UK’s first transgender MP, Katie Wallis—formerly Jamie Wallis, who served as Conservative MP for Bridgend from 2019 to 2024—appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today to deny a charge of harassing her ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the original stalking allegation had been downgraded to harassment. Biden Expresses Gratitude for Support Following Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Former President Joe Biden has expressed his gratitude to the public, thanking those who have shown concern and support since the announcement of his prostate cancer diagnosis. Russia’s MiG-23 Flogger fighter, developed in the late 1960s as the Soviet Union’s first swing-wing jet, was introduced to succeed the MiG-21 and counter the American F-4 Phantom. While the MiG-23 featured advanced radar, variable-swing-wing geometry, greater payload, and improved range, it became noted for numerous operational failures that overshadowed its technological advancements. Live Updates: Trump Speaks with Zelensky and Putin; Reconciliation Bill Advances in House
President Trump began the week with pivotal phone calls regarding the war in Ukraine, first speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, followed by a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday morning. These calls come on the heels of diplomatic talks held in Turkey last week. Meanwhile, a reconciliation bill has advanced in the House, marking another significant development on Capitol Hill. European leaders urge Trump to adopt Biden's Ukraine strategy, reports say, as heads of state including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Frederich Merz press for new sanctions on Russia ahead of Trump's scheduled call with President Vladimir Putin. Despite previous sanctions under President Biden proving largely ineffective at curbing Russian aggression and, according to observers, potentially strengthening Russia's economic position through increased oil sales to India and China, European officials are encouraging Trump to maintain a tough line. Trump, who has expressed frustration with both Putin's stalling in peace talks and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's use of U.S. aid, will follow his conversation with Putin with calls to Zelenskyy and other European leaders. Recently, Trump also secured a minerals agreement with Ukraine, granting the U.S. a share in mining profits in return for infrastructure investment. RTX Collaborates with UAE Partners to Manufacture Defense-Critical Gallium
RTX has entered a memorandum of understanding with the Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to develop gallium extraction and refining at EGA’s Abu Dhabi facility. This initiative will position the UAE as the world’s second largest gallium producer after China, providing a crucial alternative source amid China’s export restrictions on critical minerals. Gallium, essential for advanced electronics, is used in RTX’s next-generation radar and missile defense systems. The collaboration aims to support the aerospace and defense sector’s need for a stable supply of this mineral, strengthening both the UAE’s industrial capacity and RTX’s production security. Kentucky tornadoes cause widespread damage as more storms are expected, with more than two dozen people killed and hundreds left homeless after powerful tornadoes and storms tore through parts of Kentucky and Missouri over the weekend. The reset deal is expected to foster greater alignment between the UK and the EU, potentially improving economic cooperation. However, since it addresses only a small portion of the trade barriers established after Brexit, its overall impact on UK economic growth may be limited.