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Your daily horoscope: May 9, 2025

  IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY A change of direction is a must this year as you have reached the end of your current journey and need a new challenge. Make a break with the past and make it one that cannot be reversed. Move forward fast and don’t look back. ARIES (March 21 - April 20): Someone you meet on your travels will catch your eye and maybe your heart as well. If it’s true that opposites attract you could find yourself getting close to someone whose charms are very different to your own – and remarkably the relationship will work. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): Someone you think of as a friend will say something today that annoys you intensely. It may be the case though that they can see things that you cannot, so be open to what they tell you. They could be doing you a very big favor. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): If you listen too much to other people’s advice today you could end up facing in several directions at once and ultimately getting nowhere. Pay attention to what friends a...

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USAID Layoffs Amid Myanmar Earthquake Response Spark Controversy

In the aftermath of Myanmar's devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which has claimed over 3,300 lives, three U.S. aid workers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were unexpectedly laid off while actively participating in rescue and recovery efforts. The terminations, announced during their mission, have raised concerns about the impact of recent cuts to USAID under the Trump administration.

Marcia Wong, a former senior USAID official, expressed dismay at the timing of the layoffs, describing them as demoralizing for workers striving to deliver humanitarian aid. The administration's decision to reduce USAID staff and funding has hindered the agency's ability to respond effectively to international disasters, while other nations, including China and Russia, have stepped in with substantial assistance.

The U.S. government has pledged $9 million in aid to Myanmar, but critics argue that the dismantling of USAID has compromised the coordination and delivery of relief efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration's response, citing challenges posed by Myanmar's military government.

The layoffs highlight broader concerns about the future of U.S. humanitarian aid and its role in global disaster response. As Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of the earthquake, the international community is stepping up efforts to provide relief and support.

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