A Pakistani court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife to 14 and seven years in prison for corruption, involving accepting land from tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for laundered money. Khan, imprisoned since 2023, denies wrongdoing, claiming political motives. His legal team plans to appeal. Khan’s supporters, including his PTI party, protested the verdict. Khan vowed to continue his struggle against what he calls dictatorship, while authorities will take over the al-Qadir University linked to his wife’s charity. Ava Sinclair 18/01/2025 5:30 am
Israel’s cabinet approved a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, effective Sunday. Despite opposition from two far-right ministers, the agreement aims to achieve war objectives. Mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, the deal involves exchanging 33 Israeli hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners over six weeks. Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return and aid to enter. The second phase will focus on releasing remaining hostages and troop withdrawal, while the final stage involves Gaza’s reconstruction. Initial hostages include women, children, and the elderly. Ava Sinclair 18/01/2025 2:00 am
Former CIA analyst Asif Rahman, 34, pleaded guilty to leaking classified information about a planned Israeli attack on Iran. Arrested in November, Rahman admitted to willfully retaining and transmitting national defense documents, each carrying a potential 10-year sentence. He accessed and shared top-secret documents, which appeared on Telegram, detailing Israel’s military preparations in response to Iran’s missile attack. The leak reportedly delayed Israel’s plans. Rahman, a Yale graduate, has been with the CIA since 2016. Penelope Kingsley 18/01/2025 2:00 am
The EU is intensifying its investigation into Elon Musk’s X over potential violations of the Digital Services Act, amid Musk’s support for far-right European parties. The European Commission is scrutinizing whether X’s algorithms unfairly boosted a livestream with AfD leader Alice Weidel. The investigation, which began in December 2023, requires X to clarify system changes by February 15. The Commission insists the probe is apolitical, despite Musk’s upcoming role in the Trump administration and the political implications of the investigation. Noah Prescott 18/01/2025 2:00 am
An Australian influencer was arrested for allegedly poisoning and torturing a 1-year-old girl to solicit donations. The 34-year-old woman from the Sunshine Coast reportedly administered unauthorized medicine to the child and posted distressing videos online, raising about $60,000 AUD. Medical staff alerted police after the child was hospitalized. The influencer faces multiple charges, including administering poison, torture, and fraud. GoFundMe is refunding donors. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton condemned the act, emphasizing the vulnerability of the child. Penelope Kingsley 18/01/2025 2:00 am
The UK is implementing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for foreign visitors, effective January 8, 2025, for many countries, including the US, and April 2, 2025, for the EU. Travelers must apply and pay a £10 fee, valid for two years. Initially, transit passengers needed an ETA, but following industry feedback, the UK exempted airside transit passengers, affecting mainly Heathrow and Manchester airports. This exemption may become permanent. To offset revenue loss, the UK plans to increase the ETA fee by 60% to £16, pending approval. Penelope Kingsley 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
Former CIA analyst Asif William Rahman, 34, pleaded guilty to unlawfully retaining and transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information, which was posted on social media in October 2024. Rahman, who had a Top-Secret security clearance, violated his oath and compromised U.S. national security. The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to prosecuting such breaches swiftly, highlighting the risks Rahman’s actions posed to lives, U.S. foreign relations, and intelligence capabilities. Ava Sinclair 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” to enhance cooperation. Historically, Russia and Iran were rivals, with conflicts in the 18th and 19th centuries and tensions during the Cold War. Relations improved after the USSR’s collapse in 1991, with Russia becoming a key trade partner and supplier to Iran. Russia also built Iran’s first nuclear power plant in Bushehr, operational in 2013, and agreed to construct two more reactors. Penelope Kingsley 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
Former Canadian finance minister Chrystia Freeland announced her candidacy to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader. Freeland, a close ally of Trudeau, resigned last month over spending disagreements, criticizing his leadership. Her departure caused unrest among Liberals amid poor poll performance and public dissatisfaction. Trudeau will step down after a new leader is chosen by March 9. Freeland’s main rival is former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. Freeland, 56, previously served as finance and foreign minister and worked as a journalist before entering politics. Penelope Kingsley 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
The Morning Memo discusses the impending chaos of Trump’s second term, driven by retribution, corruption, and destruction. These motives fuel the MAGA movement, blending personal vendettas with public power, and prioritizing loyalty over institutional integrity. This chaos isn’t random but serves to enhance Trump’s dominance by undermining norms and institutions, projecting power through bullying and scandal. Understanding these motives helps prioritize and address the threats they pose. Noah Prescott 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
