-
On January 4, 2025, Myanmar's military junta announced the release of 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, as part of an annual amnesty for Independence Day. However, the release included only a small number of political detainees, with notable absences like Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains imprisoned under controversial charges.
-
Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African heritage, begins on December 26 and runs until January 1. Founded by Maulana Karenga in 1966, the holiday emphasizes community, family, and cultural values through various festivities and principles known as Nguzo Saba. It is celebrated by approximately 3% of the U.S. population.
-
President-elect Donald Trump has reignited discussions about acquiring Greenland, calling it essential for U.S. national security. His comments have drawn sharp responses from Danish officials and Greenland's Prime Minister, who assert the territory is not for sale. Concurrently, Denmark plans to increase its defense spending in Greenland, highlighting geopolitical tensions.
-
On Christmas Day 2024, President-elect Donald Trump contrasted his brief holiday greeting with a barrage of posts on Truth Social, targeting political opponents and discussing various issues. His messages reflect ongoing political polarization, diverging sharply from President Biden's traditional holiday wishes.
-
On Christmas 2024, President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden delivered starkly different holiday messages. Trump used social media to criticize political opponents and assert U.S. territorial claims, while Biden focused on unity and compassion. Their contrasting tones reflect the ongoing political polarization in the U.S.
-
Cuba's tourism sector is facing a severe downturn, with international visitors dropping to 2.2 million in 2024, far below pre-pandemic levels. Factors include U.S. policy changes, economic mismanagement, and the impact of COVID-19, leading to widespread despair among locals and a significant immigration exodus.
-
On January 2, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled that the FCC lacks the authority to reinstate net neutrality rules, marking a significant setback for the Biden administration's efforts to ensure an open internet. The decision is rooted in a recent Supreme Court ruling that limits federal agency powers.
-
In a significant move, President Biden has banned new offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters, protecting over 625 million acres. This decision, made under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, aims to bolster climate protections just weeks before Donald Trump takes office, who has pledged to expand fossil fuel production.
-
The Minneapolis Police Department has agreed to a consent decree with the Department of Justice to address systemic issues of misconduct and discrimination. This comes as federal investigations into police practices intensify, particularly following the death of George Floyd in 2020. The agreement aims to enhance accountability and reform police practices.
-
The Biden administration has transferred 11 detainees from Guantanamo Bay, reducing the prison population to 15, the lowest since 2002. This move aims to clear the facility of individuals never charged with crimes, amidst ongoing debates about the future of the prison and its remaining inmates.
-
Former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at age 100, was honored with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral. President Biden delivered the eulogy, highlighting Carter's humanitarian legacy and calling for unity in a divided nation. The funeral concluded a week of tributes across the country.
-
As of January 19, 2025, states like Missouri and Virginia are advancing constitutional amendments to protect abortion rights. Despite voter support for these measures, GOP lawmakers are attempting to impose restrictions, raising concerns about the future of reproductive rights in these regions.
-
Today, thousands will gather at Washington's National Cathedral for the state funeral of Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, who passed away on December 29 at age 100. President Biden will deliver the eulogy, marking a national day of mourning.
-
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trump's upcoming presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025. This marks her second absence from a significant political event this month, following her non-attendance at Jimmy Carter's state funeral. Her office has not provided a reason for her absence, while Barack Obama will be present.
-
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's scheduled guilty plea for his role in the 9/11 attacks has been postponed due to a federal appeals court order. This decision complicates a case that has faced numerous delays over the past two decades, leaving victims' families in a state of uncertainty.
-
Senator John Fetterman has accepted an invitation to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. This marks a significant shift in Fetterman's political stance, as he embraces bipartisanship and seeks to represent all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats. The meeting is expected to focus on upcoming Senate confirmations and policy discussions.
-
In his Inaugural Address, President Trump outlined ambitious goals for his second term, including a national emergency at the southern border, military involvement in border security, and a crackdown on diversity programs. He also made sweeping promises to his supporters while facing criticism for vague commitments to broader voter demographics.
-
As President Biden's term concludes, polls indicate that 61% of Americans view his presidency as a failure. This sentiment is echoed across party lines, with significant dissatisfaction regarding his handling of immigration, the economy, and foreign affairs. Trump's return to the White House further complicates public perception of Biden's legacy.
-
President-elect Donald Trump received an unconditional discharge after being sentenced for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This historic sentencing marks the first time a president enters office with a felony conviction, raising questions about the implications for the presidency and public perception.
-
Sam Moore, the legendary soul singer known for hits like 'Soul Man' and 'Hold On, I'm Comin',' has died at 89 due to complications from surgery. Moore's career spanned decades, influencing many artists and leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.
-
President Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a phone call, after canceling a planned visit to Italy due to California wildfires. This marks the first time Biden has presented the medal with distinction, recognizing the pope's humanitarian efforts and leadership.
-
Despite President Biden's order for flags to remain at half-staff for 30 days following Jimmy Carter's death, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff for Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. They will return to half-staff the next day to honor Carter.
-
On January 14, 2025, President Biden notified Congress of his intent to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision, part of a deal to release political prisoners, comes just days before Donald Trump's inauguration. The move aims to improve U.S.-Cuba relations and address humanitarian concerns.
-
On January 20, 2025, Martin Luther King Jr. Day coincides with Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, highlighting a national divide. Civil rights leaders express concern over potential rollbacks of civil rights gains under Trump's administration, while King’s family urges continued activism in honor of his legacy.
-
Texas has enacted a law requiring age verification for pornographic websites, aiming to protect minors from explicit content. This has led to Pornhub ceasing operations in several states due to compliance challenges. Critics argue the law infringes on free speech and privacy rights, while supporters claim it is necessary for child protection.
-
Due to an Arctic blast forecasted for January 20, Donald Trump's inauguration will be held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda, limiting attendance. This marks the first indoor inauguration in 40 years, reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985.
-
President Trump announced plans to revert the name of Denali back to Mount McKinley, honoring the 25th president. This decision, which also includes renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, has sparked controversy, particularly among Alaskans who prefer the indigenous name.
-
During Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025, Melania Trump wore a striking navy hat that obscured her face, leading to viral moments and mixed reactions online. The hat, designed by Eric Javits, became a focal point of discussion amid the historic event.