The Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID has left many staffers in uncertain and dangerous situations, including stalled medical evacuations for pregnant employees. Court orders have temporarily blocked mass layoffs and funding cuts, but workers still face unpaid bills and lack of guidance. Lifesaving programs like PEPFAR and disaster response remain offline despite waivers. A judge is set to rule on further staffing cuts.
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Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006, due to a breakdown in relations within the organisation. He and co-founder, Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso, cited an irreparable rift with the charity’s board and chair, Sophie Chandauka, who raised concerns about governance issues. The situation has led to legal action and intervention by the UK’s Charity Commission.
An 18-year-old woman from a rural family in China, working in a furniture store, lives in an office toilet to avoid high rent. She spends just 50 yuan per month, saving most of her earnings for future stability. Her resilience and practical approach have garnered attention on social media.
US Vice President JD Vance is intervening in a case where his 12-year-old distant relative, Adaline Deal, was denied a heart transplant in Ohio due to her unvaccinated status. A legislative effort is also underway to address hospital discrimination against unvaccinated individuals.
Donald Trump's transition team is planning for the U.S. to withdraw from the WHO on the first day of his potential second term. This move aligns with Trump’s longstanding criticism of the agency, suggesting it failed to hold China accountable for COVID-19. Critics warn this could undermine global health efforts and increase China's influence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed an exchange of all prisoners of war with Russia and called for long-term peace. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness to exchange all POWs and highlighted the resilience and heroism of Ukrainians as the country marked the third anniversary of Russia's invasion.
During the 2025 Oscars, Conan O’Brien made a subtle joke about Donald Trump and Russia. Other celebrities also made political statements. Daryl Hannah said 'Slava Ukraine' while presenting. Zoe Saldaña mentioned her immigrant background. The Best Documentary Feature winner criticised Israeli demolitions and US foreign policy. These moments added political undertones to the event.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Bill Briggs as the deputy administrator of the small business administration for his second term. Briggs, who previously oversaw the Paycheck Protection Program, will work with Kelly Loeffler to support small businesses, which are crucial to the US economy.
President-elect Trump refused to wish clemency-granted federal death-row inmates a merry Christmas, telling them to 'go to Hell.' He criticized Biden for commuting their sentences and targeted China, Canada, and 'Radical Left Lunatics' in his holiday message. Trump's message ended with promises to 'MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN' in 26 days.
Firefighters in Los Angeles are trying to control multiple wildfires that have killed seven people and destroyed 10,000 structures. Evacuations are ongoing, schools are closed, and Vice President Kamala Harris has canceled her trip. Canada is preparing to send additional support to aid in firefighting efforts. An estimate of the total damage could reach USD 150 billion.
A debate has erupted in Lithuania as the national opera house replaced Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker' amidst the government's 'mental quarantine' on Russian culture due to the Ukraine conflict. The newly appointed culture minister's preference for Russian music has sparked controversy over the separation of culture and politics during wartime.