US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly used the Signal app on a personal computer in his Pentagon office to circumvent restrictions on personal cellphones. This followed reports he shared sensitive attack plans on Signal before a Yemen mission, prompting an inspector general review requested by senators.
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US farmers are demanding answers after Trump’s funding freeze paused USDA grants for conservation and clean energy projects. Many, like Elisa Lane and Skylar Holden, are struggling without promised funds. Despite an OMB clarification, payments remain stalled, sparking frustration in rural communities that largely supported Trump. The National Farmers Union urges the administration to honor commitments and provide clarity amid economic uncertainty.
Belarus faces severe criticism for its crackdown on journalists, with Ksenia Lutskina, a former prisoner, highlighting the life-threatening risks. Scores of journalists endure imprisonment, beatings, and restricted access to legal and familial support, drawing comparisons to Soviet-era prisons. Amidst this, independent media struggles with dwindling US aid, while Lukashenko's regime intensifies repression, leading to widespread arrests and exile.
Hamas released three more Israeli hostages, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, to the Red Cross as part of their ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel. This marks the fifth exchange since the ceasefire began, bringing the total number of hostages released to 21.
In his first interview after resuming office, US President Donald Trump criticised California's wildfire management, FEMA's disaster response, and Democrats' policies. He emphasised the need for states to handle their own problems and questioned TikTok's security concerns, while expressing regret over former President Joe Biden's decision not to issue a self-pardon.
An Army helicopter crew potentially misread their altitude and missed crucial radio communications before colliding with an American Airlines jet over Washington, DC. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash, which killed 67 people, with the final report expected to take over a year to complete.
The UK government is streamlining property sales by digitising data, enhancing efficiency, and reducing transaction delays. This 12-week initiative, led by the housing and planning minister, aims to modernise information sharing among conveyancers and lenders. As part of broader housing reforms, this strategy will help homebuyers save time and money while reducing stress.
Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, charged with attempting a coup and barred from office, remains hopeful about his political future, drawing inspiration from US President Trump's comeback. Despite facing serious charges and legal challenges, Bolsonaro seeks support from Trump and conservative circles to pressure Brazilian authorities.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Luigi Mangione are detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on separate serious charges, with Combs held for sex trafficking and Mangione for murder. Combs’ trial is set for May 2025, while Mangione faces court in February. Both remain in holding cells, awaiting trial.
Judge Katharine H Parker, handling Luigi Mangione's pre-trial hearings, is married to a former Pfizer executive and holds Pfizer stock. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He has pleaded not guilty and is presently awaiting trial. Issues surrounding healthcare and insurance are central to the case according to the authorities.
UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima warned that HIV infections could rise sixfold by 2029 if the US withdraws support for the global AIDS program. She cited potential deaths, orphaned children, and emerging resistant strains. The funding freeze has already led to job losses and disrupted healthcare in Africa. Byanyima urged the US to reconsider, emphasizing the economic and humanitarian impact of the decision.