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Trump Signs Orders on Race and Transgender Policies in Schools

US President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on Wednesday addressing contentious issues in education, including race, gender, and campus protests, which were central to his campaign. One order, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," aims to restrict teachings on race and gender identity while promoting "patriotic education." It also seeks to limit accommodations for transgender students in schools. Despite states controlling education, the order mandates federal agencies to report on potential actions, such as conditioning federal funding, to enforce these changes. Additionally, Trump signed an order to expand school choice, allowing public funding for non-public schools, and another to combat anti-Semitism amid rising campus protests linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This order addresses discrimination against Jewish students and suggests possible deportations for those breaking laws during protests, reflecting Trump's broader agenda in his initial days in office. sources

Published:
Jan 30 2025, 5 pm

Syria's Leader Promises "National Dialogue Conference

Syria's new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has announced plans for a "national dialogue conference" aimed at fostering discussions on the country's political future, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. In his inaugural address, Sharaa, appointed just a day prior, emphasized the need to maintain civil peace and territorial integrity, pledging to form a committee to prepare for the conference and issue a "constitutional declaration" to guide the transitional period. He also vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for violence during the conflict. Sharaa's address coincided with a visit from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who stressed the importance of an inclusive government for stability and reconstruction. Regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia's king and Jordan's king, have congratulated Sharaa, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations as Syria embarks on a new chapter after years of civil war. sources

Published:
Jan 31 2025, 4 am

Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Goods from Mexico, Canada

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is considering imposing a 25% tariff on oil imports from Mexico and Canada, with a decision expected by the end of the day. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed concerns about unfair trade practices, particularly related to the flow of fentanyl and migrants across U.S. borders. He emphasized that tariffs could be implemented if both countries fail to address these issues. The announcement comes as tensions rise with two of the United States' largest trading partners. As of now, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office and Mexico's economy ministry have not responded to requests for comment regarding the potential tariffs. The proposed tariffs are set to take effect on February 1, pending Trump's final decision. sources

Published:
Jan 31 2025, 4 am

OpenAI Pursues $40 Billion in New Funding Round

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly aiming to raise $40 billion in a new funding round that could elevate its valuation to an astonishing $340 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. Japan's SoftBank is leading this investment, negotiating to inject between $15 billion and $25 billion, potentially becoming OpenAI's largest financial backer. This move follows concerns raised by the launch of a cost-effective chatbot from Chinese startup DeepSeek, which has unsettled markets. The funding initiative comes just three months after OpenAI's previous round valued the company at $157 billion, highlighting the significant financial requirements for developing advanced AI models. The new investment aligns with the Stargate initiative, aimed at bolstering AI infrastructure in the U.S., with OpenAI committed to contributing approximately $18 billion. SoftBank, led by Masayoshi Son, has a history of successful tech investments but has faced challenges with other ventures. sources

Published:
Jan 31 2025, 4 am

Indian Astronaut to Pilot Axiom-4, Practice Yoga in Space

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to become the second Indian in space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission, as he pilots the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, scheduled for spring 2025. Currently serving in the Indian Air Force, Shukla has also been selected for India's Gaganyaan Mission by ISRO, which facilitated his participation in the Ax-4 mission. Commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission team has been training intensively, with Shukla expressing excitement about experiencing microgravity and potentially demonstrating yoga in space, as Sharma did. Whitson highlighted the importance of teamwork in this diverse international mission, building on previous successful Axiom missions, which began with Ax-1 in April 2022. sources

Published:
Jan 30 2025, 11 pm

Lula: Brazil Will Respond to Trump's Tariff Hike

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned that he would retaliate against any increase in US tariffs on Brazilian products by imposing taxes on American exports, although he expressed a preference for improved relations over a trade war. Speaking at a press conference in Brasilia, Lula emphasized the importance of mutual respect between the two nations, while criticizing US President Donald Trump's past comments on territorial claims. He also highlighted the global threats to democracy, asserting its significance in preventing authoritarian regimes. As Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate talks, Lula condemned Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord as detrimental to global progress. With rising concerns over economic issues, Lula dismissed worries about declining approval ratings and high interest rates, asserting confidence in his new central bank president and announcing plans for a significant credit program to boost production and manage public spending. sources

Published:
Jan 31 2025, 12 am

Panama Rules Out Negotiations with US on Canal

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino firmly dismissed any negotiations with the United States regarding the ownership of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that the canal is "sealed" as Panama's territory. This statement comes ahead of a visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following President Donald Trump's claims that China is "operating" the canal, which the U.S. transferred to Panama in 1999. Mulino reiterated his commitment to discussing shared concerns like migration and organized crime with Rubio, despite tensions arising from Trump's plans for mass deportations affecting many from Central America. He highlighted Panama's enduring "privileged relationship" with the U.S., which has weathered ups and downs since the canal's construction in 1914. The canal is currently managed by the Panama Canal Authority, and Mulino rejected any notions of foreign interference in its operations. sources

Published:
Jan 31 2025, 12 am

Marianne Faithfull, English Singer, Dies at 78

Marianne Faithfull, the iconic British singer and actress renowned for her 1960s hit "As Tears Go By," has passed away at the age of 78, according to reports from British media. Her spokesperson confirmed the news, stating, "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull." The statement added that she died peacefully in London, surrounded by her loving family. Faithfull's contributions to music and film have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, and she is remembered fondly by fans and peers alike. Her passing marks the end of an era for a talented artist who navigated a remarkable career spanning decades. She will be greatly missed by all who appreciated her work. sources

Published:
Jan 31 2025, 12 am

Rubio: Trump's Greenland Purchase Interest "Not A Joke

In a recent interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that President Donald Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland is serious and aligns with U.S. national interests. Trump has been vocal about his desire to acquire the autonomous territory of Denmark since his reelection campaign in November, even suggesting the potential use of military or economic pressure to facilitate the acquisition. Rubio emphasized that this matter is not a trivial pursuit but rather crucial for securing U.S. interests in the Arctic, particularly as shipping lanes become increasingly significant and as China seeks to expand its influence in the region. Despite Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede's firm stance that the island is not for sale and that its future is for its people to decide, Rubio indicated that the U.S. will continue to prioritize its Arctic interests over the next four years. sources

Published:
Jan 31 2025, 12 am

Trump Blames Obama, Biden for Chopper-Plane Crash Diversity Policies

US President Donald Trump has attributed compromised air safety standards to diversity policies enacted during the Obama and Biden administrations, following a tragic mid-air collision that claimed no survivors. His comments have sparked a fierce debate regarding the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which he argues prioritize policy over safety. Trump accused former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg of hiring unqualified individuals for air traffic control roles, questioning their competence. He claimed that the FAA had been "ran into the ground" by DEI hires deemed "too white." In light of the incident, Trump announced Chris Rocheleau as the acting FAA administrator, indicating that the agency's hiring practices and safety protocols will undergo rigorous examination. Critics of the FAA's DEI initiatives assert they can be discriminatory, while supporters argue they are necessary to rectify historical inequities in the aviation sector. sources

Published:
Jan 30 2025, 11 pm

Astronauts Williams and Wilmore's First Spacewalk in 8 Months

After an extended eight-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore conducted their first joint spacewalk on Thursday, performing essential maintenance tasks and inspecting the station's exterior for any surviving microbes from Earth. The spacewalk, which began at 8 am ET, was livestreamed by NASA, with Wilmore expressing excitement as he exited the ISS, located 420 kilometers above Earth. Meanwhile, NASA is collaborating with SpaceX to facilitate the astronauts' return, which has been delayed due to technical issues with their original spacecraft, Boeing's Starliner. Originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, the duo's stay was extended after their arrival in June 2024. NASA confirmed that SpaceX is preparing for a repatriation mission, following US President Donald Trump's remarks about the upcoming return of the astronauts. sources

Published:
Jan 30 2025, 9 pm

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