Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, Congress is advancing immigration legislation. The Senate moved forward with a bill named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant, with bipartisan support. The bill allows for detainment and deportation of undocumented immigrants charged with theft and empowers states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement. Trump is also planning executive actions, including reinstating Title 42, enhancing local law enforcement collaboration with ICE, building more border walls, and expanding migrant holding facilities. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 5:30 am
Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, a former army commander, is known for his nonpartisan stance and aversion to political affiliations, a rarity in Lebanon’s political landscape. Bilal Saab, a former Pentagon official, describes Aoun as compassionate and focused solely on commanding the Lebanese army. Aoun’s election ends a two-year presidential vacancy, and his non-demanding approach could benefit Lebanon, where leaders often seek political favors. Aoun, 61, from Aichiye, joined the army in 1983 and became army chief in 2017, known for his calm demeanor during conflicts. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 2:00 am
Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third term as Venezuela’s president amid controversy, with the opposition calling it a “coup d’etat” following a disputed election. The ceremony, attended by leaders from Nicaragua and Cuba, took place in a small room of the National Assembly. Maduro emphasized his legitimacy, rejecting foreign influence. The opposition claims their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won the election, supported by independent observers and several nations, including the U.S. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado vowed increased pressure on Maduro, while the U.S. criticized the inauguration as illegitimate. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 2:00 am
The Biden administration imposed significant sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, targeting major oil companies and 183 tankers, aiming to cut revenue for Russia’s war efforts. These measures also restrict Russia’s ability to receive dollar payments for energy exports. The sanctions align with recent U.S. military aid to Ukraine, as Biden seeks to pressure Moscow. While the Trump transition team was informed, they were not consulted on the sanctions. Some Republican lawmakers support stronger actions against Russia, and the sanctions are backed by laws allowing Congress to challenge any attempts to lift them. Noah Prescott 11/01/2025 2:00 am
Russia’s elites are frustrated with the prolonged war in Ukraine and the impact of Western sanctions, according to Meduza. Sources, including those close to the presidential administration, express disappointment and fatigue over the lack of a clear postwar vision. Meanwhile, security officials urge Putin to intensify efforts, citing insufficient manpower and resources. Despite expanding its military, Russia faces significant troop losses, with the UK Ministry of Defence noting a particularly costly day on December 19. Penelope Kingsley 10/01/2025 10:30 pm
A UK-led study in The Lancet suggests the Palestinian death toll in Gaza is 41% higher than reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, estimating 64,260 deaths from traumatic injury by June 2024. The study used data from the ministry, surveys, and obituaries, employing a “capture-recapture” method. The Israeli embassy and IDF dispute these figures, citing unreliability and claiming to have eliminated over 17,000 terrorists. The UN considers the ministry’s figures reliable, noting most verified victims are women and children. Restricted media access complicates independent verification. Noah Prescott 10/01/2025 10:30 pm
The Department of Homeland Security has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals for 18 months due to ongoing humanitarian crises in Venezuela. Eligible individuals must have resided in the U.S. on or before July 31, 2023. The extension runs from April 3, 2025, to October 2, 2026, allowing approximately 600,000 beneficiaries to maintain TPS and work authorization. Rigorous vetting is required, and those with certain criminal convictions are barred. Re-registration is necessary to retain benefits, with automatic EAD extensions through April 2, 2026. Ava Sinclair 10/01/2025 7:00 pm
The Biden administration imposed its broadest sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas revenues to pressure Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy praised the move, stating it would significantly impact Russia’s finances and hasten peace. The sanctions target Russia’s energy sector, a major revenue source for Putin’s war efforts. The measures also affect oil trade routes to India and China and remove exemptions for energy payments through Russian banks. If enforced, these sanctions could cost Russia billions monthly. Penelope Kingsley 10/01/2025 7:00 pm
A study in The Lancet found that Israeli forces killed over 64,000 people in Gaza from October 2023 to June 2024, a 41% higher toll than reported. Most victims were women, children, and the elderly. The study suggests the actual death toll is higher due to nontrauma deaths from disrupted services. The Palestinian Ministry of Health’s figures are seen as a minimum estimate. Legal experts and NGOs accuse Israel of genocide, which Israel denies. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for alleged crimes against humanity. Penelope Kingsley 10/01/2025 7:00 pm
The Laken Riley Act, endorsed by both parties, aims to detain undocumented immigrants convicted of theft, but critics argue it imposes sweeping changes with constitutional concerns. It could lead to indefinite detention of legal immigrants without charges and shift immigration control to state judges, potentially banning visas from entire countries. Despite its portrayal as a safety measure, the act could curtail legal immigration and unjustly target law-abiding immigrants, raising questions about Democratic support for such a controversial bill. Noah Prescott 10/01/2025 7:00 pm
