Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent suspension of foreign assistance includes withdrawing significant US funding for contraceptive distribution in Gaza. The White House is pausing grants and loans to assess their alignment with President Trump's directives, particularly concerning the elimination of DEI initiatives and funding to NGOs not in national interest.
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A shipment of anti-tank mines was mistakenly delivered to an Ikea warehouse in Poland due to a logistical error. The incident occurred between July 4 and 7, leading to four soldiers facing prosecution for neglect of duty. The mines were later retrieved by military police.
Former President Barack Obama was seen attending a private dinner without Michelle Obama, amid rumors of their marital issues. Obama reached Osteria Mozza and joined a small group that included Joe Biden's White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients who arrived after Obama, PageSix reported. According to reports, Obama was all smiling though he did not stop for photographs.
​Prices at $5 million, the Gold Card program would replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. EB-5s were created in 1990 as a method for immigrants to obtain green cards in which a person must invest at least $1 million in a company –or $800k in a low-income area – that employs at least 10 people. In 2024, more than 4,500 EB-5 visas were issued.
The Trump administration has warned New York City's transit authority to reduce crime levels in the subway system or risk cuts to federal funding. Transportation secretary Sean Duffy emphasised the need for immediate action to ensure public safety. The MTA reports that crime has decreased, but the federal government remains concerned. Potential financial repercussions could affect the city's transit system and its daily riders.
During his address to Congress, Donald Trump criticised an $8 million government expenditure on transgenic rodent studies, suggesting taxpayer money was wasted. He referenced a Republican-researched initiative to cut unnecessary spending, supported by Elon Musk. These studies, funded by NIH, aimed to improve medical care for transgender patients and enhance overall understanding of hormone therapies.
A historic 200-year-old southern magnolia tree on the White House grounds is set to be removed next week due to its deteriorating condition. President Trump stated the removal is necessary for safety reasons and mentioned that the wood might be used for other noble purposes.
Pope Francis spent a peaceful night in hospital, the Vatican said Friday, a day after it noted improvement in his clinical condition for a second straight day. After a difficult weekend in which the Argentine, who has been pope since 2013, suffered a respiratory attack, the Vatican this week noted slight, incremental improvements in his condition.
President Trump opposes President Biden's environmentally-friendly paper straw initiative, announcing plans to bring back plastic straws via an executive order. The move aligns with Trump's previous environmental policies, including withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. He has consistently criticized paper straws for their ineffectiveness.
Belgrade is tense as a major anti-government rally looms with President Vucic's authorities trying to dissuade attendance. The rally, driven by anti-graft sentiment, tests Vucic's right-wing government amid increasing discontent. Clashes are feared as Vucic’s supporters camp in the city center. The protests are fueled by a fatal incident linked to alleged government corruption.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reaffirmed his attendance at Moscow's Victory Day parade, defying EU pressure. This decision risks jeopardizing Serbia's EU membership aspirations, especially with his pro-Russian stance and refusal to sanction Moscow. Adding to tensions, a new Serbian government with anti-EU ministers was approved, and Vucic cited a Russian FSB report dismissing claims of sonic weapon use against protesters.