Around the World
Trump returns to "maximum pressure," avoids military confrontation following Iranian strike
President Trump announced that the US would not be responding militarily to a barrage of 16 missiles launched from Iran in the early hours of the morning Wednesday that hit Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq and damaged aircraft hangers and a US helicopter.
Erdogan, Putin launch new gas line, vow Mideast diplomacy
The presidents of Turkey and Russia inaugurated the dual natural gas line connecting their countries Wednesday, opening up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe and promising cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
Two Earthquakes Hit Iran ‘Close to Nuclear Power Plant’
Two earthquakes measuring 4.9 and 4.5 in magnitudes hit Iran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Putin, Erdogan Call for De-Escalation After Iran Missile Attack
Hours after Iran fired missiles at U.S. soldiers in Iraqi military bases, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a de-escalation between both parties.
Trump Asking NATO to Become More Involved With Middle East in Wake of Iran Missile Strikes
President Donald Trump said he’d be asking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, to get more involved with the Middle East after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops on Jan. 7.
Ukraine investigating 'all possible causes' of plane crash in Iran
A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed minutes after takeoff from Iran Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran will suffer ‘crushing blow’ if it attacks Israel, Netanyahu warns
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned Iran against attacking Israel in response to the American killing last week of senior military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Israel Reveals Breakthrough in Laser-Based Aerial Defense System
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a breakthrough has been made in using laser beams to thwart aerial attacks.
Netanyahu said exploring uniting Likud with other factions on right
Likud party chief Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly looking into a joint run with right-wing and religious factions in Israel’s upcoming national elections, as he warned Wednesday that some smaller parties on the right may fail to enter the Knesset if they do not join forces.

Inside the United States
House to vote Thursday to curb President's war powers
House Democrats emerged from a classified briefing Wednesday deeply skeptical of President Donald Trump’s decision to order the killing of a top Iranian leader and unconvinced that he posed an 'imminent' threat to United States forces.
U.S. private payrolls post largest gain in eight months
U.S. private payrolls increased by the most in eight months in December, pointing to sustained labor market strength though job gains last month were likely flattered by a seasonal quirk.
Strongest Earthquake to Hit Puerto Rico Since 1918, Over 500 Earthquakes in Past 10 Days
More than half of Puerto Rico’s 3 million people remained without power on Wednesday and thousands slept outdoors after earthquakes toppled homes on the Caribbean island and raised fears more could collapse.