DFA hits back at Ombudsman, defends authority to issue PH visas

Trump says he wants UFC chief Dana White for White House press secretary

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said he had asked mixed martial arts promoter Dana White to serve as White House press secretary and called on him to bring some fighters along as assistants "even though some are not from our country." White, chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is a "violent Fighter and Warrior," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Trump also asked for six current or former UFC titleholders to join White, including two athletes from Russia's Dagestan region, Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov; Americans Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier and "Kayla Harris," likely a reference to Kayla Harrison; and Amanda Nunes, a Brazilian native who became a U.S. citizen last year. "We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left," Trump wrote. White and UFC's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, did not immediately return requests for comment. The White House press secretary role has been vacant since Katie Zacharia's tenure ended last month after less than a week. Zacharia replaced Karoline Leavitt, who left the role at the end of A

Strong earthquake shakes central Japan, shattering store windows and injuring at least 22

TOKYO — A strong earthquake shook central Japan early Sunday, shattering store windows, causing people to flee buildings and leaving at least 22 people injured, according to local media. Japan’s Meteorological Agency put the quake’s magnitude at 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported it at magnitude 5.5. Smaller aftershocks were reported. A wide area near Aichi Prefecture was affected, including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara and nearby prefectures of Yamanashi, where Mount Fuji is located, as well as Gifu. Japanese TV footage showed shattered store windows and scattered shards of glass on the streets. A bookstore was left with mounds of books that had flown off the shelves. The injuries included people who fell from stairs while they were trying to flee. The quake, which struck at 1:04 a.m., was located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) below the earth's surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. Aichi and Shizuoka are neighboring regions. They are far enough from Tokyo that the quake was not felt there. The most violent shaking was felt in Aichi, accordin

Israel's president taps opposition candidate Eisenkot to form government, in setback for Netanyahu

JERUSALEM — Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Saturday night that he was giving opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form a governing coalition following elections on Oct. 27. Eisenkot, a former military chief who ran as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is now a step closer to ousting Israel’s longest-serving premier. “This is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do anything possible to prove us worthy,” Eisenkot posted on his X account just after the presidential announcement. He has up to six weeks to form a coalition, a challenging task in a deeply divided country reeling from the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and the three years of wars that have followed in Gaza and beyond. In discussions with the president this week, representatives from most of Israel’s main parties recommended Eisenkot be tasked with assembling a new government. But putting together the parliamentary majority needed remains fraught and any possible coalition would require candidates to make tough compromises that could outrage

West Virginia court overturns $31,054 home value payout but protects wife's mortgage share

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has overturned a previous decision regarding a premarital home. The court ruled that the husband is not liable for the home's market value increase during marriage. This ruling clarifies how separate property and marital contributions are treated in divorce cases. However, the former wife is entitled to financial interest from mortgage principal payments made during the marriage.

James Norton gives behind-the-scenes tour of M&S Christmas advert

James Norton has given a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the set of M&S Christmas advert, taking viewers inside the home of Mr and Mrs Claus.

UK military chief warns of 'very real' Russian threat as he starts stockpile

Former Strictly pro calls out 'most frustrating episode' in show’s history

England v Australia LIVE: Under-fire hosts face Wallabies in crucial Nations Championship clash

Amid reports of player unrest, England face a must-win game against a talented Wallabies team

Man United latest: Interest in Michael Carrick replacement cools ahead of crunch Aston Villa game

United, who start the day in the bottom three, ended a nine-match winless run with an incredible comeback against Roma in midweek as Carrick continues to fight for his future

Far-right wingnuts storm Diwali fest in Seattle after lights go out on MAGA

Burnham led record number of former PMs at Remembrance Sunday service

Strictly ex pro calls out judges after ‘most frustrating’ episode in history

‘What is going on?’ she asked after confusing marks in latest episode