Belarus frees 123 prisoners after U.S. lifts sanctions
Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, following an agreeme...
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.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
The Oligarch’s Design is an investigative documentary exploring how financial power, political influence and carefully constructed narratives can shape conflict and public perception.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
The resignation of Bulgaria's government on Thursday (11 December) puts an end to an increasingly unpopular coalition but is likely to usher in a period of prolonged political instability on the eve of the Black Sea nation's entry into the euro zone.
An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, following an agreement with the United States to ease sanctions on the country’s potash exports.
Migration isn’t driven only by politics or social issues. In the era of climate change, the environment itself is becoming a reason to leave home.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his offer to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Ankara, at his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks took place on the sidelines of the international Forum for Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Friday (12 December).
Two Syrian security personnel and several U.S. troops were injured on Saturday after a joint patrol came under gunfire near the city of Palmyra in central Syria, local media reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday responded to the release of new photographs from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein. Trump said he had not seen the photos but downplayed their significance, stating that the images were “no big deal.”
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