US President Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting, discussing various topics including government spending, immigration, and the economy. Elon Musk, also present, emphasized DOGE's role in updating government technology. Trump confirmed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s White House visit and announced a 25% tariff on EU goods. He also addressed potential workforce reductions within federal agencies.
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A 17-year-old boy was arrested after breaching security at Avalon Airport and attempting to board a Jetstar flight with a loaded shotgun. Passengers, including Barry Clark, tackled the armed teenager, who wore a high-visibility vest. Authorities are investigating the breach, and the airport was temporarily closed.
Luigi Mangione, the alleged murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has expressed gratitude for the support he has received since his arrest. Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder among other charges, is awaiting his next court appearance in February while his legal team continues to update the public.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated the nation won't deploy its navy to support fishers in the contested Scarborough Shoal, aiming to avoid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. This follows an incident where Chinese vessels used water cannons against a Philippine supply boat. China asserts the Philippines' actions are provocative infringements on its sovereignty.
Thousands of Palestinians protested in Gaza against Hamas and the ongoing conflict with Israel. Israel's defense minister urged further protests. Recent Israeli attacks followed failed ceasefire talks, worsening conditions in Gaza. The war, which began in October 2023, has killed over 50,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza's population.
President Biden regrets dropping out of the presidential race, believing he would've defeated Trump. He blames Democratic elites, particularly Nancy Pelosi, for pressuring his withdrawal. Although he defended Harris publicly, he admits campaign mistakes and some gaffes. Biden also expressed dissatisfaction with Attorney General Garland's handling of prosecutions related to Trump and his son, Hunter.
Caroline Kennedy praised Kennedy Jr for “pulling himself out of illness and disease†but lamented the “siblings and cousins who Bobby encouraged down the path of substance abuse suffered addiction, illness, and death while Bobby has gone on to misrepresent, lie, and cheat his way through life.†“I have known Bobby my whole life; we grew up together,†wrote Kennedy. “It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets because he himself is a predator."
Myanmar's ruling junta said Tuesday it had deported to China more than 50,000 people suspected of involvement in online scam operations since October 2023, as it made a rare call to neighbouring countries to intervene. It said the junta had caught and deported over 55,000 foreigners involved in border scams to their home countries since October 2023, over 53,000 of them to China.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement came after weeks of painstaking negotiations in Doha but Donald Trump claimed credit for the deal and said it would not have been possible had he not won the election and his victory in the November election sent a message to the world that the new US administration would not have it any other way.
Ukraine is willing to exchange captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. President Zelenskyy announced this potential swap on X. Ukraine claims to have captured two North Korean soldiers and accuses Pyongyang of sending troops to support Russia. Kyiv expects to capture more troops amidst ongoing battles.
"For those who want America to lose for their own personal gain, I have no respect. Zero," Musk said hitting at far-Right activist Laura Loomer who has been attacking Elon Musk over the issue and then claims that because of her open criticism of Elon Musk, X took away his blue-check verification badge and deactivated her subscriptions.