US defense secretary Pete Hegseth made his first Nato visit under the new Trump administration, discussing military aid for Ukraine amid uncertainty over future US support. The UK chaired the Ukraine defense contact group for the first time, as Trump pushes for Europe to take greater responsibility. Nato allies, wary of Russia’s aggression, are also bracing for Trump's push to raise defense spending, potentially to 5 per cent of GDP.
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​​Speaking on Fox, Mike Lee made a prediction that Mike Johnson would not retain the post next year and it would go to either Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. "I don't think the speaker is going to remain in power," Lee said predicting a DOGE Speaker. "Vivek, Elon if you're watching, please sign up, America needs you," Lee said.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was moved to Brasilia for treatment after being hospitalized in northeastern Brazil with severe abdominal pain. Doctors attribute the pain to complications from a 2018 stabbing during his presidential campaign. Bolsonaro, who has faced repeated hospital visits since the attack, indicated that he might need another surgery.
Vietnam's birth rates have fallen below replacement levels for the third consecutive year, with the fertility rate at 1.91 children per woman. Economic factors are driving smaller family sizes, leading to aging population concerns. The government plans to introduce laws and support measures to reverse the trend. The National Assembly will discuss the draft Population Law in 2025 to boost fertility rates.
Walmart unveils its first logo refresh in 17 years featuring a thicker font, a deeper blue background, and an energized yellow spark. The update, aimed at modernizing while remaining familiar, was met with online criticism for its minimal changes, with many users expressing disbelief and sarcasm.
As TikTok faces a shutdown in the US, millions of users are hopeful that Donald Trump, upon his inauguration, will reverse the ban temporarily enacted. Trump previously opposed TikTok citing security risks, but his stance has recently shifted due to his own success on the platform. The final decision depends heavily on ongoing discussions and potential negotiations.
A US Marine and three defence contractors were killed in a plane crash during a surveillance mission in the southern Philippines. The Beechcraft Super King Air B300, contracted by the US, went down in Maguindanao del Sur province. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Chrystia Freeland, a senior member of Canada’s Liberal Party, is now a probable candidate to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned after nearly a decade in power. Freeland, once Trudeau’s loyal deputy, publicly criticised hi for his political tactics. The former foreign minister has faced personal attacks from Donald Trump, who labelled her as “toxic,†particularly due to their strained relationship during trade talks.
Social media users condemned Lauren Sanchez's outfit at Donald Trump's inauguration, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful. "WTF is Lauren Sanchez wearing at the Presidential inauguration?! Visible lingerie," one said. "Lauren Sánchez is wearing a corset bra under her jacket. Wild outfit for the Trump inauguration," another wrote.
A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, left 59 dead and many injured. The blaze, sparked by stage fireworks, engulfed the venue quickly due to flammable materials. Most victims were young, including minors. Officials are investigating corruption and lack of safety compliance, with 15 people in custody, including the club's owner and event organizers.
Logan Guminski, a 27-year-old Florida woman, was arrested for engaging in sexual activity with a Chihuahua and selling the explicit content online. Investigators found multiple videos on her phone, and she admitted to selling one video for $500. She was released on a $10,000 bond.