US inauguration live: Joe Biden sworn in as president as he promises unity
SCMP | SCMP Reporters
All times are Eastern Time (UTC-5, HKT-13). Joe Biden has been sworn in as the 46th US president, and Kamla Harris as the 49th vice-president, entering office with an appeal to unity and calm in the wake of the recent attacks on Congress. “Let’s start afresh, all of us,” Biden told an assembled audience – including previous surviving presidents, minus Donald Trump - as he called for unity, social justice and calmer heads in the face of divisions that have wracked America. “Disagreement…
Kamala Harris becomes first female, first black and first Asian-American VP
BBC
Kamala Harris makes history as she is sworn in as US vice-president.
Iraqis Flout Virus Precautions Amid Widespread Belief in Immunity
NY Times | Jane Arraf
Even some Iraqi health officials are promoting the false idea that Iraq has acquired herd immunity. Scientists say that Iraq could be in for a major new outbreak.
Zimbabwe’s foreign minister dies of COVID-19 amid resurgence
Washington Post | By Farai Mutsaka | AP
Zimbabwe’s Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo, who gained prominence in 2017 as the military general who announced the coup against then-president Robert Mugabe on television, has died from COVID-19, the government announced Wednesday
Madrid blast kills 2, destroys building; cause linked to gas leak, mayor says
Fox News
A loud explosion apparently caused by a gas leak has partially destroyed a residential building in the center of Spain's capital on Wednesday, killing two people and injuring at least two more, according to officials.
World hopes for renewed cooperation under new US president
St. Louis Dispatch
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Leaders across the globe welcomed the arrival of U.S. President Joe Biden and the end of the often confrontational presidency of Donald Trump, noting the world’s most pressing problems, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change,…
UK weather: thousands may be evacuated as Storm Christoph brings rain and floods
The Guardian | Josh Halliday North of England correspondent
Alibaba’s Jack Ma reemerges from three-month absence after clash with Beijing
Washington Post | By Eva Dou and Lyric Li
Alexei Navalny: Millions watch jailed critic's 'Putin palace' film
BBC
Alexei Navalny's report alleges a vast property was paid for "with the largest bribe in history".