USAID is under heavy scrutiny after a Trump administration crackdown and a 90-day pause in foreign assistance. Concerns over the agency's expenditures, including funding initiatives in LGBTQ and other social domains, have been raised. The list of controversial spending includes significant amounts for projects in diverse regions, sparking debates about the agency's accountability.
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Elon Musk faced backlash after a gesture during a Capitol One Arena speech was misinterpreted as a Nazi salute, sparking debate on social media. Critics accused him of promoting far-right ideologies, while supporters and conservative voices dismissed the allegations. Musk and others compared the gesture to those made by prominent Democratic leaders, criticizing the legacy media.
Ahead of the Lunar New Year, Chinese leader Xi Jinping acknowledged the country's economic struggles, including slow recovery from the pandemic, a property crisis, and high youth unemployment. Despite a 5 per cent GDP growth in 2024, the slowest since 1990, Xi highlighted efforts to boost recovery, including interest rate cuts and subsidies. However, experts warn of continued challenges, including potential US tariffs and weak domestic consumption. Many citizens remain cautiously hopeful about... Expand
Tension escalates in South Korea as investigators warn supporters of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol against obstructing his arrest. The court issued an arrest warrant for Yeol on charges of insurrection and abuse of power after he attempted to declare martial law. The constitutional court still needs to finalize his impeachment.
Haiti is experiencing extreme violence with numerous killings and thousands forced to flee their homes. Despite efforts from international security missions, gangs continue to control large parts of the country. The United Nations has called for urgent support, highlighting a dramatic increase in deaths, kidnappings, and gender-based violence.
A 23-year-old Syrian man attacked five people with a knife in Villach, Austria, killing a 14-year-old and injuring four others. A 42-year-old delivery worker intervened and helped contain the situation. The police apprehended the assailant at the scene and are investigating whether he acted alone or had accomplices.
French philosopher Renaud Camus, known for his anti-immigration views and 'Great Replacement' theory, has been barred from entering the UK. No official reason was provided, but the Home Office said his presence wasn't "conducive to the public good." Camus, planning to appeal with the Free Speech Union's help, was scheduled for a speaking engagement.
Colombian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao issued a statement after she was seen vaping in the parliament a moment before she was to speak about health care reforms. In the video, the Green Alliance Party leader was seen quickly hiding her vape pen. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in government buildings in Colombia, including the parliamentary chambers.
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.
At the 78th British Academy Film Awards, 'Conclave' won best picture and three other awards, while 'The Brutalist' also secured four trophies. Zoe Saldaña won best supporting actress for 'Emilia Pérez,' which also received the best film not in the English language award. Mikey Madison took home the best actress prize for 'Anora.'
Philippine authorities said Tuesday they detained two Chinese nationals for spying, the latest in a series of arrests involving alleged espionage as confrontations between the countries increase in the disputed South China Sea. Confrontations between the Philippines and China over contested reefs and waters in the strategic South China Sea have escalated in recent months.