US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied sharing sensitive 'war plans' with a journalist accidentally included in a Signal group chat. The group discussed operational specifics about Houthi terrorist airstrikes, with Hegseth and other officials involved in coordinating the US response.
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The UK and EU are in arbitration at the permanent court of justice over fishing rights to sandeel in the North Sea. The UK banned commercial sandeel fishing in British waters to protect the ecosystem, citing environmental concerns. Brussels argues that the ban violates the 2021 trade agreement, which allows EU access to British waters until mid-2026. The outcome could set a precedent for future UK-EU trade disputes. A ruling is expected in two months.
Russia and Indonesia are strengthening defence ties as Russian security official Sergei Shoigu met Indonesia's defence minister in Jakarta. The visit follows Indonesia's entry into BRICS and aims to expand military cooperation. Indonesia has previously acquired Russian defence equipment and held joint naval drills. While Jakarta maintains neutrality on Ukraine, President Prabowo Subianto seeks to bolster military capabilities through international partnerships, including with Russia.
Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair claims that Elon Musk is the father of her five-month-old child, potentially making it Musk's thirteenth. St. Clair disclosed the information to preempt media revelations and requested privacy for the child's well-being. Musk has not yet responded to these claims.
Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly saddened by President Joe Biden's claim that he could have won the 2024 election, revealing a strain in their relationship. Despite endorsing Harris, Biden's comments have led to speculation about underlying tensions. Kamala Harris told her friends that Biden's statement in one of his last interviews shows "one-sided loyalty".
As Donald Trump revealed the contents of the letter left by Joe Biden, he said it was a very nice letter. "It was a little bit of an inspirational-type letter. Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is," Trump said about the letter. "It was a positive, for him, in writing it," Trump continued. "I appreciated the letter."
Commercial aviation has experienced its deadliest year since 2018 with 318 fatalities, including the Jeju Air disaster and the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane. This reversal from 2023's record safety is marked by several tragic incidents, possibly exacerbated by global conflicts. Fatal aviation accidents, though rare, have surged this year.
The verdict in the GBP 190 million case against PTI leader Imran Khan has been postponed to January 13 due to the judge's leave. The case, involving allegations of corruption and misallocation of public funds, had previously been delayed. Khan, his wife, and others face accusations of receiving undue advantages in exchange for legalizing funds. The outcome remains highly anticipated.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed acting administrator of USAID, which is facing potential closure under the direction from Elon Musk and Donald Trump. USAID headquarters was shut down on Monday, with remote work enforced for employees. Established in the 1960s, the agency provides international humanitarian aid, which Musk sees as unnecessary.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakened to a tropical low as it approached Brisbane, bringing flooding rains. Significant damage resulted in over 330,000 power outages and major beach erosion at Gold Coast. A man is missing after being swept away in New South Wales, while many were rescued from floodwaters. Officials are relieved the cyclone didn't worsen at high tide.
At least three people were killed and around 30 others injured when Israeli forces opened fire on protesters in southern Lebanon. Demonstrators breached roadblocks to protest Israel's delayed withdrawal, which has been deferred due to security concerns over Hezbollah's presence. Lebanese officials urge restraint and highlight concerns for sovereignty.