World News
The Hidden Cost of Plastic Recycling: Health and Environmental Concerns in Vietnam's Craft Villages
Dec 16, 2025 03:41 pm CST
Inside Vietnam's unregulated craft recycling villages, workers face a stark paradox: while providing essential income and helping manage the country's 1.8 million tonnes of annual plastic waste, these operations expose communities to severe health risks from toxic chemicals including lead and dioxins. Despite economic benefits that have transformed farming communities into prosperous villages, residents report high cancer rates and significantly reduced life expectancy, highlighting the urgent need for formalized, environmentally sound recycling practices.
Brazilian Replica of Statue of Liberty Collapses During Severe Storm in Guaiba
Dec 16, 2025 03:32 pm CST
A 40-meter-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed during a severe storm in Guaiba, Brazil, on Monday afternoon. The statue, located in a Havan retail megastore parking lot, tumbled when wind gusts exceeded 90 km/h. No injuries were reported as local authorities and store officials quickly secured the area. The incident occurred amid widespread storm damage across Rio Grande do Sul state, with technical inspections planned to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
US Embassy Issues Security Alert Ahead of Bangladesh's 2026 Parliamentary Elections and Referendum
Dec 16, 2025 02:55 pm CST
The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a nationwide security alert for American citizens as Bangladesh prepares for its February 2026 parliamentary elections and national referendum. This will be the country's first major vote since the 2024 uprising that ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina, with the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus overseeing the political transition.
60-Year-Old Indian Immigrant Detained During Final Green Card Interview After 30 Years in the US
Dec 16, 2025 02:52 pm CST
A 60-year-old Indian immigrant named Bubbly Kaur was unexpectedly detained by ICE agents during her final green card interview, despite living in the US since 1994, operating a local restaurant for over two decades, and having family members who are US citizens. Her detention at the Adelanto facility has sparked advocacy efforts from her family and a local congressman as they fight for her release.
Al-Husseiniya Palace: Inside PM Modi's Royal Meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan
Dec 16, 2025 02:50 pm CST
Explore the magnificent Al-Husseiniya Palace in Amman where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with King Abdullah II during his diplomatic visit to Jordan. This modern royal palace serves as a key operational headquarters for the Jordanian royal family and symbolizes the strengthening ties between India and Jordan. Discover the palace's unique Arab-Islamic architecture and learn about other historical royal residences that reflect Jordan's rich cultural heritage.
Brown University Shooter Remains At Large: Security Challenges and National Response to Unprecedented Ivy League Attack
Dec 16, 2025 02:46 pm CST
A shooter responsible for killing two people and injuring nine others at Brown University remains unidentified and at large despite extensive investigation efforts. With limited surveillance footage hindering the manhunt, authorities have offered a $50,000 reward while universities nationwide implement enhanced security measures following this unprecedented attack on an Ivy League campus. President Trump has characterized the incident as "a school problem" while the Providence community grapples with the aftermath of rare gun violence in a state with historically low firearm death rates.
US Restructures G20 Finance Meetings Under Trump Administration: Shifting From Multilateral to Bilateral Focus
Dec 16, 2025 02:31 pm CST
The United States is set to streamline G20 finance minister meetings during its chairmanship, reducing the traditional schedule to focus on core macroeconomic issues. This approach aligns with President Trump's preference for bilateral over multilateral engagement, as the administration aims to return the G20 to its "original mission" of economic growth and reducing regulatory burdens.
How Ukraine's Planned "Pearl Harbor-Style" Attack on Russian Airfields Was Delayed by Hungover Drivers
Dec 16, 2025 02:30 pm CST
Ukraine's ambitious Operation Spiderweb, a meticulously planned drone attack targeting Russian bomber fleets, faced an unexpected delay due to a shortage of available drivers following Russian holidays. Despite numerous challenges including exposed cargo and communication failures, the SBU eventually succeeded in launching over 100 drones against four Russian airfields, destroying dozens of warplanes and enhancing Ukraine's military reputation.
The Hashemite Dynasty: Jordan's Royal Family and Their Century of Rule
Dec 16, 2025 02:16 pm CST
Explore the rich history of Jordan's Hashemite monarchy, from their Prophet Muhammad lineage to modern diplomatic challenges. This article examines how the royal family has shaped Jordan's political stability for over 100 years, their historical significance in the Middle East, and recent developments including King Abdullah II's leadership and rare internal royal tensions.
Holocaust Survivor's Daughter Condemns Rising Antisemitism Following Sydney Shooting Tragedy
Dec 16, 2025 01:52 pm CST
Following the deadly attack at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach, Victoria Teplitsky, whose Holocaust survivor father was wounded in the shooting, criticizes Australian authorities for failing to adequately address growing antisemitism. She argues that hatred against the Jewish community has been allowed to intensify since October 7, 2023, despite repeated warnings from community leaders about escalating threats and incidents targeting Jewish institutions across Australia.