Elon Musk is visiting the Pentagon on an invitation from defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Controversy arose after the New York Times reported Musk would be briefed on a secret war plan against China, a claim denied by both Trump and Pentagon officials. They assert the meeting focuses on innovation and efficiencies, not war strategies.
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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump boarded Air Force One for the first time in four years to assess Hurricane Helene's damage in North Carolina. The visit also includes a trip to California to inspect wildfire damage and address resource issues.
A Thai court on Monday approved 12 days of detention for a man suspected of shooting dead a Cambodian opposition politician in an attack in Bangkok. Cambodian opposition figures have accused the country's powerful former leader Hun Sen of ordering the shooting, although a government spokesman has denied official involvement.
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.
Neil Gaiman's ex-wife Amanda Palmer features prominently amid sexual assault allegations against him. Accusations from eight women detail nonconsensual acts and ongoing misconduct in their interactions with Gaiman. Palmer reportedly knew about some allegations and faced criticism for not assisting in investigations. The couple, who had an open marriage, finalized their divorce in 2022.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams faced criticism for attending the perp walk of Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Critics, including mayoral candidate Jim Walden, called it political theater and vowed to ban the practice. Adams defended his presence as a show of support for law enforcement and a message against violence.
President Trump introduced a 'Gold Card' program to allow wealthy individuals to buy US citizenship for $5 million, potentially replacing the EB-5 visa. The initiative aims to boost the US economy but raised concerns about prioritizing the wealthy and possibly fostering illicit financial activities. The program's specifics and implementation date are still unclear.
A fourth contingent of 200 Kenyan police arrived in Haiti to help fight violent gangs, joining over 600 others. Despite the US freezing $13.3 million in funding for the mission, commander Godfrey Otunge assured the mission is on track, with less than 3 per cent of support affected. The mission continues to receive aid from the US and other countries. Gangs control 85 per cent of Port-au-Prince, causing widespread violence and displacement.
The US Department of Homeland Security announced the self-deportation of Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student, after her visa was revoked for supporting Hamas and advocating violence. This is part of a broader crackdown on foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that living and studying in the US is a privilege and should not be extended to those who support terrorism.
Elon Musk publicly urged lawmakers to reject a government funding bill, warning of electoral consequences for supporters. He insisted no bills be passed until President-elect Trump takes office. House Speaker Johnson, who spoke with Musk, is pushing for the bill's passage to avoid a government shutdown and provide disaster relief.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet delays approval of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas after the group reportedly reneges on parts of the deal. Brokered by the US and Qatar, the agreement would release hostages and prisoners, with Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, but escalating violence complicates its implementation.