The Trump administration is intensifying its campaign against diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) and is calling on government employees to report hidden DEI programs, otherwise there will be consequences. On his first day in office, Trump had already abolished numerous DEI programs by decree that were introduced under his predecessor Biden. Critics warn that this reverses decades of progress in civil rights and equality. Trump argues that DEI programs promote discrimination and undermine performance criteria, while supporters see them as necessary for equal opportunity. Civil rights groups and politicians condemn the measures as racist and economically damaging. Private companies with government contracts are also under pressure to avoid DEI programs.
A new forest fire north of Los Angeles, known as the “Hughes Fire”, has spread rapidly to over 9,400 acres (38 km²). Strong winds and dry brush fueled the fire, which required the evacuation of more than 31,000 people. A further 23,000 people were warned to prepare for a possible evacuation. Over 4,000 firefighters are working to fight the blaze. Helicopters and airplanes are supporting the firefighting efforts with water and fire retardants. Parts of the region, including the Angeles National Forest, have been closed. Despite progress on two other major fires in the area, the Eaton Fire (91% contained) and the Palisades Fire (68% contained), the situation remains tense. A total of 28 fatalities have been reported since the beginning of January, 16,000 buildings destroyed or damaged and economic damage estimated at over 250 billion dollars.
A historic winter storm has paralyzed the southern United States, bringing an unusual amount of snow to the Florida Panhandle, Houston and New Orleans. A record 9 inches (23 cm) of snow fell in Milton, Florida, while New Orleans recorded 10 inches (25 cm). Temperatures dropped as low as -15°C, severely disrupting public life in the region. At least 12 people died as a result of the storm, some due to traffic accidents or the cold. Around 90,000 households and businesses were without power. Airports such as those in Houston and Dallas had to close temporarily and more than 2,600 flights were canceled or delayed. The situation remains tense as the region is barely prepared for snowfall.
Thailand was the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. On January 23, 2025, more than 1,000 couples celebrated their weddings nationwide, aiming to set a world record. The change in the law replaces “husband and wife” with “spouse”. Activists are celebrating the step as a milestone, but are calling for further progress in the legal recognition of families.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Iran showed itself willing to engage in dialog and emphasized that it is not seeking nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA warned against accelerated uranium enrichment to almost weapons-grade levels. UN Secretary-General Guterres called on Iran to reduce tensions.
South Korea's ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The anti-corruption authority handed the case over to the public prosecutor's office. Yoon, suspended in December 2024, refuses to cooperate. Insurrection offenses could be punishable by the death penalty, but this has remained suspended in South Korea for 30 years.
Mexico prepares for possible mass deportations from the USA. Huge tent settlements are being built in Ciudad Juarez to accommodate thousands of deported Mexicans. The government is planning to set up similar facilities in nine cities along the border to provide food, medical assistance and identity documents. President Trump has announced the largest deportation campaign in US history, which could affect millions of Mexicans. Experts fear that Mexican cities could quickly become overwhelmed. In addition, reduced remittances could put a strain on the economy in rural areas.
Putin is increasingly concerned about the Russian economy, which is burdened by high military spending, inflation and labor shortages. Some members of the elite prefer a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict. Trump calls for a quick end to the war and threatens further sanctions. Putin acknowledges the economic problems, while high defense spending and high interest rates are weighing on the economy. The central bank is under pressure to adjust its interest rate policy.
Prince Harry scored a significant success when he received an apology from Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers (NGN) over wrongful conduct by the *Sun* newspaper towards him and his late mother, Princess Diana. However, the deal, which Harry described as a “monumental victory”, did not result in a full trial and many of his allegations remain unproven. The apology was limited, and the allegations against high-profile figures such as Rebekah Brooks were denied by NGN. Although Harry's efforts brought some media misconduct to light, his fight is far from over as he has an ongoing lawsuit against Associated Newspapers.
A child and a man were killed and three others injured in a knife attack in Aschaffenburg. The 28-year-old Afghan, who was undergoing psychiatric treatment and was required to leave the country, was arrested. The attack was apparently unmotivated and due to the perpetrator's mental illness. Chancellor Scholz and other politicians called for a quick investigation and consequences. While some politicians emphasized the need for tougher action, the AfD called for the consistent deportation of migrants obliged to leave the country.
The Israeli military operation in the West Bank, known as the “Iron Wall”, continued in order to combat militant Palestinians and prevent a “new terror front”. The operation is focused on Jenin, a stronghold of militant groups. At least ten Palestinians have already been killed. Israeli authorities say the operation is necessary to eliminate terrorists and prevent Iran from influencing militant groups. Palestinians accuse Israel of using the operation to advance the annexation of the West Bank. UN Secretary-General Guterres and the German government express concern about the situation.
US President Donald Trump has reclassified the Houthi militia in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization. This measure is intended to enable tougher sanctions against the militia, which is supported by Iran and is blamed for attacks on US military and merchant ships in the Red Sea. The decision is in contrast to the previous stance of the Biden administration, which had already classified the Houthi as terrorists operating worldwide.
After days of headlines about Donald Trump's return to the White House, investors received a distraction on Thursday with the announcement of new Chinese measures to support the struggling stock market. The Chinese government plans to channel hundreds of billions of yuan a year from state insurance funds into the stock market, including at least 100 billion yuan ($13.75 billion) in the first half of this year. This news led to a rise in Chinese stock indices such as the CSI300 and the Shanghai Composite, although they later gave back some of these gains. In Europe and the US, however, markets pointed to a negative opening. This could be a sign that the initial enthusiasm over Trump's huge spending plans for artificial intelligence infrastructure has waned.
In Europe, the Norges Bank's interest rate decision is expected, while the Bank of Japan has started its two-day meeting. Investors are expecting a rate hike of 25 basis points. Other economic developments, such as weekly jobless claims in the USA and corporate figures from American Airlines and General Electric, could also influence the markets.
Bundesbank monthly report: economy remains weak, inflation high. The economy is also likely to stagnate in the first quarter of the new year, according to the Bundesbank in its latest monthly report. The outlook is better on the price side. (BB)
ECB chief: Lagarde wants to cut interest rates further. The European Central Bank will not be deterred by tariff disruptions from Washington: ECB President Christine Lagarde underlined the central bank's course at the World Economic Forum in Davos. (MM)
Donald Trump: Stops funding for green infrastructure in the USA. With his first executive orders, the US President is undermining the climate agenda of his predecessor Joe Biden. A total of $300 billion in investment volume for green infrastructure projects has now been stopped. (FT)
- Microsoft: Loses exclusivity - OpenAI now also cooperates with other cloud providers (TC)
- AI risks: Suddenly no longer an issue for US shadow president Elon Musk (BBG)
- OpenAI's AI agent: release may be imminent (TC)
- Grindr update: New AI features planned to increase user loyalty (BBG)
- Mistral AI: Not for sale, as founder emphasizes - plans IPO instead (BBG)
- DAX: Despite US tariff concerns - stock market rally continues (TAG)
- Takeover dispute: Commerzbank and UniCredit reproach each other (MM)
- VW: Apparently plans to sell further Traton shares (MM)
- Deutsche Bahn: Wants to become more punctual using AI (HB)
- Lidl: May sell its Dubai chocolate again (LTO)
- US markets: Reach all-time high - also due to Netflix rally (BBG)
- Banks worldwide: Operating “war rooms” to prepare for new US trade conflicts (RT)
- Saudi Arabia: State fund PIF steps up efforts to attract ETF investors (FT)
- US investor Ray Dalio: Warns of UK 'debt death spiral' (FT)
- Tech giants: Pledge $500bn in US AI investments (WSJ)
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