Donald Trump was supposed to have his hand on two Bibles -- Lincoln Bible and a personal Bible that his mother gifted to him. But during the oath ceremony, Donald Trump kept his right hand straight drawing a major backlash on social media. But Republicans blamed Chief Justice John Roberts for rushing through the oath ceremony and pointed out that when Melania brought the two Bibles, the oath had already begun.
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Syria's new prime minister, Mohammad al-Bashir, pledged to protect minority rights and urged refugees to return after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. Led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist-led alliance swiftly defeated Assad's forces, prompting celebrations and mixed reactions. The international community called for stability and a smooth transition as Syria enters a new era.
Police bodycam footage shows New Jersey mayor Gina LaPlaca being arrested for allegedly driving under the influence with her toddler on St Patrick's Day. Officers responded after receiving reports of erratic driving and found LaPlaca unsteady and in possession of alcohol. She faces multiple charges and is due in court on April 28.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has designated Vice President Han Zheng to represent China at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This decision signals China’s desire for stable relations with the US while avoiding the spotlight at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Han’s presence is a calculated diplomatic gesture amidst ongoing tensions.
A football match in Germany was abruptly canceled after the referee was bitten in the testicle by a young child. The incident occurred before the match between FC Taxi Duisburg II and SV Rot-Weiss Mülheim, leaving the referee in too much pain to continue officiating. The match will be rescheduled.
Father Paolo Dall'Oglio, an Italian Jesuit priest and critic of Bashar al-Assad, disappeared in 2013 while negotiating with extremists in Syria. Friends at Deir Mar Musa monastery, where he promoted interfaith dialogue, hope Assad’s recent overthrow will reveal his fate. The monastery, once abandoned due to war, has reopened, continuing Dall'Oglio’s mission of unity. His supporters aim to heal Syria’s sectarian divides through reconciliation and shared remembrance.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakened to a tropical low as it approached Brisbane, bringing flooding rains. Significant damage resulted in over 330,000 power outages and major beach erosion at Gold Coast. A man is missing after being swept away in New South Wales, while many were rescued from floodwaters. Officials are relieved the cyclone didn't worsen at high tide.
Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly saddened by President Joe Biden's claim that he could have won the 2024 election, revealing a strain in their relationship. Despite endorsing Harris, Biden's comments have led to speculation about underlying tensions. Kamala Harris told her friends that Biden's statement in one of his last interviews shows "one-sided loyalty".
Senator Chris Van Hollen has accused El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele of staging a deceptive media stunt during a meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, wrongfully deported under the Trump administration. Van Hollen claims Bukele's team planted margarita glasses to falsely portray a casual encounter, downplaying Abrego Garcia's detention in the notorious CECOT prison.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro took office for a new term despite protests and international opposition. Key opponents and the U.S. allege election fraud. A prominent opposition figure claimed harassment and detention by security forces. International responses included sanctions. Among a mix of support and condemnation, some heads of state attended Maduro's inauguration while others boycotted.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Tajikistan to strengthen relations strained since the 1990s civil war. Pezeshkian highlighted the linguistic and cultural ties, expressing a sense of home in Tajikistan. He will also visit Moscow to sign a strategic partnership with Russia, indicating Iran's priority to boost its influence in Central Asia.