NATO countries are reconsidering their F-35 purchases citing recent US actions and geopolitical tensions. Portugal, Canada, and Germany plan to review their contracts. New alternatives like Sweden's Gripen offer lower costs but face compatibility issues with NATO systems. Critics also highlight the F-35's high lifetime cost and technical concerns.
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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.
US President Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Kush Desai as deputy press secretary, enhancing his communications team ahead of the 2024 election. Desai, a seasoned political communicator, will play a crucial role in messaging and strategy under the guidance of Taylor Budowich.
Actress Blake Lively has launched a lawsuit against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, citing sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Lively alleges Baldoni fostered a hostile work environment, prompting a meeting with studio executives where she and husband Ryan Reynolds outlined several demands.
Indonesia and China have pledged to enhance maritime cooperation, focusing on security and safety in the South China Sea, despite Jakarta's concerns over Chinese activities near the Natuna Islands. Both nations agreed to collaborate on infrastructure, minerals, and joint security initiatives. A memorandum of understanding was signed by coast guards to bolster maritime security.
Following the fall of the Assad regime, families of Syria's disappeared rushed to Sednaya prison, hoping for answers. Hundreds converged on a Damascus morgue after 38 bodies were discovered at the prison, desperately searching for their loved ones among the remains.
California governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism following budget cuts of over $100 million from wildfire and forest resilience programs, despite ongoing devastating fires. Critics highlighted the timing of these cuts amid worsening wildfire conditions, while Newsom's administration defended increased spending on firefighting resources overall.
Social media users condemned Lauren Sanchez's outfit at Donald Trump's inauguration, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful. "WTF is Lauren Sanchez wearing at the Presidential inauguration?! Visible lingerie," one said. "Lauren Sánchez is wearing a corset bra under her jacket. Wild outfit for the Trump inauguration," another wrote.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry faced backlash for posting a celebratory dinner photo following a terror attack on Bourbon Street that left 15 dead. "Safety is our top priority and we want our guests and the world to know that Louisiana does not cower to radical Islamic terrorists. Our restaurants and all New Orleans has to offer remain open for business," Guv Jeff Landry said.
Pope Francis is set to leave Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after a 38-day recovery from severe pneumonia. Despite critical complications, his health has steadily improved, though he will need two months of rest and rehabilitation at the Vatican. His longest hospital stay yet highlights the pope's susceptibility to respiratory illnesses.
President Trump officially designated English as the US national language to foster unity. The new executive order overturns an earlier mandate requiring federal aid for non-English speakers, giving agencies the discretion to decide their level of multilingual support. English remains predominant amid the US's linguistic diversity.