President Trump announced that coal could be used as a backup fuel source for new electric plants during a national energy emergency. He emphasized the versatility of coal, especially in situations where other energy sources like gas and oil pipelines are compromised, during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
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An alarming video from Gaza shows young children handling oversized rifles in the absence of Hamas police. Despite Hamas's efforts to maintain order, children handling weapons instead of toys has become a common sight after 15 months of conflict. Recovery is challenging with extensive infrastructure damage, and Israeli authorities allege Hamas is arming and training youth.
Several Democrats are planning to boycott the inauguration of Donald Trump as the first act of resistance to the President-elect. For example, Ilhan Omar said she would rather attend MLK Day events instead of risking any chaos. Donald Trump Jr said the fewer the Democrats attend, the inauguration will have more space for "actual patriots".
Iran is open to indirect talks with the US, despite President Trump's demands for new nuclear deal negotiations. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi denies direct talks until the US changes its approach. Trump had withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions, while Iran insists on peaceful nuclear activities.
US President Joe Biden has enacted a ban on offshore drilling covering vast coastal waters, including the Atlantic, eastern Gulf of Mexico, Pacific coasts, and parts of the Bering Sea. This move aims to protect over 625 million acres amidst the ongoing climate crisis and transition to clean energy.
At least six people have been killed in coordinated attacks targeting bus passengers in southwestern Pakistan. Gunmen identified and shot non-local travelers, and set up checkpoints on major highways. The violence, linked to Baloch separatists who demand greater autonomy, underscores the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
As RFK Jr goes for the senate confirmation hearing today, Nicole Shanahan, who was his running mate when he was in the presidential race as an independent candidate, issued a threat to the senators that if they don't vote for Kennedy Jr as the health secretary, Nicole would make sure that they lose their seats in the Senate.
Meta offers TikTok creators financial incentives, longer Reels video durations, and new editing tools to entice them to Instagram and Facebook amidst TikTok's uncertainty in the US. Despite potential resistance due to Meta's perceived political affiliations, financial rewards may sway creators' and followers' platform choices.
Taiwan plans to cull up to 120,000 green iguanas due to their adverse impact on agriculture. Around 200,000 iguanas are in Taiwan's central and southern regions. With no natural predators and rampant reproduction, these iguanas damage crops. Special teams killed 70,000 last year, promoting humane methods and public assistance in identifying nests.
During President Trump's address to Congress, Democratic Women’s Caucus members wore pink in silent protest against his policies on women’s health and other issues. The colour, symbolising empowerment, was used to oppose his policies, with some lawmakers also showing support for Ukraine and carrying paddles with protest messages.
A video showing Eric Trump changing his hand gesture after his wife Lara whispered to him at the inauguration ceremony has sparked online debate. The hand position, similar to ones used by Donald Trump and Angela Merkel, has led to speculations about its significance, including connections to anti-Illuminati symbolism. When Angela Merkel was asked about her hand position, she said it was spontaneous as one often wonders what to do with the hands at a meeting.