The ACTUAL NEWS: Monday, January 27th 2025 Recap
Today in History; Holocaust Remembrance Day, Trump's Moves Shaking Up the World, and Other National and Global News
TODAY IN HISTORY
1832 Mathematician and novelist Lewis Carroll, especially remembered for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass (1871), was born in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
1880 American inventor Thomas Edison patented the incandescent lamp.
1944 The Soviet Red Army ousted German and Finnish forces from Leningrad (St. Petersburg), concluding an 872-day siege.
1945 The Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, was liberated by Soviet troops.
1967 During a simulation of a launch, U.S. astronauts Virgil I. Grissom, Edward H. White, and Roger B. Chaffee perished in a fire aboard Apollo 1.
1973 The Paris Accord ending the Vietnam War, America's longest war to that time, was signed on this day, providing for an exchange of prisoners and the unilateral withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam.
1996 Colonel Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara led a successful military coup in Niger against the democratically elected government of President Mahamane Ousmane.
2011 The Yemen Uprising began as thousands of protesters—inspired by demonstrations in Tunisia and Egypt—rallied in Sanaa, Yemen, to demand the resignation of Ali Abdullah Saleh and to call for political and economic reform.
2018 Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad—who founded the home furnishings retailer IKEA, which was the world's largest seller of furniture in the early 21st century—died at age 91.
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Statement by the members of the European Council on the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day
“Never again is NOW.”
As we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we mark the 80th year since the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. We remember the unprecedented horrors of the Holocaust.
Six million Jews and millions of others were murdered, 1.1 million in Auschwitz alone.
Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented increase in antisemitism on our continent, not seen since the Second World War. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the alarming rise in violent antisemitic incidents, Holocaust denial and distortion, as well as conspiracy theories and prejudice against Jews.
More than ever, it is crucial that we uphold our responsibility to honour the victims of the Holocaust.
We are determined to combat antisemitism and to protect and foster Jewish life in Europe. We denounce all forms of discrimination, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, and will take decisive action to address these threats to democratic societies.
Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the freedoms of expression and religion or belief, as well as the rights of persons belonging to minorities, must and will guide our actions at all times, in line with the values upon which our European Union is founded, and which are common to us all.
Never again is now.
As world leaders gathered in Poland to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, President Trump, remaining in Mar-a-Lago, sent a delegation led by Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce, including members like Charles Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to France nominee, to represent the United States.
Here is the full State Delegations Confirmed List
You can find more information about Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary on the official website of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Diversity, Military, and Vaccine Mandates: On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the military and reinstating military members discharged due to vaccine mandates, according to the White House.
USAID and Foreign Aid: The Trump administration has placed approximately 60 senior officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on leave after instituting a freeze on U.S. foreign aid.
Justice Department Firings: Trump's administration also fired over a dozen Justice Department lawyers who had pursued criminal cases against him, signaling his growing influence over the department.
Legal Developments: A federal judge lifted travel restrictions on Stewart Rhodes, leader of the far-right Oath Keepers, following his conviction for the January 6 Capitol riot.
FEMA and National Security: Trump signed an executive order establishing a review council for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just days after he proposed potentially shuttering the agency. The acting head of FEMA reassured staff about the agency’s crucial role in disaster response.
Immigration and Law Enforcement: Dr. Phil participated in an ICE operation in Chicago, supporting Trump’s immigration policies, while the administration began immigration raids in the city without notifying local officials in advance.
Bipartisan Politics and Security Concerns: Two Republican senators urged Trump to reconsider stripping personal security from former administration officials, some of whom have been targeted by foreign plots. Senator Lindsey Graham criticized Trump’s recent pardon of Capitol riot supporters.
Economic and Tax Policy: The Trump administration is facing challenges in funding its proposed sweeping tax cuts for the wealthy, with hardline conservatives pushing for deficit reductions. The U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Bessent as Trump’s Treasury Secretary to oversee tax policy and economic relations.
Department of Health and Human Services: RFK Jr., Trump's nominee for Health and Human Services, faces confirmation hearings where vaccine-related controversies and food regulation will likely be discussed.
Defense and AI Developments: The Pentagon is working on strategies to counter the growing threat of drones in future warfare, with AI playing a central role. Meanwhile, Boeing is expected to report a $1.7 billion loss in defense programs, marking a difficult year for the company.
U.S. Monetary Policy and Economy: The Federal Reserve is set to conclude its policy meeting this week, with expectations that interest rates will remain steady. Trump has publicly called for interest rate cuts, which will likely be addressed during Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference.
Technology and Global Markets: Trump remarked on Chinese startup DeepSeek’s AI technology, suggesting it should challenge American companies. Meanwhile, Wall Street is concerned about the potential impact of low-cost Chinese AI models on the global market, while U.S. oil and gas companies focus on shareholder returns in 2025 despite Trump’s "drill, baby, drill" rhetoric.
Resignations and Reassignments: Corey Amundson, a senior official at the U.S. Justice Department, resigned following Trump's re-assignment efforts related to immigration enforcement.
GLOBAL
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called for the United States to consider additional exemptions to a 90-day pause on its foreign assistance: On Monday, Guterres urged the U.S. to ensure continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities.
Mexico has been receiving non-Mexican deportees from the United States over the past week: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday that Central American nations could also reach agreements with the U.S. to accept deportees from other countries.
Trump's foreign aid pause has led to a suspension of flights for more than 40,000 Afghans: A leading advocate and a U.S. official said on Saturday that these Afghans, approved for special U.S. visas, are at risk of Taliban retribution.
Elon Musk made a surprise appearance at a Germany's AfD election campaign event in Halle on Saturday: Musk publicly supported the far-right party for the second time in as many weeks.
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, leading in the race to become Germany's next chancellor, pledged to bring a law on restoring border controls before parliament this week: Merz said he would move forward with the law, even if it required far-right support.
Denmark announced plans to spend 14.6 billion Danish crowns ($2.05 billion) to boost its military presence in the Arctic: This follows renewed interest from U.S. President Donald Trump in controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
World Bank President Ajay Banga advised policymakers globally to avoid hasty reactions to U.S. announcements: Banga told Reuters that countries should be prepared to argue their case when reacting to actions by President Trump's administration.
Despite Trump’s order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, major maps and agencies have resisted the change: Google and Apple Maps, National Geographic, and the Associated Press continue to use the actual name, with Peter Bellerby of Bellerby & Co. Globemakers commenting on the issue.
Italy restarted its program of sending asylum seekers to Albania, months after judges blocked the first transfers: The move comes as part of Italy's efforts to manage its asylum process.
China is building a large dam in earthquake-prone Tibet: The countries downriver are concerned about the environmental and safety risks posed by the project.
U.S. President Donald Trump's pause on climate and infrastructure law spending presents a potential opportunity for Europe: Poland's deputy climate minister told Reuters that Europe could attract clean tech investments due to the U.S. pause.
The head of the World Food Programme in Afghanistan stated that the agency could only feed half the Afghans in need: The shortage comes after cuts in international aid and an impending freeze in U.S. foreign funding.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te appealed for harmony between the ruling and opposition parties in his Lunar New Year message: This appeal comes amid a standoff over the opposition slashing this year's budget.
The Kremlin stated it had not received signals from the United States about arranging a possible meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump: However, it remains ready to organize such an encounter.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko claimed his seventh election victory, despite widespread accusations of fraud: Western governments rejected the election results as a sham.
The UK coordinated with Canada to sanction 9 individuals and defense sector entities in Belarus: The sanctions followed the sham presidential election in Belarus.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said on Monday that the EU is "not negotiating" on Greenland: This statement came amid claims by U.S. President Trump that the United States needs to control Greenland for "security purposes".
President Trump’s White House instructed the U.S. military to release a hold on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel: A White House source informed Reuters of the release on Saturday, lifting a restriction imposed by the Biden administration.
Hamas freed four female Israeli soldiers held hostage in Gaza on Saturday in exchange of the 200 Palestinian prisoners, as part of the cease-fire agreement.
The United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency said it was ordered by Israel to vacate premises in East Jerusalem by Thursday: The agency was also instructed to cease all its operations in the area.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians were blocked from returning to their homes in northern Gaza on Sunday: Frustration grew as Israel accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire agreement and refused to open crossing points, while Trump urged Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinians.
Germany's foreign ministry responded to Trump's comments on expelling the Palestinian population from Gaza: It stated that the "Palestinian population must not be expelled from Gaza and that Gaza must not be permanently occupied or recolonized by Israel".
King Abdullah II of Jordan firmly rejected the idea of Jordan becoming a homeland for displaced Palestinians: He made it clear, saying, "We will never accept the forced displacement of Palestinians."
Hamas announced it would hand over three female Israeli hostages, including Arbel Yehud, before Friday: Mediator Qatar confirmed the release, and Israel allowed residents of northern Gaza to return home on Monday.
Brazilian officials demanded that U.S. agents remove handcuffs from a group of deportees flown to Brazil on Friday: The Brazilian government called the practice "blatant disrespect" for the rights of its citizens, prompting President Lula to intervene.
Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs planned to seek explanations from the U.S. government regarding the "degrading treatment" of Brazilians on a deportation flight: This statement was made publicly on X on Saturday night.
North Korea conducted a strategic cruise missile test on January 25: State media KCNA reported on January 26 that Kim Jong Un oversaw the test, describing it as a test-fire of an “important weapon system."
South Korea’s impeached leader, President Yoon Suk Yeol, faces charges of insurrection: He and his former defense minister will stand trial for their roles in the imposition of martial law.
On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will meet with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna: This engagement will take place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels as part of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
VIDEO(S) OF THE DAY
Sir Nicholas Winton, who was born in Britain to German-Jewish parents in 1909, began rescuing Jewish children from Nazi persecution as the threat to their lives grew. He worked tirelessly to find British families willing to take in these children, saving 669 from Czechoslovakia. His incredible work remained a secret for nearly 50 years until he was invited to the BBC program That's Life! in 1988, where he was reunited with many of the children he had saved. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth II knighted him for his "services to humanity." Sir Nicholas Winton passed away in 2015 at the age of 106, leaving behind a legacy of courage and compassion that continues to inspire.
Video: BBC Archives / 1988.
CARTOON(S) OF THE DAY
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VIDEO QUICK NEWS
"It started with words", Holocaust survivor talks to Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau.
Musk speaking at the AfD (far right) German party rally in Halle, Germany
Germans in Würzburg singing Bella Ciao (the anti fascist song) in front of the right-wing AfD party stand
"Bella ciao" is an Italian song dedicated to the partisans of the Italian resistance, which fought against the occupying troops of Germany and the collaborationist Fascist forces.
Pritzker: "If he doesn't agree with Elon or two Sieg Heils at his own rally and backing a party that backs Nazis, then he ought to say so. Why isn't Trump speaking out?”
Tens of thousands in Slovakia protested against PM’s shift towards Russia. Around 60,000 people gathered in Bratislava to oppose Robert Fico’s policy moves, with rallies also held in 20 other cities.
JD Vance: "...prices are gonna come down. But it's gonna take a little bit of time."
Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin warns that Pres. Trump’s use of the U.S. military at the southern border is “coming right up to that line of logistics and support — and law enforcement.”
“Our military are not trained as law enforcement officers.”
Agents told to dress for the cameras during raids.
U.S.-Colombia Trade Tensions Escalate Over Migrant Deportation Flights
U.S.-Colombia relations soured as President Trump threatened tariffs and sanctions on Colombia for refusing military deportation flights. Trump wrote on Truth Social, “We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!” Trump’s retaliatory measures included a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, a travel ban, and financial sanctions. In retaliation, Colombian President Gustavo Petro proposed a 25% tariff increase on U.S. imports, later threatening up to 50%. Petro argued the deportation flights treated migrants like criminals, saying, “We are the opposite of the Nazis,” and offered civilian planes for a “dignified return.” Trump cancelled out the sanctions, adding, “Countries have an obligation to accept repatriation flights.”
I would like to note that under President Biden’s leadership, Colombia accepted 475 repatriation flights without any issues. What was different in this case were the overpriced military flights and the fact that migrants were flown while handcuffed, with no clear reason for it—other than perhaps being a good plot for a "reality show" broadcast on various television channels.
Before the story ended with Trump cancelling the tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, President Petro did write and post the following long letter on X. Here’s the translation. I recommend you to read it. He mentions Panama Canal and much more (tap to enlarge the images, then swipe left).
Troubles for Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency Amid Legal Challenges and Leadership Losses
In the days following President Trump's inauguration, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) faced significant challenges. Its co-leader, Vivek Ramaswamy, left to pursue a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, and legal counsel William McGinley also departed under unclear circumstances. Shortly after Trump took office, DOGE was hit with three lawsuits claiming it violated transparency laws, specifically the 1972 Federal Advisory Committee Act. These lawsuits argue that DOGE should function as a federal advisory body, requiring public meetings and representation of diverse viewpoints. Meanwhile, most of DOGE's communications are reportedly taking place on Signal, an encrypted app that auto-deletes messages.
Senate Republicans Defend Trump’s Firing of Inspectors General
Several prominent U.S. Senate Republicans supported President Donald Trump’s decision to fire independent government watchdogs from at least 17 federal agencies, despite the move conflicting with federal law.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton stated, "Time and time again, the Supreme Court has said that Congress can't impose restrictions on the president's power to remove officers. Ultimately, these inspectors general serve at the pleasure of the president. He wants new people in there. He wants new people focused on getting out waste and fraud and abuse and reforming these agencies. He has a right to get in there who he wants."
Inspectors general are nonpartisan officials responsible for identifying waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies. They typically serve across multiple presidential administrations. However, the inspectors general were abruptly fired, including those from the Department of Defense and the Department of State. This action bypassed the legal requirement for the president to notify Congress 30 days in advance and provide a detailed explanation.
Concerns were raised about Trump replacing these watchdogs with loyalists. Hannibal Ware, the Small Business Administration’s inspector general, warned that "Removals inconsistent with the law are a significant threat to the actual and perceived independence of IGs."
Despite Democratic concerns, Republican control of both the House and Senate makes it unlikely Trump will face significant opposition. Senator Lindsey Graham, speaking on CNN, acknowledged the president's failure to notify Congress but defended the decision, saying, "He won the election. What do you expect him to do - just leave everybody in place in Washington before he got elected? These watchdog folks did a pretty lousy job. He wants some new eyes on Washington."
EU and Allies Denounce Russian Disinformation Campaigns, Pledge to Counter Foreign Interference
The European External Action Service (EEAS) and several EU member states—including Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Sweden—condemn Russia's continued efforts to manipulate and interfere in the information spaces of democratic societies. These operations aim to destabilize EU nations, create distrust in institutions, and weaken support for Ukraine. The EU asserts its readiness to detect, expose, and counter Russian disinformation, which is seen as a key part of Russia's broader military strategy.
These Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) attacks involve Russian state actors using a range of platforms, including media outlets, social media, and proxies, to spread misinformation. A significant example, the "Doppelganger" campaign, impersonates reputable outlets to spread Kremlin propaganda. In response, the EU imposed sanctions on individuals linked to this operation and continues to collaborate with global partners to expose and disrupt such tactics.
The EU emphasizes the importance of transparency, truth, and the support of independent journalism in fighting Russian disinformation. Through joint efforts, legal measures, and public education, the EU and its allies aim to strengthen democratic resilience and safeguard the integrity of the information space, standing firm in their support of Ukraine and democratic values.
U.S. Concerns Over China's Growing Influence in Panama
The head of the Federal Maritime Commission, Louis E. Sola, will inform a U.S. Senate committee that the U.S. has options to counter China's increasing presence in Panama. President Donald Trump had previously expressed a desire to "take back" the Panama Canal but has not provided specific details on how or when this would happen.
Sola’s written testimony highlights that Chinese companies have secured billions of dollars in development contracts in Panama, particularly in infrastructure projects near the canal. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to support American companies in competing for contracts in Panama and across the Americas, warning against China monopolizing these opportunities.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz criticized Panama for granting key infrastructure control to China, noting the U.S.'s historical role in building the canal. While Trump has hinted at using military force, this has sparked concern in Latin America.
Sola underscored that the U.S. has options to address China’s influence and the canal’s continued viability, while also stressing the importance of maintaining the Panama Canal Authority's independence. Panama’s president, Jose Raul Mulino, defended the country’s management of the canal, which handles over 40% of U.S. container traffic.
The testimony follows a visit by Sola and former FMC chair Dan Maffei to Panama in August 2019, after a drought threatened canal operations. Maffei reported that the situation has improved due to favorable rainfall, restoring normal transit volumes.
Elon Musk Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit Over Alleged Fraud in $1 Million Giveaway
Elon Musk has requested a federal judge in Texas to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit filed by Arizona resident Jacqueline McAferty. McAferty claims Musk and his political action committee, America PAC, fraudulently induced voters in seven battleground states to sign a petition supporting the U.S. Constitution, with the promise of winning a $1 million-a-day giveaway.
McAferty argues that the giveaway violated Texas laws against deceptive trade practices, labeling it an illegal "lottery." Musk countered that petition signers were informed they could earn the money by becoming America PAC spokespeople, not by winning a random prize. He also denied that petitioners suffered harm, despite concerns over their personal information being used or sold.
The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages for everyone who signed the petition. The case, McAferty v. Musk, is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Bird Flu Outbreak Monitored: Health experts are closely tracking a bird flu outbreak that has the potential to spread quickly among humans, raising concerns over public health.
Nancy Leftenant-Colon Passes at 104: Nancy Leftenant-Colon, a trailblazing African American military nurse who overcame racial discrimination to serve in both the Army Nurse Corps and as a flight nurse in the Air Force, passed away on January 8 at the age of 104 in Amityville, New York.
Whole Foods Union Vote: Workers at Whole Foods, owned by Amazon, voted today on whether to form the company’s first-ever union, marking a significant moment for the retail and tech giant.
Electric Vehicle Fees: As electric vehicle (EV) ownership rises, states are imposing higher registration fees to make up for lost gas tax revenue. A federal tax on EVs may also be in the works.
Lunar New Year Travel in China: Millions of people in China are expected to travel over the next 40 days to visit family as the Lunar New Year begins on Wednesday, marking the start of the Year of the Snake.
Boycott Call Against Target: Black founders and influencers are urging consumers not to boycott Target, despite backlash over the retailer’s decision to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The move has sparked calls for a boycott from groups like We Are Somebody and a Minneapolis city council member, reflecting the growing political divide in the U.S.
Black History Month Starts Saturday: Black History Month kicks off on February 1, with a month-long celebration of the contributions and history of Black Americans.
That’s it from me for now. Thank you so much for reading.
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