Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ), has been tasked with forming a government after the collapse of a coalition among mainstream parties. Kickl, a staunch Euroskeptic and outspoken conservative, has sparked controversy with his policies, including a bold stance on immigration and opposition to EU climate and economic policies.
As wildfires devastate the Los Angeles region, TikTok faces criticism for requiring local employees to use personal or sick leave if unable to work remotely. The ongoing wildfires have destroyed over 1,300 structures, burned more than 45 square miles, and forced nearly 180,000 people to evacuate. Despite these dire conditions, the social media giant has been accused of inadequate support for its workforce during this crisis.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) suffered a significant setback in her congressional career, losing her bid to become the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. In a vote among House Democrats, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) defeated Ocasio-Cortez 131-84 for the prominent role. The defeat highlights ongoing tensions between Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive approach and the Democrat establishment.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against social media platform TikTok, alleging it has exposed children to "inappropriate and explicit material," a press release says.
Ice cream company Ben and Jerry's is joining a protest to "send an urgent message to the incoming administration," according to a newsletter shared on social media.
Hollywood icon Barbra Streisand took to social media on Thursday to blame the fierce winds fueling Los Angeles wildfires on climate change, demanding that the government take immediate action. "These horrible winds I think are the strongest we’ve ever experienced and a lot of that is due to climate change, which this coming government better address!" Streisand wrote on Bluesky, a left-leaning social platform.
During former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Donald Trump and Barack Obama shared a rare public exchange that appeared cordial but, according to a professional lip reader, included a discussion of significant matters. Jeremy Freeman, a certified forensic lip reader, interpreted the conversation as referencing the need for a private follow-up.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is set to host a live-streamed chat on his platform X with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, ahead of the country's February 23 national election.
Political commentator Mike Cernovich called for President-elect Donald Trump to intervene in the state of California to reconstruct its policies to benefit its citizens.
