REAL ID: The upcoming May 7 deadline requires all US travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant license or identification to board domestic flights. If a flyer does not have a REAl ID-compliant identity card, then he or she will have to show a passport for even domestic flying. After the 9/11 attacks, the REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress to set stricter standards for identification used to access federal facilities, board commercial flights, or enter nuclear power plants.
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US President Donald Trump dismissed General Charles Q Brown Jr as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appointing retired General Dan Caine as his successor. Trump's decision followed their previous encounter in Iraq, where Caine demonstrated effective military leadership against ISIS.
Pope Francis emphasised the dangers of bullying in schools, stating that it prepares students for war instead of peace. Addressing educators at the Vatican, he urged a collective commitment to combat bullying both in educational settings and at home. He also highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue within families to foster growth and understanding.
British journalist Neil Sean claimed that US channels were tipped off in advance before Harry and Meghan's visits. They had a camera crew and security services when they went there, Sean said adding that it was an alleged staff whom Meghan hugged. He contended that it does not make sense that the woman left with them.
The Trump administration is easing regulatory hurdles for self-driving cars, aiming to boost US automakers' competitiveness against China. Carmakers can now seek exemptions from certain safety rules for research and demonstrations. While crash reporting will remain, the federal government plans to streamline the process, addressing concerns raised by Tesla CEO Elon Musk about the current system's burdensomeness.
In a memorable moment before Donald Trump's inauguration, he shared an awkward limo ride with Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar from the White House to the Capitol. Biden adhered to the tradition of leaving a letter for the successor but did not disclose its contents. Even Donald Trump who skipped Biden's inauguration did not forget to leave a letter for Biden.
The FBI has closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion just before Donald Trump's inauguration, citing no specific reason. Trump and several Republican politicians suggest the closure is due to corruption and misplaced priorities, with national security concerns taking a backseat to DEI initiatives.
Royal Caribbean has halted trips to Manzanillo, Mexico, after the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 travel advisory due to high crime and kidnapping rates. Colima, the state where Manzanillo is located, has a murder rate five times the national average. Despite warnings, Princess Cruises still plans to visit the city.
Russia's defense ministry claimed on Friday that its forces had captured Toretsk, a key mining town in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, as part of its ongoing eastern offensive. Ukraine has not yet confirmed the claim. Russia’s sustained attacks have gradually weakened Ukrainian defenses, with Moscow using heavy artillery and glide bombs to advance. The capture, if confirmed, would mark another step in Russia’s push to dominate the Donbas industrial region.
In December 2024, Congress reached a cross-party agreement to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. The measure included $100.4 billion for disaster relief and an additional $10 billion in aid for farmers. Despite its importance in maintaining government operations, the agreement faced criticism from various quarters, including Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump.
US President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on the EU and China to address trade imbalances and combat fentanyl trafficking. Possible tariffs include a 10% duty on Chinese imports starting February 1, and 25% on Canada and Mexico for immigration and drug issues. The EU is ready to negotiate while protecting its interests.