President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Mike Johnson for Speaker, praising him as a hard-working and religious man ahead of the Speaker election on December 3. Johnson had a rough time because of the spending bill as several Republicans gave a call for Johnson's ouster from the post. Some Republicans even wanted either Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy as the Speaker.
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Federal prosecutors have been directed to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Mangione faces both federal and state murder charges, with the case drawing significant public and political attention following his arrest.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of murdering a UnitedHealthcare executive, grappled with debilitating chronic back pain. His former landlord revealed Mangione's condition prevented dating and intimacy. Described as a bright engineer, Mangione hid his struggles behind an optimistic facade.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's sudden declaration of martial law on December 3rd plunged the nation into chaos. A late-night cabinet meeting, convened with little notice, revealed Yoon's unilateral decision, sparking fierce objections from ministers concerned about economic fallout. Despite pleas, Yoon proceeded with the declaration, triggering market panic and a dramatic parliamentary response.
Pakistan International Airlines resumed direct flights to Europe after a four-year EU ban was lifted. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif highlighted the potential boost to the airline's operations and image. The first international flight from Gwadar's new Chinese-funded airport also took off to Muscat.
Chairman Xi Jinping is very serious in his admonitions that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) should get ready for war. Such preparations are literally and very visibly seen in the hardening of military air bases and the construction of a brand new command complex to protect personnel against bombardment.
UN secretary-general António Guterres on Monday warned about the global suffocation of human rights due to division and greed. He criticized ongoing conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and called for respect of territories and a cease-fire between Palestine and Israel. He also highlighted the negative impacts of climate change and technological exploitation.
House Republicans narrowly approved a budget resolution, advancing Trump's economic plan with $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in cuts. The proposal, which faces Senate review, has stirred concerns over social program cuts and the national debt among lawmakers.
Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, stated that Moscow sees no value in a weak ceasefire that would merely freeze the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, Russia seeks a legally binding peace deal to ensure long-term security for itself and its neighbours, preventing any future violations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful prostate surgery, with no fear of cancer. During his recovery, Justice Minister Yariv Levin temporarily assumed the role of acting prime minister. This operation follows other recent health issues and comes amid significant regional conflicts and domestic challenges.
The Trump administration plans to lay off thousands of scientists and researchers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with significant cuts to its scientific research division. This move aligns with President Trump's goal to reduce federal employment and environmental regulations.