A New York judge has rejected President-elect Donald Trump's bid to delay his sentencing in a hush-money case, scheduled just days before his inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan upheld his earlier decision despite Trump's legal team's appeals. Trump, convicted of falsifying business records in 2023, faces sentencing on January 10, 2025, though jail time is unlikely.
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Russian prosecutors are seeking nearly six-year prison sentences for three lawyers who represented the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny. They are accused of participating in an extremist organization. Navalny's widow and human rights groups condemn the charges as politically motivated, marking a new level of repression against dissent in Russia. The lawyers' trial has been held in secret.
Russia has pledged retaliation after accusing Ukraine of attempting to launch US-supplied ATACMS missiles at the Belgorod region. The Kremlin condemned President Biden's authorization of these weapons. Meanwhile, civilian casualties continue amid mutual accusations, with Russia claiming to have captured an eastern Ukrainian village.
Thousands of Afghans fleeing the Taliban and awaiting resettlement to the US through a refugee program face uncertainty after President Trump suspended the initiative. Many, including women and former US allies, fear persecution if forced to return to Afghanistan or remain in insecure conditions in Pakistan. Advocacy groups and refugees are urging the US to reverse the decision on humanitarian grounds, citing risks of arrest, deportation, and restricted rights under Taliban rule.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Bill Briggs as the deputy administrator of the small business administration for his second term. Briggs, who previously oversaw the Paycheck Protection Program, will work with Kelly Loeffler to support small businesses, which are crucial to the US economy.
French philosopher Renaud Camus, known for his anti-immigration views and 'Great Replacement' theory, has been barred from entering the UK. No official reason was provided, but the Home Office said his presence wasn't "conducive to the public good." Camus, planning to appeal with the Free Speech Union's help, was scheduled for a speaking engagement.
Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen announced a meeting with far-right leader Herbert Kickl to discuss forming a government after Chancellor Karl Nehammer's coalition talks failed. The Freedom Party, which won the autumn national election, may now have a chance to take charge amid political uncertainties.
“Ramaswamy lasted minus one day, OK? He got blown out on Jan. 19, so he’s not even—you can’t even measure him by Scaramuccis, which are 11-day time units," Anthony Sacaramucci said. Scaramucci was fired by Trump as White House director after a week and a half but Scaramucci used that fame to appear on media regularly and then he created a super PAC that supported Joe Biden in 2020.
Israeli strikes killed at least nine Palestinians, mainly women and children, in Gaza as the war continues. Efforts for a ceasefire have failed, and over 45,000 Palestinians have died. The harsh winter conditions worsen the situation for displaced Gazans, with infants dying from hypothermia.
Mary Ann Krupsak, the first woman elected to statewide office in New York as lieutenant governor in 1974, has passed away at 92. A lifelong Democrat, she served with Gov. Hugh Carey and later challenged him in 1978. Krupsak contributed significantly to saving Radio City Music Hall and was a senior partner at two law firms.
Increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan has been reported, with 41 aircraft, 9 vessels, and an official ship detected. Amidst heightened tensions, Chinese and Canadian naval transits in the Taiwan Strait have sparked responses from both Beijing and Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence. International discussions reaffirm the global commitment to Taiwan’s security and regional peace.