed like a big rock had fallen from a high place, then I looked up and saw the (ash cloud) getting bigger and bigger from the volcano," she told AFP.

"When I saw the ash, of course I felt nervous, but not as nervous as the previous eruption, because this time we know what to do."

The Level 3 alert — on a scale of 5 — that had been put in place during December's eruption remained unchanged following the latest activity.

In September, hundreds of nearby residents were also evacuated after the volcano released thousands of tonnes of harmful gases in a single day.