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Former US President Barack Obama celebrated his wife Michelle's 61st birthday on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sharing a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the couple holding hands. He praised her for filling every room with "warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace," expressing his gratitude for sharing life's adventures together. Michelle responded warmly, saying, "Love you, honey!" with affectionate emojis. This affectionate exchange comes amidst swirling rumors about their marriage, sparked by Michelle's absence from the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and her non-attendance at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter earlier this month. Michelle, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, met Barack in 1989 at a law firm, and they married in 1992. The couple shares two daughters, Malia and Sasha, with Michelle often stating that her greatest achievement is being a mother.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inA firefighter in Los Angeles, Chien Yu, experienced an emotional reunion with his wedding ring while sifting through the rubble of his home, destroyed in the devastating wildfires. Accompanied by CNN's Erin Burnett, Yu's colleague discovered the silver ring, which Yu had lost amid the chaos of evacuation. Overwhelmed with emotion, he and his wife embraced outside their home of nearly eight years. Yu had evacuated his family before working a 16-hour shift battling the flames, unaware of the destruction awaiting him. The couple and their two sons have since relocated but are struggling with the transition, particularly as their school was also destroyed. The Eaton Fire has scorched over 14,000 acres and is 55% contained, while the Palisades Fire has burned nearly 24,000 acres and is 27% contained. Tragically, at least 27 people have died, with over 30 still reported missing.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inOn January 20, Washington, DC, will host a series of celebratory inaugural balls as President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th US President. Trump is expected to attend three key events: the Commander-in-Chief Ball, Liberty Inaugural Ball, and Starlight Ball, which offer him a platform to address supporters and the nation. These inaugural balls, a tradition dating back to 1789, symbolize unity, celebration, and the peaceful transition of power, attracting political leaders, dignitaries, and citizens dressed in formal attire. The 2025 inauguration festivities will span four days, from January 18 to 21, featuring a range of events including a reception, a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, a victory rally, and culminate in a National Prayer Service. Each presidential inauguration has evolved the tradition, with varying tones and themes reflecting the incoming leader's style.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable event on Prince Edward Island, Canada, a home security camera may have captured the first-ever footage of a meteorite striking Earth, according to NPR reports. Joe Velaidum and his partner, Laura Kelly, were taken aback when they discovered their walkway littered with grey debris after walking their dogs in July 2024. Initially suspecting the material had fallen from their roof, they learned from Kelly's parents that a loud blast had been heard nearby, prompting speculation of a meteorite strike. Upon reviewing the footage, Velaidum confirmed their suspicions. Geologist Chris Herd from the University of Alberta, who analyzed the fragments, noted that this incident marks the first recorded sound of a meteorite fall, with Herd stating, "No other meteorite fall has been documented like this." The event is a significant addition to the natural history of Prince Edward Island.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a poignant voice note shared by her Awami League party, ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recounted her narrow escape from death while fleeing to India last August. The 77-year-old leader, who resigned just moments before a mob attacked her residence, expressed gratitude to Allah for her survival, alleging a conspiracy by political opponents to assassinate her. In the audio, Hasina reflected on previous assassination attempts, including the 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 people. She lamented her exile, stating, "I am suffering, I am without my country, my home, everything has been burned." Currently in India, where she has sought refuge, Hasina faces corruption charges in Bangladesh, and her extradition has been requested by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Political unrest in Bangladesh has escalated, straining relations with India amid violence against minority communities.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn Malibu, California, search and rescue efforts are underway following devastating wildfires that have left dozens missing. Tulla, a Labrador retriever, has become a key player in these operations, using her keen sense of smell to locate potential victims among the ruins of burnt homes. Los Angeles County Fire Department officials emphasize the dogs' critical role, as thousands of homes have been destroyed and approximately 15 people remain unaccounted for. Firefighters, working grueling shifts, rely on the dogs, which enjoy the search process as if it were a game. Handlers ensure the animals are protected from hazardous debris while maintaining rigorous training routines. Dogs like Bosco, who failed as a guide dog due to excess energy, have become adept at finding scents, drastically reducing the time required for searches. Despite occasional false alarms, their contributions significantly enhance the efficiency of rescue operations in the aftermath of the fires.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inOn January 20, the Presidential Parade will mark the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, following traditional ceremonies at the US Capitol. The Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee has confirmed nearly 7,500 participants from 23 states, including contingents from all branches of the military. The inaugural parade, a long-standing tradition since George Washington's first oath in 1789, typically spans 2.4 km along Pennsylvania Avenue, with the President and key officials observing from the White House. Over the years, the event has evolved to include diverse participants, showcasing America's rich history and cultural heritage. Significant milestones include the inclusion of Native Americans and African Americans in 1865 and women in 1917. This year’s theme, “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” emphasizes the parade's role in celebrating the peaceful transfer of power and reflecting the values of the incoming administration.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inIsrael's justice ministry announced the release of 737 prisoners as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, following a cabinet vote approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The government stated that these individuals, including men, women, and children, will not be freed before Sunday at 4:00 PM local time. This expanded list includes notable figures such as Zakaria Zubeidi, a chief of the armed wing of Fatah, and Khalida Jarar, a prominent leftist lawmaker. Meanwhile, sources close to Hamas indicated that the first group of hostages to be released includes three Israeli women soldiers, although the term "soldier" may also encompass civilians abducted during the conflict. The total number of prisoners released will depend on the number of live hostages returned by Hamas, according to justice ministry spokesperson Noga Katz.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inIsrael's cabinet has approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal concerning Gaza, set to commence on Sunday, following days of uncertainty. This agreement aims to halt hostilities in what has been described as Gaza's deadliest conflict, allowing for the release of hostages captured during Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the plan, which includes the release of 95 Palestinians, pending government approval. Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli airstrikes have continued, resulting in over 100 casualties since the deal was made public. The ceasefire, facilitated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, coincides with the inauguration of Donald Trump, who claimed credit for the negotiations. Humanitarian concerns mount in Gaza, where widespread destruction has left many displaced, while the fate of remaining hostages remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inChandra Arya, an Indian-origin Member of Parliament for Nepean, has officially announced his candidacy for the Prime Minister of Canada, following the recent decision by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down. Arya, originally from Karnataka, India, and an MBA graduate from Dharwad, emphasized the need for "bold political decisions" to tackle Canada’s structural challenges, particularly those affecting the middle class and younger generations. In a statement on social media, he outlined his vision for a more efficient government focused on rebuilding the economy and securing prosperity for future generations. Arya criticized Khalistan supporters and condemned the defacing of Hindu temples in Canada, positioning himself as a strong advocate for Indian interests. He believes that Canada should embrace its ties with India as a growing market for exports and talent, asserting that decisive leadership is essential for the nation's future.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 8 am
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