Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers issued a rare public apology to Prince Harry for privacy intrusions by The Sun between 1996 and 2011. This apology was part of a settlement to avoid a trial. Prince Harry called it a “vindication” for others affected. The apology is notable as Murdoch’s media outlets typically resist admitting wrongdoing. Previously, Fox News settled a defamation case with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million without apologizing, as Dominion’s lawyers doubted its sincerity. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 9:30 pm
Authorities in Cúcuta, Colombia, are overwhelmed by 15,000 internal refugees fleeing violence between rival rebel factions, including the ELN and the 33rd Front. The conflict has killed at least 80 and displaced 32,000, with civilians targeted. President Gustavo Petro plans to declare an “economic emergency” and “state of internal unrest” to address the crisis. The violence is among the worst in recent years, straining local resources as refugees arrive in dire conditions. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 9:30 pm
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Europe to increase its defense spending, suggesting NATO countries raise it to 5% from the current 2%. Tusk argues that strengthening Europe is a friendly gesture, not adversarial. Trump’s stance has been consistent since his first term, urging Europe to contribute more to defense. Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Europe’s defense spending, despite Europe collectively providing more aid to Ukraine than the U.S., which remains the largest single donor. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 6:00 pm
Israel’s military is applying lessons from the Gaza conflict in a new West Bank operation, “Iron Wall,” targeting the Jenin refugee camp to prevent terrorism’s return, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. The operation involves airstrikes and ground forces, with accusations from Palestinian Islamic Jihad of Palestinian Authority collusion. Katz emphasized preventing Iranian influence and armed threats. Meanwhile, Iran’s Javad Zarif warned that resistance will persist as long as Israeli occupation and repression continue. The West Bank, captured in 1967, houses over 500,000 Jewish settlers and 3.3 million Palestinians. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 6:00 pm
Prince Harry achieved a significant victory as Rupert Murdoch’s UK tabloids apologized for years of privacy invasion and agreed to pay substantial damages. News Group Newspapers admitted to phone hacking, surveillance, and misuse of private information targeting Harry, offering a full apology for actions by the now-defunct News of the World and The Sun. The settlement acknowledged the impact on Harry’s family, including his late mother, Princess Diana. Although the trial was postponed, Harry’s lawyer stated the settlement provided accountability for him and others affected by the tabloid’s actions. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 6:00 pm
President Trump is considering a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing fentanyl issues. He labeled China an “abuser,” while China warned trade wars have “no winners.” This tariff is less than the 60% he previously mentioned. Trump also threatened tariffs on the EU, accusing them of unfair treatment. China’s foreign ministry vowed to protect its interests. Meanwhile, a Chinese official criticized protectionism at the World Economic Forum. Trump has ordered a review of trade deals to identify unfair practices. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 6:00 pm
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned about climate change, likening the world’s reliance on fossil fuels to a “Frankenstein monster.” He emphasized the urgent need to address global warming and highlighted the risks of unregulated artificial intelligence. Guterres criticized economic growth strategies reliant on fossil fuels, especially amid record-high temperatures in 2024. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought support for Ukraine, meeting with various global leaders. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 6:00 pm
Prince Harry achieved a “monumental” victory against Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspaper group, News Group Newspapers (NGN), which admitted to unlawful actions by The Sun tabloid and paid substantial damages. Harry sued NGN for illegally obtaining private information from 1996 to 2011. NGN also admitted intruding into Princess Diana’s private life. The settlement, reportedly an eight-figure sum, came before a trial was set to begin. NGN apologized for the actions of private investigators, not journalists, and claimed strong controls are now in place to prevent such occurrences. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 2:30 pm
President Trump’s nominee for U.N. ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik, pledged to align the U.N. with U.S. interests and reassess funding for agencies deemed antisemitic or corrupt. At her confirmation hearing, she emphasized the need for reform and strong American leadership, criticizing the U.N. for not fulfilling its mission. Republican committee members expressed concerns over Chinese influence and unfair treatment of Israel. Stefanik condemned the “antisemitic rot” within the U.N. Noah Prescott 22/01/2025 2:30 pm
China’s relations with Japan, India, and other countries are improving as Donald Trump returns to the White House, potentially shifting U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s unilateral approach contrasts with Biden’s strategy of building alliances like the Quad. This change may offer China diplomatic opportunities, as Biden’s legacy of strengthening partnerships with U.S. allies is questioned. Wu Xinbo from Fudan University suggests Trump’s approach could lead U.S. allies to focus more on China’s role. Noah Prescott 22/01/2025 2:30 pm
