Ukrainian President Zelenskyy left the White House without signing a minerals agreement after a heated exchange with US President Trump. During the meeting, tensions escalated over Ukraine's mineral resources and potential peace talks with Russia, jeopardizing future US assistance to Ukraine.
UK PM Keir Starmer invited President Donald Trump for a second state visit to Britain, an unprecedented gesture. Trump's acceptance followed discussions on the Ukraine conflict. Starmer urged Trump to involve Kyiv and European leaders in peace talks, while Trump's approach towards Russia and reevaluating US foreign policy stirs European concerns.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel is ready to resume fighting in Gaza if needed. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's intention to complete war objectives against Hamas. A scheduled Palestinian prisoner release was halted by Israel due to Hamas's actions. Hamas criticized the move, warning it threatens the ongoing truce, which began on January 19.
German elections see opposition leader Friedrich Merz claiming victory, with the far-right Alternative for Germany achieving its strongest showing since World War II. The results indicate complications in forming a coalition, with potential partners required for Merz to secure governance.
US President Donald Trump dismissed General Charles Q Brown Jr as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appointing retired General Dan Caine as his successor. Trump's decision followed their previous encounter in Iraq, where Caine demonstrated effective military leadership against ISIS.
A gunman was fatally shot after opening fire at UPMC Memorial in York, Pennsylvania. All patients are safe, with no reported injuries among them. Law enforcement is in control of the situation, and the facility has instructed off-duty staff to stay home.
An attack on a police check post in Balochistan province of Pakistan resulted in the deaths of two policemen and four militants. The separatist Baloch Liberation Army, which claimed responsibility for a previous attack, is accused of exploiting local grievances related to resource distribution.
Kash Patel has been confirmed as FBI director by a narrow Senate vote. As a Trump supporter critical of the FBI and involved in the removal of senior officials, his appointment raises controversy. Conservatives commend his aim to restore the FBI's accountability, while Democrats express concerns over his management experience and past statements. Patel replaces Christopher Wray, who resigned.
Nearly 100 migrants deported by the US to Panama have been moved to a detention camp on the edge of the jungle. Despite claims by the deputy foreign minister that the camp provides adequate care, conditions are reportedly primitive and detention legality is questionable.
Meghan Markle faces controversy as her rebranded 'As Ever' business name matches a small New York vintage clothing company. Additionally, the logo closely resembles the emblem of a Spanish town, Porrers, causing objection from its mayoress. Both entities claim they lack resources to sue the duchess who has Netflix as the partner of this new brand.
"Unfortunately, President Trump – I have great respect for him as a leader of a nation that we have great respect for, the American people who always support us – unfortunately lives in this disinformation space," Zelenskyy said. Trump reacted sharply to the public badmouthing and said Zelensky is a dictator without elections.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces backlash for posting about a hockey match instead of addressing the Delta plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport that had occurred shortly before. The crash resulted in minor injuries to 18 passengers and Trudeau's delayed response was heavily criticized by the public.
The US state department's office managing Afghan resettlement may close by April, affecting 200,000 individuals, including Afghan-American families, veterans, and children. The closure coincides with diplomatic staff reductions and spending cuts. Amidst the Taliban's actions and immigration policy changes, the move risks betraying Afghan allies and abandoning applications already in process.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accuses interim leader Muhammad Yunus of causing chaos and deploying terrorists in Bangladesh. Hasina pledges to return and avenge fallen police officers, while the current administration prioritizes her extradition for alleged crimes against humanity.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris faced mockery after delivering a convoluted speech at a Broadway musical. Her address, which included her signature 'word salad' style, drew criticism on social media, with some users comparing her speaking style to that of a 'drunk auntie.'
US Vice President JD Vance accused a European Union official of threatening to arrest Elon Musk for allowing Donald Trump back on X. Vance criticized Europe for not upholding free speech and insisted on the importance of American values in international alliances like NATO, emphasizing the need for shared democratic principles.
British Hindu groups have raised concerns about the establishment of an Islamophobia Council in the UK, advocating for a broader scope to include discrimination against all religions. They fear that a narrow focus on Islamophobia may lead to de facto blasphemy laws and restrict free speech.
US President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500, welcomed by loud cheers from the crowd. He emphasized the event's unifying spirit, describing it as a tribute to America's strength. Trump, along with family members and officials, led ceremonial laps before addressing drivers. The event was briefly halted due to rain, and the crowd showcased strong support for Trump.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized their united strategy on Gaza, warning that severe action would ensue if hostages are not released. Netanyahu reinforced Israel's goals of defeating Hamas and securing hostages, with critical support from the US.
Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to bronchitis. He is receiving treatment and is in stable condition, engaging in activities such as reading newspapers. The hospitalization raised concerns given his recent health issues, including past surgeries and respiratory challenges. Scheduled audiences have been postponed while his recovery progresses.
US Vice President JD Vance has warned of potential sanctions or military intervention if Russia’s Vladimir Putin does not engage in peace talks to end the Ukraine conflict. Vance indicated the possibility of deploying US forces, in contrast to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's stance against US military presence in Ukraine.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that Europe should enhance its defence spending to support NATO, as echoed by President Trump. He stressed that the US will not be taken advantage of and reiterated that Ukraine's NATO membership remains unlikely, aligning with Trump's stance.
During his visit to the US, PM Modi met with Elon Musk to discuss space, technology, and innovation. Discussions highlight India's governance reforms and cooperation on emerging technologies. Upcoming talks with President Trump aim to strengthen bilateral trade and address geopolitical issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Zilis has an Indian connection as her mother is a Punjabi and her father is a Canadian. She was born in Markham, Ontario and attended Yale University. She graduated in 2008 with a degree in economics and philosophy. Zilis started her career in finance and venture capital, got a job at IBM, and then moved to Bloomberg Beta.
Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing ways to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Both Trump and Zelenskyy expressed their desire for peace and agreed on future collaborations. Trump labeled the war 'ridiculous' and emphasized the need for an end to unnecessary deaths and destruction.
Discovered in December 2024, YR4 currently ranks 3 out of 10 on the Torino Scale. Nasa said it is deploying the James Webb Space Telescope to overserve the asteroid. The asteroid will be at its brightest in March 2025 when the first round of Nasa observations is scheduled. The follow-up will take place in May when YR4 moves away from the Sun. This will be the last opportunity to study it until it returns in 2028.
Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has erupted again, sending lava over 300 feet into the air. The eruption on Halemaumau Crater's floor began at 10:16 am, with significant hazards from volcanic gas emissions and windblown volcanic glass affecting the surrounding areas.
Jordan King Abdullah, after meeting Donald Trump, said Jordan is ready to accept 2,000 Palestinian children with medical issues right away. The king also said the neighboring Arab nations would soon meet to discuss the relocation of Palestinians out of Gaza. Trump said he'd own Gaza but he would not have to buy it from anyone as there is nothing to buy.
In Dhaka, madrasa students attacked a book fair stall displaying Taslima Nasreen's works, demanding their removal. Police controlled the situation and are investigating the incident. Nasreen condemned the government's alleged support for extremists. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair annually celebrates the 1952 Language Movement martyrs and features a wide array of literary works.
White it's not know what access DOGE has and to what extent, Donald Trump asserted that DOGE will not touch Social Security. "Social Security will not be touched, it will only be strengthened," Trump recently said adding that he would "weed out" undocumented people from the benefits. “We have illegal immigrants on Social Security and we’re going to find out who they are and take them off… we’re not going to stand for that.”
President Trump has tasked Elon Musk with identifying and reducing wasteful federal spending. Musk's role in leading the government's cost-reduction initiatives is part of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. Trump's plans include scrutinising the Department of Education and military expenditures next.
Vice President JD Vance faced backlash after supporting the rehiring of Marko Elez, a former DOGE staffer who resigned due to resurfaced racist posts. Vance argued past social media activity shouldn't ruin Elez's life, while Elon Musk also supported his return. Critics argue Elez showed a lack of professionalism for a government role. Vance implied that the issue got more attention than it should have as the 25-year-old is not a cabinet secretary.
Sharing an anecdote about DOGE, David Sacks said he went to greet them and the room was full of young people. "I think they all are engineers. They were wearing suits and ties. They were working really late," Sacks said adding that new facilities access had to be created for them as the facilities never had people working so late on Friday nights.
Marko Elez, a 25-year-old staffer from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, resigned following revelations of past racist social media posts. JD Vance voiced support for reinstating Elez, while Elon Musk criticized Wall Street Journal journalist Katherine Long calling her cruel and disgusting. Musk conducted a poll showing substantial support for Elez's return.
Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman, was arrested for the death of Kansas City Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano in New Orleans. She has a history of drugging men and stealing credit cards. Manzano was found dead in his hotel room, and toxicology tests are being conducted. Colbert is charged with fraud and theft, and the investigation is ongoing.
President Trump opposes President Biden's environmentally-friendly paper straw initiative, announcing plans to bring back plastic straws via an executive order. The move aligns with Trump's previous environmental policies, including withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. He has consistently criticized paper straws for their ineffectiveness.
Hillary Clinton and transport secretary Sean Duffy engaged in a heated exchange on X after two fatal plane crashes in the US. Clinton criticized Elon Musk's DOGE officials for lack of experience, while Duffy blamed Washington bureaucrats for infrastructure issues. Clinton linked the crashes to MAGA's policies, while Donald Trump targeted DEI hiring practices.
President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip for reconstruction without deploying troops. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that he did not commit to putting boots on the ground. United States won't be going to pay for the rebuilding of Gaza but Trump administration will work with the partners in the region for the reconstruction of Gaza, Leavitt said.
Donald Trump Jr shared a collage of photos of Alex Soros with Democratic leaders including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Barack Obama and said he did not vote for Soros ever. But the difference is, Donald Trump Jr said, Trump was elected in a landslide with full transparency that Elon Musk would be doing exactly what he is doing.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Trump discussed a truce with Hamas and Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to other Middle Eastern countries, despite resistance from Egypt and Jordan. The meeting also addressed efforts for a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia and tensions with Iran.