The World This Hour - The World This Hour for 2025/01/19 at 11:00 EST

Episode Date: January 19, 2025

The World This Hour for 2025/01/19 at 11:00 EST

Hi, I'm Michelle Sheppard, host of Uncover Charmini from CBC Podcasts. In 1999, 15-year-old Charmini Anandavale disappeared on her way to a job that police believe didn't exist. Four months later, her remains were found in a wooded ravine. I revisit the case that has stayed with me for over 20 years, ever since I first covered it as a Cub Crime Reporter for the Toronto Star. You can find Uncover Sharmini on CBC Listen or on your favorite podcast app. From CBC News, the world this hour. I'm Claude Fague. Officials in Israel say they have been handed three hostages picked up by the International Red Cross. The three were turned over by Hamas. The Red Cross says

they appear to be in good condition. The three women, 24-year-old Romy Gonen, 28-year-old Emily Demary, and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher, are part of the Gaza ceasefire deal that came into effect early this morning and will also see 90 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel later today. Israeli media have broadcast early video of the hostages release. They're shown walking through Gaza City with a large number of armed men with green Hamas headbands nearby. The women are expected to be back in Israel today where they will be assessed by medics. David Menser speaks for the Israeli government. For Israelis this is is an emotional roller coaster.

It is simultaneously relief. It is joy. It is dread. It is apprehension. It is trepidation. And the knowledge that after 471 days, how can they be? Incoming US President Donald Trump is taking swift action on the ban imposed by the Biden administration against TikTok.

The Chinese-owned app went dark last night in the US, impacting some 170 million Americans. Trump said today that he will sign an executive order tomorrow to postpone the US ban, giving its tech company ByteDance more time to seek out a buyer. Trump also wants the U.S. to have a 50% ownership stake with China in a joint venture of the app, and said that Americans deserve to see his inauguration ceremony. Business leaders in this country are making their way to Washington for tomorrow's inauguration of Trump. It's a last-ditch effort to show opposition looming tariffs we expect under

the Trump administration. Candace Lange is the president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and says she's focusing on one main message. The tariffs will hurt Americans, not just Canadians. You know, we've done what we can on the ground and we continue to do that to make sure, you know, that trade is not viewed as maybe Trump would be spinning it these days as charity. But the truth is, trade supports 1.4 million American jobs.

And if Trump tariffs do hit us, that actually shrinks the economy in the United States. Crews are maintaining the upper hand on two major fires burning around Los Angeles. There are warnings of more high winds that could fan those flames. But last night was a time to mourn the lost. At least 27 people have died from the multiple wildfires. Steve Futterman has more.

It has been a week and a half since the fires broke out. This was a time for reflection, an evening vigil. Crosses were set up, one for each of the deaths confirmed so far. People showed up to pay respects. I know it's making me feel things I never felt before. There were prayers, some brought candles, others placed flowers in front of the fire. The fire is now continuing to spread across the state. The fire is now in full full respect. I know it's making me feel things I

never felt before. There were prayers. Some brought candles. Others placed flowers in front of the crosses. You can feel that emotion and that connection. Being here means a lot. Meanwhile the fight goes on to contain the two major

fires and fire crews continue to make progress. The largest of the fires, the Palisades fire is now 49% contained. The Eaton fire is 73% contained. Initial recovery efforts are underway, but it will take years and billions of dollars to return these areas destroyed to something even close to what they once were. Steve Futterman for CBC News, Pasadena, California. On his last full day in office,

outgoing President Joe Biden pardoned five people today, including late civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, who was charged with mail fraud in the United States in 1923 and deported to his native Jamaica. Biden also pardoned immigrant rights activist Ravi Ragbir and criminal justice reform advocate Kemba Smith Pradhyo. And that is your World This Hour. For CBC News, I'm Claude Fink.