Former President Donald Trump announced a $5 million "gold card" initiative for wealthy individuals to obtain US residency and eventual citizenship, replacing the EB-5 visa program. The program aims to generate trillions of dollars and requires congressional approval for full citizenship.
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A 27-year-old Jewish plumber in Miami Beach fired 17 rounds at a vehicle he believed contained Palestinians, injuring two Israeli tourists instead. Mordechai Brafman is in custody facing attempted-murder charges. The incident occurred on Alton Road, with one victim suffering a shoulder wound and the other an arm graze. Brafman had no previous connection with the victims.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden is set to deliver a farewell foreign policy speech highlighting America's improved strength since Donald Trump left office. The address will emphasize efforts to bolster the NATO alliance, support Ukraine, expand US alliances in Asia-Pacific, and combat climate change.
Protesters gathered at Stonewall National Monument to express their outrage over the removal of transgender and queer references from the National Park Service website. This followed President Trump's executive order recognising only two sexes. Demonstrators voiced concerns about the erasure of trans, nonbinary, and queer identities, and activists like Bernie Wagenblast vowed to resist the changes and fight for recognition and rights.
Elon Musk expressed his appreciation for NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are set to return to Earth after over nine months in orbit. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has docked at the ISS, and the astronauts will soon return with their replacements aboard.
A Buckingham Palace staff member was arrested following a fracas at a London pub after a pre-Christmas gathering. Police responded to reports of a woman smashing glasses and attempting to assault bar staff. The incident occurred during an informal social event involving around 50 palace employees, who had earlier attended a reception at the palace. An internal investigation is underway.
US President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed key issues like trade, TikTok, and Taiwan in a positive phone call that both leaders hoped would start US-China relations on a constructive note. Trump pledged to address various issues immediately, while Xi emphasized caution on the Taiwan matter.
A New Jersey mother claimed that United Airlines staff repeatedly pressured her to remove her disabled son's ventilator during a flight, despite having all required medical documentation. The incident caused distress and public outcry, leading to demands for United Airlines to be held accountable under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
An Indiana family claims their 12-year-old daughter was denied a heart transplant due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19. The family, linked to vice president JD Vance, opposes vaccines on religious grounds. 12-year-old Adaline was born in China with two heart conditions. Her mother Janeed Deal is reportedly related by marriage to JD Vance's half-siblings.
Former vice president Kamala Harris has signed with Creative Artists Agency to work on her post-White House initiatives, including speaking engagements and possibly publishing a book. This is the same agency that represents former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Brad Pitt, Ariana Grande and NBA star Devin Booker.
Director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard admitted that a reporter was mistakenly included in a high-level Signal chat about planned strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, but no classified information was shared. Conflicting accounts emerged about the information's classification, raising national security concerns. CIA director John Ratcliffe and Gabbard testified before the House Intelligence Committee as the investigation continued.