The Al-Hadba minaret in Mosul, Iraq has been successfully reconstructed after its destruction by Islamic State forces. Unesco led the restoration, using original brickwork to preserve its historical significance. Efforts also restored the Al-Nuri Mosque and key religious landmarks, symbolizing the city's reclaim of its cultural identity.
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Tragedy struck a San Diego park as three dogs fatally mauled their 26-year-old owner, Pedro Ortega, near a playground. Witnesses bravely attempted to intervene with golf clubs, and responding officers used a Taser on the escaping canines. One blood-covered dog sought refuge in a nearby garage, a chilling scene for the homeowner.
Elon Musk warns of imminent bankruptcy for the United States without major budget cuts as he joins President Trump in reducing federal spending. Leading the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk aims to significantly decrease the federal workforce and criticizes federal bureaucracy's power over elected officials.
Scott Jennings defended Pete Hegseth on CNN after Catherine Rampell minimized Hegseth's credentials to a TV host role. Jennings highlighted Hegseth's 20 years of decorated military service and Ivy League education. During Hegseth's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, he faced rigorous questioning yet remained calm and prepared, handling scrutiny on personal conduct and military experience.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed deep concern over the condition of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Following recent hostage-prisoner swaps, including one where captives were forced to thank their captors, the ICRC urged more dignified releases. Shock over the hostages' frail appearance has intensified calls for humanitarian access. The next exchange is set for Saturday as efforts continue for the full release of all captives.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared her financial assets worth $400 million, including investments, cash, and luxury items like designer handbags and watches. This follows regulations requiring disclosures to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Shinawatra, assuming office in September, continues the family’s legacy in leadership, with her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, being a significant influence in Thai politics.
Pelicot stood trial alongside 50 other men, many of whom denied the allegations. However, the court in Avignon found 47 guilty of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. The men, who hailed from nearby villages and towns, represented a cross-section of society, including firefighters, lorry drivers, soldiers, journalists, and DJs. This shocking diversity underscored how the network extended deep into the local community.
Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI employee and whistleblower, died by suicide in San Francisco. He had publicly accused OpenAI of copyright infringement in developing ChatGPT and expressed concerns about the technology's potential harm to businesses and the internet ecosystem. Balaji left OpenAI due to ethical concerns, believing its practices were unsustainable.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6, citing internal discontent and the departure of his finance minister. Social media reacted with memes and humor, while Trudeau prepares to stay on until the Liberal Party elects a new leader. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh plans a no-confidence motion.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday in Britain, where they discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Macron had previously said the two sides had "a lot of convergence" on pressing issues including Ukraine and the Middle East.
President Trump announced that SpaceX will soon launch a mission to bring home Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the ISS, where they've been stranded due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner. Originally a short stay, their return was delayed. Elon Musk confirmed the expedited mission, which aims to safely return the astronauts.