US judge finds USCIS’ indefinite freeze on applications from immigrants from travel-ban countries was unlawful

A US federal judge has ruled that immigration officials cannot indefinitely block green card applications from immigrants from countries under travel bans, calling the policy unlawful and ordering the government to resume processing some cases.In a 39-page decision, Maryland District Judge George L. Russell III said the policy adopted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an “unlawful, blatant and indefinite bar,” affecting dozens of applicants already living in the US.The judge wrote: “USCIS does not have the discretion to decide whether to adjudicate.” He directed the agency to resume work on the applications of 83 persons related to the case.The decision focuses on a policy that stopped green card processing for immigrants from 39 countries subject to travel restrictions or visa limits. This was for security and new arrivals, but it also prevented people already living in the US from moving forward with their applications.Campaigners say the impact has been significant. Project Press Unpause, a group tracking the issue, estimates that despite more than $1 billion in fees collected, more than two million applications have been left unprocessed.“This sends a clear message that this policy is arbitrary and capricious. Most of us have been in the country for 5+ years, have had no problems with the law, are dedicated taxpayers and have even been granted national interest exemptions because of the work we do,” a spokesperson named LaVida told Newsweek.The spokesperson said: “We are legal immigrants (the kind of immigrants this administration claims only to want), who have contributed positively to the American economy but are now barred indefinitely because of our country of birth – something we cannot control.”The GOP government had argued that courts should not interfere in immigration matters and that federal agencies have considerable discretion over how to handle applications. However, the judge rejected this, saying that the agencies cannot completely refuse to take decisions on them.The blockage in applications came from presidential orders under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which restricted entry from certain high-risk countries. USCIS then applied this to green card cases and barred applications based on country of birth, even for people already living legally in the US.Judge Russell said many of those affected had lived in the country for years and had maintained legal status throughout the country.The court has now ordered USCIS to resume processing the applications of those involved in the lawsuit, but has not imposed any strict deadline for a decision.In response, a USCIS spokesperson defended the hold, saying, “USCIS has paused all adjudications for aliens from high-risk countries while USCIS works to ensure that all aliens from these countries are screened and investigated to the maximum possible degree. This hold will allow for a comprehensive investigation of all pending benefit requests for aliens from designated high-risk countries. The safety of the American people always comes first.”“The ruling doesn’t immediately apply to all affected immigrants, and the agency can still continue withholding for those who are not part of the case. However, the court has made it clear that indefinite and complete stay is not permissible under the law. This comes as green card applicants in the US are facing long delays, waiting months or even years for their cases to be processed due to the massive backlog at USCIS.

The affair between Ben Pastrnak and Evelyn Ha has become a big topic online. The couple ended their relationship on March 31, 2026, after an alleged fight in a New York hotel. Weeks later, Pasternak was arrested and charged with serious crimes, including second-degree strangulation and assault. He has said that he is not guilty. His legal team claims he acted in self-defense. The case is now heading to court, with a hearing scheduled for June.After remaining silent for several days, Pasternak spoke out and released a video on April 26, 2026. He denied beating Ha, saying that things are not always as they seem. She argued that throughout their relationship, she was abused. His response quickly spread online, with many people reacting on both sides. Now, the situation has turned into a complicated matter with both Pasternak and Ha making strong claims.

Ben Pasternak reacts as Evelyn Ha’s allegations spark widespread controversy

In his video, Pasternak clearly denied the main allegation. He said, “I’ve never strangled anyone in my entire life. I’m not physically aggressive… Most people would describe me as a very gentle person.” She also claimed that Ha had abused her during their relationship.Pasternak said that Ha used to hit and scratch him and that people around him knew this. he adds, “She had a physical relationship with me and it was an open secret among her sisters and my friends.” She also mentioned that a couple’s therapist knew about these issues and had suggested serious steps like a restraining order.He also claimed that there was evidence to support his side. According to him, there are medical reports, photographs of injuries and even letters from Ha’s previous associates. He said, “There’s a lot of documents…it’s not going anywhere except to court.”Right now, both sides have made serious claims, and the truth is likely to come out during the legal process. Pasternak has already pleaded not guilty and the court will look at all the evidence before making any decision.This case illustrates the complexity that can arise in personal relationships. As each side tells their own story, the final outcome will depend on which side presents enough evidence for the judge to believe. At present everyone is waiting to see what will happen next.

Steve Shand is leaving the court

A man convicted in a human trafficking case linked to the deaths of an Indian family at the US-Canada border has moved to the appeals court to overturn his conviction and sentence, CBC News reports.Steve Shand, one of the two men convicted in 2024, has asked the court to vacate the verdict and send the case back to a lower court for “and/or other appropriate proceedings,” according to a court filing filed Tuesday.Shand’s attorney has argued that his arrest by a U.S. Border Patrol agent was unlawful due to the traffic stop. The filing claims it was a “roving patrol” stop that lacked reasonable suspicion.The appeal also challenged the sentence, particularly the application of the “death penalty”. The lawyer argues that Shand was “unaware and powerless to control.” [human smuggling operation] The leader’s decision to allow a family with small children to cross in unsuitable weather conditions.It further states that Shand was not aware of the leader’s “treacherous decision to abandon the family in the same weather conditions, falsely promising to bring them back so that they did not even attempt to make the crossing to safety.”Shand and his co-accused, Harsh Kumar Patel, were convicted for their role in a cross-border smuggling network that brought Indian immigrants from Canada to the United States. Prosecutors identified Patel as the organizer of the operation, while Shand, a Florida resident, was recruited to transport the migrants after they entered the US.The case stems from a tragic incident in January 2022, when a family of four from Gujarat froze to death while attempting to cross the border from Manitoba to Minnesota on foot during a severe blizzard.The victims were identified as 39-year-old Jagdish Patel, his 37-year-old wife Vaishali, their 11-year-old daughter Vihangi and their three-year-old son Dharmik. Their bodies were found in a snow-covered field just 12 meters from the US border. Jagdish was found holding his younger son in his arms, while the mother and daughter were found nearby.That night the temperature dropped to minus 23 degrees Celsius, with the wind chill making it feel like minus 35 to minus 38 degrees Celsius. The family had walked for hours in deep snow with inadequate clothing.Investigators said the smuggling network extorted large sums of money and targeted vulnerable migrants looking for a better life. The family set out in the dark hoping to reach a waiting vehicle headed to America.Shand was arrested that same night near the Minnesota border, after being found in a snow-trapped van with other Indian nationals. A jury later convicted both men on multiple charges related to transportation and profiting from illegal migration. Shand was sentenced to six and a half years in prison, while Patel received more than 10 years.A judge had earlier rejected a request for acquittal or a retrial in April 2025, ruling that the evidence against both men was sufficient.

Melania Trump has criticized late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a controversial joke about her, calling his comments “disgusting and violent” and urging his network ABC to take action.The response comes after Kimmel made a comment about the first lady during a monologue last week previewing the White House correspondents’ dinner. He said, “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have the glow of a pregnant widow.”A few days later, a shooting occurred at the same event in Washington DC, where a gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint. Authorities believe that, except for Kash Patel, members of the Trump administration may have been the intended targets, according to the shooter’s 1,000-word manifesto. Donald Trump and Melania were evacuated safely.In a post on Twitter, Melania Trump condemned Kimmel’s comments and questioned why he was being given a platform.He wrote, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is aimed at dividing our country. His monologue about my family is not comedy – his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America.”He added, “People like Kimmel should not have the opportunity to enter our homes every evening to spread hate.”He also criticized ABC for giving Kimmel a platform and said: “A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will continue to covertly work to protect him.”He added, “Enough is enough. It’s time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community.”The controversy has escalated since the shooting, with a clip of Kimmel’s joke resurfaced that is drawing backlash online. Social media users accused the comedian of contributing to a toxic political environment, with some calling for him to be removed from the broadcast.Kimmel has faced similar criticism in the past. He was briefly removed from the broadcast last September after comments related to the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, before returning a week later and acknowledging that his comments may have been “ill-timed or vague or maybe both.”Following Saturday’s incident, Donald Trump described the incident as “quite a traumatic experience” for his wife.The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen and has been taken into custody and is expected to appear in court. He was a teacher by profession.

Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson’s relationship has suddenly become a huge talking point online after the rapper confirmed that the two are no longer together. The news became even bigger when Meghan shared strong words about trust and loyalty, making it clear that she ended things because those values ​​were broken. Their statement quickly spread on social media and many fans began reacting to the breakup.Popular streamer Yona also shared his thoughts during his live stream on April 26. He spoke openly about relationships and trust and said that people should be careful before trusting someone completely. His response came after Megan’s public message about ending her relationship with the Dallas Mavericks star. Klay Thompson has yet to respond, but the situation has already generated huge discussion among fans of both sports and entertainment.

Jonah shares strong opinion after Megan Thee Stallion says Klay Thompson broke her trust

During his stream, Jonah reacted strongly to Megan Thee Stallion’s breakup statement and said that one should never trust too quickly in relationships. He explained that people should protect themselves emotionally and let actions prove one’s sincerity.He said, “Don’t say I don’t understand how this is my point. You can’t really trust any man like you can’t. And it’s been proven and proven time and time again, like it’s been proven and proven time and time again. That’s why, whenever you get into a relationship, for all you little kids, boys and girls, they need you to prove that to them by treating them as guilty until proven innocent.”He then made another comment that attracted even more attention. Jonah said, “Can I let you into my life? Like, can I tell you what I’m talking about? Jada actually told me this. She said every guy should start in jail and prove why they should do it.”According to Billboard, Megan Thee Stallion confirmed on April 25 that she has ended her relationship with Klay Thompson. She said, “I have decided to end my relationship with Clay. Trust, loyalty, and respect for me cannot be compromised in a relationship, and when those values ​​are compromised, there is no real path forward. I am using this time to prioritize myself and move forward with peace and clarity.”On Instagram the same day, Megan also shared a message revealing that Kel had been unfaithful. She wrote that she had supported him through difficult moments and that she was hurt by the way things ended.The couple reportedly began dating in July 2025 and made their first public appearance together in New York during the same month. In a January interview with People, Megan spoke happily about the relationship and said she felt really comfortable.She said, “This is the first time I feel so comfortable. I’m comfortable, babe!” At present, Klay Thompson has not made any public statement about the breakup.

Survey finds only one in five specialist mental health nurses consider their workload manageable

Mental health patients are being “routinely harmed” in the UK due to rising cases, chronic staff shortages and excessive administrative burden, according to a survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).The survey found that only one in five specialist mental health nurses consider their workload manageable.The UK-wide survey, which received 399 responses from community mental health nurses, highlights the increasing strain on services already struggling to keep pace with demand.

‘Perfect storm’ in mental health nursing, says RCN

Professor Nicola Ranger, general secretary and chief executive of the RCN, said mental health nurses were working in a “perfect storm” of increased demand and inadequate staffing.He warned that despite nurses working under extreme pressure, many patients are missing out on timely care, leading to worsening mental health conditions.

Patients are facing delays, risk of loss is increasing

According to the survey findings, 51 percent of respondents said patients often suffer harm due to high caseloads, while almost a quarter said time pressure results in daily problems such as relapses, falls or self-harm.Some nurses reported that vulnerable patients often waited weeks for a response, while some were never contacted.One respondent described the situation as “unregulated and unsafe”, while another said that due to work pressure, employees sometimes do not have time even for basic needs.

The number of cases is increasing faster than the workforce growth

The RCN said demand for community mental health services in England would increase by 38 per cent between October 2022 and 2025 – from about 499,000 to about 690,000 people. Over the same period, the nursing workforce grew by only 15 percent.Nearly two-thirds of nurses said their workload had increased significantly over the past three years, while only 19 percent described the workload as manageable.

Warnings on burnout and system stress

Nurses also reported severe burnout, with some saying they routinely worked beyond shifts and struggled to complete essential tasks. Administrative burden and “tick-box” processes were cited as major factors reducing time for direct patient care.The Care Quality Commission separately warned that long waiting times were common, with many patients waiting months for mental health appointments.

Call for immediate investment in workforce

The RCN has called for continued and significant investment in community mental health nursing, along with improvements to digital systems to reduce administrative duplication.Professor Ranger said there is an urgent need for stronger workforce planning, adding that community mental health nurses play a vital role in preventing hospital admissions and aiding recovery.

Government defends record funding push

A spokesperson for the UK Department of Health and Social Care said the number of mental health nurses is expected to increase by 26 per cent from July 2024 and highlighted a record £16.1 billion investment in mental health services this year, along with improvements to the Mental Health Act and the recruitment of additional staff.However, health experts and nursing leaders have warned that demand continues to exceed capacity, putting frontline services under continued pressure.

Currently, the Indian summer continues to rage on in a persistent and intense manner, with many cities experiencing extreme hot weather simultaneously. The temperature in about ten cities has reached 46 degrees Celsius and is one of the hottest cities in the world at the moment. The heat wave appears to be localized to Uttar Pradesh state and neighboring areas, indicating that there may be a widespread geographic impact rather than a random surge. There are no signs of rain in the weather forecast, and the sky will be sunny and cloudless, which helps in maintaining constant warmth throughout the day.According to AQI as of 27 April 2026, India is currently experiencing a sustained period of intense heat, with many cities recording extreme temperatures at the same time. See below what the current real-time data looks like for the world’s hottest cities.

list of hottest cities in the world

Source: AQI.in

World’s hottest cities: Extreme heat in India turns cities into scorching hotspots

Banda

Banda is located in the Bundelkhand region, which is characterized by its dry soil and scant vegetation. This helps in getting hot faster due to the summer season in this particular area. Since there is little moisture in the air, solar radiation increases, leading to higher temperatures.

Fatehpur

Fatehpur is located in the middle Gangetic plains, where soil warming is significant even during prolonged periods of dryness. The region generally experiences good weather conditions in April and May, with consistently high temperatures. With no clouds or rain systems, temperatures remain high throughout the day. Additionally, the winds blowing in this region bring warm air.

Etawah

Etawah is under the influence of semi-arid climate, resulting in scorching heat in summers. Etawah’s landscape has a high efficiency rate when it comes to absorbing heat. It can also retain this heat well, especially during the hot and sunny days of the summer season.

Bindki

Bindki shares similar climatic characteristics as a result of its inland location. There are no large bodies of water nearby, resulting in a lack of temperature regulation. This means that the temperature rises rapidly during the day and falls slowly at night. The weather is clear and persistent, resulting in high temperatures.

Auraiya

Auraiya often records a sharp rise in temperatures during the prolonged dry season. The flat terrain of the area allows uninterrupted solar radiation throughout the day. When this is combined with low humidity and minimal cloud cover, it leads to rapid heating. Such conditions are common during heat waves across North India.

Moradabad

Moradabad, located in the northern plains, may also experience extreme heat during extreme heat wave conditions. Despite being farther north, it is still influenced by dry continental air masses. These conditions reduce the cooling effect and significantly increase temperatures during the day.

kindly

Kripalu Dham Mangarh is located in an area that enjoys long periods of sunshine during the summer months. Temperatures remain consistently high due to the lack of significant seasonal disturbances. With minimal cloud interference, solar radiation remains high throughout the day, contributing to persistent heat conditions.

Prayagraj

Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, often records high temperatures due to its geographical setting. Located in the Indo-Gangetic plains, it experiences strong solar heating during summer. Dry winds and clear skies further add to the rise in temperatures, making it one of the hottest cities during heat waves.

Gohad

Gohad is located in central India, where continental heating effects are particularly strong. The region lacks coastal influence, meaning temperatures can rise without restraint. Prolonged dry conditions and stable weather patterns often result in high temperatures during the summer.

Bankura

Bankura represents eastern India in this list. Although the region may experience humidity, temperature levels rise significantly during the dry season. When there is no rainfall and the sky is clear, the heat increases rapidly. This results in conditions similar to those seen in the central and northern regions during heat waves.

Heatwave guidance issued by PIB

Guidelines have been issued by India Meteorological DepartmentWhich is under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, through official communication issued by PIB. According to their report, temperatures in most areas of north-western, central and peninsular India are in the range of 40°C-44°C with some places recording higher temperatures. In many areas, an increase of about 5 degrees Celsius has been observed compared to the normal temperature. This means that heat stress has developed in these areas.The forecast suggests heat wave conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and parts of Central India. Coastal areas will see hot-humid weather conditions, while northern plains will experience warm nights.Avoid sun exposure between noon and late afternoon. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes to reduce heat stress. Avoid vigorous activities when it is extremely hot outside. For this, children, old people and sick people require special care.IMD has said that timely information is essential to take appropriate precautions to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion in these conditions which are likely to prevail in the coming days.

Coober Pedy is one of Australia’s strangest and most famous outback towns, a place where much of daily life happens below the surface because the desert heat above ground can be punishing. Located in South Australia, about 950 km north-west of Adelaide, opal mining brought a rush of people to the area after a discovery in 1915. Today, it is recognized as the largest producer of precious opal in the world and is known for its dugout homes, underground churches, underground hotels, and other underground spaces that helped residents make life in the desert more bearable.

Origin of underground life under the desert in Australia

The history of Coober Pedy is inseparable from that of Opal. According to the local town plan, modern settlement began when 14-year-old William Hutchison discovered opal in 1915, attracting miners to the remote desert. It is a mining town in central South Australia, and official South Australian tourism materials describe it as the Opal Capital of the Outback. By the 1980s, city records show it was the largest producer of opal in the world, and while mining has declined since then, the industry still defines the city’s identity.Underground movement was nothing new. It was a practical answer to the desert climate. Community planning documents show that the first dugouts began as mines, then evolved into purpose-built underground homes, with sandstone insulation to help keep temperatures more stable. South Australian Tourism describes Coober Pedy as a bizarre underground city in the middle of the desert, while Bureau of Meteorology climate records show the area experiences hot, dry conditions much like inland South Australia. Underground design made everyday life more lively and transformed existence into a unique architectural style.

Aerial view of Coober Pedy Opal Mines, Australia

what life looks like underground

In Coober Pedy, underground life is not limited to homes. Tourism and local planning sources describe underground restaurants, shops, cafes, campgrounds, motels, and even churches. South Australia’s tourism material says visitors can tour underground houses, churches, mines and shops, while a local planning document states that many residents live in dugouts that are fully furnished and decorated. Some of these houses are entered through cut-outs in the hill, making the city surface appear sparse and industrial, while much of the actual living space is hidden underground.

City churches and hotels

One of the most distinctive features of Coober Pedy is that spiritual and business life have also adapted to the underground setting. A heritage assessment states that the first official underground church in South Australia was built in 1967, underscoring how long this architectural pattern has existed in the city. Underground accommodations such as the Opal Inn, and travel guides to the area highlight underground churches and motels as part of the standard visitor experience. In Coober Pedy, the idea of ​​a hotel or church being underground is not symbolic. This is absolutely normal.

An underground church in Coober Pedy.

Which tourists can still see today

Visitors to Coober Pedy find a city built around contradictions. Above ground, the landscape is open, dusty and marked by spoil heaps, mines and low buildings scattered across the desert. Below ground, there are magnificent interiors, carved rock walls, unusual chapels and underground dwellings that allow travelers to experience first-hand the city’s original survival strategy. Official tourism sources recommend underground lodges, mine tours and stops at local sites such as the town’s churches and mining attractions, which is why Coober Pedy is often described as an experience more than a destination.

A desert city that became a global curiosity

Coober Pedy continues to attract because it is both extreme and practical. Here, geology, climate and human ingenuity have shaped the entire layout of the city. What began as a remote mining camp evolved into a settlement designed for comfort in the harsh desert conditions. Over time, this adaptation has turned Coober Pedy into one of the most distinctive outback communities, where living underground seems to be the most sensible way to tolerate the environment.