The ACTUAL NEWS: Friday, January 24th 2025 Recap
Today in History; Biden to Speak at CGI in September; Trump Visits NC and CA, Joins an Anti-Abortion Pact; and Other National and Global News
TODAY IN HISTORY
41 CE Roman Emperor Caligula was murdered at the Palatine Games by Cassius Chaerea (a tribune of the Praetorian Guard), Cornelius Sabinus, and others.
1556 An earthquake in Shensi (Shaanxi) province, China, killed 830,000 people.
1848 Carpenter James Wilson Marshall discovered nuggets of gold in California's American River near the site of a sawmill he was building for John Sutter, triggering the California Gold Rush.
1908 The first Boy Scout troop was organized by Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell in England.
1984 Steve Jobs introduced Apple's revolutionary computer, the Macintosh, two days after the groundbreaking commercial "1984" aired before a national TV audience, heralding the product's impending release.
1993 American lawyer and civil rights activist Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court (1967–1991), died at age 84.
2003 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was established as Tom Ridge was sworn in as the agency's first secretary.
2004 The six-wheeled robotic rover Opportunity, launched in mid-2003, landed on Mars this day in 2004. Like its twin rover, Spirit, which had landed on January 3, Opportunity analyzed rocks and soils and relayed pictures back to Earth.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Consumer Sentiment Weakens in January: U.S. consumer sentiment declined in January for the first time in six months, driven by concerns over the labor market and the potential for higher prices if President Donald Trump's administration moves forward with planned tariffs on imports.
Oath Keepers Leaders Barred from Entering Washington: A federal judge has barred Stewart Rhodes, former leader of the far-right Oath Keepers group, and others in its leadership from entering Washington, D.C., and specifically the U.S. Capitol, unless they receive court permission, following their release from prison after President Trump's order.
Charges Dropped Against Texas Doctor Whistleblower: U.S. prosecutors dropped charges against a Texas doctor and self-proclaimed whistleblower on transgender care for minors, who had been accused of illegally accessing patient records at Texas Children's Hospital.
Trump Pushes for Voter ID and Water Policy Changes in California: President Donald Trump, during a visit to North Carolina, expressed his desire to secure voter ID laws and changes to water policy in California, particularly in the aftermath of massive wildfires. Trump also repeated a false claim about California's refusal to release water to fight the fires.
Trump to Overhaul FEMA: President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order to begin the process of significantly reforming or eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Menthol Cigarette Ban Withdrawn: The Trump administration has withdrawn a proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, a setback for health regulators and advocacy groups that had pushed for the ban to combat youth smoking and addiction.
FDA Pulls Diversity Guidelines: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed draft guidance from its website that required companies to test medicines and devices in diverse populations. This is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal health agencies.
Target Ends DEI Program: Retailer Target announced it will discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program in 2024, following increasing pressure from conservative groups against such policies.
Immigration Enforcement Ramp-Up: The Trump administration is moving forward with efforts to increase immigration enforcement, including targeting migrants who entered through Biden-era programs and enabling state and local law enforcement to arrest and detain immigrants illegally in the U.S.
Military C-17 Flights Begin Migrant Deportations: U.S. military C-17 aircraft began flying detained migrants out of the country as part of President Trump's directive, with additional troops from the 82nd Airborne division being deployed to the southern border.
Iowa's Immigration Law Blocked: A U.S. appeals court blocked Iowa’s law, which allowed for the arrest and prosecution of people in the country illegally, ruling that it interfered with federal immigration enforcement..
U.S. Senate voted to confirm Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense, 51-50, with VP Vance casting his first tie breaking vote. Trump's comment: “I just heard that we won. Winning is what matters, right?”
NOTE: Lloyd Austin was confirmed 93–2; Mark Esper was confirmed 90–8; James Mattis was confirmed 98–1; Ashton Carter was confirmed 93–5; Leon Panetta was confirmed 100–0; Robert Gates was confirmed 95–2.
Air Force Moves to Close DEI Offices: The U.S. Air Force has begun the process of shutting down its diversity and inclusion offices, in line with President Trump's executive order on the matter, although the process is still ongoing.
Federal Agencies End Telework: The Office of Personnel Management directed federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, to end telework and remote work within 30 days, following President Trump’s executive order. About 8% of Defense Department civilian employees worked remotely in 2024.
Fauci Stripped of Security Protection: Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top health official during the pandemic, has been stripped of government-funded security protection after receiving numerous death threats during the coronavirus crisis.
SpaceX Lawsuit on Immigration Employment Paused: A federal judge granted the U.S. Department of Justice’s request to pause a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, challenging the agency's power to pursue claims regarding the company’s refusal to hire certain immigrants.
U.S. Education Department Dismisses Complaints on Book Bans: The Trump administration's U.S. Education Department announced on Friday that it had dismissed 11 complaints related to book bans by local school districts. These complaints had been filed during the Biden administration, signaling a move away from the ongoing debate over censorship in schools.
GLOBAL
Geneva Consensus Coalition: President Donald Trump has rejoined the international anti-abortion pact, the Geneva Consensus Declaration, alongside countries like Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and Belarus. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed the U.S. Mission to the United Nations to notify other countries of the U.S.'s decision to re-enter the agreement.
UN Human Rights Official Defends Diversity: The United Nations' top human rights official stated that diversity should be cherished, responding to President Donald Trump’s campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Trump Administration Renames Geographical Features: The Trump administration officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Mount Denali in Alaska back to Mount McKinley. However, this will seemingly be recognized on the national level only as Mexico has expressed that the Gulf of Mexico name is internationally recognized and should not be changed.
Rubio Urges Vietnam to Address Trade Imbalances: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, urging Vietnam to tackle trade imbalances and discussing shared concerns about China.
Russian Fears of U.S. Space First Strike: A new study commissioned by the U.S. Space Force highlights Russia’s heightened fears of a potential U.S. first strike in space and its increasing risk tolerance, presenting challenges for U.S. efforts to maintain peace in space.
Cyprus to Upgrade Air Base for Humanitarian Use: U.S. Air Force experts are exploring ways to upgrade Cyprus’ air base as a humanitarian staging post for future operations in the Middle East. Cyprus has previously served as a transit point for repatriating foreign nationals and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Trump Seeks Engagement with North Korea's Kim: In a broadcast interview, President Donald Trump stated his intention to re-engage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after establishing a working relationship during his first term.
Trump Optimistic About Trade Deal with China: Trump reported a friendly conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing confidence in reaching a trade deal with China.
China Calls for Constructive U.S.-China Relations: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to play a constructive role in U.S.-China relations, emphasizing that the direction of the relationship had been set by their leaders.
Hamas Recruitment Surge: According to U.S. intelligence sources, Hamas has recruited 10,000 to 15,000 new fighters since the start of its conflict with Israel, signaling that Iran-backed Hamas could remain a significant threat.
U.S. Missiles Deployed to Philippines Amid Regional Tensions: The deployment of U.S. Typhon missile launchers to the Philippines is designed to enhance Philippine military readiness and regional security. The Chinese government has strongly criticized the move, accusing the Philippines of escalating tensions.
Ukraine Suffers Half of Russia’s Irreplaceable Losses: Experts estimate that Ukraine has incurred about half of Russia’s irreplaceable losses (deaths and injuries) in the ongoing war.
Iranian Ships Carry Propellant for Missiles to China: Two Iranian ships docked in China, carrying a key ingredient for ballistic missile propellant, highlighting the difficulties the Trump administration faces in limiting China’s cooperation with Iran.
Thailand, European Countries Finalize Trade Deal: Thailand has reached an agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland to reduce tariffs on industrial and seafood products and speed up trade procedures, after nearly two decades of negotiations.
China Sets Investment Thresholds for Insurers: For the first time, the Chinese government set minimum investment thresholds for state-owned insurers and mutual funds in the stock market to boost the economy, though the measure did not immediately stir strong reactions in the stock market.
Indonesian and Indian Leaders Discuss Supersonic Missiles: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are discussing India’s potential sale of supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia, alongside talks on energy and economic cooperation.
Syria Freezes Accounts Linked to Assad: Syria’s central bank has ordered private banks to freeze accounts linked to the former government of Bashar al-Assad. Additionally, the Syrian government announced plans to privatize several state-owned companies as part of its economic overhaul.
UN Warns Israeli Laws May Impact Gaza Ceasefire: The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees warned that recent Israeli laws restricting its activities could undermine the Gaza ceasefire, which depends on aid entering the territory. Legal action has been filed to reverse the laws.
Solar Energy Surpasses Coal in EU: Solar energy became the EU’s leading source of power generation in 2024, surpassing coal. This milestone is attributed to the European Green Deal and rising gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Putin Open to Talks with Trump: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss issues like the Ukraine war and energy prices. He suggested that "if the election hadn’t been "stolen" from Trump, there would be no conflict in Ukraine".
U.S. Lawmakers Push to Block UAE Arms Sales: Two U.S. lawmakers are continuing their efforts to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing the country of supplying weapons to Sudanese paramilitary forces amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
PHOTO(S) OF THE DAY
Today, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) announced its next Annual Meeting, set to take place on September 24-25, 2025, in New York City. Among the prominent speakers, dignitaries, politicians, diplomats, business moguls, philanthropists and even His Holiness Pope Francis, they have listed one distinguished guest: President Joe Biden.
This picture was taken at CGI 2024, which I had the honor of covering. During the event, President Biden made a surprise appearance and was presented with a lifetime achievement award by the Clinton family and the organization.
Speaking of CGI, President Clinton attached the following letter to today's announcement:
To the CGI community:
When we launched the Clinton Global Initiative in 2005, it was the first time leaders from a broad cross section of society came together to make specific commitments to address the challenges we face. Not to talk, but to do something about them. I had no idea if it would work, but it turned out there was a hunger to work together.
After 20 years, the CGI model has changed the way the world looks at philanthropy and social good. And most importantly, the projects and programs launched at CGI have made a positive impact in the lives of more than 500 million people around the world. It never could have happened without you and the spirit of cooperation, innovation, and determination you’ve brought to this work — whether you’ve been to every Annual Meeting or you just joined us last year. Hillary, Chelsea, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
But we all know our work is far from finished — and is in fact more urgent than ever. That’s why we’ll be coming together again as a community for the CGI 2025 Annual Meeting on September 24 and 25 in New York City. As always, CGI will be a forum where leaders from business, government, and civil society can forge innovative, effective partnerships for climate resilience, health equity, women and girls’ equality, humanitarian response, economic inclusion and more.
This year will be a time to celebrate the progress and impact we’ve made together. But the focus at the Annual Meeting won’t be the last 20 years—it’ll be on the needs of today and your ideas for tomorrow. We hope you’ll join us to build on all that we’ve achieved together.
With gratitude,
Bill Clinton
VIDEO QUICK NEWS
Jeffries comments on the main takeaways from the election and the importance of DEI
Trump: “Schiff looks like he got hit by a baseball bat.”
NOTE: Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said Friday that President Trump invited him and California’s other Democratic senator, Alex Padilla, on a visit to California amid the wildfires ravaging in Los Angeles — an offer Schiff said he turned down only because the Senate is voting on high-profile Trump nominees.
Trump in NC: “You will always have problems, and the state - if it's Florida, a hurricane, let Florida take care of it. They don't need FEMA to come in.”
Newsom greets Trump upon his arrival in CA
Trump in CA: "I'm signing an executive order to open the pumps and valves in the north to get the water pouring down here as quickly as possible and let hundreds of millions of gallons of water flow down into Southern California."
Johnson: “I was the product of an unplanned teen pregnancy. And I am so eternally grateful that my mom and dad ignored all the people who told them to just take care of that problem.”
President of Poland Duda: “I don't want to beg Putin to sit down at the negotiating table, I want him to beg Ukraine and its allies to do so.”
President Trump's Press Briefing in Asheville, NC
Please find the direct quotes shared in today's pool report (tap to enlarge the images, then swipe left)
Trump Administration Expands Deportation Efforts, Targets Migrants in "Parole" Programs
The Trump administration has issued a memo empowering federal immigration officers to consider stripping temporary legal status from migrants who entered the U.S. under former President Biden's "parole" programs, in a bid to accelerate deportations. The new guidance focuses on migrants who failed to request asylum within one year of arrival, using a fast-track deportation process known as "expedited removal." Initially limited to those apprehended within 14 days of entering and within 100 miles of the border, the process has now been expanded nationwide to include all individuals who entered within the past two years.
These measures are part of a broader effort by President Trump to curb illegal immigration and facilitate the deportation of millions without legal status. Critics, including some Democrats and immigrant advocacy groups, argue that the aggressive enforcement could unfairly target non-criminal migrants, disrupt businesses, and separate families. In response, immigrant rights group Make the Road New York filed a lawsuit seeking to block the expanded deportation process.
Trump Administration Freezes Environmental Litigation and Reassigns Key DOJ Officials
The Trump administration has paused all ongoing environmental litigation and reassigned four senior Justice Department attorneys responsible for environmental issues. These officials, who are career employees rather than political appointees, were moved from key sections overseeing air and water pollution, environmental enforcement, and public safety, as the new Republican administration implements changes within the federal workforce. The reassigned attorneys were given 15 days to accept new roles in a newly created Sanctuary City Working Group or face potential consequences.
Additionally, four Justice Department employees focused on environmental justice, including Cynthia Ferguson and Lana Pettus, were placed on paid administrative leave. The administration has also ordered a halt to all environmental regulations and is targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion offices within the federal government, including those related to environmental justice. These actions mirror similar moves to freeze litigation in the Civil Rights Division concerning police reform settlements.
Trump Administration Seeks to Halt Legal Challenge to California's Emissions Standards
The Trump administration has requested that the U.S. Supreme Court delay hearings in a case challenging California's vehicle emissions standards, which were reinstated by the Biden administration in 2022. This decision allowed California to set stricter vehicle emission limits and a zero-emission vehicle mandate, reversing a 2019 decision under Trump's first term. The case involves fuel producers like Valero, who argue that the EPA exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act. In response, the Biden administration's EPA is reassessing the 2022 decision, which could affect whether the Supreme Court needs to intervene. The Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, has previously limited the power of federal agencies like the EPA. Trump's administration also aims to repeal the waiver allowing California to phase out gasoline-only vehicles by 2035.
2025 National March for Life in D.C.
The 2025 National March for Life drew thousands of anti-abortion activists to Washington, D.C., marking its third iteration since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The rally, which began at the Washington Monument, featured speeches from key figures including Vice President JD Vance, President Trump (via a pre-recorded message), House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who celebrated the defeat of an abortion rights amendment in Florida.
Organizers, such as March for Life president-elect Jennie Bradley Lichter, emphasized the movement’s growth, with plans to expand to 17 state capitals in 2025. The theme of this year's event, "Life: Why We March," highlighted the importance of both protecting the unborn and providing resources to support mothers. Attendees, like first-time marcher Erin Kelty, expressed a desire for more support for women facing pregnancies, emphasizing the need for resources over just abortion access.
Many participants expressed excitement over having pro-life Republicans in the White House. The march ended at the Supreme Court, where a counter-protest by abortion rights activists from Repro-Action was held.
Meanwhile, President Trump signed an executive order today to enforce the Hyde Amendment, a legal provision that prevents the use of federal funds to pay for an abortion, except in cases where a woman's life is in danger or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
FTC Chair Ferguson Gains Authority to Remove DEI Policies Amid Tensions with Democrats
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson has been granted broad authority to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at the agency, after Democrats on the commission largely abstained from opposing his request. Ferguson, who criticized left-leaning content moderation by social media companies, sought to strip all DEI references from FTC documents following President Donald Trump's executive order banning such programs within the federal government.
The vote marked a sharp divide within the five-member commission, with Democratic Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya casting the sole dissenting vote, accusing Ferguson of prioritizing DEI over other issues like the cost of living. Ferguson and conservatives argue that the president should have the power to remove officials who do not align with his agenda. Democratic commissioners Lina Khan and Rebecca Slaughter, while not participating in the vote, expressed support for the mandate, with Slaughter emphasizing the agency’s duty to uphold the law rather than individual ideologies.
Trump’s Tense Call with Danish Prime Minister Over Greenland
Donald Trump reportedly had a tense, 45-minute phone call with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, where he insisted on his desire to take control of Greenland. Frederiksen made it clear that Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark, was not for sale, though she acknowledged the U.S.'s strategic interests in the island. According to several senior European officials, Trump’s tone was aggressive and confrontational, especially after Frederiksen offered alternative cooperation on military bases and mineral exploitation. The conversation was described as a “cold shower” and left some officials concerned that Trump’s intentions were serious and potentially dangerous.
Trump Administration Freezes Foreign Aid, Waives Military Funding for Israel and Egypt
President Donald Trump's administration has enacted a 90-day pause on foreign aid, affecting both new and existing assistance, as outlined in a State Department memo. The halt aims to "assess the efficiency and alignment of U.S. foreign aid with the administration's policies". While the scope of potential cuts remains unclear, Trump’s order stops new foreign assistance obligations, and existing programs are temporarily suspended pending a review by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Waivers have already been issued for military financing to Israel and Egypt, as well as for emergency food assistance, including aid to Gaza amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Holds Key Diplomatic Conversations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a series of conversations today with foreign leaders, underscoring the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening international relations and addressing shared global challenges.
Lithuania: Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys discussed the strong U.S.-Lithuania relationship, emphasizing the need for increased defense spending and greater cooperation in defense and energy. They also congratulated Lithuania on its desynchronization from the Russian-controlled BRELL energy grid.
Latvia: Rubio and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze highlighted the importance of U.S.-Latvia relations for regional security. They also discussed defense spending and Latvia’s upcoming connection to the European electricity grid, which is vital for European energy security.
New Zealand: Rubio and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters focused on enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting the Pacific Islands, and aligning with like-minded partners to address regional challenges.
Yemen: Rubio and Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak discussed efforts to stop Houthi attacks and eliminate their capabilities. They emphasized the need for regional maritime security and condemned the unlawful detentions of diplomatic and UN staff by the Houthis. Rubio also highlighted the U.S. re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Denmark: Rubio and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Denmark relationship and discussed deepening cooperation on defense, security, economic trade, and efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
ICC Prepares for U.S. Sanctions as Lawmakers Push for Financial Restrictions
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is taking precautions against potential U.S. sanctions by paying staff three months' worth of salaries in advance, as it braces for financial restrictions that could cripple its operations. This follows recent U.S. House of Representatives legislation aimed at punishing the ICC for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials over the Gaza conflict. The bill proposes sanctions on anyone involved in prosecuting U.S. citizens or those from allied nations, including Israel, if they are subject to ICC investigations.
The ICC, which could face severe financial disruption if banks comply with sanctions, has also backed up evidence in case U.S. companies like Microsoft are forced to stop working with the court. This is not the first time the U.S. has retaliated; during Trump's first term, the U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials investigating alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The sanctions, if enacted, could significantly hinder the court’s ability to carry out its mandate of prosecuting war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants for Taliban Leaders Over Gender-Based Persecution
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for the Taliban’s top leader and judicial official, accusing them of crimes against humanity related to gender-based persecution in Afghanistan. The probe found the Taliban responsible for targeting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and their allies since taking power in August 2021. Women's rights activists praised the move, as the Taliban has issued over 80 directives restricting women's freedoms. The Taliban rejected the charges as politically motivated, and a three-judge ICC panel will decide on the warrants, marking the court's first action in Afghanistan since 2007.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Calls Early Election Amid Tariff Threats from Trump
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans for an early provincial election, citing the need for a strong mandate to combat U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. Ford will meet with Ontario's lieutenant governor on Tuesday to dissolve the government, with the election scheduled for February 27. Originally slated for June 2026, the election will be held earlier due to the economic risks posed by the proposed 25% tariff, which could severely impact Ontario's manufacturing sector. Ford, who has been actively lobbying against the tariff and has even suggested retaliatory measures, is seeking a third consecutive majority mandate for his Progressive Conservative party. While Trump had initially refrained from imposing tariffs, he indicated he might move forward with the duties starting February 1, citing concerns over immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
CNN Cuts Staff and Reshuffles TV Lineup: CNN is laying off 6% of its staff, around 200 employees, as part of a major shift toward digital growth. CEO Mark Thompson revealed plans to launch a new streaming service and create new job opportunities with backing from parent company Warner Bros. Discovery. Alongside these changes, anchors Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer will move to new time slots as the network responds to the ongoing industry trend of declining TV viewership and revenues.
NYC Bill for Paid Sick Leave to Care for Pets: New York City’s council is considering a bill that would allow residents to take paid sick leave to care for their pets and service animals. Council member Shaun Abreu, who sponsored the bill, said the change would promote health for both pets and their human owners.
DID YOU KNOW?
In North Korea, citizens are legally required to worship portraits of the country's leaders, including Kim Jong Un, and take extreme care to maintain them. Special brushes are used to clean the portraits regularly, and any desecration or damage to these images can result in severe punishment.
In 2020, a mother found herself threatened with imprisonment after saving her two children from a house fire but allowing the portraits of North Korea’s leaders to burn in the process. Her decision to prioritize her children’s safety over the sacred portraits has sparked outrage, as such actions are considered a serious violation of the law.
That’s it from me for now. Thank you so much for reading. Have a peaceful weekend.
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