FEMA's new head, David Richardson, sparked controversy by seemingly unaware of the US hurricane season during a staff briefing, raising concerns about the agency's readiness. Despite a Homeland Security spokesperson claiming it was a joke and affirming preparedness, the remark, coupled with staff departures and reduced preparations, drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders.
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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.
Top security officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlighted the interconnectedness of global security, citing China and North Korea's support for Russia as evidence of blurred regional lines. Concerns were raised that Russia's success in Ukraine could embolden China in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding Taiwan. A unified global approach is needed to address the coordinated authoritarian axis of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
President Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine's successful drone attack on Russia, warning of continued strikes unless Moscow ceases its offensive. Speaking after US-brokered peace talks in Istanbul, he highlighted the drone strike as a strategic operation. Both sides agreed to exchange wounded prisoners and discussed a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, while Russia rejected Ukraine's ceasefire proposal.
Nato defence ministers are set to approve new purchasing targets for weapons and military equipment to bolster defense capabilities across Europe, the Arctic, and the North Atlantic. This initiative, driven by the US, aims to enhance security spending and address gaps in critical equipment like air defense systems and long-range missiles.
Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene resigned after losing a confidence vote amid public protests against corruption and inequality. Failing to secure enough parliamentary support, his departure follows weeks of demonstrations in Ulaanbaatar fueled by rising living costs and allegations of lavish spending. Oyun-Erdene will remain as caretaker until a successor is appointed.
In Boulder, Colorado, Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly launched a terror attack on a 'Run for Their Lives' event, advocating for Israeli hostage release, injuring six elderly individuals. Shouting "Free Palestine" and "End Zionist!", Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary device.
In a recent CBS interview, Elon Musk sidestepped questions about a potential ban on foreign students, pivoting the conversation to spaceships. He did, however, express disappointment with Trump's new spending bill, citing concerns about the budget deficit.
President Trump issued a series of pardons, including rapper NBA YoungBoy, former Connecticut Governor John Rowland, and others. Alice Marie Johnson, Trump's pardon czar, influenced the decisions. Pardons were granted to individuals ranging from political figures convicted of corruption to those with gun-related charges, showcasing Trump's broad use of executive clemency.
Following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory, celebrations in Paris turned violent, resulting in clashes between fans and police. At least two people died, and 559 were arrested after riots erupted near the Champs-Elysees and Parc des Princes, where thousands watched the match. Previously, violence also occurred after PSG's semi-final win, prompting a heavy police presence of 5,400 officers across the city.
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.