President Trump has appointed Sean Curran as the new director of the US Secret Service. Curran, who has protected Trump and his family, previously served as special agent in charge of Trump's security detail and was recently promoted to deputy special agent in charge of the Presidential Protective Detail.
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Joe Biden's administration appointed over 130 Indian Americans to key positions, while Donald Trump's team initially included only four, sparking discussion within the Indian American community. Despite historical Democratic leanings, some anticipate increased Indian American representation in the Trump administration, emphasizing quality over quantity. Controversies surround some appointees, and the absence of Nikki Haley is notable.
Latvia's Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, has sought assistance from Sweden and other Nato allies to investigate damage to an underwater data cable linking Latvia to Sweden. The damage is believed to be externally influenced, prompting intensive collaboration and a criminal investigation, while alternate data routes continue to operate.
The Los Angeles wildfire has destroyed over 12,000 structures and displaced 80,000 residents. Authorities are managing hazards like landslides and toxic debris, with recovery efforts focusing on rebuilding and addressing fire-resistant construction. Estimates suggest losses in the billions, making it a potentially unprecedented disaster.
Selena Gomez faced criticism after she posted an emotional Instagram story where she was sobbing about immigrants who are being deported. “All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise," she said drawing immediate backlash forcing her to delete that post.
Twenty-seven migrants, including women and children, died after two boats capsized near Tunisia's Kerkennah Islands. Eighty-three people were rescued, with ongoing searches for the missing. The migrants, from sub-Saharan Africa, were attempting to reach Europe. In 2023, between 600 and 700 migrants have been reported dead or missing in Tunisian waters.
A Russian drone attack hit the protective shelter over Chernobyl’s destroyed reactor, causing a fire that has since been extinguished. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy termed it a terrorist attack, though radiation levels remain stable. The incident highlights ongoing military threats amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Four American military personnel went missing during training in eastern Lithuania. The soldiers, from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, disappeared with a tracked vehicle at General Silvestras Žukauskas training facility. A large-scale search operation, led by Lithuanian Armed Forces with international support, is ongoing to locate them, emphasizing the strong US-Lithuanian military partnership.
President Joe Biden honoured Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the highest civilian award, recognising his faith, hope, and love impacting the world. Biden conveyed the award to the pope via phone, discussing peace and alleviation efforts. This marks Biden's only presentation of the honour with distinction during his presidency.
US President Trump defended national security advisor Michael Waltz after a Signal group chat leak exposed planned military strikes on Houthi rebels. A staffer accidentally added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat, raising security concerns. Trump dismissed calls for an apology and ordered Waltz to investigate Signal's vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for secure communication tools.
Kyle Clifford, 26, pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah Hunt, and their mother, Carol Hunt, at their home near London in 2022. Using a crossbow and knife, Clifford carried out the attack before injuring himself. He also admitted to weapon possession and false imprisonment but denied rape. The case has reignited calls for stricter crossbow regulations in the UK.