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.

#chinaus #ustreasury #ustreasuryhacked

The provided texts analyse Disney’s $15 million settlement of a defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump against ABC News. The articles explore the decision-making process behind the settlement, highlighting CEO Bob Iger’s role and the internal dissent within ABC News. They also discuss the broader context of Trump’s ongoing battles with media organisations, Disney’s shifting stance on social issues, and speculation regarding potential political motivations behind the settlement. The settlement is viewed by some as a strategic move to avoid further legal battles with a powerful incoming president, while others criticise it as a capitulation to Trump's pressure. A previous large defamation settlement by Disney is referenced for comparison.

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A House Republican subcommittee report accuses former Representative Liz Cheney of witness tampering during the January 6th Committee investigation, specifically alleging she influenced Cassidy Hutchinson's legal representation and interview settings. Cheney and the committee's former chairman, Representative Bennie Thompson, strongly deny these accusations. The report also alleges the January 6th Committee improperly archived evidence, a claim Thompson refutes. President-elect Trump has called for jail time for Cheney and other committee members. The accusations centre around Cheney's actions during the investigation into the January 6th Capitol attack.

Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 US presidential election is the central theme, giving him a "trifecta" of power with Republican control of both the House and Senate. Although Republicans secured a narrow majority in the House, following a closely contested California race, this still provides Trump with limited congressional oversight for at least two years. His administration's appointments, including controversial figures, and planned policy actions are also discussed, alongside reactions from various political figures and the public. The article also covers late-breaking news about his administration's appointments and other events.

Unidentified drones are causing concern in New Jersey after numerous sightings near critical infrastructure, including military bases and reservoirs. Authorities, including the FBI and Governor Murphy, are investigating, but the drones' origin and purpose remain unknown. While officials claim there's no known threat, public anxiety and calls for transparency are growing, fuelled by the sheer number of sightings and the drones' size. The situation evokes memories of previous mysterious drone activity, raising concerns about national security.

Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, the US launched numerous airstrikes targeting ISIS operatives and camps. These strikes, conducted by CENTCOM using various air assets, aimed to prevent ISIS from exploiting the power vacuum. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope for a peaceful transition in Syria, while also calling for accountability for the Assad regime's actions. The operation's success is being assessed, and CENTCOM asserts its commitment to preventing ISIS resurgence. Russia granted Assad asylum following his expulsion from Syria.