The Trump administration has rejected an Arab-supported reconstruction plan for Gaza, favoring a US-led initiative that involves expelling Palestinian residents. Trump's vision includes transforming Gaza into a riviera under US control. The Arab proposal, supported by Egypt, aims for a humanitarian approach, allowing Palestinians to remain in Gaza.
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Lincoln DÃaz-Balart, a former U.S. congressman and advocate for Cuban freedom, died at 70. Serving South Florida from 1993 to 2011, he championed democratic reforms and immigrant support. He helped draft NACARA, aiding refugees. He is survived by his wife, son, grandchildren, and siblings. A public memorial Mass will be announced.
A person in Louisiana has died from H5N1 bird flu, marking the first US death from the virus. CDC states the public risk remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Most cases involve animal-to-human exposure. The CDC continues monitoring for viral adaptations and potential human health threats.
Cuba has announced the release of 553 prisoners after the US removed it from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move hailed by families of jailed protesters. This comes amid strained US-Cuba relations, with Cuba facing severe economic challenges partly due to US sanctions. Critics of the move argue it appeases the Cuban regime.
Jessica Aber, a former US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, was found dead at 43 years old in Alexandria; a police investigation is underway. Aber had an esteemed career handling major cases and was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021, stepping down in January.
A Southern California judge, Jeffrey Ferguson, is on trial for murder after confessing to fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl, following a heated argument. The prosecution claims the act was intentional, while the defense argues it was accidental. Bodycam footage and his son's testimony play crucial roles in the case. Ferguson, a former prosecutor, faces scrutiny over his extensive firearms experience and past judicial controversies.
A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York was evacuated after the plane caught fire on the runway due to an engine issue. Passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The flight was rescheduled for a later time, and a replacement aircraft was arranged. The FAA is investigating the incident.
The Biden administration ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to halt activities, effectively shutting down the organisation created after the 2008 crisis. Russell Vought directed the CFPB to stop work on regulations, suspend rule implementations, and cease investigations. The directive also ended the bureau's Federal Reserve funding to reduce what the administration views as excessive agency operations.
The two parties hoping to form Germany's next government are planning to plough hundreds of billions of euros into defence and infrastructure when in power, the Bild newspaper reported Sunday. Both sides' negotiators looked at economist reports evaluating the needs of the German army at 400 billion euros and that of the country's infrastructure at half a trillion euros, Bild added.
The University of Colorado has renamed its DEI office to "Office of Collaboration" following Trump's executive order ending diversity programmes. The order affected DEI initiatives, deeming them discriminatory and advocating merit-based practices. DEI encompasses diversity, equity, and inclusion by promoting fair treatment and opportunities for marginalized communities.
China's trade surplus approached $1 trillion last year due to massive exports and careful domestic spending on imports. This surpasses the previous record, indicating China's strong dominance in global manufacturing. Many countries have responded by increasing tariffs to protect their own industries. As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, further trade tensions may arise.