Russian athletes booed as they march under their own flag at Winter Paralympics opening
Some spectators booed Russia's athletes as they marched under their own flag in the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics on Friday. The International Paralympic Committee in February lifted a long-running ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their own flags and anthems due to their role in the ongoing war in Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
US senator seeks perjury investigation into Kristi Noem over DHS spending
Senator Richard Blumenthal alleges the ousted DHS secretary lied to Congress about the agency’s contractsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxSenator Richard Blumenthal said he would open a perjury investigation into the ousted homeland security secretary Kristi Noem after alleging she lied to Congress about the hidden influence her senior adviser Corey Lewandowski had over the agency’s contracts.Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat and ranking member on the Senate’s permanent subcommittee on investigations, said Thursday he would push the panel to look into whether Noem committed perjury at a hearing this week, when she... [Continue Reading]
UK arts must not be sacrificed for speculative AI gains, peers say
Ministers urged to abandon plans to let tech firms use work of novelists, artists and writers without permissionThe UK’s creative industries must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of speculative gains in AI technology, a House of Lords committee has warned, as the government prepares to reveal the economic cost of proposals to change copyright rules.A report by peers has urged ministers to develop a licensing regime for the use of creative works in AI products and abandon proposals to let tech firms use the work of novelists, artists, writers and journalists without permission. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Water firms sent bailiffs to tens of thousands of homes for debts under £1,000
Most recorded visits are for smaller debts, data from England and Wales suggests, though method of recovery is a postcode lotteryTens of thousands of people a year have bailiffs sent to their homes by water companies in England and Wales, data shows.Many thousands of these visits by debt collectors were for sums worth under £1,000, according to the data released by the House of Commons environment, food and rural affairs (Efra) committee. Bailiffs are debt collectors instructed by a court, who can seize items from those in debt, including electrical items, jewellery or vehicles. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
NSW’s top prosecutor scores legal win in bias claim against senior judge
Recusal application against district court judge Penelope Wass yet to be determined amid row with DPPFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew South Wales’ top prosecutor has been given the green light to continue her fight to get a senior judge removed from a historical sexual offences trial on the grounds of apprehended bias.The ruling from the NSW supreme court is the latest development in a long-running row between the director of public prosecutions, Sally Dowling SC, and district court judge Penelope Wass. The dispute went before the... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong grants HK$6.15 million to family of firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze
The family of deceased firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died while battling Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in seven decades, will receive HK$6.15 million (US$831,250) in financial support in recognition of his courage and selflessness. The government on Friday announced a grant approved by the body responsible for providing financial help to families of individuals who died while saving others. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, who also chairs the committee, paid tribute to Ho’s... [Continue Reading]
Trump expresses desire for US involvement in selecting Iran's future supreme leader amid political turbulence
In a recently issued statement, US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for the United States to play a pivotal role in selecting the future supreme leader of Iran, particularly in the wake of ongoing political turbulence within the country. With Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s eventual succession on the horizon, Trump identified that it is still early in the decision-making process but firmly stated that he does not believe Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, is a viable candidate for leadership. Trump asserted, “We want to be involved in the process of choosing the person who is going to lead Iran into the... [Continue Reading]
Japan is eyeing a ‘China-free’ supply chain for defence equipment. Is it feasible?
Japan could build a “China-free” supply chain for defence equipment, but doing so would be costly and could take years as Tokyo tries to reduce its reliance on a strategic rival, analysts have said. The debate gained urgency after Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi last week said Tokyo should consider creating a “China-free” supply chain for defence equipment, following Beijing’s ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan. Speaking during a Lower House Budget Committee session, Koizumi said... [Continue Reading]
INTO Calls for National Taskforce to Address Social Media Threats to Teachers
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) has urgently requested the establishment of a national taskforce to address the mounting threats posed by social media, presenting a significant call to action before members of the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality. INTO president Anne Horan highlighted the pressing need for decisive government intervention in light of the "real and escalating danger" that these platforms represent, suggesting that the situation has advanced beyond mere development into an urgent crisis. According to Horan, teachers are currently on the "frontline" of this burgeoning issue, facing unprecedented levels of online abuse and harassment that they... [Continue Reading]
Transparency fears over plan to redact 2,000 staff names on Commons register
Exclusive: Standards committee proposal aims to improve staff safety but critics say it will further reduce public trustMPs are planning to redact the names of 2,000 parliamentary staff from an official register that has been in place for decades, in a move that experts say will reduce transparency around lobbying by passholders.The proposal has been put forward by the House of Commons standards committee after evidence sessions held in private with staff unions, which raised concerns about the safety of those working for MPs. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
'No to Israel': US veteran violently dragged from Senate during protest
Footage posted by the anti-war women’s group Code Pink and verified by Reuters shows US Marine veteran Brian McGinnis shouting slogans such as “no one wants to fight for Israel” as he interrupts a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing. Shortly before, the US veteran posted a video on social media saying he was at the Senate to demand explanations about the deployment of US troops to the Middle East and to protest against the war in Iran. [Continue Reading]
Penny Wong refuses to say if any Australian crew onboard US submarine that sank Iranian warship
Albanese government won’t confirm if Defence personnel involved, but more than 50 Australian sailors and officers serving across US attack submarine fleetFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian government has refused to disclose whether Australian sailors or officers were onboard the US attack submarine that torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 people.More than 50 Australian sailors and officers are serving across the US attack submarine fleet, a training regimen that is part of preparations for Australia to command its... [Continue Reading]
House Oversight Committee Votes to Subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi Over Epstein Investigation Records
In a recent development, the United States House of Representatives Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, focusing on the Department of Justice’s management of sensitive records tied to the investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision marks a significant moment in Congressional oversight efforts, as it received bipartisan support and highlights ongoing concerns regarding transparency in high-profile investigations. The motion to bring Bondi before the committee was initiated by Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace and passed on Wednesday with a vote tally of 24-19. Notably, five Republican members joined Democrats in support of the subpoena, illustrating... [Continue Reading]
US House Oversight Committee Votes to Subpoena Attorney-General Pam Bondi in Epstein Investigation
The US House Oversight Committee has taken a significant step by voting to subpoena Attorney-General Pam Bondi in relation to the handling of files concerning the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation. This move reflects bipartisan frustration over the Justice Department's approach toward the release of documents tied to Epstein, a financier accused of heinous crimes involving the abuse of young girls. The vote occurred recently, with five Republican members of Congress aligning with Democrats to support the subpoena, signaling a rare moment of unity across party lines regarding the pressing need for accountability in this case. Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace... [Continue Reading]
House Panel Votes to Subpoena Pam Bondi Over Epstein Files
The Oversight Committee took the action over the objections of its Republican chairman, after several G.O.P. members sided with Democrats to insist on it. [Continue Reading]
House Oversight Committee Votes to Subpoena US Attorney General Pam Bondi in Epstein Investigation
The House Oversight Committee has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell by voting to subpoena US attorney general Pam Bondi. In a notable development, the committee, comprising both Republicans and Democrats, passed the motion by a narrow 24-19 margin, following a proposal by Republican representative Nancy Mace. This decision is being closely watched as it signifies a bipartisan effort to seek clarity regarding the Epstein files, with Mace expressing that "the American people want answers on the Epstein files, and so do we." Bondi's subpoena arises from the scrutiny surrounding her involvement... [Continue Reading]
Bill and Hillary Clinton testify to House Oversight Committee about connections to Jeffrey Epstein
Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, provided testimonies behind closed doors to the US House Oversight Committee regarding their connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. These testimonies were recorded and later released to the public, totaling over four hours each. The testimonies are part of a wider investigation into Epstein's ties with prominent individuals and the circumstances surrounding his financial dealings. The release of these depositions comes on the heels of an increasing scrutiny of Epstein's connections, especially following the disclosure of select "Epstein files," which included documentation and photographs... [Continue Reading]
US Congressional Committee Releases Clinton Deposition Videos on Jeffrey Epstein Connections
In a significant move, a US congressional committee has released videos of depositions provided by former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding their connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The recordings, made public this week, show both Clintons answering questions about their past interactions with Epstein as part of an ongoing investigation into the late financier's activities. The testimonies reveal a concerted effort by both political figures to distance themselves from Epstein, who was convicted for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. During their testimonies before the House Oversight Committee, Bill Clinton stated that... [Continue Reading]
Chinese officials to discuss electric vehicle production regulations at upcoming legislative convention
Chinese officials and industry leaders are poised to address plans for regulating electric vehicle (EV) production during the upcoming "two sessions," a significant annual legislative convention for the country's top political bodies,the National People’s Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. These discussions aim to mitigate ongoing challenges within the domestic EV sector, characterized by slowed growth and fierce price competition that has adversely impacted profit margins. The anticipated discussions are framed against a backdrop where the Chinese government has intervened previously to prevent extreme internal competition,or "involution",that has impacted nearly all EV manufacturers. In... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong issues travel warning for Iran amid US-Israel air strikes, affecting flights to the Middle East
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Hong Kong government has issued an urgent travel warning for residents planning to visit Iran, following a series of joint air strikes conducted by the United States and Israel targeting various sites within the country. This alert comes on the heels of the air strikes, which were described as some of the most extensive attacks on Iran in recent years. As a consequence of the military actions, at least nine flights from Hong Kong to the Middle East have been either canceled or delayed. The decision by Hong Kong's... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel Conduct Extensive Strikes on Iran, Prompting Retaliation Across the Middle East
In a significant escalation of military conflict, the United States and Israel launched extensive strikes on Iran, prompting immediate retaliatory actions by Iranian forces across the Middle East. This escalation unfolded early on a recent Saturday morning, particularly affecting areas such as Haifa, northern Israel, and various locations throughout the Gulf region, including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the initiation of what he termed a "pre-emptive strike," asserting that the operation aimed to neutralize perceived threats to Israeli security. Following these actions, US President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the commencement of "major combat... [Continue Reading]
