A Washington state federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s order banning transgender individuals from military service, marking the second injunction within two weeks. This decision maintains the existing policy and prevents enforcement of the discriminatory order, highlighting ongoing legal challenges and impacts on transgender military personnel.
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The EU vowed Friday to respond "firmly and immediately" to trade barriers after US President Donald Trump unveiled tariffs that could hit both allies and competitors. "The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade," the commission, which runs trade policy for the bloc's 27 nations, said in a statement.
President Trump opposes President Biden's environmentally-friendly paper straw initiative, announcing plans to bring back plastic straws via an executive order. The move aligns with Trump's previous environmental policies, including withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. He has consistently criticized paper straws for their ineffectiveness.
Twelve students are suing US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. They allege violation of First Amendment rights. The lawsuit challenges book bans in Pentagon-operated schools. The bans target materials on race, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ issues. ACLU represents the students in Virginia federal court. Removed titles include 'I know why the caged bird sings'.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has been elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis. The 69-year-old, the first American to hold the position, addressed the crowd in Italian and Spanish, emphasising peace and dialogue. Prevost, an Augustinian with extensive experience in Peru and Vatican administration, brings a global perspective to the papacy.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was seen grocery shopping with her husband in California, using plastic bags despite her previous advocacy against them. The outing drew social media attention and criticism. Harris's future political plans remain uncertain, with possibilities including a gubernatorial run or a 2028 presidential bid.
An extraordinary Arab League meeting on Gaza, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed to March 4, according to Egypt's foreign ministry. The delay was made for "substantive and logistical preparations." The summit will address US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal for Gaza, which includes relocating Palestinians. In response, Saudi Arabia will host leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE to present an alternative plan for Gaza's reconstruction while keeping... Expand
The 'Tesla Takedown' movement is gaining momentum as activists protest against Tesla and Elon Musk in response to federal job cuts linked to Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency. Demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and social media campaigns aim to pressure Musk by urging boycotts and divestments, highlighting public backlash and changed consumer sentiment.
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, aged 63, died in a car crash while traveling from Alabama to Atlanta. Known for her hits and contributions to the neo-soul movement, her death has left her family and the music community heartbroken. Tributes have poured in recognizing her legacy in music and acting.
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a standoff with authorities after his controversial martial law decree. Yoon's supporters rally to protect him, while he alleges threats against the nation's sovereignty. Authorities have until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant amid legal challenges and potential clashes. The situation exacerbates South Korea's political turmoil.
Joe and Jill Biden are stepping up to support the Democratic Party amidst its leadership crisis, with offers to fundraise and campaign. However, their potential return has met scepticism within the party, still reeling from the 2024 election loss blamed on Joe Biden's indecisiveness and Kamala Harris's limited campaign opportunities.