World News
UK COVID-19 Inquiry Finds Delayed Lockdown Led to 23,000 Excess Deaths: "Too Little, Too Late"
Nov 21, 2025 02:10 am CST
An official UK inquiry has concluded that the government's "too little, too late" response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly delaying mandatory lockdown by one week in March 2020, resulted in approximately 23,000 excess deaths. Led by Baroness Heather Hallett, the investigation revealed significant failings in decision-making structures and highlighted toxic culture within Downing Street that undermined effective crisis management. The report makes 19 recommendations to better prepare the UK for future pandemics.
New York's Progressive Mayor Mamdani to Meet Trump Despite Political Tensions Over Affordability Crisis
Nov 21, 2025 01:46 am CST
Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani prepares to meet President Trump in Washington despite their political differences, focusing on the shared concern of addressing New York's affordability crisis. The Democratic socialist mayor-elect, who made history with over one million votes, aims to work with the administration despite Trump's previous deportation threats and criticism.
Israel Maintains "Military Edge" Despite US-Saudi F-35 Jet Deal, Officials Confirm
Nov 21, 2025 01:35 am CST
Israel's government has officially responded to the US-Saudi F-35 fighter jet deal, asserting that its qualitative military advantage in the Middle East remains intact. While Saudi Arabia seeks formal ties with Israel, it also demands progress on Palestinian statehood - a position Netanyahu strongly opposes. US officials have confirmed the Saudi jets will lack the advanced features present in Israel's F-35 fleet.
Sheikh Hasina's Son Challenges Death Verdict: "Yunus Cannot Touch My Mother"
Nov 21, 2025 01:25 am CST
Sajeeb Wazed, son of exiled Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, denounces the death sentence issued against his mother as "illegal and unconstitutional." He claims the verdict, handed down by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's administration, violates legal principles and will collapse once rule of law is restored in the country.
Ukraine Receives US Draft Peace Plan to End Russia Conflict, Zelensky Ready for Diplomatic Engagement
Nov 21, 2025 01:25 am CST
Ukraine has received a draft peace plan from the United States aimed at ending the war with Russia. President Zelensky's office confirmed they are ready to engage constructively with Washington on the proposal, which reportedly includes controversial demands such as Ukraine ceding territory and limiting its military size. A call between Zelensky and Trump is expected in the coming days as diplomatic efforts intensify.
Trump Threatens Death Penalty for Democrats Urging Military to Refuse Illegal Orders
Nov 21, 2025 01:25 am CST
US President Donald Trump suggested capital punishment for Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds who encouraged personnel to refuse illegal orders, escalating political tensions by labeling them traitors guilty of sedition. The controversy highlights growing concerns about military deployment both domestically and internationally under Trump's administration.
Brazil's Controversial Amazon Railway Project: Environmental Concerns vs. Agricultural Benefits at COP30
Nov 20, 2025 11:54 pm CST
Brazil's proposed Ferrograo railway project, spanning 933 kilometers through the Amazon, has sparked intense debate at UN climate talks. While agricultural producers view it as a crucial logistics solution to reduce transportation costs by 40%, Indigenous communities and environmentalists warn of increased deforestation, displacement, and ecological damage. The project remains suspended pending Supreme Court review, highlighting tensions between Brazil's economic development goals and environmental commitments.
Mehdi Hasan Fact-Checks Eric Trump's False Anti-India Claims About NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani
Nov 20, 2025 11:43 pm CST
British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan publicly corrected Eric Trump's claim that NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani "hates Indians," pointing out that Mamdani is of Indian heritage himself. The controversy erupted after Trump's son called the 34-year-old Democrat a "socialist communist" who harbors anti-Indian and antisemitic sentiments, despite Mamdani being the son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and poised to become New York's first Muslim mayor.
US Peace Plan for Ukraine Mirrors Russian Demands: Territorial Concessions and Military Reductions Proposed
Nov 20, 2025 11:39 pm CST
The United States has presented Ukraine with a controversial peace proposal that echoes many of Russia's key demands, including territorial recognition of occupied regions and a significant reduction of Ukraine's military forces. The plan, reportedly developed by the Trump administration in consultation with Moscow, would require Ukraine to recognize Russian control of Crimea and other occupied territories while reducing its army by more than half. EU officials have emphasized that any settlement must have agreement from both Ukraine and European partners.
25-Year-Old Australian Woman Chooses Voluntary Assisted Dying After Decade-Long Battle With Rare Neurological Disease
Nov 20, 2025 11:13 pm CST
Annaliese Holland from Adelaide has made the difficult decision to pursue voluntary assisted dying after suffering from Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG) since age 18. After enduring chronic pain, multi-organ failure, and surviving sepsis 25 times, she describes her choice not as giving up but as taking control after years of merely surviving. Her story highlights the emotional journey for both patients and families facing end-of-life decisions under Australia's VAD legislation.