New Zealand faced severe weather conditions, prompting a state of emergency in Christchurch due to heavy downpours and river overflows. Wellington experienced destructive gales, leading to flight cancellations and warnings for residents to stay indoors. Heavy snow and large waves impacted other regions, causing power outages and disruptions to daily life, with the storm expected to ease on Friday.
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The CIA is offering buyouts to its entire workforce, making it the first intelligence agency to implement Donald Trump's voluntary redundancy program for federal employees. This includes halting the hiring of certain candidates. The initiative aims to align the CIA's workforce with national security priorities and Trump's government efficiency goals. This development follows Trump's proposal regarding the Gaza Strip.
US special envoy Keith Kellogg visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers, emphasizing their sacrifices and the need to find a lasting resolution to the conflict. Kellogg's visit aimed to strengthen US-Ukraine ties and address concerns over negotiations with Russia, hoping for a sustainable peace.
On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The law increases retirement benefits for over 2.5 million public servants, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, by an average of $360 monthly. Retirees will also receive retroactive payments from December 2023. Surviving spouses will see their benefits rise as well, marking a major win for public... Expand
Social media users were shocked at California Guv Gavin Newsom's decision to sit for a podcast during this time of crisis. "Wait, Newsom did a podcast today? He couldn't find a better way to use his time?" one user wrote. "Going on a podcast while the fires are still burning? Guys this is embarrassing," another wrote.
Victims and their families in Kenya have called on the international criminal court (ICC) to investigate a wave of kidnappings and extrajudicial killings linked to security forces. Since anti-government protests in June, over 60 killings and 89 abductions have been reported. Human rights groups accuse police of conducting forced disappearances and killings. Recent discoveries of tortured bodies and testimonies from survivors have heightened concerns, prompting calls for ICC intervention.
Ho Chi Minh City celebrated the opening of its first metro line after 17 years of delays and cost overruns. Thousands of residents excitedly boarded the $1.7 billion, 20-kilometer line, marking a milestone in the city's development despite the challenges faced during construction.
The White House has barred Associated Press reporters from Air Force One due to their refusal to adopt the new 'Gulf of America' policy. The administration criticizes AP for misinformation, while AP defends their adherence to internationally recognized geographic names, citing it as essential for global news accuracy.
Elon Musk defended his misinformation during a press briefing with President Donald Trump, pertaining to a claim that the US had sent $50 million worth of condoms to Gaza. Fact-checkers clarified the funding was intended for Gaza Province in Mozambique. Musk also criticized the allocation as a misuse of taxpayer money.
Special counsel Jack Smith argued that Donald Trump could have been convicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election if he hadn't been re-elected. His report claims Trump used knowingly false election fraud claims to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and highlights challenges faced during the investigation.
The House approved the Laken Riley Act, aimed at detaining undocumented immigrants who commit certain nonviolent crimes, following the murder of Laken Riley by an undocumented immigrant. With bipartisan support, the Act awaits President Trump's signature. Critics argue the bill undermines due process, while supporters focus on its intent to enhance public safety.