Hamas aired a video showing two Israeli hostages, Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Haim Ohana, captured during the October 7 attack. The men, barefoot and unshaven, are seen in a dim room urging another hostage to recount his experiences to speed their release. Families urged Israeli and US leaders for urgent action.
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Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and transferred to a Louisiana detention center, over 1,000 miles from his home, citing bedbug issues and overcrowded facilities. His lawyers disputed this, arguing that the move was politically motivated due to his campus protests against Israel.
A Massachusetts man visiting the US Capitol was found with a firearm after passing security checks and completing a tour. Despite initial warning and checks, Capitol Police identified the weapon only after the tour. He faces multiple charges, and the officer involved is under investigation.
King Charles III expresses deep sorrow over the death of Edward Pettifer, a British relative of his sons' former nanny, in the New Orleans truck-ramming incident. Prince William and Princess Kate also conveyed their condolences. The Pettifer family described Edward as a beloved family member tragically lost.
Recent wildfires in Southern California have left over 12,000 homes destroyed and thousands displaced, leading to a more competitive housing market. Reports of rent-gouging have emerged, prompting officials to enforce legal rent caps during the state of emergency. FEMA provides assistance to displaced residents, while platforms like Airbnb and Zillow are working to prevent illegal rent hikes.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been confirmed by the US Senate as the labour secretary in the Trump administration, with responsibilities including enforcing worker protections and overseeing workplace regulations. Supported by major unions, her nomination was approved with bipartisan support. Concerns exist about her independence from Trump's administration, which has seen numerous terminations of federal employees.
The Trump administration declassifies around 80,000 pages on JFK’s assassination, revealing covert CIA operations in South Asia, including secret bases in New Delhi and Calcutta. This move, hailed for promoting transparency, adds depth to historical context but does not significantly alter the main narrative.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told US envoy Keith Kellogg on Tuesday that Europe wants to work with Washington for peace in Ukraine, and is ready to do more to arm Kyiv. And we will step up," von der Leyen wrote on X after meeting Kellogg in Brussels.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Donald Trump administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. "The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from US territory," Leavitt said as the administration is being accused of defying court order in deporting Tren de Aragua gang members to El Salvador.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested on corruption charges related to a property purchase during his father's presidency. His uncle, ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, also faced police questioning about the same property. Mahinda Rajapaksa is seeking reinstatement of his security after its recent reduction by the current government.
Pope Francis inaugurated the Holy Year at Rome's main prison, spreading hope to inmates. He re-enacted the door-opening gesture performed at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of the Jubilee year, which occurs every 25 years and attracts millions of pilgrims. The 2025 Jubilee is dedicated to hope, with a special mass for inmates planned.