More from William Jackson
-
3 Chinese warships conduct military drills off Australia, forcing flight diversions
Chinese warships sailing south along the eastern coast of Australia announced plans to conduct live-fire exercises in international waters between Australia and New Zealand. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) did not directly notify Australian authorities, and instead, the broadcast was picked up by commercial airlines and air traffic controllers on Friday, Feb. 21, prompting… -
Chess champion Magnus Carlsen’s jeans spark bidding war
Full Story Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is auctioning off the jeans that led to his disqualification from a major tournament, turning the controversy into a charity opportunity. The auction, which started at $20.13, has surged past $8,000, with all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters to fund youth chess clinics. Officials barred Carlsen, a five-time… -
Ukraine strikes at Russia’s economic heart, oil refineries in flames
Full Story Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes on Russian energy facilities, hitting multiple refineries and a key oil pipeline on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The latest wave of attacks has forced shutdowns at several oil-processing plants and disrupted crude shipments, putting additional economic pressure on Moscow. Which Russian refineries were targeted? Ukraine has struck at… -
Former NFL punter handcuffed, hauled out by police after MAGA protest
Huntington Beach police arrested former NFL punter Chris Kluwe on Tuesday, Feb. 19, during a Huntington Beach City Council meeting after he protested a library plaque that features the acronym “MAGA.” Video from the meeting shows officers restraining and carrying him out of the chamber after he criticized the plaque, calling it political propaganda. Authorities… -
Hochul readies National Guard as New York prison strike grows
Full Story A widespread, unauthorized strike by hundreds of New York correction officers entered its third day on Wednesday, Feb. 19, forcing lockdowns at multiple state prisons. Officers are protesting staffing shortages, mandatory overtime and prison safety concerns. The strike, which spread to more than half of the state’s 42 prisons, comes amid mounting tensions… -
Trump order expands control over independent federal agencies
President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding the White House’s control over independent federal agencies. It brings them under direct presidential supervision. The order requires agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to submit regulations for White House review, a significant shift from… -
First US Marines relocate from Okinawa to Guam after years of delays
The first 105 U.S. Marines originally assigned to Okinawa have moved to Guam, marking the start of a long-planned relocation under a 2012 agreement between the United States and Japan. The plan calls for 9,000 Marines, nearly half of the force stationed in Okinawa, to leave. However, construction delays, political opposition and regional security concerns… -
Chinese helicopter confronts Philippine patrol plane over disputed waters
A Chinese navy helicopter flew alarmingly close to a Philippine patrol plane over the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, Feb. 18, raising tensions in the South China Sea. Journalists on board observed the encounter as the Philippine aircraft continued its patrol despite China’s military’s warning to vacate the area. The incident is the latest in… -
India faces crucial choice: US F-35 deal or Russian-made Su-57 fighters?
India is evaluating new fighter jet acquisitions as it faces a shortfall in its air force squadrons amid rising regional tensions. The Indian Air Force currently operates 31 active squadrons, falling short of the approved strength of 42. With China rapidly expanding its military, India is seeking reinforcements to modernize its fleet. What has the… -
South Korea suspends DeepSeek AI over privacy concerns
South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has temporarily suspended new downloads of the DeepSeek AI chatbot due to concerns over its handling of personal data. The suspension applies to downloads from the Apple and Google app stores, though the chatbot remains accessible through a web browser. The commission stated that the suspension will remain… -
Vance signals US troops may go to Ukraine, Zelenskyy rejects forced peace
Vice President JD Vance is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, as discussions over Ukraine’s future take center stage. The meeting followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin negotiations to end the war. However, uncertainty remains over what those… -
Pope Francis hospitalized for bronchitis treatment in Rome
Pope Francis was admitted to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome on Friday, Feb. 14, for diagnostic tests and ongoing treatment for bronchitis, according to the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has faced several health challenges in recent years, is expected to remain under medical care for the next few days. What led to his… -
Israel may strike Iran’s nuclear sites within months, Tehran vows to rebuild
U.S. intelligence reports indicate that Israel may launch a preemptive attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities within the next six months. The assessment, compiled by the intelligence director for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), suggests that Iran’s Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites are potential targets. Intelligence analysts warn that such…