President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the world health organization (WHO) has caused the agency to lose its largest funder, with the US projected to contribute $958 million, or nearly 15 per cent of Who's $6.5 billion budget for 2025. Who’s budget relies heavily on voluntary contributions, making it difficult to prioritize global health issues. The US is followed by major donors like the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, Gavi, and the European Commission. The US has instructed public health officials to cease collaboration with Who.
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Sweden’s national security advisor, Henrik Landerholm, resigned after police launched an investigation into his mishandling of classified documents left at a hotel in 2023. Other incidents, including forgetting his phone at Hungary's embassy and misusing taxpayer funds for personal trips, added to the controversy. Landerholm, a longtime friend of prime minister Ulf Kristersson, faced mounting pressure to step down, with Kristersson acknowledging his role was untenable amid the investigation.
Sukhi Singh Chahal, leader of The Khalsa Today, applauded Tulsi Gabbard on her Senate confirmation as DNI. An interfaith coalition urged media for balanced reporting, addressing anti-Hindu bias and unfair portrayals of Hindu organizations like the Science of Identity Foundation.
President Trump has fired several board members from the Kennedy Centre and appointed himself as chairman. Citing previous drag shows as problematic, he promises a new board and programming aligned with his vision. This unprecedented move raises uncertainty about the centre’s future leadership.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry faced backlash for posting a celebratory dinner photo following a terror attack on Bourbon Street that left 15 dead. "Safety is our top priority and we want our guests and the world to know that Louisiana does not cower to radical Islamic terrorists. Our restaurants and all New Orleans has to offer remain open for business," Guv Jeff Landry said.
A strike by paramilitaries on El-Fasher, the last city in Sudan's Darfur region not under their control, has killed at least 12 people, both the army and local activists said. "The militia bombarded the city of El-Fasher with heavy artillery, killing 12 people and wounding 17," the army's Sixth Infantry Division in El-Fasher said Wednesday.
MacKenzie Scott has donated $16 billion to charitable causes in the last five years. Her Yield Giving initiative offers unrestricted grants to non-profits. In 2024, she awarded $640 million to more than 360 organizations. Elon Musk has criticized her donations, questioning their focus on racial equity and other causes. Scott now makes repeat donations to supported organizations.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she would vote against the confirmation of Kash Patel as the FBI director citing his past comments which, as the republican senator said, did not suit an FBI director. In the context of prosecutors resigning after facing pressure on how to handle certain cases and FBI agents facing firing over their work on Capitol Riots cases, Collins said the FBI director should be apolitical.
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Jacob Helberg as Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. Helberg, a senior advisor at Palantir and a China hawk, will focus on advancing American economic interests and technological dominance abroad, reflecting Trump's 'America First' foreign policy.
Far-right streamer Nick Fuentes claims a man attempted to assassinate him at his Illinois home. Police responded and fatally shot the suspect, identified as John R. Lyons, after he allegedly fired at officers. Fuentes, who was livestreaming at the time, shared Ring doorbell footage of the armed man approaching his door.
Some social media users noted that despite their well-known coldness in public, Kamala Harris actually extended a warm gesture as she took the pocketbook kept on the seat beside her. As she saw Jill Biden approaching to take the seat, she took the pocketbook and handed it over to the outgoing First Lady.