United News of Bangladesh

In Japan, cats with short, bent tails are believed to bring good luck, and Nagasaki is one of the best places to see them. Known locally as “omagari neko” (bent-tail cats) or “kagi neko” (hook cats), these feline charmers have a dedicated following, complete with a special Shinto shrine and their own fan society—the Nagasaki Cat Society. According to Kazuya Hideshima, a staff member at the Omagari Neko Shrine and a member of the society, the cats’ distinctive tails come in a variety of shapes, including hooked tips, curls, and bun-like forms. Studies show that bobtail cats make up about 80% of Nagasaki’s feline population—double the proportion found anywhere else in Japan. Cats are thought to have arrived in Japan from China in the 6th century, brought by Buddhist monks to protect sacred texts from rats during sea voyages. The bobtails of Nagasaki, however, trace their lineage back to the Dutch East Indies. During Japan’s period of isolation (17th–19th century), Nagasaki was the country’s only open port, and ships from Southeast Asia relied on these cats to safeguard goods from rodent damage. Veterinarian and feline expert Soshin Yamamoto explained that the bobtail trait likely resulted from a genetic mutation that flourished in the relatively closed environment of historical Nagasaki. “Having bobtails doesn’t impact a cat’s well-being, especially if they live around humans and don’t need to navigate wild terrain,” he said. Today, Nagasaki locals hope these lucky cats can also bring fortune in the form of tourism and economic activity. “I already knew Nagasaki was famous for these bent-tail cats,” said Natsuno Kani, a 50-year-old tourist from Tokyo, while visiting the cat shrine. But for others, the discovery was a surprise. “This is my first time hearing about them,” said Abigail Tarraso, a Spanish artist living in neighboring Saga prefecture. Similarly, American artist Cindy Bi, also visiting Nagasaki, said, “I’m excited to look for them—maybe we’ll spot a few.”

The American University of Baghdad celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of students Saturday at a campus that was once a palace built by Saddam Hussein. Officials said they hope the graduation will mark the beginning of a new era in higher education in Iraq rooted in modernity, openness and international academic standards. The university was inaugurated in 2021 on the site of the al-Faw Palace, built on an island in the middle of an artificial lake by Saddam in the 1990s to mark the retaking of the peninsula of the same name during the war. After the U.S.-led invasion that unseated Saddam in 2003, it was used as a U.S. coalition military headquarters called Camp Victory. It was later developed into an American-style university with a core liberal arts program through funding by influential Iraqi business owner Saadi Saihood. A total of 38 students — 20 male and 18 female — graduated Saturday with degrees in business administration, sciences and humanities at a ceremony attended by political dignitaries as well as families and faculty members. Speaking to the attendees, university President Dr. Michael Mulnix reflected on the university’s rocky beginnings. “When I first arrived at the American University of Baghdad in 2018, the campus looked nothing like it does today," he said. "Years of war and neglect had left the infrastructure in ruins, with many buildings damaged or destroyed. Today, we stand before an exceptional, nonprofit academic institution that ranks among the finest research universities.” Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students Today AUB has a growing network of international partnerships with top universities, he said, including Vanderbilt University, Colorado School of Mines, Lawrence Technological University, Temple University, the University of Exeter, and Sapienza University of Rome. University founder and owner Saihood called the graduation “a symbolic moment that affirms this institution was built to last and to make a real difference.” He acknowledged the economic challenges facing graduates, especially the scarcity of government employment, but emphasized that the university has equipped its students with the adaptability and initiative needed to thrive in the private sector or through entrepreneurship. Although Iraq's security situation has improved in recent years after decades of conflict, the country still suffers from brain drain as young people seek opportunities and stability abroad. Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students “The future in Iraq is not easy. All of us graduates have concerns," said Mohammed Baqir from Najaf province, who graduated Saturday with a bachelor's degree in business. "But what sets us apart from other universities is that we’ve already received job offers through AUB, especially in the private sector. Although my education cost around ten million Iraqi dinars, it was a truly valuable investment.” Ten million Iraqi dinars equals about $7,600.

A young howler monkey was seen clinging to the back of an older male monkey, tightly gripping its fur. But the two weren't related — and they weren’t even the same species. Scientists reviewing camera footage from a small island in Panama discovered unexpected and unsettling behavior: capuchin monkeys were seen taking baby howler monkeys. At least 11 such incidents occurred between 2022 and 2023. “This was an incredibly surprising discovery,” said Zoë Goldsborough, a behavioral ecologist at Germany’s Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. “We’ve never documented anything quite like this in the animal world.” The reasons behind the behavior remain unclear. Capuchins, which are roughly the size of house cats, live in Central and South America. Known for their intelligence, they can adopt new behaviors socially, and one group in Panama even uses stones to crack open nuts and shellfish. Goldsborough and her colleagues from Max Planck and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute had originally set up over 80 cameras to study tool use among capuchins. But in early 2022, they unexpectedly began recording young howler monkeys appearing in the footage. The videos showed capuchins moving around and using tools while carrying baby howlers on their backs. However, the actual abductions weren’t caught on camera — likely because they took place in the treetops, where howlers typically stay. “Our understanding is limited by what the cameras captured,” said co-author Margaret Crofoot. The findings were published this week in the journal Current Biology. In most of the observed cases, the infant howlers died. Typically, these babies would still be nursing and remain close to their mothers. The captured infants were only a few weeks to a few months old — too young to survive on their own. “Part of me hopes some of them managed to get back to their mothers, but we just don’t know,” Crofoot added. Some videos showed young male capuchins still carrying the deceased howler babies, possibly starved. Although it’s not unusual in the animal kingdom — with species like gorillas and orcas sometimes carrying their dead young — the reasons behind such behavior are still not well understood. There were no signs of violence or intent to eat the babies, ruling out predation as a motive. “We’ve all spent countless hours trying to figure out why this is happening,” said Goldsborough. She speculates the first capuchin involved may have been driven by a misdirected caregiving instinct, as he handled the babies gently. Afterward, four more males began imitating the behavior. Researchers don’t believe the capuchins intentionally harmed the infants. So far, this phenomenon has only been observed in one group. This unusual behavior highlights just how much social dynamics can differ even within the same species, noted Catherine Crockford, a primatologist at France’s CNRS Institute for Cognitive Sciences, who was not part of the study.

The Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students in its escalating battle with the Ivy League school, saying thousands of current students must transfer to other schools or leave the country. The Department of Homeland Security announced the action Thursday, saying Harvard has created an unsafe campus environment by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students on campus. It also accused Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, saying it hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024. “This means Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the agency said in a statement. Harvard enrolls almost 6,800 foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, accounting for more than a quarter of its student body. Most are graduate students, coming from more than 100 countries. Harvard called the action unlawful and said it's working to provide guidance to students. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” the university said in a statement. The Trump administration's clash with Harvard, the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university, has intensified since it became the first to openly defy White House demands for changes at elite schools it has criticized as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. The federal government has cut $2.6 billion in federal grants to Harvard, forcing it to self-fund much of its sprawling research operation. President Donald Trump has said he wants to strip the university of its tax-exempt status. The administration has demanded records of campus protests The threat to Harvard's international enrollment stems from an April 16 request from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who demanded that it provide information about foreign students that might implicate them in violence or protests that could lead to their deportation. Harvard sues Trump administration to stop the freeze of more than $2 billion in grants In a letter to Harvard on Thursday, Noem said the school's sanction is “the unfortunate result of Harvard's failure to comply with simple reporting requirements.” It bars Harvard from hosting international students for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Noem said Harvard can regain its ability to host foreign students if it produces a trove of records on foreign students within 72 hours. Her updated request demands all records, including audio or video footage, of foreign students participating in protests or dangerous activity on campus. “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem said in a statement. The action revoked Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which gives the school the ability to sponsor international students to get their visas and attend school in the United States. Harvard President Alan Garber earlier this month said the university has made changes to its governance over the past year and a half, including a broad strategy to combat antisemitism, but warned it would not budge on its “its core, legally-protected principles” over fears of retaliation. He said he wasn’t aware of evidence to support the administration's allegation that its international students were “more prone to disruption, violence, or other misconduct than any other students.” Students in Harvard College Democrats said the Trump administration is playing with students' lives to push a radical agenda and to quiet dissent. “Trump's attack on international students is text book authoritarianism — Harvard must continue to hold the line,” the group said in a statement. The administration drew condemnation from free speech groups, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which said Noem is demanding a “surveillance state.” "This sweeping fishing expedition reaches protected expression and must be flatly rejected," the group said in a statement. Harvard rejects Trump’s demands, faces multi-billion-dollar funding freeze The revocation opens a new front in a closely watched battle Many of Harvard's punishments have come through a federal antisemitism task force that says the university failed to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence amid a nationwide wave of pro-Palestinian protests. Homeland Security officials echoed those concerns in their Thursday announcement. It offered examples, including a recent internal report at Harvard, finding that many Jewish students reported facing discrimination or bias on campus. It also tapped into concerns that congressional Republicans have raised about ties between U.S. universities and China. Homeland Security officials said Harvard provided training to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps as recently as 2024. As evidence, it provided a link to a Fox News article, which in turn cited a letter from House Republicans. Asked for comment on the alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party, a Harvard spokesperson said the university will be responding to the House Republicans' letter. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, called the latest action an “illegal, small-minded” overreach. “I worry that this is sending a very chilling effect to international students looking to come to America for education," he said. The Trump administration has leveraged the system for tracking international students’ legal status as part of its broader attempts to crack down on higher education. What was once a largely administrative database has become a tool of enforcement, as immigration officials revoked students’ legal status directly in the system. Harvard president Claudine Gay resigns amid plagiarism claims, backlash from antisemitism testimony Those efforts were challenged in court, leading to restorations of status and a nationwide injunction blocking the administration from pursuing further terminations.

Bangladesh is gearing up to join a globally synchronized sporting celebration as GamePlay Limited, in collaboration with Russia’s Hero League, officially soft launched the One Run International Half Marathon 2025 at a vibrant ceremony on Tuesday at the Russian House in Dhanmondi. The event marks a milestone in Bangladesh’s sporting journey, strengthening ties between Dhaka and Moscow through a shared commitment to unity, peace, and community empowerment through athletics. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Pavel Dvoychenkov, Counsellor at the Russian Embassy and Director of the Russian House; Ekaterina Semenova, Minister-Counsellor; and Evgeniia Konareva, Press Attaché. From the organizing side, Kustareva Liubov, Chief Legal Officer of Hero League, attended alongside GamePlay Limited Chairman Faisal Md Titumir and CEO Maksum-Ul-Hossain. The event, attended by diplomats, sports officials, volunteers and media representatives, featured the unveiling of race kits and a symbolic jersey handover to local running community leaders. The program concluded with a media briefing that emphasized the global nature of the initiative. “This isn’t just about miles run or records set,” said Pavel Dvoychenkov. “It’s about building a legacy of peace, unity, and global friendship through the spirit of sport.” 'Face of Life': maiden solo exhibition of Aminul Islam Ashik opens at DU Zainul Gallery The One Run International Half Marathon, which holds a Guinness World Record for synchronized participation, is scheduled for May 24. Hatirjheel has been chosen as the starting point in Dhaka, where runners will join others across the globe to mark the occasion. The marathon features several categories: the 21.1 km half marathon starting at 4 AM, a 10 km race from 5 AM, a 5 km race from 5:30 AM, and a 1 km kids’ run beginning at 6 AM. Race kits can be collected on May 23. “This collaboration is not just about sport—it’s about showcasing Bangladesh to the world,” said GamePlay CEO Maksum-Ul-Hossain. “We are thrilled to be part of a movement that unites nations through running.” The title sponsor of the event is Chuti Resort and Group. Its Brand Manager, Morshedul Islam, announced special discounts for all registered participants. Cosmos Group is serving as one of the co-sponsors, alongside Brothers Furniture, and Green Heaven Cottage. Supporting partners include Active Plus (hydration), Treat (nutrition), United Healthcare (medical), Dr Water (beverage), Jheel Maestria (café), and Swing by Pavilion (gifts). Registration for the event is open via [gameplayglobal.com](https://gameplayglobal.com/step/store-checkout-02/), and additional details are available on the [event’s Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/share/19Zng5xa5Z/). With Bangladesh joining the global platform, organizers believe One Run 2025 will inspire a powerful message of peace and solidarity, one step at a time.

On the eighth annual “World Bee Day,” the bees did not seem bothered. They should be. Bees and other pollinators have been on the decline for years, and experts blame a combination of factors: insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. A significant part of the human diet comes from plants pollinated by bees — not just honeybees, but hundreds of species of lesser-known wild bees, many of which are endangered. In 2018, the UN General Assembly sponsored the first “World Bee Day” to bring attention to the bees' plight. Steps as small as planting a pollinator garden or buying raw honey from local farmers were encouraged. May 20 was chosen for “World Bee Day” to coincide with the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th century pioneer in modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia. British climber sets record with 19th Everest ascent In Germany, where bees contribute 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in economic benefits, they’re key to pollinating the iconic yellow rapeseed fields that dominate the countryside in the spring. On Tuesday, around 400,000 bees in urban rooftop hives in the western city of Cologne — where the yellow fields flower — were busy at work making honey. They seemed oblivious to the threats that endanger their survival. Scientists and bee experts like Matthias Roth, chairman of the Cologne Beekeepers Association, hope World Bee Day can raise awareness. For Roth, it’s crucial to protect both honey bees — like the ones in his rooftop hives — and wild species. His organization has set up nesting boxes in the hopes of helping solitary bees, which don’t form hives, but Roth fears that it’s not enough. “We must take care of nature,” Roth said Tuesday. “We have become far removed from nature, especially in cities, and we must take care of wild bees in particular.”

For international students, studying abroad is not just about earning a degree—it is also about gaining global work experience. A post-study work visa (PSWV) plays a vital role, allowing graduates to remain in their host country and explore career opportunities. If you are planning your academic journey overseas, consider countries that support your professional aspirations after graduation. Here is a comprehensive look at the best 10 countries offering generous PSWV options for Bangladeshi and other international students.  Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students . Australia Australia is a top choice for international students, offering world-renowned universities, a high quality of life, and diverse cultural experiences. With cities like Melbourne and Sydney ranking among the best student cities globally, Australia combines academic excellence with lifestyle perks.  After graduation, students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which includes two streams: Post-Vocational Education and Post-Higher Education Work. Depending on your qualifications, this visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for 18 months to 4 years. The country’s strong job market in IT, healthcare, and engineering, alongside its beautiful landscapes and welcoming society, makes it an ideal place to launch your global career.  Read more: How Bangladeshi Students Can Attest Certificates Online Before Going Overseas UK The UK remains a premier study destination, offering world-class education and strong post-study work opportunities. Through the Graduate Route, international students can stay in the UK for up to two years after completing an undergraduate or master’s degree—and three years for PhD graduates. However, the duration of PSWV will be reduced shortly, according to a recently published white paper by the UK government. This visa allows graduates to work or job hunt without employer sponsorship. Although it cannot be renewed, it can serve as a pathway to a Skilled Worker Visa, paving the way for long-term residency opportunities. The UK boasts a diverse job market, particularly in finance, tech, healthcare, and creative industries, providing global exposure and career growth in one of the world’s leading economies.  New Zealand New Zealand offers international graduates a fantastic blend of high-quality education and breathtaking natural beauty. With five universities ranked among the top 250 globally, it provides strong academic and research opportunities. After graduation, students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing them to work for any employer for one to three years, depending on their qualification level and study duration.  Read more: Student Visa to PR: Top 5 Countries for International Students to Get Permanent Residency Those who complete a Level 7 qualification or higher and studied full-time for at least 30 weeks enjoy even more job flexibility. New Zealand, with its expanding job market in IT, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism, combined with its laid-back, outdoor-orientated lifestyle, stands out as a top choice for post-study opportunities.  US The United States remains a top destination for international students seeking world-class education and career opportunities. After completing at least one academic year under an F-1 visa, students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to work for 12 months in their field of study without employer sponsorship. STEM graduates benefit from an additional 24-month extension.  For long-term employment, graduates can transition to the H-1B visa, sponsored by a U.S. employer. While the process can be competitive, the U.S. job market is rich with opportunities across sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare. With prestigious universities and cutting-edge research, the U.S. offers unmatched professional and academic growth.  Read more: 10 Cheapest UK Universities for Non-EU, International Students Canada Canada is a top destination for international students, offering excellent education, a multicultural environment, and a high standard of living. Graduates from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years. To be eligible, students must complete a program lasting at least eight months.  The PGWP offers a valuable chance to gain Canadian work experience, which can be a stepping stone toward permanent residency. With strong job markets in technology, healthcare, and finance, and a focus on work-life balance, Canada remains a favoured choice for students pursuing both education and career growth.  Germany Germany offers international graduates excellent post-study work opportunities in one of Europe’s most stable economies. Non-EU/EEA students who graduate from a recognised German university can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months to find a job. During this period, they can work in any role to support themselves, even if it is unrelated to their field.  Read more: Higher Studies in Finland For Bangladeshi Students: Admission, Visa, Scholarship, and Costs Once employed in a relevant profession, graduates can apply for a work visa or the EU Blue Card, which may lead to permanent residency. With a strong job market in engineering, technology, and healthcare, along with affordable education and a high quality of life, Germany is a top destination for career-focused students.  Singapore Singapore is a top study destination in Asia, known for its prestigious universities like NUS and NTU and its focus on research and innovation. After graduation, international students can apply for a one-year Long-Term Visit Pass to seek employment. Depending on qualifications and job offers, they may also be eligible for the Employment Pass, S Pass, or EntrePass.  These options allow graduates to work and gain valuable experience in sectors such as finance, tech, and healthcare. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and dynamic economy, Singapore offers excellent opportunities for international students looking to build global careers.  Read more: Study in South Korea: Admission, Visa, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for International Students The Netherlands The Netherlands offers the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa, allowing graduates from Dutch universities—or top 200 universities globally—to stay for up to one year to find employment. This visa lets holders work full-time or part-time without needing a separate work permit during the search period.  Eligible applicants must apply within three years of graduation and hold a valid study visa. The Netherlands is known for its strong job market, particularly in sectors like tech, engineering, and sustainability. With access to career fairs, networking events, and job support services, plus a high quality of life, it is an excellent destination for international graduates.  Spain Spain offers a Job Search Visa for non-EU international students, allowing them to stay in the country for up to one year after graduation to seek employment. To qualify, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD from a recognised Spanish university, hold valid medical insurance, and show proof of sufficient funds.  Read more: Study in Russia: Application Process, Visa, Scholarships, Costs, and Benefits The application must be submitted within 60 days before or 90 days after the student visa expires. This visa opens doors to Spain’s growing job market, particularly in tourism, engineering, and IT. With its warm climate, rich culture, and excellent quality of life, Spain is an ideal post-study destination.  France France offers international graduates the APS Visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), a two-year temporary residence permit that allows them to work or start a business after completing a master’s degree or higher from a recognised French institution. Applicants must apply within four years of graduation.  This permit provides flexibility to explore various job opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures. France is especially attractive for careers in fashion, luxury goods, and technology. With its vibrant culture, strong economy, and high demand for skilled professionals, France offers international students a promising environment to gain experience, build networks, and potentially transition to long-term work visas.  Read more: How To Prepare For Higher Studies Abroad After HSC Verdict Choosing the right country for post-study work depends on your career goals, field of study, and immigration preferences. Each destination offers unique advantages, from extended visa durations to clear residency pathways. Carefully compare opportunities, job markets, and lifestyle benefits to make the best decision for your future.

Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is playing a single game of chess against 140,000 people worldwide in a mega-match that could overturn expectations by ending in a draw in the next few days. Billed as “Magnus Carlsen vs. The World,” the online match began April 4 on Chess.com, the world’s largest chess website, and is the first-ever online freestyle game to feature a world champion. While Chess.com had predicted Carlsen would win by a wide margin, his Team World opposition could force a draw if it checks Carlsen’s king three times. “Right now we’re heading towards a draw by perpetual check,” Carlsen said in a statement on Friday. “I felt that I was a little bit better, early in the opening, then maybe I didn’t play that precisely. Honestly, since then, they haven’t given me a single chance. So now, I think, it’s just heading towards the draw.” He added: “Overall, ‘the world’ has played very, very sound chess from the start. Maybe not going for most enterprising options, but kind of keeping it more in vein with normal chess — which isn’t always the best strategy, but it worked out well this time.” As a freestyle match, the bishops, knights, rooks, queen and king are randomly shuffled around the board while the pawns remain in their usual spots. Freestyle chess is popular because it allows players to be more creative and avoid memorization. Team World votes on each move and each side has 24 hours to make their play. Carlsen is playing the white pieces. Curtain rises on Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed’s solo exhibition ‘Debris’ at AFD “For most of the world, it is their first chance to say they’ve played a chess game against Magnus Carlsen,” Mike Klein, senior journalist with Chess.com, told The Associated Press. “I think ‘the world’ is going to be kind of tickled pink to be able to say, ‘I was part of a draw against Magnus Carlsen.’” Klein has played, and lost, to Carlsen twice in blitz matches in a hotel bar when the Norwegian was bored during some downtime in a world championship. “He beat me twice without much effort, so I would have happily signed up for a draw in any of those games,” Klein said. A grandmaster at 13, Carlsen enjoys celebrity status that few other chess players have. The 34-year-old became the world’s top-ranked player in 2011 and has won five World Championships. He achieved the highest-ever chess rating of 2882 in 2014 and has remained the undisputed world number one for more than a decade. Last year, he garnered headlines for quitting a tournament in New York after refusing to change out of the jeans he wore to the competition. He later accepted a $200 fine and officials agreed to loosen the dress code. Carlsen auctioned the jeans off for charity and donated the winning $36,100 bid to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a national youth-mentoring charity that carries out its mission through local chapters across 5,000 communities nationwide. Grandmaster vs. The World This is the third “vs. The World” record-setting online game. In 1999, Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov played against more than 50,000 people on the Microsoft Network. A few top-ranked players helped steer the world’s moves, but Kasparov won after four months and hailed it as “the greatest game in the history of chess.” Klein was a summer camp chess teacher at the time. “We would start class each day by checking out Kasparov’s next move and talking about it and spending a few minutes each morning deciding what we’d reply,” Klein said. Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand won his “vs. The World” match last year against nearly 70,000 players on Chess.com. The goal of the Carlsen match was to break Anand’s 70,000-player mark, and ended up doubling it.      

During the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, one word seems to echo everywhere: sauna. While the northern Swiss city isn't typically associated with steamy, wood-paneled retreats, the Finnish village of Vörå certainly is. This year, three performers from there have brought sauna culture center stage at Eurovision. The group KAJ — pronounced “kai” and named after the initials of its members — is currently the top contender to win the continent-wide competition with their song “Bara Bada Bastu,” a playful homage to heat and steam that roughly translates to “just take a sauna.” Though KAJ is representing Sweden, its members hail from neighboring Finland, a nation of 5.5 million people and home to an astonishing 3.3 million saunas. The trio belongs to Finland’s Swedish-speaking minority. Their Eurovision act features a woodland cabin-style set, with dancers clad in either lumberjack outfits or oversized white towels. The performance is packed with a catchy chorus, energetic choreography, and a single, repeated word — “sauna!” — that fans now shout at the group wherever they appear. “The Eurovision bubble is a great bubble to be in,” Jakob Norrgård told The Associated Press on Thursday. He’s the J in KAJ, alongside fellow band members Kevin Holmström and Axel Åhman. Norrgård said that he expected Eurovision to be a welcoming environment, “but not this friendly. This is a bit over the top.” McDonald's to hire 375,000 workers in the US this summer The band members’ only regret is that they haven’t had a sauna since arriving in Basel for Eurovision, which ends Saturday with a grand final that will see acts from 26 countries compete at Basel’s St. Jakobshalle arena for the continent’s pop crown. Holmström said that the band is delighted to be an ambassador for sauna culture. “It’s a thing I really endorse,” he said. “It’s good for people. It is good for me, for both my mental and physical health, and (it’s) also a very social event.” KAJ was formed in 2009 and built a strong local following with humorous songs in Vora’s local dialect. Not long ago they were performing at birthday parties and in town halls of their home region. They entered Sweden’s national Eurovision selection contest, Melodifestivalen, thinking it might get them some gigs in Sweden. They unexpectedly won that contest, and their performance in Saturday’s Eurovision final is likely to be watched by more than 150 million people. The Eurovision winner will be decided by a mix of public voting and points from national juries. Victory for KAJ would give Sweden a record eight victories since the contest was founded in 1956, adding KAJ to a list of Swedish winners that includes ABBA. It would also mean a huge amount to Swedish-speaking Finns, who make up about 5% of Finland’s population — and to sauna enthusiasts. Sauna-lovers from Vora — along with the Finnish city of Tampere, which bills itself as the sauna capital of the world — drove a mobile sauna 1,500 miles (2,500 kilometers) to Basel, parked it near the Rhine and opened it to the public for free during the weeklong Eurovision festivities. A dip in the chilly river after working up a sweat was optional. It sparked the kind of cultural cross-fertilization that fans say is the essence of Eurovision. At the pop-up sauna, local Swiss people steamed and chatted with Finns, a Canadian and others. When KAJ dropped by for a visit, they were mobbed by selfie-seeking fans. “I love Finnish sauna culture, because it celebrates the freedom of choice,” said Dorothee Schulte-Basta, a Vora resident who traveled to Basel with the mobile sauna. “There are no rules in the sauna. Come as you are — everyone’s equal in the sauna.” Finnish politicians have long used saunas, relaxed but exposing, as an ideal setting for hard talks, a practice known as “sauna diplomacy.” KAJ wear drab suits onstage in tribute to Urho Kekkonen, a long-serving Finnish president who famously deployed the technique in talks with Finland’s overbearing neighbor the Soviet Union. KAJ never thought a lo-fi song about rural saunas would take them so far at a competition known for electro-pop, outrageous outfits and over-the-top staging. “When you sit there on the stage and the song is about to start and you see all the LED screens, the millions of lights, and we’re just three dudes sitting and grilling a sausage, the contrast is so funny,” Norrgård said. “And that’s exactly our type of humor — you shouldn’t be doing this, this is so stupid. It’s funny. It’s really cool as well.”      

The Pentagon will immediately begin moving as many as 1,000 openly identifying transgender service members out of the military and give others 30 days to self-identify under a new directive issued Thursday. Buoyed by Tuesday’s Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals in the military, the Defense Department will begin going through medical records to identify others who haven’t come forward. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who issued the latest memo, made his views clear after the court’s decision. “No More Trans @ DoD,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X. Earlier in the day, before the court acted, Hegseth said that his department is leaving wokeness and weakness behind. “No more pronouns,” he told a special operations forces conference in Tampa. “No more dudes in dresses. We’re done with that s---.” Department officials have said it’s difficult to determine exactly how many transgender service members there are, but medical records will show those who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, who show symptoms or are being treated. Those troops would then be involuntarily forced out of the service. And no one with that diagnosis will be allowed to enlist. Gender dysphoria occurs when a person’s biological sex does not match up with their gender identity. Tagore's 164th birth anniv celebrated at DU Officials have said that as of Dec. 9, 2024, there were 4,240 troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria in the active duty, National Guard and Reserve. But they acknowledge the number may be higher. There are about 2.1 million total troops serving. The memo released Thursday mirrors one sent out in February, but any action was stalled at that point by several lawsuits. The Supreme Court ruled that the administration could enforce the ban on transgender people in the military, while other legal challenges proceed. The court’s three liberal justices said they would have kept the policy on hold. Neither the justices in the majority or dissent explained their votes, which is not uncommon in emergency appeals. When the initial Pentagon directive came out earlier this year, it gave service members 30 days to self-identify. Since then, about 1,000 have done so. In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the 1,000 troops who already self-identified “will begin the voluntary separation process” from the military. Under the new guidelines, active duty troops will have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve will have until July 7. While it may be difficult to see which troops have changed their gender identity in their military records, it will be easier to determine who has gotten a gender dysphoria diagnosis because that will be part of their medical record, as will any medication they are taking. Between 2015 and 2024, the total cost for psychotherapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery and other treatment for service members is about $52 million, according to a defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues. Pentagon officials in an earlier memo defended the ban, saying that “the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service.”