Thousands celebrate as fire-devils light up Catalonia's La Patum festival
Thousands of revellers packed Berga's main square as fire-devil performers showered the crowd with sparks during Catalonia's UNESCO-listed La Patum fe...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for January 22th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. 22 US states sue to block President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order
President Trump issued an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the US to non-citizen or temporary visa-holder parents, citing the 14th Amendment.
In response, 22 Democratic-led states and advocacy groups sued, claiming it violates the Constitution. The order, set to take effect in 30 days, faces legal uncertainty as courts are asked to block it before implementation.
Critics argue presidents lack the authority to alter constitutional rights, while the White House defends the move as aligning with public will. The outcome could impact citizenship rights for 150,000 children born annually in the US.
2. Trump announces $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure
The U.S. administration announced a significant investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, partnering with major tech firms to commit an initial $100 billion, aiming to reach $500 billion over four years.
3. Israel's military chief resigns over 7 October 2023 failure
Israel's top general resigned, citing security and intelligence failures related to Hamas' surprise attack that triggered the war in Gaza, adding pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu.
4. Türkiye detains nine in connection with ski resort hotel fire
A fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya ski resort, western Turkey, has killed 76 people and injured dozens. Survivors described chaotic scenes as they fled through smoke-filled corridors, with no fire alarms sounding during the incident. Authorities have detained nine people, including the hotel owner, as investigations continue. DNA tests are being conducted to identify some of the victims.
The tragedy, which occurred during the peak winter tourism season, has drawn criticism over the hotel’s safety measures. President Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning, while the hotel pledged full cooperation with th`e inquiry.
5. Shipping in Dardanelles Strait suspended
Ship traffic in the Dardanelles Strait has been suspended in both directions, according to the Navigation Control Service in the Dardanelles Strait.
"Due to limited visibility caused by heavy fog, ship traffic has been suspended since 06:17 (local time). Ship traffic will resume once the fog clears," the Service stated.
6. Kyrgyzstan enacts law limiting religious influence
President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan has signed a landmark law aimed at reducing the influence of religion in public and political life, according to Trend reports. The law bans clothing that conceals identity in public places and government institutions, except for work-related or medical purposes. It also prohibits religious ceremonies in settings such as nursing homes, prisons, and military units when foreign religious figures are involved.
The law further restricts the distribution of religious literature outside religious settings and bans political parties from being founded on religious principles. Political campaigns must remain secular, and parties are prohibited from receiving financial support from foreign governments or religious organizations. These measures underscore the government’s efforts to reinforce secularism in the country’s governance and public life.
7.China calls for ‘new starting point’ in ties with US under Trump
China has called for improved ties with the US under President Donald Trump’s second term, emphasizing principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressed Beijing's willingness to strengthen dialogue and properly manage differences to enhance China-US relations.
While relations soured during Trump’s first term due to a trade war, Trump recently praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and highlighted the potential for collaborative problem-solving. However, tensions remain as Trump signed executive orders to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization, moves criticized by Beijing, which reaffirmed its commitment to global health and climate efforts.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have meanwhile made pleas for peace.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup matches after its allocation of tickets was withdrawn just days before the tournament begins.
The United States has added some of China's biggest technology and automotive companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and Nio, to a Pentagon list of firms it believes are linked to Beijing's military.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 100 lives, with health authorities warning that armed conflict and attacks on aid workers are hindering efforts to contain the disease.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending what would have been a historic moment for Somali football.
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended pending a vote by member states on whether he should be removed from office, following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
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