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Prime Minister of New Zealand: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today that she will step down on February 7. She said she felt she was no longer competent for the job. It is not yet known who will succeed her until elections are held, likely in October.
Microsoft layoffs: The Business Journal obtained a copy of an email sent to Microsoft employees by company CEO Satya Nadella announcing that 10,000 workers would be laid off. In addition to layoffs, Microsoft is consolidating offices and making other layoffs. Satya said Microsoft will take a $1.2 billion charge in the second quarter related to severance payments for laid-off workers. He said: “We will treat our people with dignity and respect and act in a transparent manner. These decisions are difficult but necessary. They are especially difficult because they affect people and people’s lives.”
Committee tasks: The White House has slammed the appointment of a far-right Trump supporter to the House Oversight Committee, an apparent attempt to fulfill a promise made by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to secure enough votes to be elected speaker. The appointees include Republican Marjorie Taylor Green of Georgia, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Lauren Boebert of Colorado. White House spokesman Ian Sams said it was time for McCarthy to disclose all the secret deals he made to get votes.
DA’s Trump investigation: Michael Cohen, who was once Donald Trump’s lawyer, met with prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office yesterday to discuss a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Cohen has said the payment was made to silence her about her affair with Trump. Cohen’s latest talks with prosecutors have fueled speculation that Prague is expanding its criminal investigation into Trump.
Moore took the oath of office: Democrat Wes Moore was sworn in as Maryland’s first black governor. His election means Democrats now control the governor’s office as well as both chambers of Maryland’s legislature. Oprah Winfrey introduced Moore at the inauguration.
Ukrainian tanks: Reuters reported that a German government source said Germany would only supply Ukraine with tanks if the United States did the same. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada may send tanks to Ukraine in the future. Trudeau said Canada is now sending 200 armored vehicles to Ukraine.
Cover photo courtesy of Newzild / Wikimedia Commons
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