Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage on January 23, 2025. Over 200 couples registered to marry at an event organized by Bangkok Pride. The law, passed in 2024, grants same-sex couples full legal, financial, medical, adoption, and inheritance rights. Prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the historic achievement, acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community's decades-long fight for equality and marking a new era of gender diversity awareness in Thailand.
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​Former FBI profiler McCrary pointed to one sentence of the alleged manifesto that said Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow "would rather be dead than sit in a roll all day". "She has planned to kill herself all along and then is going to get this posthumous notoriety," McCrary said. ​School shooters, the former FBI profiler said, often seek infamy as they view it as a form of fame -- fame without work. "That's what they're getting here, fame without work," McCrary said.
President Trump has tasked Elon Musk with identifying and reducing wasteful federal spending. Musk's role in leading the government's cost-reduction initiatives is part of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. Trump's plans include scrutinising the Department of Education and military expenditures next.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a vital trade agreement between the US and sub-Saharan Africa, faces uncertainty as its expiration looms. Trump administration's trade decisions, including tariffs, threaten AGOA's future, potentially impacting jobs and economies. Experts urge Africa to strengthen intra-continental trade and negotiate collectively to mitigate potential losses and secure its economic future, regardless of AGOA's renewal.
Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg will be sentenced for domestic abuse towards his estranged wife, to which he pleaded guilty. He admitted to shouting, tracking her movements, and sending distressing messages over five years. Hogg has already been fined and received a non-harassment order. He is currently living abroad, awaiting further sentencing.
Vice President JD Vance faced backlash after supporting the rehiring of Marko Elez, a former DOGE staffer who resigned due to resurfaced racist posts. Vance argued past social media activity shouldn't ruin Elez's life, while Elon Musk also supported his return. Critics argue Elez showed a lack of professionalism for a government role. Vance implied that the issue got more attention than it should have as the 25-year-old is not a cabinet secretary.
A Philippine official stated that China is increasing aggression in the South China Sea, and all response options are considered, including international lawsuits. A large Chinese coast guard ship was spotted near the Philippines, prompting strong warnings from Manila. The situation raises tensions, especially given past confrontations and a possible future legal action by the Philippines.
Despite past disagreements, Zuckerberg and Musk seem to share common ground when it comes to fact-checking. The Meta CEO justified his company’s shift towards a similar crowdsourced model, explaining that X’s approach—where users add context to posts—has proven to be more reliable than traditional fact-checking methods. Zuckerberg openly acknowledged that when a competitor creates a superior system, it is Meta’s responsibility to adopt and improve upon it. He believes that integrating... Expand
Russia-Ukraine war marked three years on February 24. the years have been defined by death and destruction and global debates.
Two Vietnamese officials allegedly sexually assaulted two young women in a Wellington restaurant. New Zealand police confirmed the assaults but the men left the country before charges could be filed. The victims are urging authorities to pursue extradition, though no treaty exists between the two countries. The incident occurred days before a planned visit by the Vietnamese Prime Minister.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Maj Gen Eyal Zamir as the next chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Zamir's appointment follows Lt Gen Herzi Halevi's resignation due to the security failures during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. The transition is set for March 6 and occurs amid ongoing tensions and a key ceasefire agreement.