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Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has announced two major diplomatic appointments ahead of his inauguration. In a statement shared on his Truth Social account, Trump revealed that Lou Rinaldi has been named the next US ambassador to Uruguay, while Leah Francis Campos has been selected to serve as chief of mission in the Dominican Republic. “I am thrilled to announce Lou Rinaldi as the next United States Ambassador to Uruguay,” Trump wrote. “Lou, a successful entrepreneur and lifelong friend, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this important role.” Trump highlighted Rinaldi's connection to…

A judge has ruled against President-elect Donald Trump's attempts to throw out his guilty plea in a case involving allegations of falsifying business records, a case linked to a controversial payout during his 2016 presidential campaign. The ruling comes in context of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, raising questions about the broader implications of the case. Judge Juan M. Merchan of Manhattan rejected Trump's bid to overturn his guilty plea, delaying any potential resolution until he takes over the presidency next month. Trump's legal team has argued that the charges should be reconsidered, citing his imminent…

SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk, has put forward an ambitious proposal to turn its Starbase facility in Boca Chica Beach, Texas, into an officially chartered city. The company has submitted a petition urging local authorities to approve the move, which it says would support the continued growth of its business and workforce in the region. Starbase, located in the southernmost part of Texas near the Mexican border, serves as the hub for SpaceX's development and launch of Starship, the massive spacecraft designed for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. The company said incorporating Starbase as a…

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed optimism about the growing collaboration between the United States, Japan and Australia as the three nations continue to strengthen their military capabilities. Speaking during a joint observation of the military exercises on Wednesday, Austin highlighted the importance of this enhanced cooperation in addressing rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Austin's visit to Japan underlined Washington's commitment to its alliances in the region and its dedication to maintaining stability. Observing the Yama Sakura 87 exercises at Japan's Asaka camp, just outside Tokyo, Austin stressed the critical importance of readiness. “Having the right equipment, ammunition and…

President-elect Donald Trump prepares to ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marking the ceremonial start of the trading day. This symbolic event comes at a crucial time as markets weigh the implications of his 2024 election victory, according to people familiar with the matter. The event is expected to be a significant moment for Trump, a native New Yorker who spent much of his life in Manhattan before moving to Florida. His return to the city for this occasion underlines his connection to the financial world and his enduring association with Wall Street. Historically, the…

Just a week after Donald Trump secured victory in the US presidential election, Elon Musk hinted at his increasingly important role in shaping the political landscape. The billionaire businessman made headlines by suggesting that his political involvement would serve as “a significant obstacle in the primaries,” signaling his willingness to challenge Republican lawmakers who deviate from Trump's agenda. Musk's intentions became clearer shortly thereafter, when he took to X (formerly known as Twitter), the social media platform he owns, to respond to a suggestion that he might financially support challengers to Republican members of the Congress who opposed Trump's policies.…

A wave of optimism about personal finances has spread among Americans following Donald Trump's victory in November's presidential election, according to a survey released Monday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The data reveals a significant increase in confidence, with families feeling more positive about their financial future than in recent years. The survey, which involved around 1,300 heads of families, revealed that 37.6% of those interviewed expect their financial situation to improve within the next year. This represents an increase of nearly 8 percentage points compared to October and marks the highest level of financial optimism recorded…

The Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (Anato) revealed that Colombia has established itself as the third largest country in Latin America in terms of tourist arrivals, surpassed only by Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Globally, Colombia ranks 43rd in this sector, standing out for a notable growth rate in tourism revenue, which exceeds that of many nations that are in the highest positions in the ranking. Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of Anato, expressed her satisfaction with this information, underlining that the transformation of the country's tourism image was fundamental in attracting a growing number of international visitors.…

During an event honoring veterans and their families at the White House, President Joe Biden reflected on the lasting impact of the Pearl Harbor attack, calling it a moment that "changed the future of the world." Speaking just before the 83rd anniversary of the attack, Biden highlighted the historic significance of that day and drew parallels to decisions facing the United States today. Recalling his childhood, Biden said he grew up hearing stories about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath of the attack, which prompted many to join the military during World War II. “During World War II, we met at…

President Joe Biden expressed optimism and caution as Syria enters a new chapter following the departure of its longtime leader, Bashar al-Assad. Speaking from the White House on Sunday, Biden underscored the United States' commitment to working with international partners and stakeholders to support Syria's democratic transition after more than 13 years of devastating conflict. Assad's departure marks the end of a brutal era for Syria. The embattled leader, along with his family, has reportedly requested asylum in Russia, which granted him refuge “on humanitarian grounds,” according to Russian officials quoted by local media. Syrian rebels took full control of…