The ACTUAL NEWS: Wednesday, January 8th 2025 Recap
Wildfires in L.A., POTUS Cancels Trip to Italy, Mexico’s President Fights Back, and Other National and Global News
QUICK NEWS
President Biden and the First Lady have become great-grandparents! Naomi Biden, the eldest granddaughter of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, announced in November that she was expecting her first child. The baby was born on Wednesday.
Conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito revealed that he spoke by phone with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday to recommend a former law clerk for a government position. Alito emphasized that during their conversation, they did not discuss Trump's legal challenges. The discussion focused solely on the potential recommendation for the position.
President-elect Donald Trump has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and prevent a New York state court from sentencing him for his conviction on criminal charges related to hush money payments made to a porn star.
McDonald's announced it will discontinue efforts to meet diversity goals in senior leadership, joining companies like Walmart and Ford in rolling back DEI initiatives amid conservative backlash and a Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. Additionally, the company launched a new budget-friendly "McValue" menu with a "Buy One, Add One for $1" option.
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet near the Nepal border, killing at least 126 people, injuring 188, and damaging 3,600 homes. The quake was felt as far as Mount Everest base camp and Kathmandu, Nepal, with the Dalai Lama expressing deep sadness over the disaster.
Getty Images and Shutterstock are merging in a $3.7 billion deal to better combat the rise of AI in the visual media industry, with generative AI tools increasingly able to replicate stock photo imagery. Both companies saw a significant boost in their stock prices following the announcement.
The appearance of new Chinese combat aircraft in recent weeks—potentially a new bomber and medium bomber, a smaller, fighter-size aircraft, and a new AWACS platform, among others—didn’t influence current Air Force leadership’s recent decisions on the Next-Generation Air Dominance program or the service’s broader strategic outlook, Secretary Frank Kendall said.
Biden administration is set to announce $500 million in military aid for Ukraine on Thursday. The assistance, drawn from existing U.S. stocks, will be outlined during the Ramstein meeting on January 9. Pentagon officials admit they won't be able to spend all available funds before Trump’s presidency begins.
The Pentagon will blacklist China’s largest EV battery manufacturer and its largest tech firm beginning in June 2026, barring them from Defense Department contracts and sending a powerful signal to American firms about the potential risks of doing business with them.
Lockheed Martin delivered 110 F-35s overall in 2024, achieving the top end of a production target range reduced by software development delays, the company said in a social media post on Jan. 6.
Greenland's leader met with the Danish King following remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggesting the use of force to take over Greenland. France’s foreign minister responded by stating the EU would not tolerate attacks on its sovereign borders, expressing skepticism that the U.S. would actually invade.
Treasury sanctioned Antal Rogán, the head of Hungarian PM Orbán’s cabinet office, accusing him of using his position to allocate public contracts and resources to allies. Hungary's foreign minister stated that the country would take "necessary legal steps" following Trump's inauguration.
Emergency responders have rescued over 400 people following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Mount Everest, according to Chinese officials. However, more people are believed to be trapped. At least 126 deaths have been reported.
Attorney General Merrick Garland rejected Donald Trump's request to block the release of Jack Smith's report on the January 6th case. However, Garland decided to delay the release of Smith’s report on the national security documents case while other co-defendants, such as Walt Nauta, have pending legal proceedings.
The U.S. Education Department announced a settlement with Johns Hopkins University following concerns about alleged discrimination against individuals of Arab and Jewish ancestry. The resolution addresses complaints filed with the department and aims to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Wall Street giant Citigroup plans to make a financial contribution to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund, according to a source familiar with the matter. The exact amount remains undisclosed. Citigroup joins other major lenders, including Bank of America and Goldman Sachs, in supporting the inaugural events.
The United States has withheld its 2024 dues payments to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), according to a statement from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. The U.S. is calling for reforms within the global sports watchdog, which plays a key role in enforcing anti-doping regulations across international sports.
President-elect Donald Trump recently proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," a suggestion that has sparked reactions from around the world. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed the idea, referencing a 17th-century map of greater Mexico. She proposed that the body of water be called "América Mexicana," adding, "It sounds pretty, no?"
President Biden will host a virtual meeting this week with leaders from Japan and the Philippines, the White House announced on Wednesday. This meeting follows a recent "maritime cooperative activity" conducted by the armed forces of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan within Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea in December, according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced on Wednesday that he has been invited to the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20. Bolsonaro also revealed that he is seeking the return of his passport, which was confiscated last year during an investigation into an attempted coup in Brazil in 2023.
Lebanon's parliament is expected to elect Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the country's president on Thursday, according to senior political sources. This move is set to end a presidential vacuum that has lasted since 2022, signaling a shift in the influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Wildfires Rage Out of Control Across L.A.
Los Angeles is reeling as wildfires continue to wreak havoc, claiming lives, destroying homes, and pushing emergency responders to their limits. At least two people have lost their lives, and thousands have been forced to flee as flames ravage parts of the city, including the downtown area of Pacific Palisades.
Federal Response and White House Briefing
Both President Biden and Vice President Harris began their day with a critical briefing on the escalating wildfire crisis in Southern California. The briefing covered the ongoing coordinated efforts to contain the flames, as well as the additional federal actions being mobilized to assist in the disaster response.
The administration has emphasized its commitment to providing the necessary resources to support local authorities and ensure affected residents receive aid.
Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
“After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire, and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead. Additional details to follow.”
Postponement of Ceremonial Event
In light of the crisis, the Vice President's planned desk-signing event in the Ceremonial Office has been postponed. The administration has stated that additional details about the rescheduled event will be shared as they become available, prioritizing the wildfire response at this critical time.
Community Impact and Emergency Efforts
The fires, exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds, have rapidly spread across multiple areas in Los Angeles. Pacific Palisades, a usually serene neighborhood, has been particularly hard-hit, with its downtown area devastated by the flames.
Residents have reported harrowing scenes of destruction, as well as the immense bravery of firefighters working around the clock to contain the inferno.
Evacuation centers have been set up across the region, providing shelter and resources for displaced residents. Officials are urging residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation orders and prioritize safety as the fires continue to spread unpredictably.
A Call for Solidarity
The wildfire disaster serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of such events, often linked to climate change. The administration's response underscores the need for both immediate action to address emergencies and long-term strategies to mitigate future risks.
As the nation watches the devastation unfold, thoughts and prayers are with the people of Southern California. The coordinated efforts of first responders, federal agencies, and local communities remain vital in overcoming this crisis and beginning the recovery process.
Secretary Blinken Awarded with Legion d’Honneur Award by President Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris
In his acceptance speech, he mentioned: “So as I prepare my own transition to private life in the days ahead, I’m reminded that the project of maintaining our democracies is and always will be primarily the duty of our citizens. In that sacred role – and for the rest of my time – I hope to prove worthy of the honor that you’ve given me today.”
Statement from President Joe Biden on the ILA and USMX Tentative Agreement
Collective bargaining plays an important role when it comes to building a strong economy from the middle out and the bottom up. Todays tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance shows that labor and management can come together to benefit workers and their employers. I applaud the dockworkers union for delivering a strong contract. Their members kept our ports open during the pandemic, as we worked together to unsnarl global supply chains. Thank you to the carriers and port operators who play an essential role in our nations economy.
Statement from President Joe Biden on AFL-CIO and SEIU Reuniting
This is a big deal. Today, SEIU reunited with the AFL-CIO, Americas largest federation of labor unions and a key voice for workers across the country. SEIU is one of the most powerful unions in America representing two million care and service workers. Their affiliation will help workers across the country to organize, earn higher wages, receive better benefits and build retirement security. I am proud to be the most pro labor President in American history - and Im proud to congratulate American workers on this important milestone.
Ex-FBI Informant Sentenced to Six Years for False Claims About Joe and Hunter Biden
Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison after admitting to fabricating claims about bribes allegedly paid to Joe Biden and Hunter Biden by executives of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings.
Smirnov pleaded guilty last month to causing the creation of a false record and tax evasion. He falsely informed his FBI handler in 2020 that Burisma executives had hired Hunter Biden to "protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems" and alleged that both Joe and Hunter Biden received $5 million in bribes. These claims, made during Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, were intended to influence the election, according to prosecutors.
The false information became part of a Republican-led inquiry and briefly fueled discussions of impeaching Joe Biden. However, the effort was abandoned, and the claims were debunked.
Special Counsel David Weiss, who has investigated matters related to Hunter Biden, supported the six-year sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of Smirnov’s exploitation of his trusted position with the FBI. Smirnov's defense argued for a reduced sentence, citing his acceptance of responsibility and personal struggles.
This sentencing comes as part of broader scrutiny over Hunter Biden’s past role on the Burisma board, which has long been a focal point for Republican lawmakers. Meanwhile, Joe Biden recently issued a sweeping pardon for his son, ending separate tax and gun-related prosecutions brought by Weiss.
Federal Judge Delays George Santos' Sentencing to April Amid Podcast Request
A federal judge has granted disgraced former U.S. Congressman George Santos a delay in his sentencing on fraud and identity theft charges, rescheduling the hearing from February 7 to April 25. The delay follows a request from Santos to continue his "Pants on Fire" podcast, which he claims will help him raise the funds necessary to pay off more than half a million dollars in restitution.
U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert in Central Islip, New York, referred to the delay as a "one-time courtesy" intended to serve the ends of justice. Santos’ defense attorneys had requested a six-month delay, arguing it was a routine measure to allow more time for preparation and enhance victims' recoveries.
Prosecutors, however, strongly opposed the request, criticizing it as an attempt by Santos to use the time to promote his podcast and personal brand, claiming that granting the delay would send the wrong message—that "crime pays."
Santos, who faces up to 22 years in prison, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to wire fraud and identity theft, agreeing not to appeal a sentence of around eight years or fewer. His plea deal also includes paying $578,753 in restitution and forfeiture, which his legal team contends the podcast will help fund.
Santos was elected in 2022 to represent parts of Long Island and Queens, New York, but his political career quickly unraveled as questions emerged about his fundraising and fabricated biography. In May 2023, he was charged with fabricating fundraising figures and was expelled from Congress seven months later.
Japanese Crime Syndicate Leader Pleads Guilty to Nuclear Material Trafficking and Narcotics Charges
Takeshi Ebisawa, a 60-year-old leader of a Japanese "yakuza" crime syndicate, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to trafficking nuclear materials and engaging in international narcotics and weapons offenses, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
Ebisawa admitted in a Manhattan federal court to conspiring with associates to smuggle uranium and weapons-grade plutonium from Myanmar to other countries. Prosecutors allege the materials were intended for use in Iran's nuclear weapons program.
In addition to the nuclear charges, Ebisawa pleaded guilty to trafficking heroin and methamphetamine to the United States in exchange for heavy-duty weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles. He also admitted to laundering money between New York and Tokyo as part of his operations.
Ebisawa's criminal activities were uncovered through coordinated efforts by authorities in the United States, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, preventing the trafficking plot from reaching fruition.
Ebisawa was first charged in 2022 with narcotics and firearms offenses and faced additional charges in 2024 related to the trafficking of nuclear materials.
Blinken Dismisses Trump’s Greenland Proposal as "Not a Good Idea"
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken dismissed President-elect Donald Trump's interest in taking control of Greenland, calling it "obviously not a good" idea and asserting that it will not happen. Trump reiterated his desire to take control of the Arctic island on Tuesday, citing national security concerns, but Blinken emphasized that the idea is not only unfeasible but also a potential source of tension with U.S. allies. Blinken stressed the importance of working closely with allies and avoiding actions that could alienate them.
Denmark's foreign minister responded by suggesting that Greenland could pursue independence if its residents wished, though it is unlikely to become a U.S. state. Greenland, which is part of NATO through Denmark, holds strategic significance for the U.S. military, particularly for its early-warning missile defense system. However, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has made it clear that the island is not for sale and has called for greater independence in his recent speeches.
No Bids for Arctic Drilling Lease Auction, Interior Department Reports
The U.S. Interior Department announced on Wednesday that a congressionally mandated oil and gas drilling lease auction in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) received no bids from energy companies. This result is being touted by the outgoing Biden administration as evidence that the 19 million-acre refuge, which is home to polar bears, Porcupine caribou, and other wildlife, should remain protected from fossil fuel development. This comes as President-elect Donald Trump continues to advocate for expanded drilling in the area.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Telephone Conversation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
The Head of State thanked Saudi Arabia for humanitarian assistance and support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation to achieve a just and lasting peace.
Additionally, the President spoke about the Food from Ukraine initiative aimed at supporting the Syrian people and invited Saudi Arabia to join it. Through this program, Ukraine will supply food and agricultural technologies to Syria with financial support from other countries.
Austria's Conservative Interim Leader Seeks Assurances from Far-Right in Coalition Talks
The new interim leader of Austria's conservative People's Party (OVP), Christian Stocker, demanded assurances from the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) on Wednesday that they would ensure Austria remains free from Russian influence as coalition talks began. Stocker, responding to FPO leader Herbert Kickl's call for "honest" negotiations, emphasized the importance of Austria's alignment with the free world and the state’s priority over party interests.
The FPO, which won 29% of the vote in September's parliamentary election, has expressed eurosceptic and pro-Russian views, including opposing EU aid to Ukraine and denouncing sanctions against Russia. Stocker, however, pushed for a stronger European Union and independent media, starkly opposing the FPO's stance on both issues.
With polls showing FPO’s growing popularity, Kickl has warned of a snap election if talks prove difficult, which could further boost the far-right's position. The current government is serving in a caretaker capacity, awaiting the formation of a new coalition.
That’s it from me for now. Thank you so much for reading.
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