Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley squared off in the final debate before the Iowa caucuses, with both candidates accusing the other of dishonesty over a range of issues and trying to position themselves as the alternative to former President Donald Trump.
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared that the country is at war with drug gangs who are holding prison guards hostage. This comes amidst a surge in violence, including explosions in multiple cities and a dramatic incident where gunmen took over a TV live broadcast. Noboa has named 22 gangs as terrorist organizations, making them official military targets.
Donald Trump's lawyers argued a president could assassinate a political rival if Congress approved. A law professor said it was a ridiculous argument that would get a C or D grade. The appeals-court judges who heard the argument also seemed skeptical.
The US Navy has successfully intercepted 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi militants from Yemen in a major attack in the Red Sea. The attack, carried out by Iranian-backed militants, included various types of missiles and drones and targeted international shipping lanes. No ships were damaged and no injuries were reported. The US, UK, and other nations have ships in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. This incident occurred while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting the Middle East to de-escalate the Gaza war.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is currently receiving treatment for prostate cancer and was hospitalized due to complications. The cancer was discovered in early December and Austin underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat it. On January 1, he was readmitted to the hospital due to complications and was found to have a urinary tract infection. The Pentagon faced scrutiny for not disclosing Austin's hospitalization earlier, and President Biden was informed about Austin's prostate cancer diagnosis on Tuesday morning.
Gabriel Attal has been named France's next prime minister, as Emmanuel Macron aims to revive his presidency with a new government.
The Republican Party of Florida has voted to remove Christian Ziegler as chair after a rape allegation against him. Vice Chair Evan Power will replace him.
An Israeli airstrike killed an elite Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions and raising fears of another Mideast war. The strike targeted a commander in a secretive Hezbollah unit, who was a veteran of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The killing comes in the midst of the ongoing fighting in Gaza, which continues to take a toll on civilians.