Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States, becoming the first Hindu to hold the position. Her appointment has garnered praise from the Hindu-American community, who celebrate her deep-rooted Hindu beliefs and journey. Gabbard’s spiritual upbringing and connections with various Hindu institutions are key facets of her identity.
Related news
MSNBC has canceled Joy Reid's 7 pm show, The ReidOut, as part of a programming overhaul led by new president Rebecca Kutler. Reid, known for her strong criticism of Trump, faced declining ratings and past controversies. Her slot will be filled by a new panel show. Further changes under Kutler include Alex Wagner's 9 pm show being axed.
Amnesty International on Thursday called for a global, legally binding treaty to regulate the production and use of electric shock equipment such as stun guns and electric shock batons. Amnesty backed by a network of over 80 organisations globally is calling for torture-free trade treaty to regulate the trade and use of a range of law enforcement equipment.
A Connecticut man, held captive for over 20 years by his stepmother, was discovered in a severely emaciated state. Kimberly Sullivan, his stepmother, has been arrested. A fundraising campaign, led by Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, has raised over $100,000 to aid in his recovery, covering medical care, housing, and therapy. Over 300 people have contributed to support his new life.
French President Emmanuel Macron is leveraging his close relationship with former US President Trump during his visit to Washington. He aims to ensure European nations are included in any resolution of the Ukraine war while maintaining strong defense commitments against Russia. Macron will emphasize the importance of protecting European security.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Richard Grenell as special envoy for missions in volatile regions, including Venezuela, North Korea, and the Balkans. Grenell, a seasoned diplomat and Trump loyalist, previously served as ambassador to Germany and special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo. He will focus on diplomatic solutions, echoing Trump's foreign policy stance.
Vice President JD Vance is hopeful that a deal to sell TikTok and keep it operating in the US will be finalised by April 5, addressing national security concerns. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, faces scrutiny over data privacy. Prospective buyers include Reid Rasner and Alexis Ohanian.
President Trump introduced a 'Gold Card' program to allow wealthy individuals to buy US citizenship for $5 million, potentially replacing the EB-5 visa. The initiative aims to boost the US economy but raised concerns about prioritizing the wealthy and possibly fostering illicit financial activities. The program's specifics and implementation date are still unclear.
Following Barbara Lee's victory in Oakland's mayoral race using ranked-choice voting, Donald Trump has strongly criticised the system, labeling it a "fraudulent joke" and a threat to democracy. Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates by preference, potentially leading to broader appeal and reduced polarisation, though critics argue it can confuse voters and delay results.
Melania Trump accuses the Obamas of withholding information during her first term transition, while Jill Biden sent her a supportive note this time. Melania declined the Bidens' invitation for tea and did not attend Jill Biden's event. But later as they met at Jimmy Carter's funeral, Jill Biden said Melania thanked her for her note.
California implements the Healthy Homework Act (AB 2999) to reduce student stress and promote balanced learning by urging school districts to create thoughtful homework policies. The act addresses the quality and quantity of assignments while considering available resources, aiming to prevent overwhelming students and ensuring their well-being.