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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The nation of Argentina is reeling in shock and grief after the brutal torture and murder of two young women and a teenage girl, whose deaths were live-streamed on Instagram. The victims, identified as 20-year-old cousins Morena Verdi and Brenda Del Castillo, and 15-year-old Lara Gutierrez, were laid to rest on Friday in separate ceremonies attended by mourning relatives and community members. Their bodies were discovered buried in the yard of a house in a southern suburb of Buenos Aires, five days after they went missing. The crime, linked to narco activity, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Investigators revealed that the victims were lured into a van under the pretense of attending a party, only to be subjected to horrific violence as a warning to others. The live-streamed footage, viewed by 45 members of a private Instagram account, depicted the gang leader declaring, “This is what happens to those who steal drugs from me.” Argentine media reported that the victims endured unimaginable torture, including the removal of fingers and nails, beatings, and suffocation. Rights groups have organized nationwide protests under the slogan, “There are no good or bad victims, only femicides,” emphasizing the need to address gender-based violence regardless of the victims’ backgrounds. Maria Eugenia Luduena, director of the NGO Presentes, highlighted the socio-economic vulnerabilities that often push women into dangerous situations, exacerbated by Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis. The suspected gang leader, known as “Little J” or “Julito,” remains at large, while the families of the victims have reportedly received death threats, prompting calls for police protection. The case has drawn condemnation from political, cultural, and social leaders, who are demanding an end to femicide and systemic violence against women.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a landmark event marking Senior Citizens Month 2025, 59 senior citizens graduated from the Digital Literacy Programme, a collaborative initiative by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the HEART/NSTA Trust. The programme, designed to empower older Jamaicans with essential digital skills, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive society. The graduation ceremony, themed “Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect,” celebrated the participants’ achievements and highlighted their transformative journey into the digital age. Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, addressing the graduates, praised their resilience and adaptability, stating, “This proves that age is no barrier to learning or growth.” He emphasized the practical applications of their newfound skills, from reconnecting with family abroad to accessing online health and banking services. The programme, which trains seniors in using smartphones, tablets, and computers, aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure no senior is left behind in Jamaica’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dr. Taneisha Ingleton and her team were commended for their pivotal role in expanding digital inclusion opportunities. Minister Charles Jr reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing digital equity through expanded training programmes, improved internet connectivity, and community support. He encouraged families to assist their senior members in embracing technology, emphasizing, “It’s never too late to start this journey.”

TOKYO, Japan — The globally renowned Pokémon franchise has publicly distanced itself from a controversial video released by the United States government, which used the brand’s iconic slogan ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All’ in connection with an immigration enforcement operation. The video, posted by the US Department of Homeland Security on social media platform X, depicted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid, featuring armed officers detaining individuals portrayed as illegal immigrants while the Pokémon theme song played in the background. Scenes from the clip included the franchise’s main character, Ash (known as Satoshi in Japan), throwing ‘Poke Balls,’ a signature element of the Pokémon series. Nintendo’s Pokémon Company swiftly issued a statement clarifying that it had no involvement in the creation or dissemination of the video, emphasizing, ‘We have never approved the use of intellectual property that we control.’ The video’s release coincided with the Trump administration’s launch of ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ a new immigration enforcement initiative in Chicago targeting individuals deemed ‘the worst of the worst criminals.’ Since its debut in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy, Pokémon has grown into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring movies, an animated TV series, and the augmented-reality mobile game ‘Pokémon Go.’ The franchise’s roots lie in the Japanese tradition of bug-collecting, with players capturing and training creatures ranging from mice to dragons. The unauthorized use of Pokémon’s intellectual property in the government’s video has sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of pop culture and political messaging.

In a series of coordinated law enforcement actions in St Ann, Jamaica, authorities made significant progress in an ongoing murder investigation. Early Friday morning, around 7:00 am, police conducted their first operation in Bamboo, St Ann, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. Among those detained was a person of interest linked to the murder case. Additionally, a man sought on a civil court warrant and another accused of violating the Dangerous Drug Act were apprehended. Three women were also taken into custody for further processing. Later that day, at approximately 2:00 pm, the Specialised Operations Branch joined forces with local St Ann officers to execute a second operation in Green Acres, Mammee Bay. During this raid, three properties were searched, leading to the discovery of a Kel-Tec submachine gun equipped with a magazine containing sixteen 9mm rounds of ammunition. Authorities also confiscated a Glock magazine with twelve 9mm rounds and eleven 5.56 rounds of ammunition. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the seized firearms, though their identities remain undisclosed by the police.