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Former U.S. Marine released in U.S-Russia prisoner swap

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The United States and Russia swapped prisoners on Wednesday amid their most tense relations in decades over the war in Ukraine, with former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed released in exchange for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko

In a surprise prisoner swap – former U.S. marine Trevor Reed, who was detained in Russia since 2019, has been released.

Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko – who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine – was released in return.

The swap, which U.S. officials have said was the result of months of hard and careful work, comes as U.S.-Russia relations are at their worst in decades.

Officials said the talks that led to Reed’s release strictly focused on securing his freedom… and was not the start of a broader diplomatic conversation.

President Joe Biden did not comment on details of the release, but said (quote) “The negotiations that allowed us to bring Trevor home required difficult decisions that I do not take lightly.”

Reed was convicted in Russia in 2019 of endangering the lives of two police officers while drunk on a visit to Moscow. The U.S. has called his trial a “theater of the absurd.”

In 2020, his father Joey spoke to Reuters from Moscow:

“Dismissing charges in Russia, from my understanding, is very rare. But at least – lower the charges, so it is a lower penalty.”

Over two years later… Reed on Wednesday was on his way to be reunited with his family in the United States, according to senior administration officials, who said the 30-year-old Texan was in good spirits.

Reed’s parents thanked President Biden for the release of their son, adding he may have saved their son’s life.

In a statement, they said their son would tell his own story as soon as he was ready, adding

“We’d respectfully ask for some privacy while we address the myriad of health issues brought on by the squalid conditions he was subjected to in his Russian gulag.”

Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said they were working to free another U.S. citizen held in Russia, Paul Whelan, also a former Marine.

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Bondi terror attack: Months of planning, extremist videos and a deadly plot exposed

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Newly released court documents have revealed chilling details about the Bondi terror attack, marking one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in decades. Father-and-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly spent months meticulously planning the assault, targeting the “Chanukah by the Sea” festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Police say the pair rehearsed tactics, filmed extremist propaganda, and prepared multiple improvised explosive devices long before the attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

Investigators allege the attack began with the men throwing four improvised bombs into a crowded festival of over 1,000 attendees. The devices, including pipe bombs and a “tennis ball bomb” packed with shrapnel, failed to detonate, but authorities have described them as “viable” IEDs. Moments later, the Akrams opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the festival, creating a scene of chaos and tragedy. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and worshippers who attempted to confront the gunmen.

Court documents also reveal months of preparation, including firearms training in rural New South Wales. The pair was captured on video handling long-barrelled shotguns, moving tactically, and simulating an assault scenario. Additional footage shows the men seated in front of an Islamic State flag, guns and ammunition visible, as Naveed recites passages from the Quran and then outlines the ideological motivations behind the planned Bondi attack. Authorities say these materials demonstrate a pattern of premeditation and adherence to extremist ideology.

Overseas Islamist networks

Investigators also point to digital evidence recovered from Naveed’s phone, which includes a manifesto and detailed plans for the attack. Police allege the pair’s earlier month-long trip to the southern Philippines may have included contacts with overseas Islamist networks. Intelligence agencies previously reviewed Naveed for potential radicalisation in 2019, but concluded he did not pose a threat. Sajid Akram, meanwhile, legally owned six rifles and shotguns that were later used in the attack.

The human toll of the attack has had lasting impacts on the community. Survivors and witnesses recall the terror of that day as families gathered in celebration. Lawmakers have responded with urgency, including NSW Premier Chris Minns fast-tracked reforms to tighten firearm laws, ban public displays of terrorist symbols, and expand police powers. At a national level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured agreement from state and territory leaders to review and strengthen post-Port Arthur gun laws and introduce measures targeting extremist propaganda and hate speech.

The Bondi terror attack stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extremist planning and the importance of vigilant intelligence and community safety measures. While court proceedings continue, the public response underscores the shared grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia border

China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia amidst ongoing tensions and lack of arms control talks with the US

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China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia amidst ongoing tensions and lack of arms control talks with the US

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In Short:
– China has deployed over 100 ICBMs in new silos near Mongolia, marking a significant nuclear expansion.
– Beijing aims to enhance military strategies for Taiwan by 2027, potentially affecting U.S. operations in the region.

China has deployed over 100 solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in newly constructed silo fields near its border with Mongolia, according to a draft Pentagon report reviewed by Reuters.This marks the most significant nuclear expansion by Beijing to date. The United States indicates that China shows no intention of engaging in arms control negotiations, despite President Trump’s calls for denuclearization talks with both China and Russia.

The report states that the DF-31 missiles, which have a range of 7,000 to 11,700 kilometers, are positioned across three silo fields. While the Pentagon had previously acknowledged these fields, this is the first confirmation of the number of deployed missiles.

China’s nuclear warhead stockpile was estimated at around 600 in 2024. The report projects an increase to over 1,000 warheads by 2030. It highlights a lack of willingness from Beijing to pursue arms control measures.

Beijing has dismissed such reports as attempts to discredit China and claims that it follows a nuclear strategy of self-defense with a no-first-use policy.

Forceful means

The Pentagon assessment indicates that China plans to be capable of fighting and winning a conflict over Taiwan by 2027. Beijing is reportedly enhancing military strategies to capture the island through forceful means.

These military strikes could potentially disrupt U.S. operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Neither the Pentagon nor China’s embassy in Washington responded to requests for comment. U.S. officials cautioned that the draft report could change before its formal submission to lawmakers.


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Australia’s property market set to soar in 2026

Australia’s property market is set for strong growth in 2026, driven by demand and strategic investments across key regions.

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Australia’s property market is set for strong growth in 2026, driven by demand and strategic investments across key regions.


Australia’s property market is predicted to perform strongly in 2026, with no major losers expected as demand and prices rise across 14 key regions. Hotspotting’s latest analysis highlights which areas are set to shine and the factors driving this unprecedented growth.

Join Tim Graham from Hotspotting as he explains the methodology behind the price predictions and why infrastructure investments and government policies are playing a key role in shaping the market.

From regional hotspots to major cities, we explore emerging trends, buyer behavior, and the outlook for places like Darwin and Perth. Whether you’re a first home buyer or seasoned investor, this episode is packed with insights to navigate Australia’s booming property landscape.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#AustraliaProperty #PropertyMarket2026 #Hotspotting #RealEstateTrends #HousingMarket #InvestingAustralia #PropertyGrowth #FirstHomeBuyers


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