Jessica Aber, former US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead at home on Saturday morning. Alexandria police suspect natural causes, with no evidence of foul play. Aber, 43, was known for prosecutions related to the CIA and Russian fraud cases. Officials and friends expressed condolences, and the investigation continues pending the medical examiner's final ruling.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized their united strategy on Gaza, warning that severe action would ensue if hostages are not released. Netanyahu reinforced Israel's goals of defeating Hamas and securing hostages, with critical support from the US.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed he was unwell last week and underwent anesthesia for medical tests. Although he didn't specify the issue, he said all his test results were negative. Some of his illnesses are related to diabetes, and he plans to return to a more plant-based diet.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured large parts of Goma, including its airport, intensifying the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The battle left many dead and displaced, with international calls for a ceasefire. Rwanda denies backing M23, while accusations from the UN suggest up to 4,000 Rwandan forces are involved. Pope Francis has urged for peace, and analysts warn that securing a rebel withdrawal may prove more difficult than in previous clashes.
President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip for reconstruction without deploying troops. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that he did not commit to putting boots on the ground. The United States won't be going to pay for the rebuilding of Gaza but Trump administration will work with the partners in the region for the reconstruction of Gaza, Leavitt said.
A federal judge temporarily blocked Donald Trump's attempt to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump claimed the Tren de Aragua gang posed a national security threat. Civil rights groups argued the law wasn’t meant for peacetime. The judge has halted deportations for 14 days while reviewing the case.
On New Year’s Eve, the USS Harry S. Truman conducted precision missile strikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. The operation, part of a broader series of attacks, aimed to neutralize command centers and weapon facilities. This was a response to recent militant missile launches in Israel.
As Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs, he explained that for purposes of fairness, the United States will impose the same tariff on each country whatever they charge, not more, not less. "They charge us a tax or tariff and we charge them the exact tax or tariff. Very simple," Trump said.
A Royal Thai Police aircraft crashed into the sea near Hua Hin, Thailand, during a test flight for parachute training preparations. Five police officers on board perished in the accident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and are currently collecting evidence, including the plane's black box data, to determine what led to the fatal incident.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters has suggested that President Trump should examine Melania Trump's immigration records before targeting others. Waters questioned the legality of Melania’s parents' documentation, though it has been clarified that they became US citizens in 2018. "At some point, the many crimes of Maxine Waters will catch up to her," Musk wrote
The United States has delayed its planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days following security commitments from both countries. Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan, while Mexico will deploy 10,000 soldiers to the border to address drug trafficking and illegal migration.