Le Journal

Theranos Founder Appeals to Trump for Sentence Commution Elizabeth Holmes, the embattled founder of Theranos, has made an appeal for clemency to President Donald Trump, hoping to have her sentence commuted. Holmes was previously convicted of defrauding investors in her once-prominent but now-defunct blood-testing company, Theranos, previously valued at a staggering $9 billion.The U.S. Justice Department's Office of the Pardon Attorney currently lists the status of Holmes' commutation request as pending. This request was reportedly made last year, adding her to the backlog of individuals seeking clemency.As of now, the White House has not provided a response to inquiries regarding Holmes' plea. The development adds another layer to the ongoing saga of one of Silicon Valley's most infamous scandals.

California Governor Denied Davos Speaking Slot Amid White House Controversy California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal Democrat critic of President Donald Trump, claims he was barred from speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, alleging interference from the White House.Newsom accused the U.S. of blocking his participation in the official venue at Davos, emphasizing that California is indeed part of the United States. He criticized the White House's alleged actions as weak and pathetic.This incident reflects the ongoing tensions between Trump and Newsom, further fueled by the governor's contemplation of a 2028 presidential run. Trump has long been critical of Newsom, referring to him disparagingly.

Caution Urged Amid U.S.-Greenland Negotiation Optimism Germany's Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil, has cautioned against premature optimism following U.S. President Donald Trump's surprise decision to ease off threats of imposing tariffs over Greenland negotiations.Speaking to Germany's ZDF television, Klingbeil urged patience, despite Trump's recent discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.Klingbeil emphasized the importance of maintaining realistic expectations until more definitive results emerge from ongoing diplomatic dialogues.

Ecuador's Bold Tariff Move on Colombia: A Trade War Fueled by Crime Crisis Ecuador is set to impose a significant 30% tariff on goods imported from Colombia, its primary electricity supplier, starting February 1. President Daniel Noboa attributed the decision to an ongoing trade deficit and a perceived lack of collaborative efforts from Colombia in addressing drug trafficking and illegal mining at their shared border.Colombian Energy Minister Edwin Palma, criticized the tariffs, labeling them as 'economic aggression.' In response, he's ordered the cessation of private firm involvement in cross-border energy sales to prevent scarcity. Palma emphasized Colombia's cooperative efforts in power supply, which currently accounts for 8% to 10% of Ecuador's consumption.This announcement has strained diplomatic ties, with Colombia's defense ministry intercepting a marijuana shipment at the border. Meanwhile, Ecuador continues to grapple with organized crime, missile by militarizing San Lorenzo city and deploying 10,000 troops to combat gang violence. International pressure, particularly from the U.S., looms over the regional narcotics trade, further complicating diplomatic relations.