Joe Biden, Xi Jinping to speak by phone in effort to improve U.S.-China ties

Iranian officials have stated that the country did not receive a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump proposing negotiations, amidst escalating tensions between the two nations. Trump had claimed to have sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging for negotiations. The dispute over the letter comes as Trump seeks to pressure Iran into renegotiating the terms of its nuclear program, with Iranian officials maintaining their stance of not engaging in negotiations...

As the deadline for averting a partial government shutdown nears, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has declared his opposition to a funding measure, citing concerns about wasteful spending and lack of action. President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to support the measure, emphasizing the need to keep the government open and advance his agenda. House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., is backing the funding proposal, which includes provisions for defense investments, pay raises for...

Actor Simon Fisher-Becker, known for his roles in “Harry Potter” and “Doctor Who,” has passed away at age 63, confirmed by his manager and husband. Fisher-Becker was a talented actor, writer, and public speaker, with notable roles in films like “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Doctor Who.” His husband shared the sad news on social media, where fans mourned the loss of the beloved actor. Full Article

A federal judge awarded nearly $2 million in damages to the mother and son of Ulises Valladares, a Texas man killed by an FBI agent during a botched rescue attempt in 2018. The judge determined that the agent, Gavin Lappe, was negligent in shooting Valladares, who was bound and blindfolded, without confirming his target. Despite Lappe being protected by qualified immunity, the judge ruled that he was the sole cause of Valladares' death due to...

In Greece, the charity MOm has helped nurse back to health dozens of Mediterranean monk seals, like Panagis, who was found struggling in Cyprus and is almost ready to return to the wild. Conservation efforts have led to a remarkable recovery of the species, with nearly half of the global population of 800 living in Greek waters. MOm's rehabilitation center has cared for about 40 seals, preparing them for release back into the wild after...

A brush fire in Westhampton Beach, NY, has burned 400 acres and is now 80% contained after prompting a response from 80 fire departments and 600 personnel. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a prohibition on most outdoor fires in Long Island due to dry conditions, with investigators working to determine the fire's cause. Two commercial buildings were affected, with two fire personnel sustaining injuries, as conditions are expected to improve with rain forecasted later...