Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a "last-minute crisis" with Hamas is holding up the ceasefire agreement that would release hostages.
L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth has attributed the recent Palisades Fire and other devastating wildfires in Los Angeles to climate change, framing the issue as a result of fossil fuel dependence and global warming. In his column titled “Los Angeles is a climate disaster. The fires will change nothing,” Roth called for systemic changes, such as reducing fossil fuel use, supporting green businesses, and prioritizing climate action in public policy and personal decisions.
Scott Bessent, nominee for Treasury Secretary under the incoming Trump administration, is set to outline a bold economic agenda during his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday. According to prepared remarks, Bessent will emphasize the need to permanently extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while advancing new policies to reduce the tax burden on manufacturers, service workers, and seniors.
The Vatican City State has enacted stricter penalties for unauthorized entry and violations of its security regulations, threatening offenders with steep fines and prison sentences. The updated rules were announced through a decree signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, and aim to enhance security within the world’s smallest sovereign state.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Thursday, where he announced a landmark 100-year military and economic alliance with Ukraine. Starmer described the agreement as a symbol of the “unbreakable bond” between the two nations, aimed at fostering long-term support for Ukraine and enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense, trade, and cultural initiatives.
Ayman Mohyeldin of MSNBC has raised concerns over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s motivations in securing a recent ceasefire and hostage release agreement. On the network’s “Alex Wagner Tonight,” Mohyeldin suggested that Netanyahu may have delayed the deal intentionally, positioning it for strategic leverage with the Trump administration, rather than aiding U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in building political momentum during an election year.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Haya reportedly pledged another attack similar to the October 7 massacre during a press conference Wednesday, shortly after a tentative ceasefire agreement was announced.
