Trump takes spotlight as Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists

Donald Trump is expected to deliver remarks on affordability at a rally in Pennsylvania, coinciding with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's criticism of President Joe Biden's policies. This event follows a federal judge's decision to unseal grand jury documents related to the sex-trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein, after the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Trump signed last month.

A series of powerful storms has impacted the Pacific north-west of the United States, particularly affecting Washington and Oregon. These storms have resulted in heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and necessitated high-water rescues across several areas. An atmospheric river is responsible for the intense weather, bringing significant precipitation and snowfall to the region.

Major Australian employers are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, with some even discontinuing initiatives entirely, as a response to a growing US-led backlash against such efforts, often labeled as ‘anti-woke’. This trend has been highlighted in a recent report by Pride in Diversity, which indicates that the election of Donald Trump has significantly influenced these changes.

The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate the Biden student loan repayment program known as the Save plan, which has provided assistance to over 7 million borrowers. This decision follows a settlement with several Republican-led states that criticized the program as 'illegal.'

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness for elections in Ukraine, responding to increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called for a national vote amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to hold elections within the next three months, contingent on support from Ukraine's parliament and foreign allies. This statement follows criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Zelenskyy was using the ongoing war as a pretext to avoid elections.

Honduras's President Xiomara Castro has accused the United States, particularly former President Donald Trump, of orchestrating an 'electoral coup' during the ongoing presidential election, which has seen two right-wing candidates closely contesting for power. Castro emphasized that the integrity of the electoral process is being compromised by foreign interference and manipulation.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava ceremonially pardoned a piglet named Six Seven during an event at the Latin Cafe 2000 in Little Havana, Miami, wishing the animal a 'long happy life.' This act was reminiscent of the pardons issued by former President Trump, including those for Thanksgiving turkeys and participants in the January 6 Capitol attack.