President Donald Trump has announced new executive orders to establish a US version of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system and reinstate service members discharged over Covid-19 vaccine refusals. The orders also call for an assessment of transgender policies and the elimination of DEI programs in the military.
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Turkish authorities have detained nearly 1,500 people as protests erupted following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges. The opposition condemns the move as a political tactic, prompting nationwide demonstrations. The government has responded with a heavy crackdown, including the arrest of journalists.
Trump is changing US foreign policy by focusing on deals rather than alliances. His approach is transactional, viewing international relationships as business deals. This shift is causing concern among traditional allies and could undermine the global order established post-World War II. NATO and US influence may weaken, while adversaries like Russia and China see opportunities.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump celebrated their second term with an Inaugural Ball at the Walter E Washington Convention Center. They danced to a contemporary version of 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' and 'YMCA.' The evening included a cake-cutting ceremony and was attended by Vice President J D Vance and his wife.
Donatella Versace is stepping down as chief creative officer of Versace after nearly 30 years. Dario Vitale, the former design director of Miu Miu, will succeed her. Donatella will become the chief brand ambassador, focusing on philanthropy and public appearances, while maintaining her influence on the brand's legacy.
In Moscow, an explosive device attached to a scooter detonated near an apartment building, killing Lt. General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's NBC Defence Forces, and his assistant. Russian investigators are actively pursuing the case. Kirillov was previously charged by Ukraine with using chemical weapons during the ongoing conflict.
Croatians cast ballots Sunday to elect a new president with the outspoken incumbent Zoran Milanovic appearing to be the favourite in opinion polls. Milanovic is backed by 37 percent of the electorate while Primorac had the support of 20 percent, according to an opinion poll showed Friday.
A 16-year-old pregnant girl in Brazil was murdered and her unborn baby was stolen by a woman posing as a donor of free baby clothes. The 25-year-old attacker had recently suffered a miscarriage and was trying to pass the baby off as her own. The crime was uncovered when suspicious hospital staff realized the baby's origin.
Republican Randy Fine won the special election for Florida's sixth congressional district, securing a key win for the GOP and President Trump. Despite being outfunded by Democrat Josh Weil, Fine prevailed in the conservative district. Fine's victory maintains the Republican majority in the House as he prepares to transition from the Florida state legislature to Washington.
Marco Rubio, as the new U.S. Secretary of State, will visit Panama amid concerns over China's growing influence on the Panama Canal. President Trump's claim that China has control of the canal has sparked discussions about U.S. and Panamanian sovereignty and China’s strategic intentions.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged intense drone attacks, with both countries reporting heavy drone activity overnight. Russia claimed to have shot down 126 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 178 drones, of which 130 were intercepted. The conflict continues despite recent diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire.