Pope Francis inaugurated the Holy Year at Rome's main prison, spreading hope to inmates. He re-enacted the door-opening gesture performed at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of the Jubilee year, which occurs every 25 years and attracts millions of pilgrims. The 2025 Jubilee is dedicated to hope, with a special mass for inmates planned.
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A 20-year-old motorbike thief, Ciaran Parker, experienced 'instant karma' when he crashed a stolen bike during a high-speed police chase in County Durham. Without wearing a helmet, Parker reached dangerous speeds and crashed, injuring himself. He later tested positive for drugs and was sentenced to 14 months in a Young Offender Institution.
The House has passed a bill, largely following party lines, to bar transgender women and girls from participating in school sports designated for female students. The bill faces a tough challenge in the Senate. Republicans argue it protects women's rights, while Democrats criticize it as an invasion of privacy and harmful to transgender children.
US President Trump has paused all military aid to Ukraine, halting the delivery of billions in weaponry amid crucial defense needs against Russia. This decision alters US foreign policy and may embolden Russia as European allies struggle to fill the gap. Critics argue it undermines Ukraine, while supporters praise Trump's focus on peace negotiations.
President Biden regrets dropping out of the presidential race, believing he would've defeated Trump. He blames Democratic elites, particularly Nancy Pelosi, for pressuring his withdrawal. Although he defended Harris publicly, he admits campaign mistakes and some gaffes. Biden also expressed dissatisfaction with Attorney General Garland's handling of prosecutions related to Trump and his son, Hunter.
Two judges were assassinated in a planned shooting at Tehran's Supreme Court, with the gunman subsequently killing himself. Judges Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghisseh, who handled cases related to national security, were targeted. Iranian authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the motive behind this rare attack on judiciary figures.
US President Trump began his second term by signing executive orders in the Oval Office. Amid this, Fox News' Peter Doocy inquired about a traditional letter left by Joe Biden. Trump, surprised, found the envelope in the desk drawer marked '47.' Although he considered reading it aloud, Trump chose to keep its contents private for now, maintaining the tradition's intrigue.
“The president made very clear that he wasn’t blaming anybody, but he was being very explicit about the fact that DEI policies have led our air traffic controllers to be short-staffed. That is a scandal. Thankfully, it’s a scandal that the president has stopped,†Vice President JD Vance said defending President Donald Trump's statement linking DEI hiring with the DC plane crash.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai clarified the meaning of "Googleyness," shifting from a loose definition about cultural fit to a more focused set of principles. These emphasize mission-driven work, boldness with responsibility, resourcefulness, teamwork, and a balance of hustle and enjoyment. This redefinition aims to foster a more purposeful and inclusive work environment.
Guangzhou's thriving e-commerce industry outputs low-cost goods with minimal tariffs or inspections, affecting global retail. President Trump halted duty-free, low-value parcels to curb illicit imports. Changes may lead to higher tariffs and fees, while countries like South Africa and Thailand have also imposed stricter import tariffs.
Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, leading the Ismaili Muslim community after his father's passing. Educated in the United States, he has actively participated in the Aga Khan Development Network, which focuses on healthcare, housing, and rural development initiatives worldwide.