Pete Hegseth, nominee for Defence Secretary, defended his qualifications during a tense Senate hearing. He addressed scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct, public drunkenness, and his views on women in combat, among others. Hegseth emphasised his commitment to military readiness and a 'warrior ethos,' drawing on his Army National Guard experience.
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Congress now has less that 24 hours to avert the government shutdown as the deadline to pass a new spending bill ends today midnight. President-elect Donald Trump said the pressure is on "whoever is President" while Joe Biden canceled his Christmas trip to Delaware and returned to White House. Vice President Kamala Harris too canceled her Los Angeles trip and will now be in DC.
Nancy Pelosi, former US House Speaker, announced on social media that she's heading to Washington to represent San Francisco and share its values in the 119th Congress. Elected to her 20th term in 2024, Pelosi's video post sparked comments suggesting she was intoxicated. The Congress session begins on January 3, 2025.
The death toll from clashes between security forces and Assad loyalists, along with subsequent revenge killings, has risen to over 600. Alawite communities faced severe violence, with many homes looted and burned. The Syrian government claims to have regained control of most areas impacted by the conflict.
The UK Supreme Court is set to rule on a legal challenge concerning the definition of 'woman' under equality laws, a dispute between For Women Scotland and the Scottish government. The core of the case revolves around whether a transgender person with a gender recognition certificate should be legally regarded as a woman.
President Donald Trump revoked a 60-year-old executive order prohibiting discrimination in federal hiring and contracting, eliminating references to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His actions also included mandating the removal of DEI personnel and directing the FAA to stop diversity-focused hiring practices, arguing these measures compromise efficiency and safety.
President-elect Donald Trump claims his team was crucial in facilitating a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. The agreement, awaiting approval from Israel's security cabinet, involves a 42-day ceasefire and the exchange of hostages. Trump and Biden both assert credit for the negotiations, with Biden indicating a longer-term resolution.
Taliban envoy Suhail Shaheen warned US secretary of state Marco Rubio against making threats after Rubio suggested placing bounties on Taliban leaders for detaining Americans. This follows a recent prisoner swap under Biden's administration, freeing two Americans while others remain captive. Shaheen emphasized resolving issues through dialogue, citing Qatar's role in mediating such cases, including the release of Canadian David Lavery. The Taliban returned to power in 2021 after decades of... Expand
Almost 50,000 international students, mainly from India, did not show up at Canadian colleges in March and April 2024, with many possibly working illegally. Indian authorities are investigating potential links to migration networks. Stricter regulations and better monitoring are needed to prevent abuse, as discrepancies in student numbers raise concerns over management and oversight.
The US and Philippine air forces conducted a joint patrol and air-intercept drills over the disputed Scarborough Shoal, marking their first under President Trump’s new term. Two US B-1 bombers and three Philippine FA-50 jets participated, enhancing coordination and combat readiness. Tensions remain high after Chinese jets fired flares at a Philippine aircraft last year. The US reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines against attacks in the South China Sea.
Michelob Ultra has dethroned Bud Light as America's top draft beer, capturing 18.7% of the market share. This shift is attributed to Ultra's celebrity endorsements and its appeal to health-conscious consumers. While Bud Light maintains a substantial market presence, Ultra's steady growth signifies evolving consumer preferences and the influence of lifestyle branding.