President Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,500 individuals, including four Indian-Americans convicted of fraud and drug-related offenses. The commutations, the largest single-day act of this kind in recent history, aimed to address sentencing disparities and offer second chances to those demonstrating rehabilitation.
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Donald Trump's second term is already causing global upheaval before it even begins. His trade threats have destabilized Canada's government and rattled European allies. Trump is pushing for a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war, while also influencing Middle Eastern politics and preparing for trade disputes with China.
Elon Musk appears on the Time Magazine cover as 'President Musk' in an illustration done by the magazine as he and his Department of Government Efficiency gain strength in the administration. The cover story noted that no man before Elon Musk wielded such authority in the government and these are just the beginnings, it said.
The US has halted foreign aid for several countries, including Ukraine, but exempted Israel and Turkey. Secretary of State Rubio's directive mandates this freeze, with exceptions for emergency food and military funding for allies. This impacts various aid programs, including PEPFAR, affecting over 20 million people needing HIV/AIDS treatment.
Republican Randy Fine won the special election for Florida's sixth congressional district, securing a key win for the GOP and President Trump. Despite being outfunded by Democrat Josh Weil, Fine prevailed in the conservative district. Fine's victory maintains the Republican majority in the House as he prepares to transition from the Florida state legislature to Washington.
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga, leading to a temporary tsunami warning. The initial quake was followed by a 6.1 magnitude aftershock. Despite the alert and activation of tsunami sirens, there were no immediate reports of damage, and residents moved to higher ground as a precaution.
Cambodia has pardoned and sent home 13 Philippine women who were jailed over a scheme to become surrogate mothers, an outlawed practice, the Philippine government said on Sunday. The women "and three of their babies" were sent home to Manila early Sunday and taken to a government shelter for trafficking victims, the social welfare department said in a statement.
The Australian government has announced a two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing existing homes from April 2025 to address housing affordability. While foreign investors can still invest in newly built homes, the policy aims to increase housing supply. The policy has faced mixed reactions and questions about its impact on overall housing affordability.
Thousands of people on boats and on land staged a "surf and turf" protest in northwest Spain on Saturday against a planned textile factory and the reopening of a copper mine. Organisers -- who termed the rally a "surf and turf" protest -- said they had suspicions about the plans by Portuguese company Altri to build a factory to make lyocell, a semi-synthetic textile.
In Big Horn County, Wyoming, Tranyelle Harshman shot her four daughters, killing three and critically injuring one before taking her own life. Authorities revealed Harshman had severe mental health issues. A fundraiser has been launched to help cover medical expenses for the surviving 7-year-old girl.
Mark Carney, a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England head, announced his bid for Canada's prime minister. He criticized current PM Justin Trudeau's economic focus and emphasized his capability in handling economic crises. Carney faces competition from ex-finance minister Chrystia Freeland while challenging opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.