The provided texts detail the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) resumption of capital punishment and the subsequent execution of over 100 prisoners convicted of armed robbery. These executions, along with the planned execution of further convicts, have sparked international condemnation from human rights organisations concerned about potential abuses and wrongful convictions. The DRC government justifies its actions as necessary to combat rising crime and gang violence, particularly that associated with the "Kuluna" gangs. However, critics advocate for alternative approaches addressing underlying social and economic issues contributing to crime. The differing perspectives highlight a conflict between the government's pursuit of security and concerns about human rights.

Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, President Biden declared 9th January a National Day of Mourning. All federal government executive departments and agencies will be closed that day as a mark of respect. Carter will lie in state at the US Capitol, and his funeral will be held at Washington National Cathedral. The announcement also highlighted Carter's significant achievements and legacy, both domestically and internationally. Biden urged Americans and the global community to honour Carter's memory.

A significant cybersecurity breach at the US Treasury Department was disclosed, with officials stating that a China-based Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor gained access to employee workstations and some unclassified documents via a compromised third-party service provider. The incident, labelled a "major incident," is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the FBI. The compromised service provider has been taken offline, and there is currently no evidence of ongoing access. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in third-party security and the ongoing threat of state-sponsored cyberattacks.

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