Former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to vote against Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation as director of national intelligence, citing her stance on Edward Snowden. Despite his 'no' vote, Gabbard was confirmed in a 52-48 vote. McConnell's decision faced backlash from Republicans, with some calling for his removal from the Senate.
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Avian influenza (H5N1) has been detected in a sheep in England for the first time, prompting the implementation of strict biosecurity measures. Authorities emphasize the low risk to livestock and urge animal owners to maintain cleanliness and report signs of infection, while monitoring of the situation continues.
Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, charged with attempting a coup and barred from office, remains hopeful about his political future, drawing inspiration from US President Trump's comeback. Despite facing serious charges and legal challenges, Bolsonaro seeks support from Trump and conservative circles to pressure Brazilian authorities.
The Trump administration mistakenly included 'The Atlantic' editor Jeffery Goldberg in a Signal chat discussing confidential plans about Yemen, leading to widespread ridicule online. US defense officials denied any sensitive information was shared, criticizing the journalist's credibility.
Dutch Openness Day has stirred controversy with the release of a database of 425,000 names linked to Nazi collaboration, causing individuals like Peter Baas to question family histories. Privacy concerns have limited access to full records, prompting calls for more transparency.
US President Donald Trump advocated for expanding the H1B visa program to include top global talent in non-STEM areas, such as high-quality waiters and wine experts. His remarks angered MAGA supporters who oppose immigration and H1B visas. Critics argue that Trump is favoring donors, despite the opposition wanting tighter immigration control.
Air pollution has led to the closure of over 350 schools in Bangkok, as the city ranked seventh in the world for pollution. Levels of harmful PM2.5 pollutants were significantly above WHO guidelines. The Thai government has taken measures, including banning stubble burning, to address the issue. Nearby cities in Vietnam and Cambodia have also ranked high for pollution.
President-elect Donald Trump plans to create an 'External Revenue Service' to collect tariffs on foreign imports, reaffirming his commitment to imposing trade levies. Critics question the need for a new agency, given that Customs and Border Protection already handles tariff collection. Experts warn these tariffs may inflate consumer prices without generating substantial revenue.
The White House disclosed that the US paid around $6 million to El Salvador for accepting 238 deported gang members of the Tren de Aragua. Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for the deportation, which a judge halted but the Trump administrated went ahead with the deportation claiming that planes already left the US territory by the time the order came.
Tom Homan confirms that mass deportations of illegal migrants from the US will continue daily, as pledged by President Trump for the 2024 election. Homan emphasized that all individuals residing unlawfully in the US are subject to deportation. The US military remains actively involved, with increased arrests focusing on public safety and national security threats.
Swedish police have made 50 arrests amid a surge in violence, including over 30 bombings since the start of the year. The violence, often linked to gang rivalries and extortion, has escalated, with young teens being used as contract killers. Despite arrests, the violence persists, and authorities are struggling to contain it. Justice minister Gunnar Strommer called an emergency meeting, while prime minister Ulf Kristersson labeled the violence "domestic terrorism."