The US Air Force Academy has eliminated race, gender, and ethnicity from its admissions process following a lawsuit alleging discriminatory diversity practices. This policy shift, formalised in early February, aligns with a recent executive order by President Trump mandating all branches of the US armed forces to be free from identity-based preferences.
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Two American citizens, Matthew Heath, a former U.S. Marine, and Osman Khan, a Florida resident, have filed a lawsuit against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, alleging that his government operated a “criminal enterprise†that wrongfully detained them as part of a coercive strategy. The lawsuit accuses Maduro’s regime of torture and exploitation of American prisoners for political leverage with the US.
Nasa’s holiday video from the ISS, featuring astronauts in Santa hats and a Christmas tree floating in zero gravity, has sparked online conspiracy theories and questions about how the items reached space. Nasa confirmed a November SpaceX delivery provided the festive items, and astronauts' mission extended due to technical issues with their capsule.
Conservative influencer Ashley St Claire faced backlash for calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a 'gold digger' on X. Users criticized her hypocrisy and referenced her unlikely claims of being Elon Musk's 13th child's mother. Amid the controversy, Zelenskyy’s recent rejection of a US proposal for Ukraine's mineral resources in exchange for military support underscores his commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.
Elon Musk has gained access to the federal payment system to help the Department of Government Efficiency monitor and limit government spending. This move faced resistance from Treasury officials, resulting in the retirement of senior official David Lebryk. DOGE officials have been asking for this access since then and then stepped up the pressure after Donald Trump's inauguration. Musk suggested the access intends to uncover fraudulent or illicit payments.
At least 26 people have died in ongoing wildfires in southeastern South Korea, with over 88,000 acres burned. The fires, which have damaged 317 buildings and displaced 27,000 people, are being fueled by strong winds. Efforts to contain the largest fire are hindered, and further rain is unlikely to help significantly.
In Peru, a police officer dressed as a capybara conducted a drugs raid, apprehending a suspect with over 1,700 packages of cocaine and marijuana. This operation was part of the Escuadron Verde's unique approach, using festive disguises during raids to effectively combat drug trafficking.
CNN faced criticism after helping free a Syrian prisoner who was later identified as a torturer for the Assad regime. Elon Musk reacted to the news, highlighting the irony. The prisoner, initially thought to be Adel Ghurbal, was revealed to be Salama Mohammad Salama, a lieutenant in Syrian Air Force Intelligence, accused of war crimes and extortion.
US President Trump has paused all military aid to Ukraine, halting the delivery of billions in weaponry amid crucial defense needs against Russia. This decision alters US foreign policy and may embolden Russia as European allies struggle to fill the gap. Critics argue it undermines Ukraine, while supporters praise Trump's focus on peace negotiations.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected US military planes deporting Colombian migrants, asserting their dignity and respect. This action responds to concerns over migrant treatment, particularly after Brazil criticized the inhumane conditions faced by Brazilian deportees. Brazil demanded explanations from Washington, while military planes for deportations have sparked significant backlash.
​“As there are ongoing custody and divorce proceedings, I am not able to offer public comment. Please understand that I am first and foremost a parent. I ask for privacy at this time," Palmer posted after she had been receiving flak for having been aware of Gaiman's conduct and being an enable to all this.