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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is rapidly establishing a "special relationship" with Donald Trump, who praised her as a "fantastic woman" during her visit to Mar-a-Lago. As the only European leader present at Trump's inauguration, Meloni is positioning herself as a key ally for the U.S. in Europe, with Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli highlighting her credibility and reliability. However, this alliance presents risks; Meloni must balance her national interests with EU obligations, especially as Italy faces potential U.S. tariffs that could impact its significant trade surplus with America. Analysts caution that while she seeks to leverage her ties with Trump, her eurosceptic instincts may lead her to prioritize Italy's interests over those of the EU. Additionally, Meloni's connection with Elon Musk, particularly regarding a potential Starlink contract, further underscores her focus on national over European priorities. 
Published: Jan 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inPrince Harry has settled a contentious lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch's UK tabloid publisher, News Group Newspapers, which has issued a formal apology for unlawfully accessing his phone. In a hearing at the High Court in London, Harry's lawyer, David Sherborne, revealed that the publisher acknowledged the "phone hacking, surveillance, and misuse of private information" carried out by its journalists and private investigators. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to pay the prince "substantial damages." This resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of media practices in the UK, particularly concerning the treatment of high-profile individuals. The apology underscores the publisher's recognition of its wrongdoing in this high-profile case involving the British royal family.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe recent transfer of power in the US has led to unexpected changes for Facebook and Instagram users, as many automatically began following the official accounts of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance post-inauguration. This was confirmed by Meta spokesman Andy Stone, who explained that followers of previous administration accounts are transitioned to the new ones. Users can easily unfollow these accounts if desired. Meanwhile, Instagram users have encountered issues when searching for hashtags related to the Democratic Party, prompting accusations of political bias, although Meta insists this is a broader technical problem affecting multiple hashtags. Additionally, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's evolving relationship with Trump is evident, as he plans to end partnerships with independent fact-checkers and diversity initiatives, raising concerns about misinformation and the company's commitment to diversity. These developments reflect a significant shift in Meta's operational philosophy under the new administration.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inEpiscopal Bishop of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde, called on President Donald Trump to demonstrate compassion towards marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and undocumented immigrants, during his inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. "In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now," Budde urged, highlighting the fears faced by gay, lesbian, and transgender children across political lines. Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance, dismissed the service as unimpressive. As the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Budde is known for her advocacy on various social issues, including gun violence prevention and racial equality. She previously criticized Trump in 2020 for his use of the Bible as a political prop, asserting that he misrepresented sacred symbols in his actions.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has ordered all federal employees working in diversity offices to be placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening, effectively shutting down diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the directive, which was communicated through a memo from the US Office of Personnel Management. This move comes on the first day of Trump’s second term, during which he also repealed numerous executive orders aimed at promoting LGBTQ equality and established policies recognizing only two genders. Trump has long criticized DEI initiatives, claiming they discriminate against white individuals, particularly men. The new executive order aims to dismantle what Trump describes as "illegal and immoral discrimination programs" that were implemented during the Biden administration, affecting various sectors from military to healthcare.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn Malibu, the aftermath of devastating wildfires has left many Californians, like Sebastian Harrison, grappling with the loss of their homes and the burden of being uninsured. Harrison, who lost his three-acre property overlooking the Pacific Ocean, could no longer afford skyrocketing insurance premiums that soared from $8,000 to $40,000 post-pandemic. As California faces increasing wildfire risks, many insurance companies, including major players like State Farm and Allstate, have exited the market, leaving residents without coverage. Recent reforms by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara aim to stabilize the industry, but the ongoing threat of catastrophic fires raises concerns about the state's insurability. With the California FAIR Plan struggling under the weight of rising claims, homeowners fear they will be dropped by insurers, exacerbating the housing crisis in a state already burdened by high real estate costs.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBEIJING: China has firmly responded to US President Donald Trump's renewed tariff threats, asserting its readiness to defend national interests amid escalating trade tensions. Trump warned of a potential 10 per cent duty on Chinese imports, citing concerns over fentanyl trafficking from China through Mexico and Canada. China's foreign ministry emphasized the importance of communication and cooperation, stating, "We have always believed that there are no winners in a trade war." The proposed tariffs could be implemented by February 1st, coinciding with Trump's earlier threats of 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Despite efforts to boost domestic consumption, China's economy remains heavily reliant on exports. The ongoing trade conflict has roots in Trump's first term, where tariffs were imposed due to alleged unfair practices, a stance that has continued under President Joe Biden, who has maintained pressure on China with stringent technology restrictions.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAt the World Economic Forum in Davos, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's claims regarding the Panama Canal, asserting that it is neither a gift nor a concession from the United States. Mulino's comments came after Trump, during his inaugural address, suggested that the canal might be reclaimed by the US, alleging that China was "operating" it due to its increasing influence in the region. The canal, completed by the US in 1914, was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under prior treaties. In response to Trump's remarks, Panama has lodged a complaint with the United Nations, citing violations of international law. Mulino expressed confidence in Panama's sovereignty and indicated that the situation could present opportunities for collaboration with the US on various issues, including security and migration challenges along its border with Colombia.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inTanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced a new outbreak of the Marburg virus on Monday, confirming one case in the northwestern Kagera region, which borders Uganda and Rwanda. This marks the second outbreak in Tanzania since 2023, following a report last week from the World Health Organization (WHO) that linked a suspected outbreak to eight deaths, although this has not been confirmed by local authorities. Hassan emphasized ongoing efforts to identify the source of the infection, with 26 suspected cases tested, revealing only one positive result. The Kagera region was previously affected during the first outbreak in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six fatalities. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visiting Dodoma, pledged ongoing support, noting Tanzania's enhanced response capabilities. Despite the situation, WHO advised against travel and trade restrictions, citing a low global risk associated with the outbreak.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, has devised a creative solution to uplift its lonely ocean sunfish during renovations that began in December 2024. With the aquarium closed to the public, staff noticed the sunfish became lethargic, stopped eating, and began rubbing against the tank. Initially suspecting health issues, they later considered the possibility of loneliness due to the absence of visitors. In a bid to cheer it up, staff members created cardboard cutouts of visitors and dressed them in uniforms to simulate a lively environment. Remarkably, the sunfish's mood improved almost immediately, as it began swimming actively and waving its fins. This innovative approach echoes similar measures taken by other Japanese aquariums, such as the Sumida Aquarium, which engaged volunteers during the 2020 COVID lockdown to interact with its marine life via video calls.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 2 pm
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