🎤 Erdogan reveals possibility of running for President of Turkiye for another term

💬 "If you are for it, then I am for it," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded when asked if he would consider running in the upcoming presidential elections.

🗣"We received a promise from him," famous Turkish folk pop singer Ibrahim Tatlises told the audience.

This exchange occurred during Erdogan's speech at a Justice and Development Party (Ak Parti) congress in Sanliurfa, southeastern Turkiye. The moment was captured in a video published by state-run broadcaster TRT Haber on Telegram.

Earlier, Mehmet Ucum, a senior advisor to Erdogan and Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Legal Policies Council, mentioned that Erdogan might run again if early elections are scheduled for the second half of 2027.

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🔥 LA wildfires death toll rises to 13 – reports

The wildfires in Los Angeles County are only 11% contained, with the death toll climbing to 13, NBC News reported. Officials warn that the ongoing drought and high winds are expected to persist through Wednesday, potentially worsening as winds are forecast to pick up again.

Extent of the devastation:

🔻 Approximately 39,000 acres have been scorched

🔻 Around 12,000 structures have been destroyed

🔻 At least 153,000 residents were under evacuation orders overnight

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📞 First Presidential Medal awarded by… phone

In a uniquely remote ceremony days before his term concludes, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Pope Francis.

This made the pontiff not only the sole recipient of this top honor during Biden’s presidency but also the first ever to receive it by phone. The departure from tradition was necessitated by Biden cancelling his final official trip to Rome due to the wildfires in Los Angeles.

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AfD declines to condemn Russia in party election program – reports

The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party chose not to include a condemnation of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in its election program, German broadcaster N-tv reported.

A proposal by Bundestag member Albrecht Glaser to criticize Russia's actions was rejected by 69% of around 600 party delegates during their congress in Riesa.

The party’s draft program describes the Ukraine conflict as a disruption to peace in Europe and envisions Ukraine as a neutral state, outside of the EU and NATO.

At the same event, AfD co-chair Alice Weidel was approved as the party's candidate for chancellor.

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❗️The death toll from the Southern California wildfires has risen to 16, according to NBC News.

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🚫Swiss People's Party urges Defense Minister Viola Amherd to resign over violating national security

The Swiss People's Party (SVP), Switzerland's largest political force, has called on the head of the country's Defense Ministry, Viola Amherd, to resign over her failed security policy.

"The fact that Switzerland can no longer guarantee its internal and external security is the result of political mistakes – and a consequence of wrong appointments”, a statement read.

The party slammed the defense minister for prioritizing woke culture in the army over security and supplying the Kiev regime with arms instead of maintaining the country’s traditionally neutral stance.

“Ms. Amherd would rather deal with gender issues in the army than with equipping the army. She is having weapons ordered for Switzerland delivered to Ukraine. These are the wrong priorities, Federal Councillor!” the statement said.

The Swiss People's Party holds 62 of the 200 seats in the country's lower house of parliament, the National Council.

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🫁Deadly smoke crisis: California wildfires threaten health and lives

Researchers see a growing health threat from the vast plumes of pollution created by wildfires like the one that has devastated Los Angeles, according to The New York Times.

Southern California’s wildfires are spreading more than flames – they're filling the air with toxic chemicals from burning household items, electronics, and vehicles.

⚠️ Risks: Respiratory issues, heart problems, and potential long-term effects like dementia.

💬 Recommendations: Officials urge residents to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear N95 masks when venturing outside.

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🔥WATCH: Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr strike drone unit destroyed a Ukrainian T-72 tank.

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🤖AI Golden Age almost here, strict regulations to follow – expert

Artificial intelligence will enter a "golden era" in 1.5-2 years, replicating the success of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, a Kaspersky Lab expert Vladimir Dashchenko told Sputnik.

"Many people use ChatGPT as a consultant and advisor. It is a very powerful tool to promote and collect opinions," he said.

However, he also predicts the active use of neural networks in cyberattacks. The expert also did not rule out that in 2025, some countries may tighten regulation of the AI sphere, including banning the export of data and hardware.

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