From January 1, Australians will face a 3.5% increase in passport application fees, making a new 10-year adult passport cost $412. Children's passports will be $208, and replacements $259. This follows a previous 15% tax addition, making Australian passports the world's most expensive. Critics argue it's a tax grab, but the government cites quality and security reasons.
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Laura Loomer has criticized Ashley St. Clair for alleged hypocrisy and deception, following a paternity lawsuit against Elon Musk. St. Clair, who claimed to want privacy, leaked private Signal messages with Musk. Loomer condemned her actions as deceptive, accusing her of planning the 'baby trap.' St. Clair seeks sole custody of her alleged five-month-old child with Musk.
South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, denied ordering the military to remove lawmakers during his first appearance before the Constitutional Court. Yoon's martial law decree, which triggered political turmoil, is under investigation for possible rebellion and abuse of power. His actions have strained diplomatic relations, financial markets, and internal unity. Yoon's defiance has fueled opposition efforts to remove him, leading to violence from his supporters, injuring 17 police... Expand
Investigators continue to determine the cause of the midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, DC, which claimed 67 lives. Preliminary data show discrepancies in altitude reports, raising questions about airspace restrictions and flight procedures. A full investigation could take a year.
Special counsel David Weiss defended the impartiality of his investigation into Hunter Biden, rejecting US President Joe Biden's claims of unfair treatment. Weiss emphasized that the gun and tax charges were based on factual investigations and not influenced by Hunter's surname. He criticized the president's use of a pardon to attack the Justice Department.
Syria's new authorities announced on Tuesday that the military chief of the Islamist group that spearheaded the offensive that toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad had been appointed defence minister in the transitional government. As commander of the Islamist rebel forces, he played a key role in the offensive that ousted Assad on December 8 after a lightning advance from north Syria to the capital Damascus.
Donald Trump is focusing on self-deportation for migrants. The US government will offer plane tickets and stipends for voluntary departure. Migrants can use the CBP Home app to report their intention to leave. Those who comply may have a path to return. Non-compliance could lead to permanent bans and fines.
Iranian student Alireza Doroudi, studying mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama, has been detained by ICE. His detention details and the facility are unknown. Doroudi's F-1 visa was revoked six months after his arrival in January 2023. ICE has been targeting university campuses, leading to several arrests and deportations.
A Canada commission report has not established a link to any foreign state in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, contradicting earlier allegations by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Indian involvement. The report suggests possible disinformation by India in response to Trudeau’s claims.
Former US president Barack Obama paid tribute to the late Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100. Obama highlighted Carter's achievements, including his presidency, human rights work, and post-presidential contributions like Habitat for Humanity efforts. He also praised Carter's integrity and honesty, emphasizing the former president's lifelong commitment to service and decency.
​Biden said a lot of drones are authorized to be up there. “I think one started and they all got—everybody wanted to get in the real," he said hinting that those who have the authorization are flying the drones and the phenomenon caught up with all those who have the authorization as they too started flying their drones.