China has replaced its Defense Minister, General Li Shangfu, who had been in office since June 2023. This is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year, following the removal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July. The removal of these two officials has raised questions about the stability of the Chinese government and the future of President Xi Jinping's leadership.
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House Republicans are attempting to move past the divisions that have marked their search for a new House Speaker, and will meet on Tuesday to narrow the field of eight candidates to one. The chosen candidate must secure at least 217 votes in order to win, and the outcome of Tuesday's meeting will determine whether the GOP can set aside their differences and move forward.
The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) is struggling to comprehend the loss of 35 staff members in Gaza since October 7th, as the death toll in Gaza rises rapidly due to Israeli airstrikes. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed an international coalition against Hamas and the larger existential threat of terrorism. The United States has advised Israel to delay an expected ground invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages.
A man shot and wounded himself when officers sought to question him about four escapees from a Georgia jail. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force had gone to a Macon apartment after receiving a tip, and the man, identified as Christian Demond Williams, had been missing for more than seven months. The investigation into the escapees is ongoing, with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office working with other law enforcement agencies to locate and bring them to justice.
Former President Donald Trump has declared he will remain neutral in the race to replace House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with nine candidates in the running and no clear consensus. Trump has suggested that Jesus Christ may be the best candidate for the position, and has filed to appear on the state's Republican presidential primary ballot next year. It is unclear if Trump will eventually endorse a candidate for speaker, but for now he is staying out of the race.
Mary Lou Retton, an American gymnastics icon, has been hospitalized with pneumonia and is now back home and on the road to recovery. Her daughters Shayla Kelley Schrepfer and McKenna Kelley have shared updates on her condition, thanking doctors, nurses, and fans for their support. Retton is taking the necessary steps to make a full recovery, with her family grateful for the support they have received.
Leonel Costa, owner of Bobi, the world's oldest dog, announced his passing on Saturday at the age of 31. Bobi had held the Guinness World Record since February, attributed to a combination of good food, fresh air, and lots of love. His breed, Rafeiro do Alentejo, has an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and Bobi's diet of human food had contributed to his long life.
Donald Trump Declines to Endorse Any Candidate in House Speaker Race as House GOP Remains in Turmoil
Donald Trump Declines to Endorse Any Candidate in House Speaker Race as House GOP Remains in Turmoil
Donald Trump has declined to endorse any candidate for House Speaker, leaving the House GOP without a clear frontrunner. This situation is reminiscent of 1998, when the scandal-ridden House elected Denny Hastert by affirmation in a rush to return to calm. Trump has weighed in on the race, but it is unclear how much of an impact his endorsement would have.