News Symmary for Thu Jan 09 2025

Presidents Forced to Sit Together at Jimmy Carter's Funeral

politicsJimmy Carterpresidents

Five U.S. Presidents in One Place!
The former and current presidents of the United States gathered together for Jimmy Carter's funeral, sitting next to each other in the front rows of the Washington National Cathedral.

Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump all attended the funeral, accompanied by their wives and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Despite some warm greetings and laughter, not everyone was pleased to see each other. Here's a who's who of the front rows:

  • Joe Biden
  • Jill Biden
  • Kamala Harris
  • Doug Emhoff
  • Donald Trump
  • Melania Trump
  • Barack Obama
  • George W. Bush
  • Laura Bush
  • Bill Clinton
  • Hillary Clinton

While Michelle Obama was not in attendance, other notable figures like Al Gore and Mike Pence were also present.

Jimmy Carter's State Funeral: A Day of National Mourning

politicsJimmy Carterstate funeralnational mourning

Today, thousands of mourners and living former US presidents gather at Washington’s national cathedral for the state funeral of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president. President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy, while Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama and president-elect Donald Trump are expected to join the service. The funeral comes after a week of mourning and follows Carter’s death on 29 December, aged 100. Carter was known for his compassion and thirst for justice for all, and today's events are a testament to his impact on the country and the world.

LA Wildfires: Over 130,000 Evacuated, Biden Cancels Italy Trip to Monitor Response

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Wildfires Force Evacuations in Los Angeles: Sunset Fire Burns 40 Acres, Threatens Hollywood Landmarks

wildfiresnatural disastersevacuationslos angeleshollywood

A brush fire known as the Sunset Fire has burned more than 40 acres in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills.
Evacuation orders are in place for residents between Runyon Canyon and Wattles Park.
Iconic landmarks, such as the Hollywood sign and the historic TCL Chinese Theater, are near the mandatory evacuation zone.
Flames have been contained, but firefighters remain in the area.

Japanese Mafia Leader Caught Selling Nuclear Materials

nuclearcrimejapanmafia

A Japanese mafia leader, Takeshi Ebisawa, has pleaded guilty in the US to conspiring to traffic nuclear materials from Myanmar. Ebisawa 'brazenly trafficked nuclear material, including weapons-grade plutonium' and also worked to send massive quantities of heroin and methamphetamine to the United States in exchange for heavy-duty weaponry. He is now facing decades in prison.

Mexico's President Trolls Trump with 'Mexican America' Map

politicstrumpmexicointernational relations

In a playful response to Trump's proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America', Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested renaming North America to 'América Mexicana' or 'Mexican America'. This exchange sets the tone for the potential relationship between the two leaders in the coming years.

US Accuses Sudan's RSF of Genocide, Imposes Sanctions

SudangenocideRSFsanctions

The US has accused Sudan's RSF of committing genocide and imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and seven RSF-owned companies. The US determined that the RSF and its allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys, targeted women and girls for rape and other forms of sexual violence, and committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. The RSF has been fighting Sudan's army for territorial control since the war erupted in April 2023, causing the worst humanitarian crisis ever recorded, with over 11 million people forced out of their homes, tens of thousands dead, and 30 million in need of humanitarian assistance. The US does not support either side of this war, and these actions against Hemedti and the RSF do not signify support or favour for the SAF.

West Ham Sacks Lopetegui: Potter Set to Take Over

FootballPremier LeagueWest Ham UnitedJulen LopeteguiGraham Potter

West Ham United has sacked manager Julen Lopetegui after just six months in charge. The Spaniard, 58, was appointed in May following the departure of David Moyes but officially took charge on 1 July. The Hammers won just six Premier League games during Lopetegui's tenure. The club has held talks with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter about succeeding Lopetegui, initially on a short-term deal. Potter has not worked in management since being sacked as Chelsea manager in April 2023. West Ham United is currently 14th in the Premier League with 24 points from 20 games.

Ukraine's Armed Forces Inflict Heavy Losses on Russian Troops

Combat LossesArmed ForcesUkraine-Russia ConflictMilitary Conflict

Ukraine's Armed Forces continue to inflict heavy losses on Russian troops in the ongoing conflict. Over the past day, Russia has lost 1,660 soldiers killed and wounded, and 4 tanks. The total combat losses of the Russian forces from February 24, 2022 to January 8, 2025 are estimated to be approximately 801,670 military personnel, 9,714 tanks, 20,205 armored combat vehicles, 21,729 artillery systems, 1,260 multiple-launch rocket systems, 1,038 air defense systems, 369 fixed-wing aircraft, 331 helicopters, 21,727 tactical and strategic UAVs, 3,014 cruise missiles, 28 ships/boats, 1 submarine, 33,307 vehicles and fuel tankers, and 3,681 special vehicles and other equipment. These figures are still being confirmed and are subject to change.

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Trump's Agenda Successes and California's Failing Wildfire Response

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Trump's Agenda Successes

  • President-elect Donald Trump announces a $20 billion investment from a Dubai company, creating thousands of high-paying American jobs.
  • Facebook ends its censorship campaign, shuttering fact-checking mechanisms on Meta's platforms.

California's Failing Wildfire Response

  • Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom fail to prevent wildfires, not cutting dry brush for years.
  • The L.A. Fire Department is understaffed and underfunded, with Mayor Bass cutting fire department funding by $17.6 million while increasing the library budget by nearly $15 million.
  • Officials spend billions on green environmental efforts but can't afford to pay firefighters, knowing wildfires are common.

Celebrities Lose Homes in Devastating LA Wildfires

climate changewildfirescelebritieslos angeles

The wildfires blazing through Los Angeles County have claimed the homes of several celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, and Eugene Levy. The fires have already destroyed over 1,100 buildings and killed at least five people. The region faces extreme fire weather, with climate breakdown intensifying the wildfire season globally.

Mexico's President Trolls Trump Over Gulf of Mexico Name Change Plan

TrumpGulf of MexicoMexiconame changeClaudia Sheinbaum

Trump wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico the 'Gulf of America'. But Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, had a witty response to Trump's announcement. She joked that she has a new name for the US, 'Mexican America'. She also pointed to a 1607 map that recognizes 'Mexican America' as the name for the whole northern part of the American continent.

Man Arrested with Weapons at US Capitol During Trump Visit and Carter Tribute

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A man was arrested for bringing a machete and knives into the US Capitol visitor center just as members of the public were streaming in to pay their respects to Jimmy Carter, and as Donald Trump was arriving for a meeting with Senate Republicans. The man was arrested on charges of carrying a dangerous weapon, and law enforcement had already increased security around the Capitol before Monday due to the electoral vote count.

Premier League Footballer Facing Rape Allegations: Latest Updates

footballpremier leaguerape allegations

What's the latest on the Premier League footballer accused of rape?
The Metropolitan Police have passed a full file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who will decide the next steps for the player.

He has been accused of raping a woman in her 20s in June 2022, and a different woman in April and June 2021.

The player has also been interviewed under caution for a sexual offence alleged to have taken place in February 2022.

Despite the allegations, the player has continued to play for his club and denies any wrongdoing.