International

Trial begins for man accused of attempting to kill Trump at Florida Golf Course

The trial of Ryan Wesley Routh, a 59-year-old resident of Hawaii accused of attempting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump while he was playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, begins this Monday. Routh was arrested nearly a year ago after being spotted by a Secret Service agent.

Routh has chosen to represent himself in the trial, which will include witness testimony allegedly placing him fleeing the scene, statements from people who claim to have sold him the rifle, and a letter in which he supposedly confessed to the crime, according to CNN.

He faces five charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault on a federal officer, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Jury selection begins Monday in a federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida, with District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, presiding. Judge Cannon previously drew criticism in 2024 for dismissing the classified documents case against Trump due to the slow pace of the proceedings.

According to court documents, in August 2024, Routh traveled from North Carolina to West Palm Beach, and in September, made several trips to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago mansion and nearby golf course. On September 15, while Trump and his now special envoy Steve Witkoff were playing golf, a Secret Service agent saw the face of a man partially hidden and the barrel of a rifle.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

The agent fired multiple shots in response before taking cover to report the threat. A civilian saw Routh fleeing toward a nearby car, photographed the scene, and shared the images with authorities. Agents later stopped the vehicle 45 minutes away, discovering a loaded rifle with 11 bullets, a digital camera, and bulletproof plates capable of withstanding gunfire.

International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.