Taiwan to muscle up defense spending by $40 billion

A judge in West Virginia ruled that parents can cite religious beliefs to opt out of mandatory school vaccinations for their children, leading state officials to suspend the vaccination mandate. This decision allows parents greater autonomy regarding their children's health decisions in the educational system.

A Georgia judge has dismissed the criminal case against former President Donald Trump, marking a significant legal victory for him as the once-promising prosecution has completely collapsed. This decision concludes the last criminal prosecution Trump faced related to alleged interference in the 2020 election results.

A devastating fire swept through high-rise apartment buildings in Hong Kong on Wednesday night, resulting in at least 36 confirmed deaths, including a firefighter, and leaving 279 individuals reported missing. This incident marks one of the deadliest fires in the city in recent years, prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

Following his return to the White House, President Donald Trump has seen a decrease in the number of legal cases against him, although some unresolved issues remain. Previously, he faced numerous civil lawsuits and criminal charges that posed significant risks to his financial stability and personal freedom.

A bake sale held in a liberal Maryland suburb raised funds for local families affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, reflecting growing anti-ICE sentiment across the country. This event is part of a broader movement against ICE's immigration enforcement practices, which many view as harmful to communities.

Taiwan has announced a substantial commitment of US$40 billion towards enhancing its military capabilities, particularly focusing on an air defense system and various arms purchases. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from the United States for Taiwan to bolster its defense spending in light of regional security threats.

The Australian government has announced that it will enforce a ban on social media for children under the age of 16 starting next month, despite a legal challenge from a rights advocacy group that questions the constitutionality of the legislation.

A frustrated American has taken legal action against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) due to issues with lost, delayed, or mishandled mail, highlighting the challenges individuals face when attempting to sue the postal service. This case underscores the difficulties in holding USPS accountable for service failures, as it is generally protected from such lawsuits.