USA

Biden notifies Congress of $8 billion arms sale to Israel

Jimmy Carter, former US president and Nobel Prize winner, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president and humanitarian, has passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100, the Carter Center announced on Sunday, December 29.

U.S. Holiday Sales Exceed Forecast Amid Discounts and Digital Growth

A last-minute shopping surge and heavy discounts drove U.S. holiday sales higher than expected, rising 3.8% from last year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.

Bald eagle officially declared the national bird of the United States

After nearly 250 years of serving as a national emblem, the bald eagle has finally been officially designated as the national bird of the United States. This historic decision, signed into law by President Joe Biden, cements the iconic bird's status as a symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience.

Trump re-elects fired special envoy to Latin America

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday said he would nominate Mauricio Claver-Carone, who was fired from a previous position for allegedly having an affair with a subordinate, to serve as his special envoy to Latin America.

U.S. mistakenly downs own plane after strikes in Yemen

The US said it carried out a series of air strikes against a missile storage site and command facilities in the Yemeni capital Sanaa. The military also reports of a friendly fire incident that led to an American jet being shot down.

US Senate passes funding bill, averts government shutdown

Bipartisan agreement ensures continued funding and passage of Social Security reform.

US government shutdown could cost travel sector $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel

A U.S. government shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel, and lead to longer airport wait times, warns the U.S. Travel Association.

Putin proposes missile duel with U.S. to test Russia's Oreshnik

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a missile 'duel' with the United States

Starbucks workers union authorizes potential U.S. strike ahead of final bargaining talks

Starbucks workers union authorizes potential strike over stalled negotiations with coffee giant.

Diving Santa brings holiday cheer to Seattle aquarium

A diving Santa entertains visitors while promoting holiday cheer and raising awareness about ocean conservation.

U.S. IN CONTACT WITH SYRIAN REBEL GROUP

United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says the US had direct contact with the rebel faction which overthrew Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.

Global Powers Discuss Syria's Future Amid Political Shift

Key regional and global powers are positioning themselves to influence Syria’s next steps, while long-standing allies and neighbouring countries are expected to play significant roles. Notably, some parties central to the previous administration were absent from the discussions.

U.S. FEDERAL COURT REJECTS TIKTOK APPEAL

A United States federal appeals court on Friday rejected an emergency bid by TikTok to temporarily block a law that would require its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the social media platform or face a ban of the app in the United States.

Biden administration pledges continued military aid to Ukraine

The Biden administration reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine by announcing a new weapons aid package, with White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasising continued assistance throughout Biden's presidency.

France begins military withdrawal from Chad

France has started pulling its military forces out of Chad, with the departure of two warplanes from the capital, N'Djamena. While the full scope of the withdrawal is still being negotiated, this move follows France's reduction of forces in other West African countries.

Trump invites Xi Jinping to inauguration amid tensions

US President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on January 20, but it remains unclear whether Xi will attend. Despite this gesture, tensions between the two nations persist over trade and fentanyl trafficking.

Wildfire forces evacuations in Malibu as winds spread flames

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by powerful winds has forced evacuations in Malibu, threatening homes and cutting off power as it spreads across steep terrain near Los Angeles. Dubbed the Franklin Fire, the blaze has rapidly grown, leaving destruction in its path.

U.S. successfully tests advanced missile defense system near Guam

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has achieved a major milestone by successfully intercepting an air-launched ballistic missile near Guam, showcasing advancements in integrated air and missile defense capabilities.

US condemns Haiti gang massacre of 200

The United States has condemned the massacre of nearly 200 people in Haiti by criminal gangs, calling the act horrific and urging international support to address the escalating violence.

Luigi Mangione arrested in brazen Manhattan shooting case. Corporate critic charged in NYC executive's fatal shooting

A five-day manhunt for the suspect in the brazen murder of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel has ended with the arrest of Luigi Mangione, 26, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Mangione, found with a "ghost gun" and false IDs, allegedly targeted Thompson.

Court Upholds Law Threatening U.S. Ban on TikTok

A major setback for TikTok in the U.S. A federal appeals court has upheld a law that could ban the app unless it cuts ties with its Chinese owner, ByteDance, by January.