Hostage release meeting: CIA Director William Burns has met in Warsaw with his counterpart from Israel’s Mossad intelligence service and a representative of the government of Qatar, leading to speculation that efforts are underway for a new release of hostages held by Hamas. The CIA and Israel’s Mossad had been involved in talks with Qatar that led to previous hostage releases. Hamas has said it will not release any more hostages until there is a permanent cease-fire.
Houthi attacks: World oil prices have been going up as various companies have suspended oil shipments through the Red Sea in the wake of Houthi rebels in Yemen firing on ships transporting cargo through that body of water. The Houthis have been siding with Hamas and have attacked shipping that they think may benefit Israel. The U.S. yesterday announced that a coalition of 10 nations has been formed to try to end the missile attacks. Iran backs the Houthi rebels.
Texas law: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a new law that allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant. No arrest warrants and no evidence are necessary. The law allows the suspect to be brought before any Texas judge who can immediately order the person kicked out of the country. The new Texas law usurps what had been federal government powers and is due to go into effect in March. The law is likely to face court challenges.
China earthquake: A strong earthquake, classified as the deadliest in nine years, hit northwestern China overnight. At least 127 were killed and 700 injured. Hardest hit were Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Numerous buildings collapsed, roads were destroyed and communications and power lines came down. The terrain is generally mountainous and landslides were reported.
Google settlement: Documents filed in federal court in San Francisco show that Google has agreed to pay $630 million to 102 million consumers and pay $70 million to be divided among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands that sued in an antitrust case. The documents disclosed settlement terms in the lawsuit that alleged Google had overcharged consumers and put restrictions on distributing applications for Android devices. Under the settlement, it’s expected that each consumer would receive at least $2.
Icelandic volcano: The government of Iceland reported this morning that the volcanic eruption northeast of the town of Grindavik is the fourth since 2021 in the area and the largest so far. At last one town has been evacuated. The government said there is no disruption to international or local aviation. Iceland’s government said the area currently is closed to all traffic while responders and scientists assess the situation. This eruption follows intense seismic activity over the past few weeks and is classified as a fissure eruption, a type that does not typically result in large explosions or ash going up into the stratosphere.
