President Trump criticized Europe yesterday for what he called “unfair” trade practices and regulations during a video appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He vowed to impose tariffs on companies that choose to produce outside the U.S.
In the U.S., Trump faced a setback in his efforts to rewrite immigration law when a judge temporarily blocked his order to end automatic citizenship for babies born in the U.S. The judge stated that Trump’s order is “blatantly unconstitutional.”
“Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar would state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order,” the judge remarked to Trump administration lawyers. “It just boggles my mind.”
At the beginning of his second term, Trump has positioned himself as a prominent figure in global hard-line conservative populism. He has promised significant changes, such as deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, a stance that many of his supporters in Europe have not fully embraced.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in high casualties, with independent estimates suggesting that Russia has lost about twice as many soldiers to death and serious injury as Ukraine. Despite this, a larger population and aggressive recruiting tactics have allowed Russia to replenish its forces rapidly.
Russian troops, now supplemented by North Korean forces, face approximately 250,000 Ukrainians, and the disparity between the two armies is increasing.
One military analyst commented, “The fat man grows thinner. But the thin man dies.” President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval ratings have declined, complicating his re-election prospects with Trump back in the White House.
Since the cease-fire began on Sunday, Hamas has sought to assert its control over Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to eradicate Hamas but has not provided a viable alternative for governance in Gaza. The rapid resurgence of Hamas fighters has surprised many local residents.
In a significant development for LGBTQ+ rights, Thailand hosted a mass wedding yesterday, marking a new era for same-sex couples who are now legally allowed to marry. The ceremony took place in one of Bangkok’s largest shopping malls, with hundreds in attendance.
Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia, and only the third in Asia following Taiwan and Nepal, to permit same-sex marriages.
José Jiménez, a prominent figure in the 1960s who transformed a Chicago gang into a militant voice advocating for social services, fair housing, and education for Puerto Ricans, has passed away at the age of 76.
The Oscar nominations have been dominated by critic picks, featuring films with progressive themes. Notably, Karla SofÃa Gascón received a nomination for best actress for “Emilia Pérez,” becoming the first openly trans actress nominated. The film garnered 13 nominations overall.
Additionally, “The Brutalist,” a lengthy exploration of immigrant trauma, received 10 nominations. Demi Moore also made a career comeback with a nomination for best actress in “The Substance.” Awards season columnist Kyle Buchanan described the nominations as “an eclectic bunch” that also makes Oscar history.