News from January 8, 2025 at 2 PM

On January 7, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, declined to rule out using the U.S. military to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, citing their importance to U.S. economic security. Trump criticized China's activities in both regions and announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America.' Since winning the November election, Trump has repeatedly discussed annexing territories, particularly the Panama Canal. He also considered using economic pressure, not military force, to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford opposed the idea, while Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede stated that Greenland is not for sale.

Multiple wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area, fueled by strong winds, resulting in destroyed homes, blocked roadways, and tens of thousands of evacuations. On Tuesday evening, a fire broke out near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of Los Angeles, spreading rapidly and forcing the evacuation of a senior living center. Another blaze ripped through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for celebrity residences. A third fire in Sylmar, a northern Los Angeles community, prompted evacuations. Santa Ana winds reached 60 to 70 mph, hindering firefighting efforts. The Los Angeles Fire Department called for off-duty firefighters to assist. Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed over 1,400 personnel, while President Joe Biden canceled plans to monitor the situation. By Wednesday morning, over 130,000 residents were affected, and more than 2 million were without power. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

At least 19 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed in Israeli air strikes in southern Gaza overnight. A mother and her four children died when a tent camp in al-Mawasi was hit, and another family perished in the nearby city of Khan Younis. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hamas fighters involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Deadly strikes were also reported in central and northern Gaza, with a total of 51 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. In Gaza City, at least six bodies, including a baby, were recovered from two houses. Three people were killed in Deir al-Balah, and an infant died in the Bureij refugee camp. Gaza's health ministry urgently appealed for fuel to keep hospital generators running, warning of imminent failure. Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks in Qatar showed progress, with US President-elect Donald Trump's envoy, Stephen Witkoff, set to join negotiations. Trump reiterated his threat of severe consequences if Hamas does not release 100 hostages before his January 20 inauguration. Over 45,930 people have been killed in Gaza since the October 7 attack.

A strong earthquake struck a high-altitude region of western China and parts of Nepal on Tuesday, killing at least 95 people in Tibet and damaging hundreds of houses. Many were trapped as dozens of aftershocks hit the remote area. Rescue workers searched for survivors in heavily damaged villages. CCTV reported at least 130 injuries in the earthquake-hit area in Tibet. Over 1,000 homes were damaged. Northeastern Nepal felt the quake strongly, but no initial injuries were reported. The epicenter was in Tibet's Tingri county, a seismically active area. Xi Jinping called for all-out rescue efforts, and over 3,000 rescuers were deployed. The government allocated 100 million yuan for disaster relief.

After aiding Donald Trump's re-election campaign, Elon Musk has turned his focus to Europe, endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), demanding the release of UK anti-Islam extremist Tommy Robinson, and calling British Prime Minister Keir Starmer an 'evil tyrant.' Musk's social network X is rife with abusive language and retweets from far-right and anti-immigrant accounts. Experts say he is using the platform to propagate his political views. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern over Musk's involvement, emphasizing that Germany's future will be decided by its voters. French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis also voiced concerns about Musk's actions. Musk has accused Starmer of failing to prosecute child sexual abuse cases during his tenure as a prosecutor. The EU is investigating whether Musk's live chat with AfD leader Alice Weidel gives undue preference to the party during an election period. Musk's outspokenness has raised concerns among Tesla investors, with the company's European sales declining.

Ukraine's military announced on Wednesday that they conducted an overnight strike on the 'Kristal' oil depot in the Russian city of Engels, which supplies fuel to the 'Engels-2' military airfield where Russia's strategic bomber fleet is based. The attack resulted in multiple explosions and a significant fire at the depot. The Ukrainian military stated that the strike causes serious logistical issues for the strategic aviation of the Russian occupiers and significantly reduces their ability to target peaceful Ukrainian cities and civilian objects. Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksandr Kamyshin noted that the military utilized Ukrainian-made long-range capabilities in the attack. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian local authorities reported that a Ukrainian drone attack caused a major fire at an industrial site in the Saratov region.

On January 6, the arrest warrant for South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol expired. The Public Prosecutor's Office decided to transfer the arrest task to the Police Agency, but the police found legal issues with the document, effectively refusing to execute it. Large crowds protested near the presidential residence, questioning the office's capability. The Constitutional Court accelerated preparations for Yoon's impeachment trial. Yoon's camp remained defiant, with the presidential guard enhancing security. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken visited South Korea, reaffirming security commitments.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, arrested in Iran on December 19, has been released and is returning to Rome. Her arrest followed the detention of an Iranian engineer in Milan by Italian authorities on suspicion of supplying drone technology linked to US soldiers' deaths. Held in Tehran's Evin prison, Sala's release was announced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who thanked those involved in her return. Sala's partner, Daniele Raineri, said she was emotional and overjoyed. Iran initially cited a violation of its laws for her detention, but US officials suggested it was linked to the arrest of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini in Milan on December 16. Abedini is set to appear in court on January 15. Italy's foreign intelligence chief, Giovanni Caravelli, personally escorted Sala back to Italy.

French far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 96. Le Pen founded the National Front in 1972 and ran for president multiple times, notably reaching the second round in 2002, sparking nationwide protests. His daughter, Marine Le Pen, took over as party leader in 2011 and expelled him in 2015. His political career was marked by controversy and multiple convictions for extremist remarks. He was a seminal figure in French far-right politics, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's political landscape.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen's office announced on Wednesday that Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg will take over as interim chancellor from Karl Nehammer, who resigned following the collapse of centrist coalition talks last weekend. On Monday, Van der Bellen tasked the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which secured roughly 29% of the vote in September's parliamentary election, with forming a coalition government after failed three- and two-party talks. The current conservative-led government is operating in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. Schallenberg, who previously served as chancellor for two months in 2021, will assume the role on Friday at 11 a.m. (1000 GMT). FPO leader Herbert Kickl confirmed on Tuesday evening that he had invited Christian Stocker, the interim leader of the conservative People's Party (OVP), to coalition talks. Stocker is scheduled to make a statement to the media at 2 p.m.

Nearly 44 years after leaving office, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter returned to Washington for a three-day state funeral starting Tuesday. His remains, previously lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, were flown to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland accompanied by his family. A motorcade then transported the casket to the Capitol, where members of Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris, cabinet members, and three Supreme Court justices paid their respects. Harris and others delivered eulogies highlighting Carter's faith, military service, and dedication to public service. Carter's body will lie in state at the Capitol on Tuesday night and Wednesday, with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, where President Joe Biden will speak. The ceremonies included military honors and patriotic hymns, reflecting Carter's life and legacy.

Las Vegas police said Tuesday that a decorated soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, who exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel, used generative AI including ChatGPT to plan the attack. The 37-year-old Livelsberger fatally shot himself, and officials said he did not intend to harm others. Investigations revealed he searched for information on explosive targets via ChatGPT. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department called the use of AI a “game-changer.” The vehicle contained 60 pounds of pyrotechnic material and 70 pounds of birdshot, but the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear. Livelsberger had considered targeting the Grand Canyon's glass skywalk in Arizona but changed his plans. The explosion injured seven people lightly and caused minimal damage to the Trump International Hotel. His notes mentioned political and societal grievances, calling the explosion a “wake-up call” for the nation's troubles.

Recently, scenes of crowded hospitals in Beijing with masked individuals have raised concerns about another pandemic. Beijing has confirmed a significant increase in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV), particularly among children. Public health experts note that HMPV has been present for decades, with nearly every child being infected by age five. However, it can cause severe illness in very young children and those with weakened immune systems. HMPV spreads through direct contact and presents symptoms similar to the flu. Many northern hemisphere countries, including China, have seen a rise in HMPV cases, attributed to seasonal fluctuations. Experts reassure that HMPV is not likely to cause a pandemic like Covid-19, but advise standard precautions such as mask-wearing and hand hygiene.

On January 8, 2025, Ann Altman, the sister of ChatGPT creator Sam Altman, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, alleging that Sam Altman sexually abused her between 1997 and 2006. The lawsuit claims the abuse began when she was three and Sam Altman was 12. Sam Altman, who is the CEO of OpenAI, denied the allegations in a joint statement with his mother and two brothers, stating that all claims are untrue and highlighting the difficulty of caring for a family member with mental health issues. Ann Altman alleges that her brother groomed and manipulated her, causing severe physical injuries and emotional distress, resulting in significant medical expenses. Sam Altman noted that he provides monthly financial support to his sister but emphasized the immense pain this situation causes to their family. The lawsuit states that the last instance of alleged abuse occurred when Sam Altman was an adult and Ann Altman was still a minor. Ann Altman has previously made similar allegations on social media platforms.

The Nigerian military announced on Wednesday that its troops had killed 34 Islamist militants in a gun battle in northeastern Borno state, with six soldiers also losing their lives. The clash occurred on Saturday in Sabon Gari village when militants ambushed troops returning to a military base, according to military spokesman Major-General Edward Buba. The militants, belonging to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), were riding motorcycles and trucks mounted with guns. The troops, supported by the Civilian Joint Taskforce militia and vigilante groups, successfully repelled the attack. Nigeria has been battling a 16-year-long Islamist insurgency in its northeast, primarily driven by Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, leading to significant human and economic losses, including mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Buba stated that six soldiers were killed in the operation, and a vigilante commander was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). The Nigerian Air Force also conducted airstrikes on the fleeing insurgents, resulting in additional casualties beyond the 34 killed in the gun battle.

A 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a double-decker bus in Woolwich, south-east London. The incident occurred around 14:30 GMT on the 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street. Despite the rapid response from the London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance, the teenager died at the scene. No arrests have been made, and a police cordon and road closures remain in place. This is the second fatal stabbing of a teenager in Woolwich in three months. Last year, 11 teenage boys were killed in London, the lowest number since 2012, but many are calling for more action. Local MP Matthew Pennycook and the CEO of Project Lifeline expressed grief and urged for solutions. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan vowed to work closely with police and increase patrols in the area.

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a $20 billion foreign investment to build new data centers across the United States. Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, a Trump associate and founder of DAMAC Properties, pledged at least that amount, with Trump suggesting the investment could double or more. The first phase of the plan will be implemented in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. Sajwani attributed his commitment to Trump's election victory. This follows Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son's announcement of a $100 billion investment in the U.S. to create 100,000 jobs over Trump's term. Trump, set to take office on January 20, has been offering incentives like expedited permits to attract foreign investments of $1 billion or more.

The U.S. Congress officially certified Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election on Monday. Harris, who accepted her defeat the day after the November 5 election, presided over the joint session of Congress and announced the final Electoral College tally: 312 votes for Trump and 226 for Harris. The 30-minute certification ceremony was solemn and orderly. However, the echoes of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot persist, with Democrats and Republicans disputing its historical interpretation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the riot and warned against 'election denialism.' Harris did not challenge the election outcome or spread false conspiracy theories. The Capitol was under heavy security, designated a 'National Special Security Event' by the Homeland Security Department. The Justice Department has charged over 1,580 riot participants, with about 1,270 convictions. Trump, impeached for inciting the riot, has vowed to pardon its participants.

On January 8th local time, Poland's Consulate General in St. Petersburg officially closed. The Polish and EU flags were lowered, and the sign at the entrance of the consulate building was removed. In early December last year, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that in response to the Polish government's closure of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan and the expulsion of Russian diplomats, Russia decided to close the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg from January 10, 2025. This incident reflects the tense diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Polish government has not yet made an official response. The closure of the consulate will affect related consular services.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued six major landlords on Tuesday for alleged anticompetitive practices in housing rental markets, expanding its first case alleging algorithmic collusion. In August, the DOJ and a coalition of states sued in North Carolina, accusing property management software company RealPage of enabling landlords to collude by sharing pricing information through its software, which then recommends rent prices. RealPage has denied the allegations and is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit. The amended lawsuit also accuses Cushman & Wakefield, Greystar Real Estate Partners, Blackstone's LivCor, Camden Property Trust, Cushman's Pinnacle Property Management Services, and Willow Bridge Property Co. of using RealPage to unlawfully share non-public rental pricing information. The landlords also shared pricing strategies with competitors via calls and user groups hosted by RealPage, according to the DOJ. A spokesperson for Cushman stated that Pinnacle is solely a property manager and does not own properties or set pricing. Greystar denied engaging in anti-competitive practices and vowed to defend against the claims. Cortland Management has agreed to settle the claims. The lawsuit alleges that the coordination likely harmed renters in local housing markets in Illinois, Massachusetts, and several other states.