A Stockholm court convicted Salwan Najem of inciting ethnic hatred during four Quran burnings in 2023, just days after the murder of his co-defendant, Salwan Momika. Najem received a suspended sentence and a fine. The court ruled that while criticism of religion is allowed, the protests expressed contempt for Muslims. The burnings strained Sweden’s ties with Middle Eastern nations and raised its national security threat level.
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Former presidents Obama, Clinton, and Bush will attend Donald Trump's inauguration but will not join the traditional luncheon. The tradition started in 1897, but deviations have occurred before. Trump, who did not attend Biden's inauguration, did not comment on the decline. Former first ladies, except Michelle Obama, are expected at the swearing-in ceremony.
House Republicans narrowly approved a budget resolution, advancing Trump's economic plan with $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in cuts. The proposal, which faces Senate review, has stirred concerns over social program cuts and the national debt among lawmakers.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed direct trade for the first time since their 1971 separation, with the first government-approved cargo departing from Port Qasim. Bangladesh will import 50,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan in two phases, reviving dormant trade relations and fostering economic cooperation between the two countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces backlash for posting about a hockey match instead of addressing the Delta plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport that had occurred shortly before. The crash resulted in minor injuries to 18 passengers and Trudeau's delayed response was heavily criticized by the public.
A strange glowing orb baffled residents across parts of the UK as it spiraled through the night sky. Witnesses took to social media to share their astonishment, with sightings seemingly linked to a SpaceX US spy satellite launch.
Ash Wednesday begins Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and reflection for Christians. Observed with the application of ashes on the forehead, it signifies penance and humility. This day encourages spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, commemorating Jesus' time in the wilderness.
UK energy minister Ed Miliband met officials in Beijing on Monday after vowing to press them on China's emissions as well as touchy topics such as Hong Kong and forced labour. Miliband said he would also raise concerns over rights abuses in Hong Kong and the treatment of the Uyghur minority -- as well as "forced labour in supply chains" and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Beijing has never condemned.
Yemen's Houthi rebels announced limiting their Red Sea attacks to only Israeli-affiliated ships as a Gaza Strip ceasefire takes hold. The Houthis have targeted roughly 100 merchant vessels since November 2023, resulting in seizures and casualties. They have intercepted missiles and drones aimed at Western military vessels.
Former FBI agent Tim Thibault is implicated for allegedly sharing sensitive investigative information and an inappropriate photo via his government email. He is also accused of interfering in a federal investigation involving Hunter Biden. Senators Grassley and Johnson have requested an immediate probe into his conduct.
Two people were killed and four others injured during a party in Tacoma after gunfire erupted early Saturday morning. A juvenile male has been taken into custody. The victims, ranging from 16 to 21 years old, were hospitalized with one succumbing to his injuries while the other four are expected to recover.