Cuba has granted early release to 553 prisoners, completing a deal struck in the final days of Joe Biden's US presidency that his successor Donald Trump later abandoned, a Supreme Court official said Monday. In one of his final official acts, Biden on January 14 removed Cuba from a US list of state terror sponsors in return for the communist island agreeing to free 553 prisoners.
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Harvard faculty organisations are suing the Trump administration, alleging constitutional rights violations due to threats of funding cuts. The lawsuit challenges the review of $9 billion in federal funds over alleged antisemitism, arguing it undermines free speech and academic freedom. Faculty seek a restraining order, claiming the government is using funding to punish dissenting institutions.
Russia launched drone strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine, damaging a hospital and continuing attacks on the energy infrastructure, despite President Putin's earlier agreement to cease attacks on the power grid. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia to achieve lasting peace.
Elon Musk engaged in a public argument with Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who called Musk a liar for claiming that the return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore was delayed for political reasons. Musk defended his statement, asserting the Biden administration refused SpaceX's earlier offer to bring them back.
Vice President JD Vance, in a way, confirmed that Elon Musk would be exiting his government role but he asserted that the Politico report that said Donald Trump told his inner circle that Elon Musk would be stepping down is fake. After DOGE work, Elon Musk would remain a friend and an adviser to both the president and the vice president, JD said.
Ricci Wynne, a social media influencer known for exposing San Francisco's darker side, has been charged with producing child pornography and human trafficking. Accused of coercing minors into explicit acts for profit, Wynne faces significant legal consequences if convicted.
German police are investigating possible Islamist extremism after an Afghan man, Farhad N, intentionally drove a car into a crowd in Munich, injuring 36 people. The 24-year-old suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar†upon arrest. The attack adds to rising political tensions over immigration ahead of Germany's upcoming elections.
Ontarians are voting today to elect a new government, with major concerns about the economy, health care, and housing. Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives face significant challenges from Bonnie Crombie's Liberals and Marit Stiles' New Democrats. Unexpected issues like US tariffs on Canadian exports have also influenced the election narrative.
Hamas has agreed to a draft ceasefire deal in Gaza, including the release of dozens of hostages. Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US are optimistic about securing an agreement before Joe Biden's inauguration. The plan, divided into three phases, requires Israeli Cabinet approval.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed acting administrator of USAID, which is facing potential closure under the direction from Elon Musk and Donald Trump. USAID headquarters was shut down on Monday, with remote work enforced for employees. Established in the 1960s, the agency provides international humanitarian aid, which Musk sees as unnecessary.
Elon Musk cautioned against cryptocurrency scams on X with a viral image, highlighting scammers' use of fake profiles, often posing as attractive women, to lure victims. The post underscores that these messages, despite appearances, are frequently sent by male scammers. Musk's warning addresses the serious issue of crypto-related fraud on social media, where scammers exploit users for financial gain.