Legislation to bar transgender women and girls from participating in female sports did not pass in the US Senate, with Democrats united in opposition. The bill aimed to define Title IX protections based on birth-assigned gender, raising debates about athletic fairness and federal involvement in local school policies.
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At least seven people, including two children, died after a boat carrying migrants from Turkiye to Lesbos, Greece, capsized. The Greek coast guard rescued 23 survivors and a search operation is ongoing. The cause of the incident, which occurred in good weather conditions, remains unclear.
At least 37 people have been killed due to tornadoes and severe weather across multiple US states, including Missouri, Kansas, and Mississippi. The storms have resulted in significant property damage, numerous injuries, and thousands of power outages, with emergency responses underway to aid affected communities.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican governors ordered US flags to be raised on Inauguration Day to honour President-elect Donald Trump, despite a 30-day mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter. The move highlights Trump's frustration over lowered flags during his swearing-in. Flags will return to half-staff the following day.
President Trump has announced a major $500 billion AI infrastructure project in collaboration with SoftBank, Oracle, and OpenAI to boost AI advancements in the U.S. The project includes constructing colossal data centers, with initial buildout starting in Texas. Key technology partners include Arm, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Oracle.
A Boca Raton police officer fatally shot a man Wednesday morning after he allegedly lunged at the officer. Witnesses reported hearing the officer command the man to comply before tasing him twice. The man then reportedly lunged at the officer, leading to the shooting. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.
John McFall, a British surgeon and former Paralympian, has been cleared for a long-duration mission onboard the International Space Station, making him the first-ever astronaut with a physical disability. McFall, who lost a leg in a motorbike accident, has been applauded for this significant cultural shift. ESA's announcement underscores commitment to inclusivity, despite recent DEI challenges.
A historic 200-year-old southern magnolia tree on the White House grounds is set to be removed next week due to its deteriorating condition. President Trump stated the removal is necessary for safety reasons and mentioned that the wood might be used for other noble purposes.
41-year-old Jeffrey Goedde confessed to fatally stabbing his 75-year-old father, Edward Goedde Jr., approximately 50 times in their Missouri home. He surrendered to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, claiming it was an accident. Police discovered the victim with multiple stab wounds, broken bones, and signs of strangulation. Goedde is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka faces criticism after a 2004 video showing him praising controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan resurfaced. Baraka praised Farrakhan’s moral authority and stood by his lifelong work for justice amid backlash. Farrakhan’s controversial statements and Baraka’s ongoing association with him have sparked debate, though Baraka defends the Nation of Islam's influence in Black communities.
Columbia University expelled and suspended students involved in pro-Palestinian protests that occupied Hamilton Hall in April 2024 due to code violations. The decision follows pressures from the Trump administration, which cut federal funding over the university's handling of antisemitism. Arrested protesters face university disciplinary actions, and some students have filed lawsuits to block Congress from accessing their records.