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Trump Pauses TikTok Ban for 75 Days, Delays Enforcement of ByteDance Sale 

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Trump Pauses TikTok Ban for 75 Days, Delays Enforcement of ByteDance Sale 

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday granting a 75-day reprieve from enforcing a law that requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell a majority stake in the app to continue operating in the United States. 

CEO of TikTok in the middle

The law, enacted in April under President Joe Biden, was designed to address national security concerns over ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government. It officially went into effect Sunday but had not been enforced by the Biden administration. Trump’s executive order maintains that stance while his administration evaluates its approach to TikTok. 

“I hereby order the Attorney General not to take any action on behalf of the United States to enforce the Act for 75 days,” the order reads, “to permit my Administration an opportunity to determine the appropriate course of action with respect to TikTok.” 

During this period, the Department of Justice is barred from enforcing the law or imposing penalties against entities involved in distributing, maintaining, or updating TikTok. The order also shields U.S. companies that assisted TikTok’s return to service from legal liability. 

TikTok Ban Temporarily Halted Amid Accessibility Drama

The move comes after a weekend of uncertainty. Following a Supreme Court decision Friday to uphold the law, TikTok voluntarily ceased its U.S. operations Saturday. However, on Sunday, the app resumed service, reportedly at Trump’s urging to support the broadcast of his inauguration. 

Apple and Google, whose app stores no longer list TikTok, have yet to comment on the president’s order. TikTok also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

ByteDance Sale Still Required

While the executive order delays enforcement, it does not overturn the law. TikTok must still secure a U.S.-based owner for at least 80% of its operations or face a permanent ban. Trump suggested a potential 50-50 ownership split between ByteDance and a U.S. company, though such a deal’s legality under the current law remains unclear. 

China’s position on a potential sale appears to have softened. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, signaled a willingness to consider a deal. “Business operations and acquisitions should be decided according to market principles,” Mao said Monday. 

Despite the pause, concerns remain bipartisan in Congress, with lawmakers warning that TikTok poses risks related to propaganda and espionage. 

Hamas Confirms Next Hostage Release Scheduled for Saturday

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Hamas Confirms Next Hostage Release Scheduled for Saturday

Hamas announced Monday that its next group of hostages will be released on Saturday, in accordance with a ceasefire deal with Israel. This statement followed earlier comments from a Hamas official suggesting the release might be delayed to Sunday. 

The militant group plans to release over 90 hostages in the coming weeks as part of the multi-phase agreement, which aims to end the 15-month war in Gaza. In exchange, Israel is releasing Palestinian prisoners and detainees. 

A statement from Hamas confirmed, “The next group of hostages will be released on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.” Earlier, Nahed Al-Fakhouri, head of the Hamas prisoners’ media office, indicated the release could occur Sunday, sparking speculation about a delay. 

A senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously, clarified that Saturday remains the agreed-upon deadline for the next release. 

Ceasefire Agreement Details

The ceasefire, implemented earlier this month, outlines a structured process to de-escalate the conflict. It includes: 

– A six-week initial cessation of hostilities. 

– Gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. 

– Hostage exchanges: Hamas began the process by releasing three Israeli hostages when the ceasefire took effect, with subsequent releases scheduled weekly. 

In return, Israel has started releasing Palestinian prisoners, fulfilling its side of the accord. The agreement is viewed as a significant step toward halting one of the region’s longest and most destructive conflicts. 

Trump Issues Sweeping Pardons for 1, 500 January 6 Rioters

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Trump Issues Sweeping Pardons for 1, 500 January 6 Rioters

President Donald Trump has granted pardons to roughly 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, along with six commutations. The move fulfills a campaign promise to release his supporters who were prosecuted for their roles in the attack aimed at overturning the 2020 election results. 

“These are the hostages,” Trump said while signing the pardons during his first appearance in the Oval Office on Monday, just hours after being sworn in for his second term. 

The pardons mark a symbolic beginning to Trump’s new administration, following a day of inaugural celebrations. Earlier in the day, Trump signed an initial wave of executive orders at Washington’s Capital One Arena, where thousands of his supporters gathered for an indoor inaugural parade due to frigid temperatures. 

Trump Reverses Biden-Era Immigration Policies

In addition to the pardons, Trump has moved swiftly to reverse key immigration policies implemented during President Joe Biden’s tenure. Among the rescinded orders is a Biden directive that narrowed deportation priorities to individuals who committed serious crimes, posed national security threats, or were apprehended at the border. 

Trump’s action restores his first-term policy, which prioritizes the deportation of all individuals in the country illegally. Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border czar” and a staunch advocate of tougher immigration enforcement, stated that while the administration will focus on targeting criminals, it “won’t hesitate to arrest others when deportation officers are on the streets.” 

The immigration rollbacks and pardons are the first steps in a series of executive actions planned by Trump, setting the tone for a presidency focused on fulfilling campaign promises and revisiting his previous administration’s hardline policies. 

Trump Rescinds Key Biden-Era Executive Orders Hours After Taking Office 

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Trump Rescinds Key Biden-Era Executive Orders Hours After Taking Office 

President Donald Trump wasted no time dismantling key policies implemented by the Biden administration, signing a series of executive orders just hours after taking the oath of office on Monday. Among the rescinded orders were those addressing voter registration, artificial intelligence oversight, and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under Title IX. 

Voter Registration Order Revoked

One of the 78 Biden-era executive orders repealed was a March 2021 directive aimed at increasing voter registration. The order instructed federal agencies to take measures to boost voter registration efforts. While the order did not explicitly favor one political party, Republicans had criticized it as an overreach of federal authority, accusing the Biden administration of directing agencies to engage in activities outside their scope. 

AI Oversight Order Overturned

Trump also revoked a 2023 executive order from the Biden administration focused on the development and regulation of artificial intelligence. The order had required major AI developers to share data with federal regulators to ensure safety and security. It also called for the creation of standards to balance AI’s economic potential with its associated risks. 

The repeal reflects Trump’s approach to reduce federal oversight of technology development, signaling a shift in the government’s role in AI regulation. 

Title IX Protections for LGBTQ+ Students Reversed 

Trump rescinded a 2021 executive order that had expanded the interpretation of Title IX to protect against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. While the Biden administration later cemented this interpretation through federal regulations, Republican-led states successfully challenged the rule in federal court. 

The reversal clears the path for Trump’s administration to revise federal policies on education, gender identity, and sexual orientation. 

Cuba Designation as State Sponsor of Terrorism Reinstated

In a move with international implications, Trump reversed Biden’s recent decision to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Biden had made the decision as part of a deal brokered by the Catholic Church to secure the release of political prisoners on the island. Following the announcement, Cuba began releasing individuals detained during the historic 2021 protests. 

Trump’s reversal signals a return to a harder stance on Cuba, marking a sharp departure from Biden’s efforts to improve U.S.-Cuba relations. 

Education Department Guidance and COVID-19 Policies Rescinded

Trump also nullified a Biden executive order from 2021 that had directed federal officials to provide guidance to schools on reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order required the Department of Education to investigate the pandemic’s disproportionate effects on students of color and those with disabilities. 

While these reversals reflect Trump’s intent to overhaul Biden’s legacy policies, they also set the stage for the Trump administration’s own agenda on technology, education, and foreign policy. 

Migrants Break Down in Tears as Trump Ends Border App After Taking Office 

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Migrants Break Down in Tears as Trump Ends Border App After Taking Office 

Chaos erupted at the U.S.-Mexico border Monday as President Donald Trump, within minutes of being sworn in, shut down the CBP One app, a platform used to schedule border entry appointments. 

The decision left migrants, many of whom had waited months for scheduled appointments, in despair. Margelis Tinoco, a Colombian woman hoping to cross into El Paso, Texas, said she was “devastated” after the app went offline. Cuban migrant Yaime Perez, also awaiting entry, broke into tears as her plans were abruptly derailed. 

The CBP One app, introduced during the Biden administration, had processed an estimated one million entries and allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. border crossings. It also expedited customs processes for tourists. 

A notice posted on the Customs and Border Protection website confirmed the app’s suspension, stating, “Effective January 20, 2025, all existing appointments have been canceled.” 

Trump announced the move during his inauguration speech, declaring a national emergency at the southern border. “Illegal entry will be halted immediately,” he told supporters, promising to enforce stricter immigration policies. 

Migrants at the border expressed anger and frustration. Johnny Flores, 36, of Venezuela, who arrived for his 1 p.m. appointment early, pleaded with Trump’s administration to honor previously scheduled entries. 

“It’s unfair,” Flores said. “We waited for months to do this legally, and now they pull the rug out from under us.” 

Others recounted the perilous journeys they had undertaken—crossing continents, enduring exploitation, and facing violence—to reach the U.S. border. 

El Paso temporarily shut its border crossings Monday, deploying riot-gear-clad authorities as migrants scrambled to understand the new policies. 

The app’s suspension is part of Trump’s broader immigration overhaul. His administration plans to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting court hearings. 

Additional day-one actions include ending catch-and-release, sending troops to the border, and reviewing birthright citizenship laws. Trump also signaled plans to halt refugee programs and reassess asylum policies. 

While Trump’s supporters praised his renewed focus on border security, critics argue some proposals could face legal challenges, particularly regarding the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship. 

Elon Musk’s Gesture at Trump Inauguration Parade Sparks Controversy 

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Elon Musk’s Gesture at Trump Inauguration Parade Sparks Controversy 

Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and major donor to President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, faced widespread backlash Monday after making a controversial hand gesture during the inaugural “Presidential Parade” held at Washington’s Capital One Arena. 

Musk, who was appointed by Trump to head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), addressed supporters during the parade shortly after Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. While thanking the crowd for reelecting Trump, Musk grabbed his chest before extending his right arm into the air with an outstretched hand. He repeated the gesture, turned around, and said, “My heart goes out to you.” 

The action, which some online compared to a Nazi salute, drew sharp criticism on Musk’s social media platform, X, and other outlets. Critics described the gesture as inappropriate and offensive, while others argued it was taken out of context. 

Online Reactions

Several political figures and commentators weighed in: 

– Sawyer Hackett, Democratic strategist, on X: “Our new co-president Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency.” 

– Owen Jones, British journalist, on X: “This honestly could not look more like a Nazi salute.” 

– Joe Walsh, former Republican congressman, on X: “What. Did. He. Just. Do. At. The. End. Of. This. Seven. Second. Clip?” 

– Brian Tyler Cohen, progressive influencer, on X: “Um. What did I just watch?” 

Conservative commentator Ian Miles Cheong defended Musk, stating, “CNN implies Elon Musk gave a Roman salute during his speech at the Capitol One Arena. They conveniently left out the part where he says, ‘My heart goes out to you.’” 

What’s Next for Musk

As head of DOGE, Musk is expected to play a pivotal role in the Trump administration. Musk responded to the controversy by sharing a video of his full speech on X, stating, “The future is so exciting.” 

The White House and representatives for Musk have yet to comment on the incident. 

UPDATED: Death Toll in Nigeria’s Fuel Tanker Explosion Rises to 86

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UPDATED: Death Toll in Nigeria’s Fuel Tanker Explosion Rises to 86

The death toll from a gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria’s north-central region has climbed to 86, according to the country’s emergency response agency. The incident occurred early Saturday near the Suleja area of Niger state, where individuals attempted to transfer fuel from a crashed tanker into another truck using a generator. 

The generator reportedly sparked an explosion, killing those involved in the fuel transfer along with bystanders. 

Hussaini Isah, a spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed Sunday that 55 others sustained injuries and are being treated at hospitals in Suleja. 

“There were people burned to ashes. How can we get that figure?” Isah told The Associated Press, suggesting that the death toll could rise further. “We won’t know the exact figure without forensics.” 

The explosion’s impact was worsened by a crowd that had gathered at the scene, including bystanders, people attempting to scoop gasoline, and others taking pictures, officials said. 

Gasoline prices in Nigeria have surged since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed subsidies over a year ago to reallocate funds toward development projects. The policy, however, has increased financial strain for many Nigerians. 

In Nigeria, it is common for individuals to scoop fuel from overturned tankers, seeing it as an opportunity to obtain free gasoline for personal use or resale, despite the associated risks. 

At Least 80 Killed in Colombia Amid Failed Peace Talks With ELN

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At Least 80 Killed in Colombia Amid Failed Peace Talks With ELN

Over 80 people were killed and 20 others injured in northeast Colombia this weekend after peace talks between the government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) collapsed, officials said. The violence has forced thousands to flee the Catatumbo region, near the Venezuelan border. 

William Villamizar, governor of North Santander, confirmed the deaths, including community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven individuals involved in the peace process. At least three members of the talks were kidnapped in the attacks, authorities reported. 

The clashes, concentrated in the towns of Ocaña and Tibú, have displaced families, many of whom are seeking refuge in government shelters or hiding in nearby mountains. “We had no time to grab our things. … We are helpless here,” said Juan Gutiérrez, a resident who fled to a temporary shelter. 

Defense Minister Iván Velásquez visited Cúcuta on Sunday, holding security meetings and urging armed groups to demobilize. “The priority is to save lives and guarantee the security of communities,” he said, as troops were deployed across the region. 

Relief efforts include sending 10 tons of food and hygiene kits for roughly 5,000 displaced individuals. Authorities also established a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta to assist evacuees, according to Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría, army commander. 

The conflict escalated after the Colombian government suspended peace talks with the ELN on Friday, citing ongoing violence. The ELN has clashed with ex-members of the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), vying for control of the region’s coca plantations. 

President Gustavo Petro’s administration has made five attempts to negotiate with the ELN, but talks have repeatedly failed. The ELN has demanded recognition as a political rebel organization—a request critics say could undermine security efforts. 

Hamas Gives Released Israeli Hostages ‘Gift Bags’; Contents Revealed

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Hamas Gives Released Israeli Hostages ‘Gift Bags’; Contents Revealed

Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, released three Israeli hostages Sunday night and handed them “gift bags,” footage showed. The hostages—Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari—received paper bags bearing the Qassam Brigades’ logo as they entered a Red Cross vehicle in Gaza City. 

The bags contained a certificate, a necklace, and photos reportedly depicting their captivity, according to a representative of Gonen’s family. Israel’s Internal Security Agency, Shin Bet, confiscated the materials for examination. 

During the handover, Hamas presented an Arabic-language document titled “Acknowledgment of Receipt of Israeli Prisoners,” which a Red Cross representative signed. The document confirmed the transfer of the hostages from Hamas to the International Red Cross. 

The gesture, including the “gift bags,” has been widely viewed as an attempt by Hamas to project itself as a legitimate governing body with formal procedures. Analysts note the move aligns with Hamas’ strategy to reinforce its image of authority and control in Gaza, particularly following its October 2023 attacks on Israel. 

The release took place at Gaza City’s Al Saraya Junction, where rows of Qassam Brigades militants stood in formation, underscoring Hamas’ ongoing presence and defiance amid the conflict. 

While the release of the hostages brought relief to families, it also reignited debates within Israel over the effectiveness of the government’s strategy against Hamas. Critics argue the ceasefire represents a concession, while others see it as an opportunity for future dialogue. 

CNN

Indian Soldier Killed in Jammu and Kashmir Terrorist Encounter

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Indian Soldier Killed in Jammu and Kashmir Terrorist Encounter

An Indian Army soldier was killed during an overnight encounter with terrorists in the Sopore region of Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed Monday. Sepoy Pangala Kartheek sustained injuries during a gunfight at a militant hideout in Zaloora Gujjarpati and died en route to medical assistance. 

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation Sunday evening after locating the hideout. According to officials, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire. Vigil was maintained overnight, and the search for militants intensified Monday morning. 

The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldier, stating on social media, “All Ranks of the Chinar Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Swr Pangala Kartheek, who laid down his life in the line of duty. We express deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.” 

The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir as counterterrorism operations continue across the region. 

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