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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington's unwavering support for Israel during a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, marking his first engagement with Israeli leadership since President Donald Trump took office. The discussion included critical topics such as Iran and the ongoing situation of Israeli hostages in Gaza, following the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. The U.S. has pledged to work "tirelessly" to secure the release of these hostages, while also backing Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have led to substantial Palestinian casualties and widespread humanitarian crises. A recent ceasefire has allowed for some hostage exchanges, but rights groups continue to criticize the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Rubio emphasized the importance of addressing Iranian threats and fostering opportunities for peace in the region, as the U.S. maintains its commitment to its ally.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 5 ameznews.inA recent study published in _Geophysical Research Letters_ has provided a potential explanation for the long-standing mystery of Mars' stark surface dichotomy, where the northern lowlands are 5-6 kilometers lower than the southern highlands. Researchers suggest that this divide, known since the 1970s, may stem from internal heat transfer rather than external impacts. By analyzing marsquake data from NASA's InSight lander, the study indicates that ancient tectonic activity and mantle convection could have shaped the Martian crust over billions of years, creating a "stagnant lid" as tectonic movement ceased. The southern highlands are characterized by their ancient, cratered, and magnetised terrain, while the northern lowlands are younger and less cratered. However, the authors emphasize the need for further data on marsquakes to validate their findings. Additionally, a separate study suggests Mars' magnetic field may have persisted longer than previously believed, potentially supporting life for an extended period.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn his first interview since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump criticized former President Joe Biden for granting pardons to family members and officials on his last day in office. Speaking to Fox News' Sean Hannity, Trump revealed he was offered the chance to pardon himself at the end of his first term but declined, asserting, "we didn't do anything wrong." He expressed frustration about returning to the Oval Office, suggesting that many issues, including inflation and international conflicts, could have been resolved had he been re-elected in 2020. Trump claimed that America's challenges are "all solvable" and emphasized the unity of the Republican caucus. He also hinted at potentially cutting federal funds to "sanctuary cities" that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. On security concerns regarding TikTok, Trump downplayed the risks, questioning the significance of China spying on young users.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 8 ameznews.inSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has congratulated Donald Trump on his return to the White House, expressing intentions to significantly enhance investment and trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States. In a Thursday call, the Crown Prince conveyed congratulations from King Salman and announced plans to increase bilateral investment and trade to $600 billion over the next four years. Trump's previous presidency saw strong ties with Saudi Arabia, highlighted by his first overseas visit in 2017. However, relations soured after a 2019 attack on Saudi oil facilities attributed to Iran. Despite this, efforts to strengthen ties continued post-Trump's presidency, including a $2 billion investment in Jared Kushner's private equity firm. The dynamics shifted under President Biden, who initially criticized Saudi Arabia but later sought a major deal involving recognition of Israel by Riyadh, which has since been stalled due to recent conflicts in Gaza.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 9 ameznews.inA new wildfire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, erupted north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, rapidly consuming over 8,000 acres near Castaic Lake and prompting the evacuation of 31,000 residents. The fire is fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, raising concerns about its potential to spread further. Emergency alerts were sent to residents, with many expressing fears for their homes. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Jensen urged immediate evacuation, emphasizing the dangers of ignoring such orders, given the recent devastation from other wildfires in the region. Additionally, the Pitchess Detention Center was placed under evacuation orders, affecting around 500 inmates, while others were sheltering in place. Firefighting efforts included aerial support from helicopters and planes, although conditions remain precarious due to low humidity and a lack of recent rainfall, making the landscape particularly susceptible to fire. Meteorologists warn that the situation could worsen if winds increase.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 6 ameznews.inA US court has ruled that five elephants at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado do not have the legal standing to seek their release, as they are not classified as human. The Nonhuman Rights Project (NRP) filed the lawsuit, arguing that the elephants—Missy, Kimba, Lucky, LouLou, and Jambo—suffer from brain damage and are effectively imprisoned in the zoo, which they claim is detrimental to these intelligent animals. However, the Colorado Supreme Court concluded that the legal issue hinges on whether elephants can be considered persons, and since they cannot, the animals lack the right to file a habeas corpus claim. This ruling follows a similar decision in New York regarding another elephant, Happy. The zoo criticized NRP for allegedly exploiting the legal system for fundraising, while NRP decried the ruling as a "clear injustice" and expressed hope for future legal advancements in animal rights.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inThree federal judges in Washington have condemned President Donald Trump's recent pardons for supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which aimed to overturn the 2020 election results. District Judge Tanya Chutkan emphasized that "no pardon can change the tragic truth" of the violence that day, which left a lasting impact on the nation's democratic traditions. Trump, shortly after assuming office, pardoned over 1,500 individuals, including members of the far-right Proud Boys and Oath Keepers militia. Judges Beryl Howell and Colleen Kollar-Kotel also dismissed charges against riot defendants, asserting that claims of a "national injustice" were unfounded and that the events of January 6 are well-documented. The judges warned that allowing such disruptions to go unpunished could encourage future lawlessness, undermining the rule of law in the United States.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has appointed Andrew Puzder, a former fast food executive, as his ambassador to the European Union. Puzder, who previously withdrew from consideration for labor secretary in Trump's first term due to controversies surrounding his business practices and personal life, had faced scrutiny for employing an undocumented migrant and failing to pay taxes on her salary. Trump praised Puzder's leadership during his 17 years as CEO of the parent company of Hardee's and Carl's Jr., claiming he successfully navigated the company through financial difficulties. Additionally, Trump nominated conservative activist L. Brent Bozell III to lead the United States Agency for Global Media, emphasizing Bozell's extensive experience in the media landscape. The Senate is expected to hold a confirmation hearing for both nominees amid ongoing concerns about their past actions and positions.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a significant legislative victory for President Donald Trump, the US Congress has approved the GOP-led Laken Riley Act, mandating the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes. The bill, which passed 263 to 156 with support from 46 Democrats, aims to strengthen immigration enforcement following a tragic incident involving a Georgia student, Laken Riley, who was killed by an undocumented migrant previously arrested for shoplifting. The legislation expands the list of offenses warranting detention, including assault on law enforcement and serious bodily injury crimes. Despite bipartisan support, critics warn it could undermine US foreign policy by granting excessive power to state attorneys general and federal judges over visa issues. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has indicated that full implementation may be unfeasible without significant funding, requiring an additional 110,000 detention beds and an estimated $3.2 billion in resources.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a significant development for the U.S. tech landscape, President Donald Trump announced the launch of the 'Stargate' project, touted as the largest AI infrastructure initiative in history, during a press conference at the White House. The project, backed by tech giants OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, aims to invest $500 billion over four years, with an immediate $100 billion commitment. Key figures leading the initiative include OpenAI's Sam Altman, Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, and SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, with Nvidia reportedly considering a partnership. However, Elon Musk, a former OpenAI co-founder, expressed skepticism about the project's financial viability, questioning the partners' ability to secure the necessary funding. Amidst ongoing legal disputes between Musk and OpenAI, Altman emphasized the project's potential to reinforce America's leadership in AI technology, thanking Trump for his support. The first data center for Stargate is already under construction in Texas.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 5 am
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