Elon Musk made a surprise address at Germany's far-right AfD party’s campaign launch in Halle, drawing 4,500 supporters. Musk, speaking live via video, called AfD Germany’s “best hope” ahead of the February 23 election, sparking cheers. He urged national pride over multiculturalism and highlighted the election’s global significance. His involvement drew criticism, with tens of thousands protesting AfD in Berlin and Cologne. Climate activist Luisa Neubauer accused AfD of “endangering lives.” Musk’s political actions, including his alliance with AfD leader Alice Weidel, have alarmed European leaders, with Germany accusing him of election interference.

The Trump administration has suspended all foreign aid and initiated a comprehensive review of financial assistance to ensure alignment with the "America First" agenda. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that President Trump emphasized ending "blindly doling out money" without benefiting the American people. Secretary of State Marco Rubio paused all assistance via the State Department and USAID, pledging a thorough evaluation to safeguard taxpayers’ investments. In 2023, USAID allocated $45 billion across 158 countries, including $400M to Bangladesh and $175M to India. Rubio stressed that aid must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been charged with insurrection following his attempt to declare martial law in December. Yoon's controversial move, meant to address "anti-state" forces, sparked a national crisis and led to his impeachment by parliament. He faces trial alongside his former defense minister and military commanders. Opposition leaders condemned his actions, with thousands protesting his bid for power. The Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether to formally remove him from office. Insurrection charges carry severe penalties, though execution is unlikely. If removed, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.

Israel announced that Palestinians could return to northern Gaza after Hamas agreed to release six more hostages. The ceasefire, aimed at resolving the 15-month conflict, has enabled hostages' staggered release and humanitarian aid delivery. Former U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to relocate Gazans to Egypt or Jordan drew backlash from Arab nations, with Jordan and Egypt rejecting the idea as "ethnic cleansing." The United Nations labeled Gaza's humanitarian situation as "dire," with thousands displaced. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 47,306 people in Gaza and 1,210 in Israel have lost their lives.

The US paused sanctions on Colombia after its government agreed to accept deportation flights, including those on US military aircraft. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Colombia's unconditional compliance with President Donald Trump’s terms. While tariff orders remain on hold, visa restrictions on Colombian officials and enhanced customs inspections will persist until the first deportee flight is completed. Trump emphasized this as a testament to America’s renewed global respect, stating, “We will protect our sovereignty.” The agreement marks a significant shift in US-Colombia relations amidst Trump’s firm immigration policies.

Jason Riddle and Pamela Hemphill, convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riots, have rejected Donald Trump's pardons. Hemphill, 71, emphasized accountability, stating acceptance would propagate the false narrative of a "peaceful protest." Riddle, a Navy veteran, highlighted concerns about how pardons might affect future employment. Both expressed regret for their actions and criticized Trump’s rhetoric, which fueled the riots. Trump had pardoned 1,500 individuals after winning the 2024 election. Hemphill and Riddle’s stance underscores their commitment to acknowledging the gravity of their actions during the Capitol assault.

Lebanon's health ministry reported 22 deaths, including women and children, and 124 injuries as Israeli forces remained in southern Lebanon past the ceasefire withdrawal deadline. The ceasefire, brokered in November 2024, required the removal of Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. Lebanon accused Israeli troops of attacking civilians attempting to return to their homes. Israeli forces claimed they fired warning shots at perceived threats. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun emphasized the nation’s sovereignty, warning of further consequences. Hezbollah criticized the delayed withdrawal as a violation. The situation underscores tensions over territorial control and the fragile ceasefire agreement.

Hammersmith Bridge, closed to vehicles since cracks were found in 2019, may remain shut for another decade, warns Labour MP Fleur Anderson. The 138-year-old bridge in southwest London needs costly repairs estimated at £250m. Anderson criticised delays under the previous Conservative government, stating repairs could have been completed if work had started earlier. She highlighted the closure's impact on bus routes and local traffic. A government taskforce will meet on 30 January to discuss progress. Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney expressed hope the Labour government will commit to funding repairs, calling the previous government’s inaction a failure.

US President Donald Trump has ordered officials to prepare a plan to declassify documents on the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. He said it was time to reveal the truth, calling it a long-awaited moment for Americans. The documents, some still redacted, have sparked decades of debate and conspiracy theories. While past releases shed light on events, many unanswered questions remain. Experts doubt all files will be made public, as the CIA and FBI may push for continued secrecy. Trump said transparency serves the public interest and signed the order this week.

President Donald Trump has suggested that he may reconsider rejoining the World Health Organization (WHO), days after his administration ordered the U.S. exit over the agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health issues. Speaking at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump remarked, "Maybe we would consider doing it again, I don't know. Maybe we would. They would have to clean it up." The comment marks a shift in tone after months of criticizing the WHO for its response to the pandemic, especially its ties to China.