A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort has killed at least 76 people, marking one of the country’s deadliest hotel fires. Survivors reported that fire alarms failed to activate, and experts suggested that inadequate fire safety measures contributed to the high death toll. The fire, which began in the restaurant area, spread rapidly, forcing some guests to jump to their deaths. Discrepancies emerged regarding the hotel’s fire safety certification, with officials noting the absence of adequate fire escapes, alarms, and suppression systems. Nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained as part of the investigation. Experts said that properly designed fire safety systems and escape routes could have mitigated the tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate claims of negligence and systemic failures, as questions grow over how such a disaster occurred in a major resort.

Donald Trump began his second term as president with a flurry of executive orders, overturning many Biden-era policies and solidifying his ‘America First’ agenda. These included reinstating the construction of the border wall with Mexico, withdrawing from the WHO (again), and reintroducing the death penalty for undocumented immigrants who commit capital crimes. He also abolished government-funded gender diversity programmes, stating that there are only men and women. Environmental policies were rolled back as he exited the Paris climate agreement and expanded fossil fuel drilling. He also pardoned over 1,600 individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol riot. Other actions included pausing foreign aid for ninety days, creating a department of government efficiency under Elon Musk, and extending the deadline for TikTok's compliance with ownership laws. Critics argue these orders fuel division, threaten democracy, and undermine progress on social and environmental issues. His swift actions underline his intent to shape policy decisively, even as legal and Congressional challenges loom.

In her sermon during the inaugural prayer service at Washington’s National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Budde spoke directly to Donald Trump and J D Vance. She challenged Trump’s recent executive orders, including policies affirming biological distinctions between men and women, trying to end birthright citizenship, and intensifying immigration measures. Speaking of immigrants' contributions and the fears of LGBTQ+ children, Budde called for mercy and compassion, emphasising Christian teachings of kindness to strangers. She concluded by urging Trump to alleviate the fears of children worried about deportations and show mercy to refugees fleeing persecution. Afterwards, Trump said he ‘didn't think it was a good service’, and one Republican congressman sarcastically suggested she be deported. The bishop is known for her past criticism of Trump, such as his controversial 2020 photo holding a Bible outside a church.

Colombian special forces have been deployed to the conflict-ridden Catatumbo region to counter renewed violence between armed rebel groups, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The groups, vying for control of lucrative drug routes, have ended a truce, resulting in over 100 deaths and displacing more than 20,000 people. About a thousand refugees have fled to Venezuela, while others remain trapped or kidnapped amid the chaos. President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency and suspended peace talks with the ELN, accusing them of war crimes. The Catatumbo region, producing 15% of Colombia's coca crop, remains a flashpoint for organised crime. The recent unrest revives memories of Colombia’s decades-long civil war, which claimed 450,000 lives. The UN has called for an immediate halt to the violence and protection for civilians, as military forces move to reestablish state control in affected areas.