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.
Bill Nelson has stepped down as NASA administrator, marking the end of an illustrious 53-year career in public service. Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy officially left the agency on Monday, January 20, coinciding with the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
A large fire has broken out in a commercial building near Tsutenkaku Tower, a famous tourist landmark in Osaka, Japan. Emergency teams are on the scene, with dark smoke visible over the city.
Kazakhstan will build 41 waste processing plants with a total capacity of 1.1 million tons annually, creating over 4,500 jobs and attracting significant private investment, while satellite imagery has helped remove thousands of landfills.
Algeria’s Speaker of the Council of the Nation, Saleh Goudjil, has called on France to take full responsibility for the lasting effects of nuclear tests conducted in the Algerian desert during the colonial period, highlighting the ongoing suffering of local populations.
A military plane crashed in the city of Kabudarahang, located in Iran’s Hamadan province, on Wednesday morning.
Kazakhstan is enhancing its air transport infrastructure by constructing three new airports and upgrading terminals in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda, increasing capacity and expanding routes.
The U.S. Deep South is facing a powerful winter storm, causing heavy snow, freezing rain, and widespread disruptions. At least 9 deaths have been reported, along with flight cancellations, highway closures, and power outages.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos on 22 January to discuss bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional security.
Day 3 at Davos kicks off with Europol chief Catherine de Bolle on gender parity in power. Highlights: speeches by Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim, UN's Antonio Guterres, and Spain's Pedro Sanchez, plus key talks on AI equity and climate action with global leaders.
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
The International Circus Festival in Monaco shows incredible performances from talented circus artists around the world.
A hotel fire at Türkiye's Kartalkaya Ski Resort claimed 76 lives and injured 51. The blaze started early Tuesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
The U.S. Deep South is facing a powerful winter storm, causing heavy snow, freezing rain, and widespread disruptions. At least 9 deaths have been reported, along with flight cancellations, highway closures, and power outages.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos on 22 January to discuss bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional security.
US President Donald Trump has named retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg as his special envoy to Ukraine, with a goal of ending the conflict within 100 days. Trump's hands-on approach aims to fast-track peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Bill Nelson has stepped down as NASA administrator, marking the end of an illustrious 53-year career in public service. Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy officially left the agency on Monday, January 20, coinciding with the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
South Korea is improving airport safety after the Jeju Air crash at Muan Airport, which killed 179 people. Officials will remove a concrete embankment, adjust similar structures at other airports, and expand runway safety zones.
A military plane crashed in the city of Kabudarahang, located in Iran’s Hamadan province, on Wednesday morning.
Kazakhstan is enhancing its air transport infrastructure by constructing three new airports and upgrading terminals in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda, increasing capacity and expanding routes.
The U.S. Deep South is facing a powerful winter storm, causing heavy snow, freezing rain, and widespread disruptions. At least 9 deaths have been reported, along with flight cancellations, highway closures, and power outages.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos on 22 January to discuss bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional security.
Day 3 at Davos kicks off with Europol chief Catherine de Bolle on gender parity in power. Highlights: speeches by Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim, UN's Antonio Guterres, and Spain's Pedro Sanchez, plus key talks on AI equity and climate action with global leaders.
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