⚡️ No Lunch for Ex-Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Bush at Trump’s Inauguration
Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush have decided not to attend the luncheon following Donald Trump’s inauguration, reports NBC News. Obama and Clinton were invited but declined the invitation, while Bush reportedly was not invited at all.
However, all three former presidents are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony earlier in the day, alongside their spouses, though Michelle Obama will not be present, with no explanation provided.
Donald Trump will take office as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.
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🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Ransom Payments Could Total N10 Trillion
Governor Chukwuma Soludo revealed that Nigerians may have paid up to N10 trillion in ransom last year due to rising kidnappings. He cited the National Bureau of Statistics’ report of over N2 trillion in ransom payments, with many cases unreported.
Soludo urged citizens to report criminals and outlined plans to introduce a new security law in Anambra to address the issue.
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⚡️ Rocket Launch Marks New Rivalry Between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in Space Race
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has launched his first rocket into orbit as part of a challenge to Elon Musk's SpaceX dominance. The New Glenn rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, aiming to compete in the growing commercial space race.
Both Bezos and Musk are focused on advancing rocket technology to fly more powerful rockets, populate the skies with satellites, and develop private space stations. Bezos’s Blue Origin overcame technical setbacks and launched the 98-meter-high rocket successfully, though it was unable to recover the main booster engine for reuse.
Bezos hailed the achievement, and Musk congratulated him on reaching orbit. The New Glenn rocket is seen as a powerful competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, with Bezos planning to use it for his Project Kuiper satellite constellation. The rivalry between the two could bring down space operation costs, according to experts.
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⚡️Georgian Opposition Leader Attacked, Blames Ruling Party
Giorgi Gakharia, former Georgian Prime Minister and opposition leader, was attacked in Batumi by alleged members of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Gakharia suffered a broken nose and concussion and was hospitalized after the assault at a Sheraton hotel.
His party claims the attack was politically motivated, part of a pattern of intimidation since contested elections. Despite the ruling party's denials and accusations that Gakharia initiated the clash, the incident has sparked outrage from the EU, condemning the violence and calling for accountability.
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⚡️Keir Starmer visited Kyiv as prime minister to sign a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine.
The deal formalizes military and economic aid already pledged by the UK, including £3 billion annually for defense and collaborative projects on drone and maritime technology.
Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, stating that the partnership represents a lasting commitment to rebuilding and securing the country’s future.
Zelensky welcomed the agreement, calling it a testament to the strong relationship between the two nations.
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🎥 RedNote Gains Popularity Amid TikTok Ban Concerns
With TikTok potentially facing a US ban, RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, has become a popular alternative. This app, blending social networking with e-commerce, has topped Apple's App Store in the US as users prepare for a potential switch.
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⚡️ Trump Lookalike Sells Sweets in Pakistan and Sings to Customers
Saleem Bagga, a 53-year-old man from Punjab, Pakistan, is causing a stir with his striking resemblance to Donald Trump. He sells traditional sweets like Kheer and Kulfi from his cart, singing Punjabi songs to attract customers.
With his blonde, wind-swept hair, a result of albinism, he has become a popular figure on the market, with many stopping to take selfies. Bagga playfully invites Donald Trump to come taste his Kheer, claiming it will be delicious.
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❗️ Wife of POW Resists Russian Agents’ Threats, Husband Freed Unharmed
Svitlana refused to betray Ukraine despite threats from Russian agents who claimed her husband, a POW, was being tortured.
The agents demanded acts of sabotage, but Svitlana, following Ukrainian guidelines, reported the threats and stalled for time. Eventually, she cut contact. Though the threats took an emotional toll, her husband was released unscathed after more than two years in captivity.
Ukrainian officials praise her courage and urge families to resist similar attempts at coercion, assuring them of protection.
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☕️ Starbucks to End Free Use of Cafes Without Purchase
Starbucks is rolling back its 2018 policy that allowed people to use its facilities without buying anything. From 27 January, visitors to North American locations must purchase an item to stay.
This change is part of a broader effort to revitalize the company under its new leadership. The updated code of conduct also bans harassment, smoking, and outside alcohol.
The company says the move will create a more welcoming atmosphere for paying customers while addressing flagging sales and public perception challenges.
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⚡️ Biden and Netanyahu discussed advancing ceasefire talks in Gaza during a phone call on Sunday.
The conversation, the first publicly announced since October, highlighted ongoing efforts to finalize an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
While progress has been made, uncertainties remain over details of the deal. Netanyahu has dispatched top security officials to Qatar for indirect negotiations and is working to convince skeptical members of his cabinet.
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⚡️ Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' Under Scrutiny as Tanker Stranded in Baltic
German maritime authorities have rescued the Eventin, a Panamanian-flagged tanker suspected to be part of Russia’s "shadow fleet." The vessel lost steering near Rügen island, carrying 99,000 tonnes of oil.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Russia of undermining European security with "dilapidated oil tankers" used to evade sanctions. Towing operations are underway, with no environmental risks reported.
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🚗 Norway Nears Fossil-Fuel Car Phaseout
Norway is on track to end new fossil-fuel car sales, as EVs accounted for 89% of new vehicles in 2024. Incentives like tax exemptions and free parking have encouraged this shift since the 1990s.
With abundant hydroelectric power and thousands of public chargers, Norway’s strategy offers a blueprint for other nations.
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🥵2024: First Year to Exceed 1.5°C Global Warming Threshold
New data from the European Copernicus climate service confirms 2024 as the first calendar year with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. While this does not mean the 1.5°C long-term target has been breached, it marks a worrying step closer to surpassing it.
The year's average temperature reached 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels, driven by record greenhouse gas emissions and compounded by the El Niño weather pattern. This follows a decade of unprecedented warming, with 2024 becoming the hottest year on record.
Experts warn that breaching the 1.5°C mark will worsen climate impacts, such as heatwaves, droughts, and rising sea levels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of cutting emissions, stating, "We must exit this road to ruin."
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⚡️US Increases Reward for Maduro's Arrest Amid Political Tensions
The US has raised the reward for information leading to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's arrest to $25 million, citing narcotics and corruption charges from 2020. Similar bounties have been announced for Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino.
The move coincides with Maduro's inauguration for a controversial third term, widely condemned by the international community. Sanctions from the UK, EU, and Canada have been imposed on Venezuelan officials, accusing them of undermining democracy and human rights.
Maduro, who remains isolated on the global stage, dismissed the accusations and blames US-led sanctions for Venezuela's economic woes.
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⚡️Trump’s Greenland Remarks Spark Danish Political and Economic Concerns
Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland has triggered alarm in Denmark, with politicians and business leaders scrambling to respond. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed Greenland’s autonomy, stating, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”
Behind the scenes, high-level meetings have been held to address the potential fallout of Trump’s threats, including tariffs against Denmark. Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has also expressed growing nationalist sentiments, further complicating Denmark’s position.
The European Union has backed Denmark, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasizing the importance of border inviolability. However, the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s incoming presidency continues to unsettle Denmark and its trade sector.
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⚡️ Former EU Competition Commissioner Thierry Breton Joins Bank of America
Thierry Breton, who recently left his position as EU Competition Commissioner, has taken up a new role at Bank of America as a member of its global advisory board. The move comes as a surprise, given that Breton had publicly criticized U.S. politics, particularly the controversial rhetoric of Donald Trump and his allies.
Breton also had a rocky relationship with Elon Musk, frequently warning him about the importance of adhering to European rules, particularly regarding misinformation. His resignation from the EU Commission was reportedly due to a dispute with Ursula von der Leyen.
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⚡️Biden Calls for Constitutional Amendment on Presidential Immunity in Farewell Address
In his farewell speech as U.S. president, Joe Biden urged the nation to consider amending the Constitution to address presidential immunity. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Biden stated:
No president is immune from crimes committed while in office. The president’s power is not unlimited or absolute—and it shouldn’t be.
⚡️ German Army to Down Drones Near Military Bases
Germany has moved to authorize its army to shoot down drones seen near military sites or infrastructure deemed critical. The decision follows multiple reports of drones flying near military bases, including Manching Air Base, and concerns over potential espionage or sabotage.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pointed to the increasing use of drones, especially since Russia's war on Ukraine. Under the new rules, which still require parliamentary approval, drones can be shot down if deemed necessary to protect lives or critical infrastructure.
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⚡️Sweden Moves to Revoke Citizenship for Threats to National Security
Sweden's political parties have reached an agreement to revoke citizenship from dual nationals who commit crimes that threaten national security. The proposal, discussed by a cross-party committee, covers individuals who use bribes or false information to gain citizenship, or those involved in crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
Although the committee stopped short of endorsing the government's plan to revoke citizenship from gang criminals, it sets the stage for a law change next year. The government also plans stricter citizenship rules, including requiring eight years of residence instead of five.
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🕷 Sydney Funnel-Web: One Spider, Three Species
Researchers have reclassified the Sydney funnel-web spider into three distinct species. The original, Atrax robustus, lives in Sydney. Atrax montanus resides in the Blue Mountains, while the newly named Atrax christenseni is found in Newcastle.
This breakthrough, sparked by unusually large specimens, confirms that all three species share a venom profile treatable with the current antivenom. Since 1981, no deaths from funnel-web spider bites have occurred in Australia. However, scientists believe this discovery may lead to more precise antivenom research in the future.
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❗️Ryanair Seeks Alcohol Purchase Limits at EU Airports
Ryanair has called for a limit on alcohol sales at European airports, following an incident where a passenger's drunken behavior caused a flight to be diverted. The airline has filed a lawsuit for over €15,000 in damages, covering additional costs like fuel and passenger accommodation.
Ryanair proposes that passengers should not be allowed to buy more than two drinks before their flight, echoing similar regulations for duty-free items.
The airline argues that stricter alcohol controls would improve passenger behavior and enhance safety for both crews and passengers.
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⚡️ Trump Avoids Conviction Due to 2024 Election Win, Report Shows
Special Counsel Jack Smith concluded that sufficient evidence existed to convict Donald Trump of 2020 election interference, but his re-election in 2024 precluded prosecution.
The DoJ report highlights alleged efforts by Trump to overturn his defeat, including pressuring officials and exploiting the Capitol riot. Trump denied all accusations, calling the report baseless.
The case was dropped after Trump’s election, as constitutional rules bar prosecution of a sitting president.
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⚡️Spain Targets Non-EU Buyers with 100% Property Tax Proposal
Spain is planning to levy a 100% tax on properties purchased by non-EU residents, including buyers from the UK. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the unprecedented measure is necessary to tackle the country’s housing shortage and prevent housing from becoming a speculative asset.
The policy is part of a broader plan to improve housing affordability, which also includes tax incentives for affordable rentals and stricter oversight of short-term tourist properties.
Details on the timeline and implementation of the property tax are still under development.
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⚡️Greenland Seeks Closer Ties with US Amid Trump’s Renewed Interest
Greenland is open to closer collaboration with the US on defence and resource exploration, Prime Minister Mute Egede announced Monday.
As President-elect Trump renews interest in acquiring Greenland, Egede reiterated the territory’s autonomy, stating, “Greenland will decide what agreements to pursue.” Denmark also signaled its willingness to work with Trump on Arctic security.
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Zelensky Suggests Returning Captured North Koreans for POWs
Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed exchanging two North Korean soldiers, captured fighting for Russia, for Ukrainian POWs. The soldiers claimed they were unaware of being sent to war.
Ukraine's Security Service revealed the troops are being questioned with South Korean assistance. Zelensky also noted alternatives for soldiers unwilling to return to North Korea, such as staying in Ukraine to share their accounts of the conflict.
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⚡️ Western Nations Escalate Pressure on Russian Energy
The Biden administration and the UK have introduced sweeping sanctions on Russia's oil industry, targeting hundreds of entities and vessels involved in its energy trade. For the first time, the UK joined in sanctioning major firms like Gazprom Neft.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the sanctions aim to increase risks for Russia’s oil exports, while experts highlighted their potential to weaken Russia's economy without severely disrupting global oil markets.
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⚡️ Military Airstrike in Nigeria Kills 16 Civilians
A Nigerian military airstrike in Zamfara State killed 16 civilians, including vigilantes defending villages from bandits. The military confirmed its operations against bandits in the area but vowed to investigate the civilian casualties.
Amnesty International labeled the attack unlawful and called for an independent inquiry.
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🇳🇬 Nigerian Man Jailed in U.S. for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
A 37-year-old Nigerian, Chukwunonso Obiora, will serve 11 years in a U.S. prison for leading a financial fraud and passport scheme. Judge Indira Talwani also ordered Obiora to forfeit $3.3 million and serve three years of supervised release.
Obiora orchestrated business email compromises (BECs) that defrauded companies of millions and used fake identities to conceal the conspiracy. He was arrested in 2023 while re-entering the U.S. using a passport obtained through fraudulent means.
Investigators linked Obiora to over $6.5 million in illicit transactions, making him a central figure in the operation.
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⚡️ Gaza War Death Toll May Be Higher Than Reported, Study Finds
A UK-led study published in The Lancet suggests that the Palestinian death toll in Gaza may be 41% higher than the figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry. The research estimates that up to 64,260 people may have died from traumatic injuries by June 2024.
The study, which used "capture-recapture" statistical methods, highlights discrepancies in official data and indicates that many victims were women, children, and the elderly.
The UN considers the health ministry's numbers reliable, while Israel disputes them, stating it has targeted only combatants. The lack of independent access to Gaza complicates verification efforts.
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🔥 Thousands Flee as Los Angeles Faces Unprecedented Wildfires
Raging wildfires in Los Angeles have forced thousands to evacuate, destroying homes and livelihoods in their path. The Pacific Palisades fire rapidly spiraled out of control, driven by dry conditions and strong winds, becoming one of the most destructive in the city’s history.
Evacuations were swift, leaving residents little time to salvage belongings. With billions of dollars in damages expected, the fires have left a trail of heartbreak, homelessness, and uncertainty.
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