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President Biden Awards Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction

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President Joe Biden has honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the highest civilian award in the United States. The award, presented during a phone call, recognizes the pontiff’s global contributions as “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”

Biden, a Catholic, had planned to personally present the medal to Pope Francis during a scheduled visit to Rome. However, he canceled the trip to monitor California’s ongoing wildfires. During their phone conversation, Biden and the pope discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate global suffering.

This marks the only instance during Biden’s presidency where the medal has been presented with distinction. Biden himself received the same honor during a surprise ceremony in 2017, when then-President Barack Obama awarded it to him for his decades of public service.

The citation for Pope Francis highlighted his unwavering commitment to serving the poor, his advocacy for peace and environmental protection, and his efforts to foster interfaith dialogue.

Biden, preparing to leave office on January 20, has recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, many of whom have been instrumental in shaping his long political career or have made significant contributions to society.

Notable Recipients of Biden’s Recent Awards

The list of honorees includes public figures from diverse fields, such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bono, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall.

Biden also posthumously honored figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist who paved the way for the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and Robert F. Kennedy, remembered for his efforts against racial segregation and poverty.

Other recipients included Lionel Messi, celebrated as one of the greatest soccer players in history, and actor Michael J. Fox, recognized for his advocacy in Parkinson’s disease research.

Presidential Medal of Freedom Trends

Since 1980, Biden has awarded the fewest Presidential Medals of Freedom during his term, presenting 19 in total. This is in stark contrast to Barack Obama, who awarded the most—118—over his two terms.

Medal Counts by Recent Presidents:

  • Barack Obama: 118
  • Bill Clinton: 89
  • Ronald Reagan: 86
  • George W. Bush: 85
  • Joe Biden: 19

With this honor, Biden underscores the importance of recognizing individuals who have left a lasting impact on global and domestic issues. Pope Francis, in particular, embodies the spirit of the award, exemplifying values of compassion and leadership on the world stage.

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Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role

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European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.

A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations

The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.

Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”

Who Is Part of the Coalition?

The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.

However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.

Key Objectives of the Coalition

The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:

  1. Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.

  2. Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.

  3. Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.

Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement

While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.

Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.

Next Steps

The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.

With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.

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Myanmar Struck by Aftershocks as Earthquake Death Toll Rises

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Myanmar continues to be rocked by aftershocks following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on Friday, killing at least 1,644 people. The latest tremor, a 5.1-magnitude quake, hit near Mandalay on Sunday morning as rescue operations remained underway in the hardest-hit areas.

According to Myanmar’s ruling military junta, the earthquake has also left 2,376 people injured and 3,408 missing. While there were no immediate reports of further damage from Sunday’s aftershock, fears of continued tremors have kept thousands of people sleeping outdoors in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.

Rescue Efforts Hindered by Damage and Conflict

Rescue operations remain challenging due to widespread destruction, damaged roads, and unreliable communication networks. The impact of the ongoing civil war has further complicated efforts, leaving civilians and local volunteers to handle much of the initial search and recovery work. Many affected areas remain inaccessible, and people have been digging through rubble by hand in scorching 41-degree Celsius heat.

“It’s mainly been local volunteers, local people who are just trying to find their loved ones,” said Cara Bragg, the Yangon-based manager of Catholic Relief Services in Myanmar. She added that while some countries are now sending search and rescue teams to Mandalay, hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured, and medical supplies are running low. Many survivors are also struggling to find food and clean water.

Mandalay, home to 1.5 million people, saw many buildings destroyed, including infrastructure such as bridges and the city’s airport. The disaster has left many residents homeless or too afraid to return to their homes due to the risk of further aftershocks.

Regional Impact and International Response

The earthquake’s effects were also felt in neighboring countries. In Thailand, at least 17 people were reported dead, with 83 still missing. The tremors even caused a tower to collapse in Bangkok. China also experienced the quake’s impact, though reports of casualties remain unclear.

Myanmar’s Shadow National Unity Government (NUG), which leads the resistance against the military junta, announced a partial ceasefire on Saturday to allow for rescue operations. The NUG’s armed wing, the People’s Defence Force (PDF), will suspend offensive military operations in the earthquake-affected areas starting Sunday.

While some international aid is beginning to reach Mandalay, the scale of the disaster has left many survivors in dire conditions. The coming days will be critical for search and rescue efforts, as well as for providing essential supplies to those left homeless by the quake.

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Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Effort to Dismantle Voice of America

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A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), calling the move a “classic case of arbitrary and capricious decision-making.” The decision prevents the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, from firing more than 1,200 employees or shutting down its affiliated services.

Judge Blocks Mass Firings and Funding Cuts

Judge James Paul Oetken issued a restraining order blocking the USAGM from taking further action to terminate, furlough, or place employees on leave. The order also prevents the agency from cutting grant funding to other international broadcasters, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Free Afghanistan.

The decision came after a coalition of VOA journalists, labor unions, and the nonprofit advocacy group Reporters Without Borders filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The plaintiffs argued that the administration’s efforts violated a legal precedent protecting VOA journalists from political interference.

Following the ruling, USAGM announced it was restoring funding to Radio Free Europe after another court in Washington, D.C., ordered it to do so.

White House Justifies Defunding VOA

The Trump administration has been critical of VOA, claiming it harbors a “leftist bias” and fails to project “pro-American” values. The White House labeled the broadcaster “The Voice of Radical America” and justified its defunding as an effort to prevent taxpayers from supporting what it called “radical propaganda.”

Citing coverage it deemed too favorable to former President Joe Biden, as well as reports on topics like white privilege, racial profiling, and transgender asylum seekers, the administration sought to slash funding for USAGM and six other federal agencies.

VOA, founded in 1942, is mandated by Congress to function as a non-partisan news organization, providing independent journalism to global audiences. Critics argue that the Trump administration’s actions threatened press freedom and democracy.

Judge Criticizes Administration’s “Sledgehammer” Approach

During a hearing in Manhattan, Judge Oetken condemned the administration for dismantling a long-established agency with “no consideration of the effects.” He also singled out USAGM special adviser Kari Lake for making sweeping changes “seemingly overnight” without a clear strategy.

“This is a decisive victory for press freedom and the First Amendment,” said Andrew G. Celli Jr., the plaintiffs’ attorney. He described the ruling as a strong rebuke to the Trump administration’s disregard for democratic principles.

The plaintiffs also warned that VOA’s absence from the airwaves could leave a vacuum that might be filled by propaganda from authoritarian regimes.

Congressional Funding and Future Implications

Congress has allocated nearly $860 million (€794 million) for USAGM in the current fiscal year, signaling bipartisan support for the agency’s mission. However, the future of VOA and its affiliated networks remains uncertain as legal battles continue.

With this court ruling, the Trump administration’s push to defund VOA faces a significant legal hurdle, but the broader debate over the role of government-funded international broadcasting is far from over.

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