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'.
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Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, is reportedly planning to run for Ohio governor. Currently collaborating with Elon Musk on government efficiency, he aims to streamline the upcoming Trump administration. Ramaswamy will announce his gubernatorial candidacy after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine names JD Vance's Senate replacement. Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted has been appointed for the Senate role.
Canada signed a $6.5 billion deal to acquire Australia’s advanced Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar (JORN) technology to enhance Arctic surveillance. The JORN system will help Canada detect air and maritime threats more efficiently. This move follows pressure from the US to increase defense spending.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation amid pressure from populist opposition groups after a court annulled the presidential election. Iohannis, in office since 2014, will step down on February 12. The election was canceled after far-right candidate Calin Georgescu won the first round amid allegations of Russian interference. A new vote is set for May. Clashes erupted in Bucharest following the announcement.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau voiced concern over US President Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st state, driven by the country's critical mineral resources. Canada has taken measures to counter potential tariffs, investing in border security and emphasising economic diversification to reduce reliance on the US.
During a White House event, President Joe Biden criticized former President Donald Trump, calling his actions a threat to democracy, and condemned the press with sharp remarks. Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act while continuing his combative history with reporters, emphasizing his extensive experience with world leaders.
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has called for collaboration with the government following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over a brief martial law attempt. Yoon's powers are suspended pending a Constitutional Court decision. Lee, a potential presidential successor, urged a swift ruling to minimize national disruption and proposed a joint council for policy cooperation.
A box truck crashed into a building in Boston's Chinatown, injuring six people. The incident, deemed a tragic accident, is under investigation. The driver, among those critically injured, was extricated using specialized tools. Significant structural damage occurred, prompting city inspectors to assess building stability.
US President Donald Trump has ordered the 150-year-old Resolute Desk to be removed from the Oval Office for refurbishment, following an incident where Elon Musk's son, X Æ A-Xii, reportedly wiped a booger on it during a White House visit. The desk will be temporarily replaced by the C&O Desk, used previously by George H W Bush.
Israeli forces killed a woman and injured others trying to return to Houla village in southern Lebanon, days before a scheduled ceasefire. Hezbollah's leader demands Israel's complete withdrawal by February 18, while tensions rise amid flight cancellations and attacks on peacekeepers.
Political activists in Germany said Thursday they had projected an image of Elon Musk's infamous raised-arm salute and the word "Heil" onto the outside of his Tesla plant. The word "heil" is seen projected onto the factory near Berlin in the font of the automaker's logo, to spell the message "Heil Tesla", a reference to the Nazi greeting that honoured Adolf Hitler.