AP News Summary at 9:03 a.m. EST

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli hostages, including Emily Damari, are released amid a Gaza ceasefire.
• President Biden pardons Dr. Anthony Fauci and Gen. Mark Milley before leaving office.
• Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th U.S. president after overcoming major challenges.
• Severe winter storms and dangerously low temperatures affect vast regions of the United States.
• TikTok restores service in the U.S. following President-elect Trump’s promised executive order.

Hostages Released Amid Gaza Ceasefire

One of the Israeli hostages freed on the first day of the Gaza ceasefire expressed her profound relief upon returning home. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m the happiest in the world,” said Emily Damari , 28, in her first public statement since being released. Damari, a dual Israeli-British citizen, was one of three hostages freed after spending 471 days in captivity . Hospital officials reported that all released hostages are in stable condition.

As the ceasefire takes hold, Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip have begun returning to the remnants of their homes. They navigate through the wreckage, some on foot and others using donkey carts to haul their belongings. Despite the truce, uncertainty looms over the enclave’s future governance and reconstruction. The United Nations has warned that rebuilding Gaza could take more than 350 years if the Israeli blockade persists.

President Biden Issues Pardons Before Leaving Office

In a significant move on his final day, President Joe Biden pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci , retired Gen. Mark Milley , and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 attack on the Capitol. This action is viewed as an effort to protect them from potential “revenge” by the incoming administration.

Dr. Fauci expressed his gratitude, stating, “I appreciate the pardon from President Joe Biden.” Gen. Milley also conveyed his thankfulness. The pardons underscore concerns about political retribution as Donald Trump prepares to assume office, having previously warned of an enemies list targeting those who opposed him or held him accountable during his last term.

Trump Set for Inauguration Amid Political Shift

Overcoming impeachments, criminal indictments, and two assassination attempts, Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president . The inauguration ceremony, moved indoors due to intense cold, marks the beginning of unified Republican control in Washington, with plans to reshape the nation’s institutions.

Festivities commenced with the incoming president attending a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church . Trump’s return to the White House brings both anticipation and apprehension, as families across the nation prepare for potential mass deportations and other significant policy changes.

Severe Winter Weather Sweeps Across the United States

Residents from the Northern Plains to Maine brace for dangerously low temperatures, while the East Coast grapples with heavy snowfall. Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and New England, with forecasts predicting temperatures plummeting to minus 55 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

“Sub-zero wind chills are expected as far south as Oklahoma and the Tennessee Valley,” reports the National Weather Service. The extreme weather conditions emphasize the need for preparedness and raise concerns about infrastructure resilience amid climate challenges.

TikTok Restores Service Following Promised Executive Order

TikTok announced the restoration of its services in the United States just hours after the platform went dark due to a federal ban. This development follows President-elect Donald Trump’s declaration that he intends to pause the ban via executive order on his first day in office, granting the app’s China-based parent company additional time to secure an approved buyer.

Starting late Saturday, millions of U.S. users found themselves unable to access TikTok. By Sunday afternoon, service was restored, and users were greeted with a message expressing gratitude for their support and acknowledging the president-elect’s intervention.

Concerns Mount Over Potential Mass Deportations

As Trump prepares to reassume the presidency, millions of individuals living in the U.S. illegally or with temporary legal status face uncertainty. Trump has previously emphasized mass deportations and is expected to enact orders reshaping immigration policy swiftly. Reports suggest plans for deportation arrests are in flux, particularly in so-called sanctuary cities like Chicago, which limit cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.

Southern California Braces for Heightened Wildfire Risk

Less than two weeks after deadly blazes claimed at least 27 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, Southern California faces new wildfire threats. The National Weather Service issued a warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, citing a “particularly dangerous situation” due to low humidity and swift Santa Ana winds gusting up to 60 mph . Critical fire weather conditions are anticipated, raising alarms for communities still recovering from recent disasters.

Poland Emphasizes EU Security Amid Border Challenges

As Poland assumes the presidency of the European Union, it places a firm focus on security concerns highlighted by its border with Belarus, an ally of Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine. The border has become a buffer zone, with over 13,000 border guards and soldiers stationed along the approximately 250-mile frontier . Poland’s stance reflects the EU’s complex challenges in balancing defense and humanitarian values.

All Eyes on Victor Wembanyama as NBA Teams Arrive in Paris

The Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs have arrived in Paris for this week’s NBA Paris Games . While Indiana is designated as the home team for the first matchup, the spotlight shines brightest on France’s own Victor Wembanyama . The Spurs’ standout rookie, and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, is anticipated to make his first All-Star appearance this season. Fans eagerly await the games, set to showcase Wembanyama’s exceptional talent on his home soil.