Hamas returned the remains of four Israeli hostages, including members of the Bibas family, to Israeli authorities, amid a fragile ceasefire. The group indicated willingness to release all remaining hostages in a single swap to secure a permanent ceasefire with Israel.
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Leanne Lucas, a yoga teacher, heroically saved children during a brutal attack that left three girls dead and many injured. Despite being severely wounded, Lucas and her friend managed to help children escape. The attacker, Axel Rudakubana, was sentenced to 52 years in prison. Lucas shared the traumatic experience and her resolve to live in memory of the victims.
Starbucks announced reversing its open-door policy, initially introduced in 2018 to promote inclusivity. From January 2025, non-paying visitors will no longer have automatic access to its spaces. This change aims to prioritize paying customers and address safety issues, prompting discussions on the evolving role of third spaces in society and balancing inclusivity with practicality.
Scientists in China have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting humans by binding to the ACE2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2. The discovery raises concerns about potential spillover events, although the virus's efficiency in binding to human ACE2 is lower than SARS-CoV-2.
A Chinese mining worker was killed in northeastern Afghanistan by a resistance group, the National Mobilization Front, which accused him of aiding Taliban intelligence, though without evidence. Taliban officials said he traveled without notifying local security. The incident highlights risks for foreign investors in Afghanistan, where the Taliban is courting investment despite instability and international isolation. China remains a key player in Afghanistan’s resource extraction projects.
A suspected Norovirus outbreak on the P&O Iona cruise ship has caused severe stomach issues for passengers and crew, leading to chaotic scenes with people vomiting in public. Over 5,000 passengers and 1,800 crew are on board, with containment efforts underway. Passengers report difficulties with food, fresh linens, and medication shortages. P&O Cruises promises full refunds for missed excursions.
Canadian emergency preparedness minister Harjit Sajjan announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming federal elections, citing his gratitude to the Vancouver South community and commitment to the Liberal party. Sajjan, who has served nearly ten years in office, emphasized the need for civility in politics amid increasing hostility and endorsed Mark Carney for Liberal leadership.
US President Donald Trump criticized his portrait in the Colorado State Capitol, claiming it was intentionally distorted. Trump prefers no portrait over the current one and has called for its removal. He also criticized Governor Jared Polis for his handling of public safety and the Tren de Aragua gang situation in Aurora.
The US Supreme Court will review Texas' age verification law limiting access to adult websites, challenged by the adult entertainment industry for violating privacy and free speech. Though a federal judge opposed the law, the Fifth Circuit upheld it to protect minors. The new laws have led to an increase in the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), as people in affected states seek ways to bypass the restrictions.
Following the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, Columbia University cautioned its international students against discussing politically sensitive topics. The Trump administration's withdrawal of $400 million in federal funds over antisemitism claims has escalated tensions, with the university unable to fully safeguard students.
​"Sorry, it's a lot of them," Hegseth said as he fumbled on Rex's name. But he did not actually forget the name. He just got stuck which he admitted and overcame. ​Out of the seven children, four are Hegseth's biological and three are his stepchildren. He shares one daughter with his current wife Jennifer and shares three other kids with his second wife Samantha Deering. Hegseth is a stepdad to Jennifer's three children.