US President Donald Trump criticizes the Department of Education for high spending while the nation ranks 40th globally. He has signed orders cutting federal funding for schools teaching critical race theory and promoting school choice. Trump pushes for the DOE's closure to reduce waste, with immediate $881 million cuts from 89 contracts.
Related news
The UAE has provided 700 tonnes of food supplies to flood-affected areas in Somalia, aiming to assist approximately 150,000 individuals. This act reflects the UAE's commitment to humanitarian aid and its strong bilateral relations with Somalia, ensuring continued support and accelerated recovery for impacted communities.
A Florida woman, Briana Boston, was arrested for threatening her health insurance provider, BlueCross BlueShield, echoing the phrase used by the alleged killer of a UnitedHealthcare CEO. Boston's threat, inspired by the recent killing, resulted in charges of threats to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism. He lawyer said she was overcharged as she only made those threats over the telephone which should come under freedom of speech.
Gunmen ambushed a Pakistan convoy travelling to bring aid to a region besieged by sectarian fighting on Saturday, local government said, wounding several officials despite a ceasefire announced three days ago. After a truce was called on January 1, the convoy was attacked as it travelled to collect the first aid delivery of food and medicine sent by road since November, officials said.
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.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers faces criticism for proposing gender-neutral terminology in state law, replacing terms like 'mother' with 'inseminated person.' Conservatives quickly backlash, calling these changes disrespectful to mothers. The controversy reflects broader US debates over gender terminology, with national figures like Trump opposing such changes in federal policy.
The department of government efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has recovered $1.9 billion misplaced by the Biden administration. HUD Secretary Scott Turner collaborated with DOGE to rectify the issue, ensuring funds are now available for other uses. A new task force within HUD aims to enhance financial oversight and efficiency.
Actor and wife Cheryl Hines and journalist and commentator Megyn Kelly sat behind RFK Jr as he faced the grilling of the Senate hearing Wednesday. A protest amid the hearing as a woman shouted at RFK Jr calling him an anti-vaxxer while Kennedy Jr in his opening statement reiterated that he is not against vaccines.
Belarus's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko moved the 2025 presidential election to January to avoid protests, ensuring a likely seventh term. Lukashenko relies heavily on Russian support, hosting tactical nuclear weapons, and has harshly suppressed dissent, with many opponents jailed or exiled. The vote takes place amid fierce repression and fear.
China's military conducted 'live-fire' drills, targeting key ports and energy sites as part of exercises around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Washington condemned these manoeuvres as intimidation tactics. The drills follow heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, and Beijing's aggressive military activities have raised regional security concerns. Taiwan's military responded with its own rapid exercises.
US diplomats met with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. Concerns remain about minority and women's rights under the Islamist-led government. International powers are calling for an inclusive government, while Kurdish groups fear Turkish attacks. Demonstrations in Damascus protested against religious rule.