President Trump announced a series of executive orders on his first day in office, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, ending birthright citizenship, recognizing only two sexes that cannot be changed, renaming the Gulf Of Mexico to Gulf Of America, changing the name of Denali back to Mount McKinley, and ending all federal diversity and inclusion programs. (CNN)

President Biden issued preemptive pardons for prominent critics of President Trump, including Dr. Fauci and the Jan. 6 committee, and members of his own family, shielding them from potential revenge prosecutions. This decision was influenced by the threat of reprisals by the incoming president and serves as a potential precedent for protecting allies from criminal prosecution. (CBS News)

Strong Santa Ana winds in Southern California are fueling the Eaton and Palisades fires, leading to renewed risks for spreading and sparking new fires. The National Weather Service issued “particularly dangerous” red flag warnings, cautioning about low humidity, powerful winds, and the potential for quick fire spread, prompting evacuations and mobilization of firefighting resources. (NPR)

The world’s billionaires gained $2 trillion in wealth in 2024, as released in a report coinciding with the annual World Economic Forum in Davos. Oxfam International’s report highlights the unprecedented wealth accumulation by the ultra-rich, warning of the growing influence of this “new aristocratic oligarchy” and calling for action to address global inequality. (UPI)

A wintery blast is expected to bring snow and ice to the Gulf Coast and eight states, prompting major airlines to cancel and delay flights while issuing travel advisories and waivers. More than 1,600 flights scheduled for Tuesday have already been canceled due to the approaching winter storm, with Houston airports planning to close down operations at midnight on Tuesday. (CBS News)