UK economy shrinks for second month, contracting 0.1% in October

SummaryDavid Speirs, a former leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, faces sentencing for cocaine use and supply after admitting to using it as an "escape" during political stress. He pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine to two friends shortly after resigning from his leadership position in August 2024, citing exhaustion from leadership speculation. While his defense argues for leniency, stating the incident was an "aberration of character," the prosecution contends that his actions have eroded...

SummaryDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered renovations to a green room adjacent to the Pentagon press briefing room, adding a makeup studio for television appearances, at a cost of several thousand dollars amid ongoing cost-cutting efforts. The upgrade was suggested by Tami Radabaugh, a former Fox News producer, and has received approval from key Pentagon officials, despite Hegseth's previous lack of press briefings. Additionally, Hegseth faces scrutiny over sharing sensitive military information in group chats,...

Jordan's interior ministry announced the closure of the Jordanian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and banned its ideology and membership, following the arrest of 16 members accused of plotting attacks. Interior Minister Mazen Farraya linked the ban to alleged activities threatening national security, including attempts to destroy documents during the arrests. Despite the ban, the Islamic Action Front (IAF) plans to continue its work, asserting compliance with Jordanian law, while rights groups express concern over...

Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FASTSINGAPORE: The first five rallies for GE2025 have been approved and are set to take place on Thursday night (Apr 24).Rallies will be held by the People’s Power Party (PPP), Progress Singapore Party (PSP), People’s Action Party (PAP), Workers’ Party (WP) and Singapore Democratic Party...

SummaryChancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated a potential reduction in tariffs on US car imports to the UK as part of trade negotiations, emphasizing that this will not compromise Britain’s food and car safety standards. While discussing the challenges of securing a deal with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Reeves affirmed that tariffs must be mutually beneficial, and the UK will not rush negotiations to ensure they align with national interests. The UK government remains firm...

After the death of Pope Francis, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau shared a memory of their 2017 meeting at the Vatican, where she humorously asked him about his "vice," referring to maple syrup, which made him laugh. She recalled his earnest request for prayers, expressing her deep spirituality and commitment to fostering understanding and compassion among humanity. Grégoire Trudeau has previously described her meeting with the Pope as enriching, emphasizing the importance of unity across different faiths...