A decision by Lithuania's National Opera and Ballet Theatre to replace Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker' with an Italian composer's work sparked debate amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. Culture Minister Sarunas Birutis' comments favoring Tchaikovsky ignited controversy, highlighting the struggle to separate politics from culture during wartime.
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Masjid Al-Taqwa, a mosque serving the Altadena Muslim community for 42 years, was destroyed in the deadly Eaton fire in January 2024. The fire, which claimed 17 lives and left many homeless, also devastated the mosque, leaving its members heartbroken. Despite losing their homes, the community gathered at a local school to pray and share a meal ahead of Ramzan. The mosque's volunteer imam announced that the school would offer space for prayers during Ramzan, providing hope to the displaced... Expand
Four female Israeli soldiers are set to be released by Hamas this weekend, under a ceasefire deal that pauses fighting in Gaza for six weeks. In return, Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire also aims to aid civilians in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli operations in the West Bank have resulted in more casualties.
A pro-Russian hacker group, NoName57, attacked Italian government websites on Tuesday in retaliation for Italian President Sergio Mattarella's speech comparing Russia's invasion of Ukraine to Nazi wars of conquest. The group targeted the defense, interior, and transport ministry sites, causing intermittent access issues. The hack follows earlier attacks on Italian banks and transport agencies. Mattarella had called for Russia to respect international law, prompting backlash from Russia's foreign... Expand
An Indiana family claims their 12-year-old daughter was denied a heart transplant due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19. The family, linked to vice president JD Vance, opposes vaccines on religious grounds. 12-year-old Adaline was born in China with two heart conditions. Her mother Janeed Deal is reportedly related by marriage to JD Vance's half-siblings.
Three South African soldiers were killed and 18 injured in clashes with M23 forces in the eastern DRC. The South African troops were part of a mission by the Southern African Development Community, but there has been concern over the lack of communication from the military regarding the situation.
Greenland is holding an election on Tuesday amid close international attention. President Trump has shown interest in the US taking over Greenland and promised prosperity to its residents. Greenland’s political parties have different visions for independence and relations with the US and Denmark. The election will also highlight the daily life concerns of Greenlanders.
President Donald Trump is expected to find a middle ground on the recently imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that negotiations are ongoing. The tariff measures have raised fears of a trade conflict, with both nations warning of possible retaliatory actions.
An Elon Musk-backed group is running attack ads against Republican lawmakers who support the 340B drug pricing program, which aids hospitals treating low-income patients. The ads claim the program funds gender transitions for children, abortions, and healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
US President Donald Trump has fired senior military officials, including Gen Charles Q Brown Jr, amid a dramatic Pentagon purge. Brown, the country's second African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is replaced by retired Gen Dan Caine. Trump's decision reflects dissatisfaction with the military's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden held a crucial discussion about progress in Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the release of hostages. Both the outgoing US president and the president-elect are pressuring Israel to strike a deal as Netanyahu faces opposition from within his cabinet and the far-right coalition.