A 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck underwater near York Harbor, Maine, causing shaking felt across New England, including Boston. Reports of vibration and shaking came from as far north as Augusta, Maine, and as far south as Providence, Rhode Island, though no immediate damage was reported. The USGS noted that while unusual, such earthquakes are not unprecedented along the Atlantic seaboard and rarely cause significant damage due to their location. This event follows recent seismic activity in New Jersey and New York.
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All Senate Democrats co-sponsored a resolution disapproving of President Trump’s pardons for January 6th rioters who assaulted Capitol Police officers. While symbolic and lacking practical effect, the resolution condemns Trump’s action, which pardoned numerous individuals convicted of such crimes, excluding only those charged with seditious conspiracy who received commuted sentences. Republican support for the resolution was absent, with some voicing disapproval of the pardons while others, such as Vice President Vance, defended Trump’s decision. The resolution highlights the partisan divide surrounding Trump’s clemency and the ongoing debate about the January 6th events.
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Despite reports of his removal, Elon Musk will head Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied Musk a West Wing office, citing a need for collaborative staff focused on shared goals. This decision follows recent controversy surrounding Musk, including allegations of a Nazi salute and subsequent backlash. The denial of West Wing access, however, has not stopped DOGE from facing immediate legal challenges.
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The 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation was observed on January 27th, with this year’s ceremony marking a poignant moment as likely the last major observance attended by a significant number of survivors. Approximately 50 elderly survivors, many in their 80s, were honored as the focus of the event, joined by world leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a symbolic demonstration of Germany’s ongoing acceptance of responsibility. The ceremony, held at the Death Wall, remembered the approximately 1.1 million victims murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau, primarily Jews, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The absence of Russian representatives reflected the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Amid a diplomatic dispute with Colombia over the deportation of Colombian migrants, former President Trump imposed retaliatory tariffs on Colombian goods after President Petro refused to accept two U.S. military deportation flights. This decision, announced while Trump played golf at his Doral resort, sparked online debate. Following a brief escalation, the crisis resolved with Colombia agreeing to accept the migrants. Trump’s use of golf courses for diplomatic engagements is highlighted, showcasing his history of conducting business and political discussions in such settings.
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A planned prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas saw a significant complication when a senior Fatah official, initially slated for release, refused repatriation to Gaza, opting to remain imprisoned in Israel. This led to his replacement with another prisoner. The exchange ultimately involved the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners, half serving life sentences for terrorism, in return for four Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas for 477 days. Released prisoners were transferred to various locations including Ramallah, Gaza, and Egypt.
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King Charles III made a deeply personal pilgrimage to Auschwitz-Birkenau on Holocaust Memorial Day, becoming the first British monarch to visit the site. He commemorated the 80th anniversary of the camp’s liberation alongside world leaders, meeting with Holocaust survivors in Krakow beforehand. Simultaneously, Prince William participated in London’s commemorations, honoring survivors of the atrocities. The royal family’s actions underscore their commitment to remembering the Holocaust and preventing future genocides, emphasizing the importance of education and challenging prejudice.
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During a tense interview, Senator JD Vance clashed with a CBS host over the issue of lowering grocery prices. Vance defended the administration’s efforts, asserting that such changes require time. The exchange highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding inflation and its impact on consumers. The Senator’s responses emphasized a longer-term perspective on economic policy. This disagreement underscored the political complexities of addressing rising food costs.
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Brandon Straka, sentenced to three years for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot, celebrated the removal of a website he claims was used by the federal government to harass those involved. This website allegedly contained unproven FBI and DOJ accusations against January 6th participants, impacting their employment and personal lives. Straka credits Congressman Troy Nehls, and Ed Martin, Trump’s newly appointed U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., for the website’s takedown. Martin’s own involvement in the “Stop the Steal” movement is noteworthy.
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Arabica coffee futures surged to a record high of $3.56 per pound, surpassing the previous record set in December. This price increase followed the retraction of President Trump’s threatened tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, a major coffee exporter to the U.S. The potential impact of these withdrawn tariffs on the coffee market was significant, given the substantial volume of Colombian coffee imported by the United States. However, the threat remains in reserve, and the broader implications of potential future tariffs on other countries, including Canada, Mexico, and China, remain a concern for commodity markets.
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John Q. Hosedrinker