Internet personality Nick Sortor claimed AOC's team stopped him forcefully when he confronted her about the incident of a woman killed in the New York subway after being set on fire by a Guatemalan migrant. The video went viral, with Sortor accusing AOC of inaction on the border crisis and unsafe subways in her district.
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China's military conducted 'live-fire' drills, targeting key ports and energy sites as part of exercises around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Washington condemned these manoeuvres as intimidation tactics. The drills follow heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, and Beijing's aggressive military activities have raised regional security concerns. Taiwan's military responded with its own rapid exercises.
Investigators are puzzled by how Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former US Army veteran and Deloitte employee, radicalised to support IS, leading to his deadly New Year's attack in New Orleans. Despite no direct ties to extremists, Jabbar's path remains elusive. His case highlights IS's online recruitment potency, exploiting recent global conflicts to inspire isolated acts of terror.
A British woman and her South African fiance were found dead at a holiday villa in Hoi An, Vietnam. The UK Foreign Office is assisting the woman's family. Police are investigating the cause of death, noting no external trauma or signs of forced entry. Several empty wine bottles were found at the scene.
A debate has erupted in Lithuania as the national opera house replaced Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker' amidst the government's 'mental quarantine' on Russian culture due to the Ukraine conflict. The newly appointed culture minister's preference for Russian music has sparked controversy over the separation of culture and politics during wartime.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has designated Vice President Han Zheng to represent China at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This decision signals China’s desire for stable relations with the US while avoiding the spotlight at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Han’s presence is a calculated diplomatic gesture amidst ongoing tensions.
Nadine Menendez, the wife of former Senator Bob Menendez, has been convicted on all counts for her involvement in a bribery scheme. She accepted gold bars, cash, and a luxury car in exchange for political favors facilitated by her husband. The scheme involved three New Jersey businessmen seeking assistance with their ventures, leading to their convictions as well.
In a notable shift, the US under Trump aligned with Russia at the UN, refusing to condemn the Ukraine invasion. This has caused concerns among European allies, alarmed by potential US-Russia negotiations excluding them and Ukraine. Trump's transactional approach with Putin, focusing on economic deals, hints at redefined transatlantic relations and a possible realignment in global geopolitics.
Starbucks announced reversing its open-door policy, initially introduced in 2018 to promote inclusivity. From January 2025, non-paying visitors will no longer have automatic access to its spaces. This change aims to prioritize paying customers and address safety issues, prompting discussions on the evolving role of third spaces in society and balancing inclusivity with practicality.
A federal judge in Missouri ruled that China was responsible for covering up the COVID-19 pandemic and hoarding protective equipment, entering a $24 billion judgment. Missouri officials plan to enforce the judgment by seizing Chinese assets. The ruling highlights China's alleged actions of withholding virus information and limiting PPE supply, causing early pandemic response challenges.
US president Donald Trump pardoned Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican convicted of wire fraud for misusing funds meant for a fallen officer's memorial. Fiore, a former Las Vegas official, diverted over $70,000 for personal expenses. Despite her conviction and subsequent suspension as a judge, she plans to return to the bench, sparking criticism and raising questions about her disciplinary status.