AP, Washington
It’s typically an unquestioned honor to participate in the inauguration of an American president. Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a historic event?
This time, though, it’s different.
The sharp divisions over Donald Trump’s election have politicians, celebrities and even high school students debating whether taking part in the inauguration is a political act that demonstrates support for the new president and his agenda or a nonpartisan tribute to democratic traditions and the peaceful transfer of power.
Gunmen kill 4 in Mexican hotel
AFP, La Paz
Gunmen burst into a hotel in the popular Los Cabos resort area on Mexico’s northwestern Pacific coast, killing three men and a woman, authorities said Saturday.
The killings took place in a small hotel in San Jose del Cabo, one of the towns referred together as Los Cabos. The area is especially popular with American tourists visiting for sun and surf and sand.
Chinese cops to combat toxic smog
BBC Online
A new team of environmental police will try to reduce hazardous levels of toxic smog engulfing Beijing, the city’s acting mayor has said.
The police will look for local sources of air pollution, including open-air barbecues and dusty roads, Cai Qi says, according to Xinhua state news agency.
The mayor has also promised to reduce coal consumption by 30% this year.
Ivory Coast mutineers free minister
BBC Online
Mutinous soldiers in Ivory Coast have released the country’s defence minister after detaining him for two hours in a standoff over pay.
Alain Richard Donwahi was held in the city of Bouake by troops who rejected the terms of a deal announced by President Alassane Ouattara.
Mr Ouattara said he had taken into account demands over pay and conditions and urged troops to return to barracks. But it remained unclear if the mutiny was over..
