US President-elect Donald Trump seemed indifferent to his New York sentencing, playing golf in Florida hours after receiving an unconditional discharge for 34 felony counts related to a hush-money payment. Trump continued to label the charges as a politically motivated attack on social media.
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Despite President Trump's assurance, the US response to Myanmar's devastating earthquake has been slow, lagging behind China, Russia, and India. The US announced up to $2 million in aid, but ongoing layoffs at USAID and disrupted key systems have hampered their relief efforts.
Myanmar's ruling junta said Tuesday it had deported to China more than 50,000 people suspected of involvement in online scam operations since October 2023, as it made a rare call to neighbouring countries to intervene. It said the junta had caught and deported over 55,000 foreigners involved in border scams to their home countries since October 2023, over 53,000 of them to China.
Canada has appointed Kevin Brosseau as its first fentanyl czar to tackle the flow of the synthetic opioid and placate US concerns. This move is in response to President Trump's threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian imports unless more stringent measures are taken to curb fentanyl smuggling.
A United Airlines flight, en route from Denver to Edmonton, was compelled to make an emergency return to Denver due to an engine fire shortly after takeoff. Preliminary reports suggest the fire was triggered by the engine ingesting an animal, possibly a rabbit.
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a standoff with authorities after his controversial martial law decree. Yoon's supporters rally to protect him, while he alleges threats against the nation's sovereignty. Authorities have until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant amid legal challenges and potential clashes. The situation exacerbates South Korea's political turmoil.
Federal employees face significant uncertainties due to the Trump administration's workforce reduction initiatives, primarily targeting probationary staff lacking civil service protections. Mass dismissals across multiple agencies, including up to 1,300 CDC employees and 300 NNSA personnel, have sparked chaos and distress. The abrupt terminations have raised concerns about adequate implementation and potential impacts on public health and national security functions.
George Glezmann, a 66-year-old American detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since 2022, has been released and is on his way back to the US. His release was facilitated by negotiations led by Qatar and US mediators.​"George Glezmann is free. George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife Aleksandra. Welcome home, George!" Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Jordan King Abdullah, after meeting Donald Trump, said Jordan is ready to accept 2,000 Palestinian children with medical issues right away. The king also said the neighboring Arab nations would soon meet to discuss the relocation of Palestinians out of Gaza. Trump said he'd own Gaza but he would not have to buy it from anyone as there is nothing to buy.
A graduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has been detained by US immigration authorities. The university is collaborating to provide internal support and was not previously informed. University officials emphasize a commitment to the safety of affected community members. State Senator Doron Clark criticizes the federal agency's presence near the campus.
Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan immigrant, has been indicted for the murder and arson of a sleeping woman on a New York City subway. Zapeta allegedly set the fire on a stationary F train at Coney Island station, resulting in the woman’s death. Police are identifying the victim while investigating Zapeta’s immigration status.