President Donald Trump said on Jan. 6 he is considering whether to declare a national emergency in order to obtain funding for the U.S-Mexico border wall.
Vice President Mike Pence had planned to meet with congressional leaders on the afternoon of Jan. 6.
Democrats have refused to give in to Trump’s requested amount, committing only to their original offer of $1.3 billion for border security purposes that does not include any money for the border wall.
A national emergency declaration could bypass congressional approval as the shutdown—now in its 16th day—forges ahead.
Malaysia’s King Abdicates After Two Years on Throne
Malaysia’s King Muhammad V has abdicated.Stepping down on Jan. 6, it marks the first time a monarch in that country has left the throne before completing the five-year tenure.
No reason for the abdication was given—and palace officials did not respond to requests for comment.
The abdication comes barely a week after the king resumed his duties after spending two months away on medical leave.
In December, images purporting to show him getting married in Russia appeared on social media.
The palace did not respond to requests for comment on the photos or reports of a marriage.
Partial Solar Eclipse Across Asia and North Pacific Sunday Morning
If it wasn’t too cloudy, people in Eastern Asia and the north Pacific got a look at a partial solar eclipse Sunday morning.It was visible after sunrise in China, North and South Korea, Japan, Russia, and over the northern parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Due to the timing of the eclipse, those in the United States and Europe missed out.
Fireball Soars Over New Zealand
Two fireballs shooting through the sky attracting the attention of residents in the town of Tauranga below.Witnesses claim to have heard a loud boom, followed by a rumble after seeing the ball break in two.
Auckland’s astronomical society president believes the light to likely be a meteorite or falling satellite.
