Trump Delivers Record-Breaking State of the Union Address in Washington DC
In a historic and contentious speech, former President Donald Trump proclaimed the first year of his second term a resounding success during his State of the Union address in Washington DC. Trump asserted that he inherited a country devastated by the policies of President Joe Biden and had swiftly reconstructed it to greatness.
A Marathon Speech with Political Fireworks
The president shattered his own record for the longest State of the Union speech in American history, speaking for an impressive 108 minutes. Throughout his address, Trump repeatedly targeted Democratic opponents and criticized a recent Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, which he labeled as "unfortunate." In a notable foreign policy remark, he also claimed that Iran is actively developing missiles capable of threatening the United States.
Protests and Boycotts Mar the Proceedings
The event was not without drama. Democratic Congressman Al Green was forcibly removed from the chamber almost immediately after brandishing a sign that read, "Black people aren't apes!" Dozens of his Democratic colleagues chose to boycott the address entirely, instead organizing counter-events to protest Trump's rhetoric and policies.
Additional News Highlights from the Afternoon Update
Beyond the political spectacle in Washington, several other significant stories emerged. A bomb threat at the Lodge, which forced the evacuation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has been linked to opposition against a Chinese dance group. Inflation remains steady at 3.8% for the year to January, sparking fears of another potential interest rate hike. In a criminal investigation, two men have been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian.
In media developments, the prominent US news site Politico is set to launch an Australian edition, aiming to bring a sharp policy focus and fresh perspectives to coverage of Canberra. Meanwhile, an expert has warned of signs of psychosis observed in Australian users' interactions with AI chatbots, raising concerns about mental health impacts. In a tragic personal loss, Katherine Short, the daughter of actor Martin Short, has passed away at the age of 42.
Citizen Scientists Discover Majestic Coral Colony
In a remarkable environmental discovery, citizen scientists have identified what is believed to be one of the largest coral colonies ever documented on the Great Barrier Reef. Described by a veteran diver as "a very surreal underwater landscape ... like a rolling meadow," the Pavona clavus coral was first spotted by Jan Pope in waters just a few hours offshore from Cairns.
Grace Kelly's Fashion Triumph After Brand Closure
Designer Grace Kelly experienced a whirlwind victory at the Melbourne Fashion Festival, winning the prestigious National Designer award for emerging talent. This comes after she made the difficult decision to close her Brisbane-based label, Joaen, in 2024 to reassess its viability. "It's such a whirlwind. I didn't expect this so quickly," Kelly remarked, celebrating with models wearing her designs.
Ukrainian Men Reflect on Four Years of War
A compelling report delves into the lives of Ukrainian men transformed by four years of conflict. A DJ turned soldier shares how the war has irrevocably altered daily existence, while journalists Tracy McVeigh and Shaun Walker analyze the broader impact of the ongoing struggle and potential future developments.
The Art of Conversing with Strangers
Forget the classic fear of public speaking. Author Viv Groskop's research reveals that many people now struggle with "speaking to anyone in public," a phenomenon deeper than mere smartphone dependency. By consulting experts, Groskop discovered that the key to initiating conversations with strangers is to significantly lower the stakes, making interactions feel more natural and less intimidating.
