US defence secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned that China is actively preparing to use military force to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, posing a real and imminent threat. He highlighted concerns about a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027 and China's growing presence in Latin America, urging allies to increase defence spending and be wary of Chinese economic entanglements.
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A peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, turned violent when Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly launched a firebomb attack, injuring six. Shouting "Free Palestine," Soliman targeted a gathering organized by 'Run For Their Lives.' The FBI is investigating the incident as ideologically motivated violence, prompting strong condemnation and calls for secure borders from political figures.
Once best known for saluting protesters on January 6 before running from them on camera, Hawley has undergone a political transformation few would have predicted. This year, he shocked conservatives and delighted labour organisers by releasing a union-friendly proposal: A Pro-Worker Framework for the 119th US Congress. Among other things, it seeks to ban captive-audience meetings and impose civil penalties for labour violations—ideas more at home in Bernie Sanders’ toolkit than Paul Ryan’s.
The US State Department, under Marco Rubio, has ordered enhanced visa vetting for anyone connected to Harvard University, citing concerns about anti-Semitism and violence on campus. This unprecedented move includes scrutiny of social media and aims to identify individuals with problematic histories.
Lawsuits, scandals, armed troops and a knife-wielding attacker all failed to deter Lee Jae-myung's ascendancy from sweatshop worker to the cusp of South Korea's presidency. South Korea has experienced a leadership vacuum since lawmakers suspended Yoon for deploying armed troops to parliament in his failed attempt to suspend civilian rule.
China has refuted US accusations of violating a trade tariff reduction agreement reached in Geneva, dismissing them as "bogus charges and unreasonable allegations." Beijing insists it is committed to the consensus, while criticizing the US for imposing discriminatory restrictions, including AI chip export limits and student visa cancellations.
James Rondeau, the Art Institute of Chicago's director, is set to return after a leave of absence following an incident on a United Airlines flight to Munich. He was detained after allegedly disrobing mid-air due to intoxication from alcohol and medication. Despite the embarrassment, the museum has reinstated Rondeau, expressing confidence in his leadership after an independent investigation.
Egypt has denied that a controversial court ruling over Sinai's Saint Catherine monastery threatens the UNESCO world heritage landmark, after Greek and church authorities warned of the sacred site's status. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's office defended the ruling Thursday, saying it "consolidates" the site's "unique and sacred religious status", after the head of the Greek Orthodox church in Greece denounced it.
UN chief Antonio Guterres called Monday for an independent investigation into the killing of dozens of Palestinians near a US-backed aid centre in Gaza after rescuers blamed the deaths on Israeli fire and the military denied any involvement. It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food," Guterres said in a statement, without assigning blame for the deaths.
In a tragic turn of events, Rodney Shippy killed his son, daughter, and family dog before committing suicide in their Oklahoma home. The grim discovery unfolded during a search for his missing daughter, Alyssa. Financial struggles and the previous suicide of his wife, along with other family tragedies, preceded this devastating incident, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Lawrence Campbell, a Winnipeg man, is suing his former girlfriend, Krystal McKay, after she allegedly cashed in his $3.6 million lottery ticket and disappeared. Campbell claims he entrusted McKay with the ticket because he lacked ID, but she severed ties shortly after receiving the winnings. He alleges she ghosted him and obtained a protection order, while McKay denies the accusations and is preparing her legal response.