King Charles and Queen Camilla may receive an invitation to Washington DC next year to attend the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence. King Charles sent a personal message congratulating Trump on his inauguration and reflected on the "enduring special relationship between the UK and US." He sent a handwritten letter to Trump as Trump was sworn into office for the second time.
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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.
Vance’s speech on Friday provoked a significant emotional reaction from attendees, including Heusgen, who has served as MSC chairman since 2022. The conference, traditionally a platform for dialogue between transatlantic allies, experienced a moment of palpable tension as Heusgen reflected on the impact of Vance’s words. “With (convenor of the MSC) Ewald von Kleist, this conference started as a transatlantic conference, but after the speech by Vice President Vance on Friday, we must fear... Expand
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These programmes aim to promote fairness and representation in workplaces by addressing systemic barriers that have historically excluded certain groups.
During a congressional hearing on US aid to Europe, Rep. Keith Self misgendered transgender Rep. Sarah McBride, sparking a heated confrontation. Rep. William Keating demanded proper recognition of McBride's identity, leading to an abrupt session end. Self later defended his actions citing a Trump-era policy. This incident is not McBride's first of such treatment.
Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan immigrant, has been indicted for the murder and arson of a sleeping woman on a New York City subway. Zapeta allegedly set the fire on a stationary F train at Coney Island station, resulting in the woman’s death. Police are identifying the victim while investigating Zapeta’s immigration status.
US President Donald Trump plans to have discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping following a promising phone call. Topics included trade, TikTok, Taiwan, and Fentanyl. Trump, who had previously threatened higher tariffs, now intends to solve problems collaboratively. He has also expressed interest in visiting China within his first 100 days in office to strengthen ties.
Russia rapidly regained nearly 500 square miles of territory in Kursk by adopting advanced drone warfare, mirroring Ukraine's previously successful tactics. The strategy focused on cutting off Ukrainian supply lines through high-quality drone attacks, forcing a retreat and inflicting significant losses on Ukrainian forces.
Russia's defense ministry claimed on Friday that its forces had captured Toretsk, a key mining town in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, as part of its ongoing eastern offensive. Ukraine has not yet confirmed the claim. Russia’s sustained attacks have gradually weakened Ukrainian defenses, with Moscow using heavy artillery and glide bombs to advance. The capture, if confirmed, would mark another step in Russia’s push to dominate the Donbas industrial region.
Thousands of Afghans fleeing the Taliban and awaiting resettlement to the US through a refugee program face uncertainty after President Trump suspended the initiative. Many, including women and former US allies, fear persecution if forced to return to Afghanistan or remain in insecure conditions in Pakistan. Advocacy groups and refugees are urging the US to reverse the decision on humanitarian grounds, citing risks of arrest, deportation, and restricted rights under Taliban rule.
A blast in the Syrian coastal city of Latakia killed at least three people and injured 12 on Saturday, state media reported, with the cause still unclear. "The blast in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood of Latakia city has so far resulted in three deaths and 12 injured," state news agency SANA said citing provincial authorities.