Author: Andrew Rogers

Japanese female lawmakers’ toilets have become a growing concern as the country’s prime minister joins more than 50 female legislators in calling for additional restrooms in parliament. The shortage has created long lines, with only two cubicles currently serving 73 female members in the House of Representatives. The petition, filed on December 12, has drawn support from lawmakers across seven parties and independent groups. Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, elected last year, is among the 58 backers of the request. “Before the main assembly session, a truly large number of female lawmakers line up in front of the…

The Washington Monument 250th celebration will transform the iconic landmark into the “world’s tallest birthday candle” as the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The event begins on New Year’s Eve, with projections illuminating America’s history and future starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250, said the lighting marks “the beginning of a momentous year for our nation.” He invited Americans and friends of the U.S. to join in celebrating “the triumph of the American spirit.” Freedom 250, a nonpartisan national organization created by President Donald Trump, is coordinating with…

US New Year security measures are being intensified nationwide as cities and towns prepare for New Year’s Eve and Day celebrations. Law enforcement agencies are taking extra precautions following recent global and domestic attacks, including the Bondi Beach terror incident in Australia and last year’s deadly attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. A joint bulletin from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security outlines the threat of lone actors and small extremist groups targeting large gatherings. While no specific, credible threat has been identified, officials warn that individuals or groups may act on political, religious, racial, or ideological grievances.…

Zohran Mamdani New York mayor, was sworn in during the first minutes of 2026, beginning a historic term for the nation’s largest city. The inauguration took place at the Old City Hall subway station, with his wife, Rama Duwaji, by his side, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath. “I am honored to serve New Yorkers, both inside this tunnel and above,” Mamdani said under the vaulted ceiling of the historic station. “This is a privilege of a lifetime.” Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker, became the first Muslim mayor of New York City after a campaign…

Jiangsu Expressway board update for 2026 confirms the company’s leadership and committee roles, emphasizing strong corporate governance and strategic oversight. Wang Feng continues as executive director and general manager, while Chen Yunjiang serves as chairman of the board. The company also disclosed the latest membership of its four key board committees: strategy, audit, remuneration and appraisal, and nomination. Each committee has designated conveners to ensure clear responsibilities and efficient governance. These updates reflect the firm’s commitment to regulatory compliance, risk management, and long-term growth of its expressway and infrastructure business in Jiangsu Province. Jiangsu Expressway Company Limited is a PRC-based…

Israel emerged as the world’s most conflict-prone country in 2025, according to the independent conflict monitoring group ACLID. The organization analyzed local and international reports and found that Israeli forces carried out at least 10,631 attacks in multiple countries between January and December 5, 2025. Palestinians bore the brunt of these attacks, with Israeli forces striking Gaza and the West Bank nearly 8,332 times. The assaults have caused over 25,000 Palestinian deaths and injured more than 60,000 people. ACLID reports that under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel launched an average of 29 attacks per day across various regions. Besides the…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Iran could send arms to Venezuela to use against the United States. His remarks come as President Donald Trump faces pressure from pro-Israel conservatives to support regime change in Tehran. During an interview with Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren, Netanyahu claimed that Iran, once a major regional power, has been weakened but remains dangerous. “We’ve had an unbelievable success degrading Iran, which was a first-rate power, now it’s a second-rate or third-rate power,” he said. Netanyahu warned that Iran has exported terrorism widely, including to Venezuela, and maintains ties with the…

A Georgia judge on Tuesday dismissed racketeering charges against dozens of protesters linked to efforts to stop construction of a police and firefighter training facility called “Cop City.” Fulton County Judge Kevin Farmer ruled that Republican Attorney General Chris Carr did not have authority to bring the 2023 indictments under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law. Farmer said Carr needed approval from Governor Brian Kemp. Carr’s office announced plans to appeal the decision. “We strongly disagree with this decision and will continue to vigorously pursue this domestic terrorism case to ensure that justice is served,” the statement said. The…

President Donald Trump issued the first vetoes of his second term this week, rejecting two bills that had passed Congress with bipartisan support. On Monday, Trump vetoed the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, a pipeline measure, and the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act, which would expand land for the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida, the White House said. The pipeline bill had passed both the House and Senate by voice vote, showing broad bipartisan approval. The legislation aimed to complete a pipeline project to deliver clean water to southeastern Colorado, a long-delayed initiative. In a letter to the House explaining…

Chinese mining company Yunnan Jinxun Resources has launched a Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) targeting about HK$1.10 billion. Trading is scheduled to begin on January 9, 2026. The company plans to sell 36,765,600 H shares at an indicative price of HK$30 each. The offering is split between a smaller Hong Kong retail tranche and a larger international tranche. This structure allows the company to reach both local and overseas investors. To manage demand and support stable trading, Yunnan Jinxun Resources is using common IPO mechanisms. These include the option to shift shares between tranches and an overallotment “greenshoe” facility.…