Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins will be the designated survivor for President Trump's 2025 address to Congress, ensuring government continuity in case of an emergency. This tradition began in the 1950s during the Cold War. Past survivors describe a secure experience with military supervision. Recent designations include Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in 2024.
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A gay couple, William Zulock and Zachary Zulock, received 100-year sentences without parole for sexually abusing their adopted sons. The boys endured horrific abuse, starting at ages three and five, and were exploited to produce pornography. Authorities found extensive digital evidence after an investigation linked to a local abuse network.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio and first lady Melania Trump will host the International Women of Courage Awards to honor women showing exceptional bravery worldwide. This year, Bangladeshi student leaders and individuals such as Namini Wijedasa and Amit Soussana are among the celebrated recipients.
Bill Gates has voiced his concerns about Elon Musk's decision to potentially shut down USAID, stating it could lead to millions of deaths due to its crucial role in global health initiatives. While Gates acknowledges Musk's innovations in the private sector and called him super-smart, he criticized Musk's support of far-right party in Germany.
Efforts to control California wildfires continue, with improvements in weather conditions aiding containment. Experts predict significant progress over the weekend, although full control may take several more days. The Palisades Fire is at 17% containment, impacting 24,000 acres. Over 5,000 firefighters are battling the blaze.
A Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Chicago experienced a mid-air incident where the plane's interior ceiling detached. Passengers were compelled to physically support the roof until flight attendants temporarily repaired it with duct tape. The flight was diverted back to Atlanta, causing significant delays, and passengers were eventually rebooked on another aircraft with Delta offering 10,000 miles as compensation.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen paid tribute to her father Jean-Marie Le Pen, the controversial founder of the National Front who passed away at 96. Known for antisemitism and racial violence, he was both revered and criticized. Marine aims to mainstream the party despite their public disputes and her own legal troubles.
According to the announcement made on Friday, the plan to increase the withholding rate from 10% to 100% will take effect on March 27, and will only apply to “new overpayments.†The administration said that the withholding rate for current beneficiaries with an overpayment before March 27 will not change, nor will the withholding rate for Supplemental Security Income overpayments.
German prosecutors charged an Iraqi couple, Twana HS and Asia RA, with enslavement, torture, and war crimes for holding two young Yazidi girls captive. The victims were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, forced labor, and religious oppression. The couple's actions were linked to the Islamic State's campaign against the Yazidi community.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya has been barred from the Liberal Party's leadership contest. He was informed by the party about his disqualification. Arya's campaign included eliminating the monarchy and addressing issues with strained Canada-India relations. His disqualification raises concerns about the leadership race transparency. While Arya mulls his next steps, six contenders remain in the race.
A gas station explosion in the Zaher district of Bayda province, Yemen, caused a massive fire, resulting in at least 15 deaths and injuring 67 people, 40 critically. The area is controlled by Houthi rebels, who have been in conflict with Yemen’s government since 2014, leading to severe humanitarian crises.