The White House appoints veteran FBI agent Brian Driscoll as acting director after deputy director Paul Abbate steps down, with Trump's nominee Kash Patel set for Senate confirmation hearings. Driscoll aims to maintain stability during the transition after Christopher Wray's retirement.
Related news
President-elect Trump refused to wish clemency-granted federal death-row inmates a merry Christmas, telling them to 'go to Hell.' He criticized Biden for commuting their sentences and targeted China, Canada, and 'Radical Left Lunatics' in his holiday message. Trump's message ended with promises to 'MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN' in 26 days.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity linked to his violent anti-drug campaign. Duterte's detention follows years of investigation into extrajudicial killings during his presidency and earlier political roles.
Nigerian lawmakers approved an additional $200 million for the health sector as part of the 2025 budget to offset the impact of US aid cuts. The bill aims to support disease control efforts, affected by the suspension of USAID funds. The fund will supply vaccines and treatments for epidemic diseases, crucial for the country's health initiatives.
Following Barbara Lee's victory in Oakland's mayoral race using ranked-choice voting, Donald Trump has strongly criticised the system, labeling it a "fraudulent joke" and a threat to democracy. Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates by preference, potentially leading to broader appeal and reduced polarisation, though critics argue it can confuse voters and delay results.
The White House accused Hamas on Friday of making "entirely impractical" demands and stalling on a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. Hamas said earlier on Friday it was ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, after the Palestinian militants and Israel resumed indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
"Senator, to cut to the chase, you are clearly talking about Kash Patel. I don't believe he has an enemies list. He made a quote on TV which I have not heard...But I know Kash Patel has had 60 jury trials as a public defender, and as a prosecutor. He has great experience in the intel department, department of defence," Pam Bondi said when asked about 'enemies list'.
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan migrant, allegedly ignited a sleeping woman on fire in an F train and watched as she burned. Surveillance footage captured the incident, and authorities later detained the suspect with a lighter in his possession. While Zapeta-Calil claims to have been intoxicated and has no memory, the victim’s identity remains under investigation.
Elon Musk made a strange post on X quantifying how much he loves President Donald Trump after Trump Friday called for shutting down USAID. "I love@realDonaldTrump as much as a straight man can love another man," Elon Musk posted. Musk also called Trump the 'greatest president ever' as Trump said he would bring back plastic straws.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed deep concern over the condition of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Following recent hostage-prisoner swaps, including one where captives were forced to thank their captors, the ICRC urged more dignified releases. Shock over the hostages' frail appearance has intensified calls for humanitarian access. The next exchange is set for Saturday as efforts continue for the full release of all captives.
Israel said Wednesday it would keep blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, where a relentless military offensive has turned the Palestinian territory into a "mass grave", a medical charity reported. "Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance," said MSF coordinator Amande Bazerolle.