The News Roundup For January 24, 2025
Pope Francis looks on during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
Pope Francis looks on during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty ImagesDonald Trump's first week back in office has been frenetic. The 47th president issued a slew of executive orders and actions on subjects ranging from immigration to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense secretary nominee, saw his bid to lead the agency weaken after his ex-wife's sister told the Senate in an affidavit that his alcohol abuse had led Hegseth's ex to fear for her safety. His confirmation vote is scheduled for Friday night.
And a Bishop made a heartfelt plea directly to the president and Vice President JD Vance, asking them to show mercy towards immigrants and LGBTQ youth.
Friday marks five days since the beginning of the first stage of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. And this week the Israeli Defense Force launched renewed raids into the city of Jenin in the Occupied West Bank, killing at least 12 Palestinians.
Pope Francis had strong words for Donald Trump as the president began to implement plans to target immigrants living in the U.S. The pontiff called Trump's plans for mass deportations a "disgrace."
Despite campaign trail promises, the war in Ukraine did not end on the first day of Donald Trump's presidency. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pondered this week whether Trump would even pay Europe much notice.
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