House Republicans have proposed a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown, increasing defence funding while cutting nondefence spending. The bill faces opposition from Democrats, who seek equal funding for defence and domestic programs. With President Trump's backing, Republicans aim for a Tuesday vote, risking a Senate filibuster and potential shutdown if it fails.
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Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visits Beijing for talks amid acknowledged 'challenges and concerns' in bilateral ties, including disputed territories and military spending. Tensions have also arisen over Japan's decision to release Fukushima cooling water into the Pacific. Both countries emphasize the importance of maintaining a stable relationship for regional and international peace and stability.
Canadian premiers urged Prime Minister Trudeau to strongly counter US President-elect Trump's threatened tariffs. They proposed retaliatory measures, including halting energy exports, citing US reliance on Canadian goods. Trump's tariffs, expected soon after his inauguration, are conditional on addressing drug and immigration concerns. The US imported hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods from Canada in recent years.
Donald Trump has initiated a federal task force to investigate alleged anti-Christian bias in government workplaces, as announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Federal employees are now instructed to report colleagues for perceived hostility toward Christian beliefs. This move follows Trump's increased religious rhetoric, including establishing a White House Faith Office, despite Christians being the majority in the United States.
US vice president JD Vance is making his diplomatic debut at an AI summit in Paris and the Munich security conference. He opposes EU AI regulations and will discuss Ukraine, Nato, and free speech. Vance will meet with Macron, Modi, and von der Leyen. France aims to boost AI investments, while China pushes for open AI access. Modi co-hosts the summit, emphasizing global AI equity.
Indian-origin politician Ruby Dhalla was disqualified from the Liberal Party leadership race, citing fabricated allegations and growing support as reasons for her exclusion. Despite this setback, Dhalla vows to continue her advocacy and support for Canadians while maintaining her stance on deporting illegal immigrants.
The White House is set to begin interviewing candidates for the next Federal Reserve Chair this autumn, as Jerome Powell's term concludes in May 2026. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the timeline amidst President Trump's repeated calls for interest rate cuts. While Bessent affirmed the Fed's independence and dismissed immediate concerns, he suggested a review of its regulatory role.
Pride and stubbornness are hindering the US and China from resolving their trade dispute, impacting global commerce. The US insists China initiate talks, while China demands respect, leading to a stalemate. Both countries are seeking alternative trade partners as tensions rise, with nations like India caught in the middle, and the US scrutinizing transshipments via third countries to evade tariffs.
A South Korean family has gone missing during their road trip from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. Authorities, following a detected phone signal near a major interstate accident, have conducted extensive but unsuccessful searches. The consulate general is collaborating with local police to expedite the search.
This fear-versus-hope narrative is playing out at the highest levels of leadership, with unelected Liberal leader Mark Carney doubling down on warnings of a Trump-dominated North America, while Conservative challenger Pierre Poilievre pitches a vision of renewal and national pride.
Kyle Clifford, 26, pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah Hunt, and their mother, Carol Hunt, at their home near London in 2022. Using a crossbow and knife, Clifford carried out the attack before injuring himself. He also admitted to weapon possession and false imprisonment but denied rape. The case has reignited calls for stricter crossbow regulations in the UK.