January 16, 1919, marked the start of Prohibition in the United States with the ratification of the 18th Amendment, a period of alcohol prohibition that ultimately proved to be a failed social experiment.
1. Ceasefire in Gaza Still at Risk
Palestinians could be seek celebrating in wore torn Gaza as news reached residents that Israel and Hamas had reached a ceasefire agreement. Set to go into effect on Sunday, January 19th, potentially ending a 15-month period of intense conflict, the agreement, brokered by U.S. Egypt and Qatar, includes a prisoner exchange and a commitment to humanitarian aid for Gaza. But, early Thursday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of breaking parts of the ceasefire and hostage release, adding that the Israeli Cabinet would not be willing to sign off on the agreement until Hamas has agreed to all parts. “Hamas has reneged on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an effort to extort last-minute concessions,” Netanyahu said on Thursday.
2. Pending TikTok Ban Set to Take Effect while CEO Plans to Attend Inauguration
The long-anticipated ban on the popular social media app TikTok is set to go into effect on January 19, just a day before the U.S. reinstalls Donald Trump as President. The ban, enacted on the basis of what members of Congress said were national security concerns, has been met with mixed reactions from users and industry experts. While many creators are scrambling to find alternative platforms, others are expressing concerns about the potential impact on free speech and the digital economy.
Still, TikTok CEO Shou Chew is set to join other tech billionaires including Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk for the President-elect’s inauguration, potentially in an attempt to hustle up a favor from Trump who has signaled that he would be willing to wield his executive power to overturn or stall the ban.
3. Biden Delivers His Presidential Farewell Address
In a farewell address to the nation yesterday, President Biden reflected on his time in office, highlighting key accomplishments and acknowledging the challenges faced during his presidency. He also emphasized the threat of an “oligarchy”, made up by the ultra rich that he said is a threat to U.S. democracy. Pointing a verbal finger at tech billionaires, Biden spent time warning Americans about a “tech-industrial complex” stating, “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.”
4. Texas Supreme Court Hearts Arguments in Southern Methodist University Attempt to Sever Ties with United Methodist Church
Southern Methodist University announced its intention to sever ties with the United Methodist Church, citing irreconcilable differences over the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. The move follows years of increasing tension between the university and the denomination, particularly after the Church strengthened its rules barring LGBTQ+ members from marriage and ordination. The decision is expected to have significant implications for the university’s governance and its relationship with the broader community.
5. Star-Studded Lineup Announced for Presidential Inauguration
A diverse and impressive lineup of performers has been announced for the upcoming presidential inauguration. The event will feature a range of musical genres, including pop, rock, and country, reflecting the diversity of the American people. Headlining the event will be Carrie Underwood who will be joined by Christopher Macchio, Lee Greenwood, Kid Rock, Village People Billy Ray Cyrus, Liberty University’s Choir, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Parker McCollum, and Gavin DeGraw.
