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.
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China announced tariffs of up to 100% on Canadian canola, pork, and other foods in retaliation for Canada’s steep taxes on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. These tariffs, set to start on March 20, also serve as a warning against cooperative actions with the U.S. regarding trade, especially under North American free trade agreements.
Lawyer Anthony Ricco withdraws from rapper Sean Diddy's sex-trafficking case without providing specifics of why he won't represent the rapper in any circumstances, as he mentioned in his court filing. Diddy faces serious charges with a trial set for May 5, while there is increasing pressure on the Trump administration to release Diddy list which is the name of celebrities who attended Diddy's Freak-Off parties.
Thailand has introduced free public transport in Bangkok for a week to tackle severe air pollution. Over 350 schools were closed due to hazardous PM2.5 levels. The government also banned crop stubble burning and implemented work-from-home schemes to improve the city's air quality.
President Biden condemned the shooting at a Wisconsin Christian school, calling it "shocking and unconscionable." He expressed grief for the victims, including a teacher and student, and praised first responders. Biden urged Congress to enact stricter gun laws, citing the need to protect children from gun violence.
An Ohio teacher, Vivian Geraghty, won a $450,000 settlement after resigning for refusing to use students' preferred pronouns due to her religious beliefs. The U.S. District Court ruled the school district's policy as compelled speech, violating the First Amendment. This case emphasizes the conflict between personal beliefs and gender identity policies.
Russia and Indonesia are strengthening defence ties as Russian security official Sergei Shoigu met Indonesia's defence minister in Jakarta. The visit follows Indonesia's entry into BRICS and aims to expand military cooperation. Indonesia has previously acquired Russian defence equipment and held joint naval drills. While Jakarta maintains neutrality on Ukraine, President Prabowo Subianto seeks to bolster military capabilities through international partnerships, including with Russia.
US President Donald Trump received a warm welcome at the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia, with loud cheers and chants of 'USA! USA!'. Attendees included key allies like Elon Musk and Jim Jordan. Senator Markwayne Mullin highlighted the crowd's admiration for Trump, linking it to their respect for a fighter. Mullin also contrasted this reception with what President Joe Biden might receive at such events.
President Joe Biden has blocked Nippon Steel's $15 billion deal to acquire US Steel, citing the need to protect US national interests. Nippon Steel and US Steel criticized the decision, claiming it violated due process and law, and suggesting they might pursue legal action.
The European court of human rights (ECHR) on Tuesday condemned Russia for violating the free speech rights of a group of nationals running websites supporting and advising LGBTQ people. The verdict came after six Russian nationals who were accused in Russia of "promoting homosexuality among minors" turned to the ECHR after being found guilty of administrative offences and having access to their websites, webpages and online groups blocked.
The week showcased extreme weather contrasts across America.Initially, numerous regions in the United States experienced severe blizzards and prolonged freezing temperatures, attributed to increasingly frequent jet stream deviations. Subsequently, California faced devastating wildfires, with strong winds propelling flames through drought-affected areas, resulting in Los Angeles' most severe wildfire incident on record.The situation intensified when leading meteorological organisations verified... Expand