9: Bernardo Arévalo was finally inaugurated Sunday night as Guatemala’s president. The event, which was delayed by nine hours due to opposition from right-wing political opponents in Congress, ended months of a concerted government campaign to prevent his taking office. Arevalo, whose SEED movement championed anti-corruption efforts and progressive reforms, was sworn in amid high expectations for change, months after a contentious election in June 2023.
100: On Monday, the Biden administration issued a statement marking the 100 days in captivity of Israeli hostages, including as many as 6 Americans. Biden noted the diplomatic efforts that had led to the release of 105 hostages in November, as well as continued diplomatic efforts by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and said the U.S. remains committed to securing the release of the remaining captives.
10: Another item on Blinken’s radar is the large size of the Chinese delegation at the World Economic Forum this week in Davos, Switzerland. China has dispatched ten state ministers, with its second-ranking official set to meet with Swiss leaders. Not to be outdone, the US is arranging a special meeting between Blinken and a Swiss official to ensure that Switzerland does not feel slighted.
2: The Ukrainian air force reportedly shot down two Russian aircraft this weekend, a Russian early warning and control plane and a key command center aircraft. The planes are crucial for coordinating Russian military operations, and are hard to replace: their loss, if confirmed, represents a big win for Ukraine and a significant setback for Russian forces.
One trillion: Oxfam International predicts that the world may see its first trillionaire within the next decade. In its annual report on global inequalities, released during the World Economic Forum in Davos, the organization contrasts the growing wealth of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, whose fortunes have more than doubled since 2020, with the 5 billion people who have become worse off during the same timeframe.America’s new National Security Strategy confirms what Europeans have feared for months: Washington now sees a strong, unified European Union as a problem to be solved, not an ally to be supported.
In this episode of Tools and Weapons, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith sits down with Ed Policy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, to discuss how purpose-driven leadership and innovation are shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises. Ed shares how technology and community-focused initiatives, from Titletown Tech to health and safety innovations on the field, are transforming not just the game of football, but the economy and culture of Green Bay itself. He explains how combining strategic vision with investment in local startups is keeping talent in the Midwest and creating opportunities that extend far beyond Lambeau Field.
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More than a week after Hondurans cast their ballots in a presidential election, the country is still stuck in a potentially-dangerous post-election fog.