Pope Francis passed away at 88. Global leaders and citizens offered tributes. He was praised for his work with the poor, conflict resolution, and environmental protection. King Charles and US Vice President JD Vance shared their memories. Church bells rang worldwide. Reactions varied on his policies regarding LGBT issues and women's ordination. World leaders acknowledged his impact on unity and justice.
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President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has raised over $170 million, setting records and leaving some major donors on waitlists as VIP events reach full capacity. Private events such as the exclusive "candlelight dinner", have become highly sought after. Corporate donors and individuals vie for influence in what is shaping up to be the most expensive inauguration in US history.
Lawyers for President-elect Donald Trump requested a judge to delay this week's sentencing in his hush money case, citing plans to appeal a recent ruling. The team aims to overturn the decision that upheld his conviction. Charges involve concealing payments to Stormy Daniels. Trump warns upholding the decision could severely impact his presidency.
PTI plans to demand the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission in upcoming talks with the government. A second meeting, chaired by National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, will be held on January 2, 2025. PTI has set a deadline of January 31 for the conclusion of negotiations.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 soldiers, prompting President Trump to pause tariffs on Mexico for one month. "At this rate of achievement, not only should President @realDonaldTrump be on Mount Rushmore, I want to personally work the chisel!" Elon Musk posted. South Dakota's Mount Rushmore features the heads of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
President Trump has appointed Chris Rocheleau as the acting FAA administrator following a tragic aircraft collision near Washington, D.C. Rocheleau, with over two decades of experience at the FAA, most recently served as the chief operating officer at the National Business Aviation Association.
A Russian delegation made its first visit to Syria since the fall of former President Bashar Assad, with plans to meet Syria's interim leader and foreign minister. Meanwhile, a Palestinian Authority delegation visited Damascus, addressing Syrian-Palestinian refugee matters. Russia maintains its military presence but canceled a port management contract, signaling shifting dynamics post-Assad.
More than one million people have returned to their homes in Syria after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, including 280,000 refugees who came back from abroad, the UN said on Tuesday. "Since the fall of the regime in Syria we estimate that 280,000 Syrian refugees and more than 800,000 people displaced inside the country have returned to their homes," Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees, wrote on the X social media platform.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio and first lady Melania Trump will host the International Women of Courage Awards to honor women showing exceptional bravery worldwide. This year, Bangladeshi student leaders and individuals such as Namini Wijedasa and Amit Soussana are among the celebrated recipients.
Donald and Melania Trump celebrated New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago with son Donald Trump Jr. sharing a lively Instagram video. The event featured music, with Trump Sr. dancing to 'YMCA' and Elon Musk also attending. Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump performed on stage. The couple’s festive attire and notable guests made the night memorable.
A plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military helicopter a few miles away from the White House, resulting in a search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River. Emergency personnel halted all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport. President Trump expressed condolences, calling it a terrible accident.