The Pentagon revealed 2,000 US troops are in Syria, over double the previously reported 900. This undisclosed increase, attributed to temporary rotations, has been in effect for months and is unrelated to the recent fall of the Assad regime or increased ISIS activity, though it aims to counter the group. The move has prompted varied reactions from neighboring countries.
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A historic 200-year-old southern magnolia tree on the White House grounds is set to be removed next week due to its deteriorating condition. President Trump stated the removal is necessary for safety reasons and mentioned that the wood might be used for other noble purposes.
Doug Ford secured a rare third term as Premier of Ontario, with his Progressive Conservative Party winning decisively in the provincial election. Ford's campaign focused on opposing US President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, highlighting the significant impact on Ontario's economy.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Defence Secretary, faced a challenging Senate confirmation hearing on allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault and inappropriate views on women in combat. Despite these, Hegseth defended his military experience, pledging to foster a 'warrior culture' at the Pentagon. Hegseth's confirmation could depend on whether he can win over enough votes from both parties.
A Twitter spat erupted as Elon Musk called Senator Mark Kelly a 'traitor' following Kelly's Ukraine visit and support for US assistance in the conflict. Kelly defended his stance, emphasizing the importance of standing with Ukraine for freedom. This incident highlights ongoing tensions over US foreign policy towards Ukraine and Russia.
North Korea launched an unidentified projectile towards the East Sea, following a January 6 display of a hypersonic missile system. This event underscores Pyongyang’s advancing military capabilities and its alignment with Russia amid the Ukraine war. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to criticize US security ties with Seoul and Tokyo while bolstering stringent anti-US policies.
Israeli strikes killed at least nine Palestinians, mainly women and children, in Gaza as the war continues. Efforts for a ceasefire have failed, and over 45,000 Palestinians have died. The harsh winter conditions worsen the situation for displaced Gazans, with infants dying from hypothermia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday he has canceled the visas of more than 300 "lunatics" in a growing crackdown against anti-Israel activism on American university campuses. "If you lie to us and get a visa and then enter the United States, and with that visa, participate in that sort of activity, we're going to take away your visa," he said. sct/mlm
Tiger Woods has confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump. Woods' son Charlie and Vanessa’s daughter Kai have also gained attention for their golf performances, with Charlie finishing better than Kai in a recent junior tournament. Charlie and Kai attend the same school and Kai got coached by Tiger Woods which is believed to be how Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump's relationship began.
Evacuation orders were lifted for thousands of Los Angeles residents after firefighters slowed the spread of the Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake. Despite containment efforts, a red flag warning remains. Two additional fires broke out in San Diego County. Rainfall is expected to offer some relief. Statewide damages are estimated at $28 billion, and a $2.
Pakistan detained a leading female Baloch rights activist on Saturday for holding a sit-in in southwestern Balochistan at which three protesters were also killed, police said. The protesters had been holding a sit-in on Friday outside the University of Balochistan, demanding the release of members of their support group, whom they allege had been detained by security agencies.